Huge update: Emulator turns iPhone Duo into Nintendo DS, adds Sega games

More than 20 million downloads in around two years: The iOS emulator Delta has become hugely popular among retro gaming fans. With version 2.0, released on October 22, the developers have now delivered their most extensive update yet. Several posts on Bluesky also highlight the new features. One particularly interesting addition is support for Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo, which can effectively be transformed into a Nintendo DS.

The emulator uses the two halves of the display to recreate the classic dual-screen layout of DS games, automatically adjusting the virtual controls to different folding positions. Even closing the device works like it did on the original handheld: When the iPhone is folded shut, the game automatically enters sleep mode. As the embedded video below demonstrates, even the outer display takes on the appearance of a Nintendo DS when the phone is closed. The Apple Pencil can also be used as a stylus.

For regular iPhones and iPads: Sega classics, new achievements and Pokémon DLC

Delta 2.0 also has plenty to offer users of conventional iPhones and iPads. For the first time, the emulator supports Sega Genesis games, known as Mega Drive titles in Europe. Matching retro-style virtual controllers are included as well. Players looking to make things a little easier can also use classic cheat codes through Action Replay and Game Genie.

Another major addition is RetroAchievements integration. This allows players to unlock achievements in supported retro games, even though the original releases often had no achievement systems of their own. Pokémon fans also have something to look forward to. A new DLC feature is designed to bring additional content to classic Game Boy Advance games, including rare Pokémon and special event items. All mainline Pokémon games released for the Game Boy Advance are expected to be supported, with the first content additions scheduled to arrive soon.

New Liquid Glass design

The update also brings a substantial visual overhaul. Delta now features a Liquid Glass design and a redesigned game library with dedicated sections for favorites and recently played titles. Animated controller skins are another new addition, with virtual buttons that actually move when pressed. New graphics filters, including a classic CRT effect, help recreate the atmosphere of retro gaming. Game Boy titles can also be displayed using different color palettes.

As a child in the 90s, my Gameboy was my steady companion. After school, the PlayStation was fired up. When I finally got my first PC, I was completely hooked. My passion for gaming has never waned since. For me, writing for Notebookcheck means reporting on topics that are really close to my heart - in addition to gaming, I also like to write about e-mobility, photovoltaics and innovative gadgets. When I'm not sitting at my computer, I'm probably on water rescue duty on the Baltic coast or trying to counteract the downsides of my geek life - namely sitting for long periods - at the local swimming pool.