Introduction
Retro gaming is more popular than ever in 2025. Whether you want to play Pokémon on Game Boy, revisit God of War on PSP, or explore a huge collection of classic games, emulators are the easiest way to do it. Choosing the right emulator can make your gaming experience smooth or frustrating, so it helps to know your options.
In this article, I’ll compare three major emulators in 2025. Delta focuses on Nintendo games, Provenance supports multiple consoles on Apple devices, and PPSSPP is the top choice for PSP fans. I’ll cover performance, compatibility, controller support, and community feedback so you can pick the right one for your style.
Supported Platforms and Game Libraries
Delta Emulator 2025
Delta is only available for iOS and iPadOS, usually installed through AltStore or sideloading. It supports Nintendo systems like NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, N64, and DS. If you are a Nintendo fan, this emulator is built for you, but it won’t run non-Nintendo consoles.
Provenance iOS Emulator
Provenance runs on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. It supports more than 30 systems, including Atari, Sega, PlayStation 1, SNES, and GBA. If you enjoy collecting games across various consoles, Provenance is ideal.
PPSSPP
PPSSPP is cross-platform, working on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is designed exclusively for PSP games and supports ISOs and CSO files. For anyone who loves PSP games, this is the most reliable emulator.
Takeaway: Delta is best for Nintendo fans. Provenance is great if you want multiple consoles in one app. PPSSPP is the clear choice for PSP games.
Performance and Speed
Delta: Delta is optimized for iOS devices. On modern iPhones like the iPhone 13 or newer, it runs smoothly at 60 FPS. Nintendo DS games need newer iPhones for stable performance, but most older games run perfectly.
Provenance: Provenance can put more strain on your device because it emulates multiple systems. It works very well for 8-bit and 16-bit games, but PS1 emulation can lag on older iPhones.
PPSSPP: PPSSPP delivers excellent performance across all platforms. On PCs, it supports HD upscaling up to 5 times the original resolution. Even mid-range Android phones run PSP games smoothly.
Winner in raw speed: PPSSPP.
Compatibility
Delta: Delta has near-perfect support for NES, SNES, and GBA games. N64 and DS are improving, but still not flawless. Save states are very reliable.
Provenance: Compatibility varies by console. Sega Genesis, Atari, and NES run well. PS1 games sometimes have audio issues or lag.
PPSSPP: PPSSPP offers extremely high compatibility with the PSP library. Over 95 percent of games run without issues. Only a few titles have minor graphical glitches.
Most reliable overall: PPSSPP for PSP games and Delta for Nintendo games.
Controller Support
Delta: Supports MFi controllers, Xbox, PlayStation, and Backbone. Touchscreen controls can be customized, and rumble works on supported controllers.
Provenance: Works with most Bluetooth and MFi controllers. Apple TV support is smooth, and custom button mapping is available.
PPSSPP: Supports Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro, Backbone, iPega, and more. Touchscreen controls are fully customizable, and analog stick mapping is precise.
Best flexibility: PPSSPP.
Pros and Cons
Delta
Pros: Sleek interface, iOS-optimized, great for Nintendo fans, solid controller support
Cons: Only works on iOS and supports only Nintendo consoles
Provenance
Pros: Multi-system support, Apple TV compatible, customizable controls
Cons: Performance varies by console, less polished than Delta
PPSSPP
Pros: Best PSP emulation, cross-platform, HD upscaling, extensive controller support
Cons: Only supports PSP games, needs ISOs, and a few titles require tweaks
Community Insights
Delta users appreciate frequent updates and smooth integration with AltStore. Many consider it the most Apple-like emulator due to its clean interface.
Provenance is praised for supporting many systems, but updates are slower, and not every console runs perfectly. Users see it as a versatile all-in-one emulator for Apple devices.
PPSSPP has a large community online. Fans love HD upscaling and shaders, calling it the definitive PSP experience in 2025.
Verdict – Which Emulator Should You Choose in 2025?
For iOS Nintendo fans, choose Delta. If you enjoy Pokémon, Mario, or Zelda, this is the smoothest and most user-friendly option.
For multi-system collectors, Provenance is best. It lets you play everything from Atari to PS1 in one app on Apple devices.
For PSP enthusiasts, PPSSPP is unmatched. HD upscaling, cheats, and near-perfect compatibility make it the top choice for PSP games.