Top 8 Pokemon Emulators for iPhone in 2025: Play Classics on iOS

Ever felt the nostalgic pull to journey through the Kanto region, discover the secrets of Johto, or sail the seas of Hoenn right from your iPhone? You're not alone. The classic Pokémon games hold a special place in the hearts of millions, and thanks to the power of emulators, you can relive those adventures on your modern iOS device.

But navigating the world of iOS emulation can be confusing. Which emulators are safe? Which ones support your favorite games? This guide cuts through the confusion to provide the answers you need. We've compiled and reviewed the top Pokémon emulators available for the iPhone, giving you all the details you need to start your journey to become a Pokémon Master all over again.

Part 1. What is a Pokemon emulator on iPhone

A Pokémon emulator for an iPhone is a software application that mimics the hardware of older Nintendo consoles. This allows you to run Pokémon game files, known as ROMs, on your iOS device. With a Pokémon emulator, you can play games from systems like the Game Boy Advance (GBA), Nintendo DS (NDS), and even the Nintendo Switch directly on your iPhone.

Part 2. Our Ranking of the Best Pokemon Emulators for iOS

Here are the best emulators that let you play Pokémon on your iPhone, from the all-in-one powerhouses to the simple, browser-based options.

1. Delta Emulator

Delta is widely considered the gold standard for emulation on iOS, and for good reason. Developed by the same creator as the legendary GBA4iOS, Delta is its spiritual successor, offering a polished, all-in-one experience. It supports a wide range of Nintendo consoles, meaning you can keep all your classic Pokémon games in one beautifully organized library.
Its standout features include robust controller support, cloud syncing for your saves, customizable skins, and a fast-forward option. Crucially, Delta requires sideloading using a service called AltStore, which is a secure method but involves a few extra steps using a computer.

Supported Systems: Game Boy (GB), Game Boy Color (GBC), Game Boy Advance (GBA), Nintendo 64 (N64), Nintendo DS (NDS), SNES.

2. Eclipse Emulator

If the idea of using a computer to install an app seems daunting, Eclipse is your best friend. Bypass the App Store and dive straight into retro gaming. Eclipse is a multi-system emulator that runs entirely within your iPhone's web browser. There's no installation, no revokes, and no need to connect to a PC. You simply visit the website, add it to your home screen, and you're ready to load your game files.
While its convenience is unmatched, being web-based means it may not be as powerful or feature-rich as native apps like Delta. However, for quickly jumping into a session of Pokémon FireRed on your lunch break, it's a fantastic and accessible option.

Supported Systems: GB, GBC, GBA, NES, SNES, Sega Game Gear.

3. iNDS

While Delta offers DS support, iNDS is an emulator built specifically for playing Nintendo DS games. If your primary goal is to play titles like Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, HeartGold, or Black and White, iNDS is an excellent, focused choice. It's optimized for the dual-screen experience and generally offers solid performance.
Like Delta, iNDS is often installed via sideloading methods like AltStore, though other third-party app stores sometimes offer it. Its dedication to a single platform means its development is focused on providing the best possible DS experience.

Supported Systems: Nintendo DS (NDS)

4. RetroArch

RetroArch is less of an Pokémon emulator and more of a frontend for multiple emulation "cores." Think of it as a master application that can run programs to emulate dozens of different systems. For the tech-savvy user who wants ultimate control, RetroArch is unparalleled. You can tweak every imaginable setting, from video shaders to audio latency.
This power comes with a steep learning curve. The interface isn't as intuitive as Delta's, and setting it up can be complex. However, if you're an emulation enthusiast who wants to play Pokémon Pinball and Pokémon Stadium on the same app, RetroArch can do it all.

Supported Systems: Nearly everything, including GB, GBC, GBA, NDS, and many non-Nintendo consoles.

5. GBA4iOS

Before Delta, there was GBA4iOS. For years, it was the go-to app for playing Game Boy Advance games on iPhone. While its development has officially stopped in favor of its successor, Delta, many users still seek it out for its simplicity and nostalgia. It keeps things simple with a clean interface, ensures your progress is never lost via Dropbox sync, and even helps you find new games with its own web browser.
Finding a working version and installing it can be difficult today, as it's prone to certificate revokes. For most users, Delta is the better choice, but GBA4iOS deserves an honorable mention for its legacy and continued popularity among some fans.

Supported Systems: Game Boy Advance (GBA), Game Boy Color (GBC), Game Boy (GB).

6. Happy Chick

Happy Chick is an ambitious Pokémon emulator that attempts to be a one-stop shop for emulation, supporting a vast array of consoles and even featuring a built-in ROM downloader. This convenience is its main selling point, allowing users to find and play games without sourcing files separately.
However, this convenience comes with significant caveats. The origins and safety of the ROMs provided within the app are often questionable from a legal and security standpoint. Furthermore, the app's performance can be inconsistent across different devices and iOS versions. It's a powerful tool, but users should proceed with caution.

Supported Systems: A wide range including GBA, NDS, and home consoles.

7. iGBA

iGBA is another strong contender focused on the Game Boy family of systems. As its name suggests, it is designed to run Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color games. Often found on the official App Store (availability can vary by region and time), it offers a straightforward path to playing classics like Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.
Its App Store availability is its biggest advantage, eliminating the need for sideloading. It typically provides essential features like save states and a simple interface, making it a great entry point for users who want a no-fuss experience.

Supported Systems: Game Boy Advance (GBA), Game Boy Color (GBC).

8. Game Play Color

Similar to Eclipse, Game Play Color is a browser-based emulator that focuses on Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. It was one of the first reliable web-based emulators and offers a simple way to play classics like Pokémon Red, Blue, and Crystal. You can add it to your home screen for an app-like experience and even sync your game files with Google Drive.
While it lacks GBA support, it's an excellent and reliable choice for fans of the original 8-bit Pokémon era who value simplicity over a wealth of features.

Supported Systems: Game Boy (GB), Game Boy Color (GBC).

Part 3. How to Play Pokémon GO on iPhone Without Moving at Home

Besides using Pokémon emulator to play classic Pokémon games at home, iOS users can easily play official Pokémon game like Pokémon GO on their iOS devices. By using a third-party tool like TunesKit Location Changer, you can play Pokémon Go at home without going out or walking.

TunesKit Location Changer is a powerful tool that enables users to change location in Pokémon GO on iOS and Android devices. With this software, you can change your GPS location with a single click. With the game mode of TunesKit Location Changer, you can easily catch your favorite Pokémon or do the daily task just at your home.

Part 4. Conclusion

Choosing the best Pokémon emulator for your iPhone depends on your needs.

For the best overall experience with the most features and console support, Delta is the undisputed champion, provided you're comfortable with the AltStore installation process.

For the easiest and quickest start, Eclipse Emulator is the perfect choice, as it runs in your browser with zero installation.

For players who only care about DS games, iNDS is a fantastic, specialized option.

No matter which you choose, the world of classic Pokémon is now more accessible on iOS than ever before. So charge up your iPhone, choose your starter, and get ready to catch them all—again.