Manic EMU vs Retropa
Manic EMU
github.comRetropa
retropa.comSide by side
| Figure | Manic EMU | Retropa |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $0.42/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 2 |
| Spec score · Multi-System Emulators | 8.8 (#6) | 7.1 (#48) |
| Spec score · Game Gear Emulators | 8.8 (#4) | 7.1 (#26) |
| Game files | The app does not include ROMs, BIOS files, or game data; users are directed to use legally owned backups, homebrew, or public-domain software. | Retropa does not include games or BIOS files; users import content they are entitled to use. |
| Integrations | Cloud import supports Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Baidu, Aliyun, WebDAV, and SMB. | The site describes iCloud Drive for save backup, Files and AirDrop for importing, and controller support; it does not list third-party service integrations. |
| Supported systems | The project lists Nintendo, PlayStation, Sega, Atari, arcade, MS-DOS, J2ME, Commodore, Neo Geo Pocket, PC Engine, Nokia Symbian and related systems. | The site lists 14 handheld and console systems and arcade support, including GBA, Nintendo DS, NES, Super NES, Genesis, WonderSwan, Neo Geo Pocket, and arcade families. |
Plans
Manic EMU
- FreeFree
- SideloadFree
- Sideload / GitHubFree
- Premium Monthly$0.99 a month
- Premium Monthly Plan$0.99 a month
- Premium Annual Plan$4.99 a year
- Premium Annual$5.99 a year
- Premium Forever Access$9.99, paid once
- Forever Access$11.99, paid once
In their own words
Manic EMU
Manic EMU is a free retro game emulator for iPhone and iPad, supporting more than 30 classic platforms across consoles, arcade, DOS, Symbian, and J2ME. It includes save states, auto-saves, fast-forward, cheats, shortcuts, filters, screenshots, and custom skins. Cloud import works with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Baidu, Aliyun, WebDAV, and SMB. The project says iCloud sync keeps games, saves, and settings encrypted in the cloud across devices. Manic EMU integrates RetroAchievements and supports local multiplayer and Netplay on eligible Libretro cores. The free App Store build limits fast-forward to 2×, save states and cheat codes to three each, and controllers to one player. Premium plans cost $0.99 a month, $4.99 a year, or 9.99 USD once for lifetime access, and include higher fast-forward speeds, more save states and cheat slots, and extra controller players. A free sideload build includes premium play features but does not provide iCloud save sync. The app does not include ROMs, BIOS files, or game data.
Retropa
Retropa is an emulator for handheld and arcade games on iPhone and iPad, with Mac listed among its supported platforms. It covers 14 handheld and console systems plus arcade families; listed systems include GBA, Nintendo DS, NES, Super NES, Genesis, WonderSwan, Neo Geo Pocket, and Master System. The free plan costs nothing and includes handheld and console systems, imports, controller templates, Delta skin import, save states, and rewind. Games and BIOS files are not supplied, so users import content they are entitled to use through Files, AirDrop, a browser, a local Wi-Fi Portal, or the Homebrew catalog. Compatible external controllers and ready-made templates are supported. Retropa Plus adds arcade families, premium skins, console mode, advanced save workflows, adaptive touch controls with five styles, and 64 listed display filters. Saves can be backed up and restored with iCloud Drive. Game files stay on the device, and no account is needed to play. iPhone and iPad require iOS 18 or later.