Best Emulators to Install with Scarlet iOS in 2026
One of the most popular uses for Scarlet iOS is installing game emulators. These apps let you play classic console games on your iPhone or iPad. Here are the best emulators you can install with Scarlet in 2026.
Why Use Emulators on iOS?
Emulators allow you to play retro games from consoles like Nintendo, PlayStation, and more on your iPhone. While Apple has started allowing some emulators on the App Store, many great options are still only available through sideloading with Scarlet.
Top Emulators Available Through Scarlet
1. Delta – Nintendo Emulator
Delta is the most popular emulator for iOS, offering support for multiple Nintendo systems in one app.
Systems Supported:
- Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
- Super Nintendo (SNES)
- Nintendo 64 (N64)
- Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance
- Nintendo DS
Features:
- Save states
- Controller support
- Cheat codes
- Cloud sync
- Custom skins
2. PPSSPP – PlayStation Portable Emulator
PPSSPP lets you play PSP games on your iPhone with excellent performance.
Features:
- HD graphics upscaling
- Save states
- Controller support
- Cheat support
- Network multiplayer
Popular Games:
- God of War: Chains of Olympus
- Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
- Grand Theft Auto games
- Final Fantasy titles
- Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
3. RetroArch – Multi-System Emulator
RetroArch is an all-in-one emulator frontend that supports dozens of systems through cores.
Systems Supported:
- Most retro consoles (NES, SNES, Genesis, etc.)
- Arcade games (MAME)
- PlayStation 1
- And many more
Features:
- Unified interface
- Shader support
- Netplay
- Achievement support
- Highly customizable
4. DolphiniOS – GameCube and Wii Emulator
DolphiniOS brings GameCube and Wii games to your iPhone.
Requirements:
- A newer iPhone (A11 chip or later recommended)
- Plenty of storage for game files
- JIT compilation may be needed for best performance
Popular Games:
- Super Smash Bros. Melee
- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
- Mario Kart: Double Dash
- Super Mario Galaxy
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
5. Provenance – Multi-System Retro Gaming
Provenance offers a beautiful interface for playing retro games from many systems.
Systems Supported:
- Atari systems
- Sega Genesis, Saturn, Dreamcast
- NES, SNES, N64
- PlayStation 1
- And more
6. Play! – PlayStation 2 Emulator
Play! is a PS2 emulator for iOS that is still in development but playable.
Note: PS2 emulation is demanding. Expect varying compatibility and performance based on your device and the game.
How to Install Emulators with Scarlet
- Open Scarlet on your device
- Go to the Repos/Sources section
- Search for the emulator you want
- Tap Install
- Wait for download and installation
- Trust the certificate in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
- Open the emulator and add your game ROMs
Getting Game ROMs
Emulators are legal, but downloading ROMs for games you do not own is piracy. You should:
- Dump ROMs from games you own
- Use homebrew games that are free to distribute
- Support indie developers creating retro-style games
Controller Options
For the best gaming experience, pair a controller with your iPhone:
- PlayStation DualShock 4 or DualSense
- Xbox One or Series X controller
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- MFi certified controllers
- Backbone or Razer Kishi mobile controllers
Performance Tips
- Close other apps to free up RAM
- Enable Low Power Mode for consistent performance
- Reduce emulator graphics settings if needed
- Use newer iPhones for demanding emulators
- Keep your device cool during extended play
Conclusion
Scarlet iOS opens up a world of retro gaming on your iPhone. From classic Nintendo games with Delta to PSP titles with PPSSPP, there is an emulator for almost every classic gaming system. Install Scarlet, add your favorite emulators, and start reliving your favorite gaming memories on the go.