Do you wish you could use your iPhone to play Pokémon classics like FireRed, Emerald, or Red? You can still enjoy Pokémon adventures on your smartphone even though iOS doesn’t support game emulators natively. You can play Pokémon games on the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance (GBA), and Nintendo DS by using a Pokémon emulator for iPhone.
We’ll walk you through the process of downloading the top Pokémon emulators for iPhone, such as Delta, Eclipse, and iNDS. We’ll also address frequently asked topics concerning emulators, legality, and how to begin.
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What is a Pokémon Emulator for iPhone?
A Pokémon emulator is a piece of software that lets you play vintage Pokémon games on your iPhone from platforms like the Nintendo DS (NDS), Game Boy Advance (GBA), and Game Boy Color (GBC). Pokémon ROMs (game files) can be played on iOS since it replicates the original console experience.
iPhone users are subject to limitations because Apple does not let emulators on the App Store, in contrast to Android, where users can download emulators straight from the Play Store. Nevertheless, you can still play Pokémon games without jailbreaking your phone by using programs like AltStore, Eclipse, and browser-based emulators.
Can You Play Pokémon Emulator on iPhone?
You certainly can! Although emulator apps are not allowed on iOS due to Apple’s stringent App Store regulations, you may install and play Pokémon emulators on iPhones using programs like AltStore and browser-based emulators like Eclipse.
How Does It Work?
- Emulator Apps: Apps like Delta, iNDS, and GBA4iOS allow you to play Pokémon games directly on iPhones.
- ROMs: To play a Pokémon game, you need a ROM file, which is essentially the game’s software.
- Cloud Saves: Save your progress on the cloud (iCloud, Dropbox) and continue on any device.
Best Pokémon Emulators for iPhone (2024 Edition)
Here are the top emulators to play Pokémon on iPhones:
1. Delta Emulator
Best for Game Boy and GBA Pokémon Games
What is Delta Emulator?
Delta is one of the most popular and reliable Pokémon emulators for iOS, created by Riley Testut, the developer of GBA4iOS. Delta supports GBA, GBC, and NDS Pokémon games.
Key Features:
- Supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance Pokémon games.
- Cloud save support (iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive).
- Customizable controls and controller support.
How to Download Delta Emulator on iPhone:
- Download AltStore on your Mac or PC.
- Install AltStore on your iPhone via USB.
- Use AltStore to sideload Delta on your iPhone.
- Import Pokémon ROMs into the Delta Emulator and start playing.
2. Eclipse Emulator
Best Browser-Based Emulator — No Installation Required
What is Eclipse Emulator?
Eclipse is a browser-based Pokémon emulator for iPhones that works without any downloads. You can play GBA, GBC, and NES games directly from Safari or Chrome.
Key Features:
- No downloads required — just play directly in the browser.
- Supports GBA, GBC, and NES games.
- Import Pokémon ROMs from Google Drive, Dropbox, or your device.
How to Use Eclipse Emulator:
- Visit Eclipse Emulator on your iPhone’s browser.
- Upload or import a Pokémon ROM file.
- Start playing the game directly in your browser.
3. iNDS Emulator
Best for Nintendo DS Pokémon Games
What is iNDS?
iNDS is a Nintendo DS emulator for iPhone, allowing you to play NDS Pokémon games like Diamond, Pearl, Black, White, and Platinum.
Key Features:
- Full support for Nintendo DS games.
- Save states, cheat codes, and fast-forward.
- Controller support and touchscreen controls.
How to Download iNDS on iPhone:
- Install AltStore on your iPhone.
- Use AltStore to sideload iNDS.
- Import Nintendo DS Pokémon ROMs into the emulator.
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How to Download Pokémon Emulator on iPhone
There are three main methods for installing Pokémon emulators on iPhone:
1. Using AltStore
- Download AltStore on your Mac or PC.
- Install AltServer on your iPhone via a USB connection.
- Sideload emulators like Delta or iNDS from AltStore.
2. Using Eclipse Emulator
- Visit Eclipse Emulator.
- Upload Pokémon ROM files and start playing directly in the browser.
3. Sideload Emulators with Sideloadly or Cydia Impactor
- Download Sideloadly or Cydia Impactor.
- Install Pokémon emulators (like GBA4iOS) by connecting your iPhone via USB.
Are Pokémon Emulators Illegal?
While ROMs are a gray area, emulators are lawful. Here’s a quick summary:
- Legal: It is completely acceptable to download and use emulators.
- Illegal: It may be against copyright laws to download ROMs from the internet.
- Legal Loophole: By backing up your own game cartridges, you are able to legally make your own ROMs.
Will Pokémon Ever Be on iOS?
Pokémon GO is the only Pokémon game that Nintendo has made available for iOS. Nintendo consoles are the only way to play the mainstream Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Emerald, FireRed, and Platinum.
Since there has been no formal statement on the future availability of Pokémon games on iOS, the only alternative at this time is to utilize emulators such as Eclipse, iNDS, and Delta.
Conclusion
The greatest choices for playing Pokémon on your iPhone are emulators such as Delta, iNDS, and Eclipse. These emulators are suitable for GBA games, old NDS games, or straightforward browser-based play.
Here’s a brief summary:
- For Pokémon games on the GBA and GBC, use Delta.
- For Pokémon games on the Nintendo DS, use iNDS.
- For browser-based gaming (no downloads needed), use Eclipse.
You may play Pokémon on iOS without jailbreaking your phone by using apps like AltStore. Just be sure to obtain your ROMs in a lawful manner.
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FAQs
Can you play Pokémon emulator on iPhone?
Indeed. To play Pokémon games on iOS, utilize emulators such as iNDS, Eclipse, or Delta.
Are Pokémon emulators illegal?
No, emulators are legal, however getting ROMs from unapproved sources is illegal.
Are emulators allowed on iPhone?
Although Apple does not permit emulators on the App Store, you can play them through browser-based emulators like Eclipse or sideload them using AltStore.
How can I download Pokémon emulator for iPhone?
To sideload emulators like Delta and iNDS, install AltStore on your iPhone. Use the Eclipse Emulator, which is browser-based, as an alternative.
Can I play Nintendo DS Pokémon games on iPhone?
Yes, you can play DS Pokémon games like Diamond, Pearl, Black, and White using the iNDS emulator.
