If you grew up playing Nintendo DS games, you probably miss the days when you held that small folding console in your hands and spent hours exploring new worlds.
I still remember sitting on the school grounds after practice, trying to level up my Pokémon team before anyone else did. Today, we don’t carry the DS everywhere, but the love for those games hasn’t gone away.
That’s why the DS emulator for iPhone has become one of the easiest ways to bring those memories back.
Most people still call it the DS emulator for iPhone, but the actual name is Delta. Over the last few years, Delta has become the number one emulator for playing DS games smoothly on iOS devices. And the best part is that the latest version works on iOS 16, iOS 17, and now even iOS 18.
So, whether you’re using an older iPhone or the latest iPhone 16/16 Pro, you can still enjoy your favourite DS classics whenever you want.
In this updated guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the DS emulator on iPhone, the new features added in 2025 and 2026, and the easiest steps to install Delta safely using AltStore or the newer AltStore PAL method. Let’s take it step by step and keep things simple.
What Exactly Is the DS Emulator for iPhone?
The DS emulator for iPhone is simply the Delta emulator, designed by Riley Testut, one of the most trusted developers in the iOS emulator community. Delta originally started as a replacement for GBA4iOS years ago, but today it supports a long list of retro systems, including:
- Nintendo DS
- Game Boy Advance
- Game Boy Color
- NES
- SNES
- N64
- Sega Genesis
- And more added every year
If your goal is mainly to play DS games, Delta works almost like the original handheld console. You get touch controls, layout skins, fast performance, and even save states. With each new version, the DS gameplay quality gets better, especially after the recent updates optimized for new iPhones with higher refresh-rate displays.
Latest 2025–2026 Updates for Delta (DS Emulator)
Since the original 2022 article is outdated, here are the biggest updates you should know about:
1. Full Support for iOS 17 and iOS 18
Delta now runs smoothly on iOS 17 and iOS 18 without crashes or respring issues. Many users worried about Apple blocking emulator installations again, but AltStore PAL and sideloading certificates keep things safe.
2. Improved Nintendo DS Performance
2025 introduced major DS improvements:
- Better frame pacing
- Less input delay
- Higher 3D rendering accuracy
- Faster loading for larger ROMs
- More stable multiplayer local Wi-Fi emulation
On modern iPhones, games like Pokémon Black, Mario Kart DS, and Animal Crossing run smoother than ever.
3. New Controller Skins for DS
Developers and the Delta community released updated skins that look closer to the original DS. You can now choose between:
- Classic grey theme
- Transparent theme
- DS Lite white/black theme
- Modern flat theme
These skins also scale better on large iPads.
4. Cloud Sync Upgrades
Delta’s cloud sync via iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox now supports:
- Automatic backup
- Multi-device sync
- Faster save-state uploading
This is ideal if you switch between an iPhone and an iPad.
5. Native Shortcuts Integration
Added in 2025, you can now use Apple Shortcuts to:
- Launch Delta into a specific DS game
- Auto-sync saves
- Backup ROMs
- Switch controller skins
6. New In-App Game Browser (2026 Update)
The built-in browser is now faster and safer. It doesn’t link directly to copyrighted content, but it lets you:
- Access homebrew libraries
- Add games from your cloud storage
- Import ROMs wirelessly
It’s much smoother than the old 2022 version.
7. Better Haptics & Touch Response
Delta added new haptic feedback styles for button presses. It feels more natural and reduces accidental touches during fast-paced games.
Why Delta Is Still the Best DS Emulator for iPhone
Let me break this down in a simple, practical way. Most people just want a DS emulator that works without complications. Delta stays popular because it delivers a clean and familiar experience, even if you’re not a tech expert.
Here are the features that make it stand out:
You can play almost any Nintendo DS game
From Pokémon HeartGold to Mario Kart DS, the emulator handles all major titles reliably. If you used to play on the original DS, the gameplay will feel surprisingly similar on your iPhone.
User-friendly interface
Everything is simple: the menus, the game library, the settings, and the controls. Even if this is your first time using an emulator, you’ll get used to Delta within a few minutes.
Cloud syncing across multiple devices
If you want to continue a game on another iPhone or iPad, cloud sync keeps your progress updated.
Quick save and load
This is one of my favourite features. You can save the game anytime and load instantly without going back to the DS’s original save points.
In-built browser for adding games
You can search, browse, and import games directly without extra apps.
ROM importing
If you already have ROM files, you can import them through:
- Files app
- iCloud
- Google Drive
- AirDrop
- Share sheet
Controller skin customization
You can switch the appearance of your on-screen controls anytime.
Works perfectly with physical controllers
Delta now supports:
- Backbone One
- Razer Kishi
- Nintendo Switch controllers
- Bluetooth PS/Xbox controllers
This makes the DS gameplay experience even closer to a real handheld console.
How to Download the DS Emulator (Delta) on Your iPhone in 2026
Apple still doesn’t allow emulator apps on the App Store for legal reasons, even though they recently approved some emulator categories. Delta still falls under restricted systems, so you need a safe sideload method.
Here are the best updated installation methods:
Method 1: Install Delta Using AltStore (Recommended for All iPhones)
This remains the most stable method, especially if you’re on iOS 16 or iOS 17.
Step 1: Install AltStore on your computer
You need a Windows or Mac computer to install AltStore.
You can find clear guides on:
- Official AltStore website
- YouTube tutorials
Step 2: Connect your iPhone
Use a USB cable for the first setup and trust the device.
Step 3: Install AltStore on the iPhone
Open AltServer (from your PC), then choose “Install AltStore” on your iPhone.
Step 4: Open AltStore on the iPhone
Once it’s installed, open it and sign in with your Apple ID.
(Your Apple ID is only used for signing — it’s safe.)
Step 5: Install Delta
Inside AltStore, you will see Delta listed with a free button. Tap it, and AltStore will install the latest Delta version on your device.
Method 2: AltStore PAL (New for 2024–2026 in the EU)
If you’re in an EU region, AltStore PAL allows installation without a computer.
This is one of the biggest updates after Apple opened the European market to alternative app stores.
But since Sri Lanka is outside the EU, this method might not work unless you change your region.
Method 3: Sideloading Delta Using IPA Files
You can also download the latest Delta IPA from the official site and install using:
- Sideloadly
- AltServer
- TrollStore (only for older iOS versions)
This method is useful if you want manual control.
How to Play DS Games on Delta
Once you install Delta, playing DS games is very easy. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Open Delta
The app doesn’t ask for accounts or registrations. You’ll see an empty library if it’s your first time.
Step 2: Add games
You can add games in two ways:
- Use the built-in browser
- Import ROMs from your device storage or cloud accounts
Step 3: Choose a game
Tap the game you want to play. Delta will load it with your chosen controller skin.
Step 4: Adjust settings
If needed, change:
- Button layout
- Fast-forward speed
- Screen size
- Controller skin
- Save slots
Step 5: Start playing
You can close and return anytime. Your game progress is saved automatically or manually using save states.
Final Thoughts
If you love retro games, especially Nintendo DS classics, the DS emulator for iPhone is one of the best ways to enjoy them again. With the improvements added in 2025 and 2026, Delta has become smoother, faster, and more reliable than it has ever been. Whether you’re playing during a break, on the bus, or after a long day, this emulator feels like carrying your old DS inside your phone.