Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor most iPhone and iPad owners, Delta is the simplest way to play legally owned classic Pokémon games. Its App Store version supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS—covering Pokémon releases from Red, Blue, and Yellow through the DS generation. In the European Union, Delta’s official guide points users to AltStore PAL. Delta does not support Pokémon games released for Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo Switch.
You must import your own legally obtained game file. Delta is an emulator, not a source of Pokémon games, and this guide does not link to ROM-download sites.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which Pokémon games work on iPhone and iPad?
| Original system | Pokémon games | Delta support |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy | Red, Blue, Yellow | Yes |
| Game Boy Color | Gold, Silver, Crystal | Yes |
| Game Boy Advance | Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen | Yes |
| Nintendo DS | Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black, White, Black 2, White 2 | Yes |
| Nintendo 3DS | X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon | No |
| Nintendo Switch | Let’s Go, Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet, Violet | No |
Delta’s supported systems and features are listed on its App Store page. A Game Boy Advance game requires a valid GBA game file; renaming another file or changing its extension will not make it compatible.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Install Delta
Outside the European Union
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for Delta – Game Emulator.
- Verify that the developer is Testut Tech.
- Install and open the app.
Download Delta only from the official App Store listing or the distribution method documented by Delta’s official guide. Do not install random configuration profiles, enterprise certificates, or “preloaded” emulator packages.
#1 Best Overall
- Bluetooth Controller for iPhone & Android: Mocagen mobile gaming controller Compatible with all iPhone models (including 18/17 series) and Android devices. Pairing steps: 1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and go to the pairing screen. 2. Press and hold the Home button for 3 sec until LED4 flashes. 3. Find "XBOX Wireless Controller" on your phone and tap to pair. Quick reconnect: After first pairing, simply press the Home button once (with Bluetooth on) to reconnect
- Play Most Controller-Compatible Games: This iPhone game controller supports cloud gaming (e.g., Xb*x Game Pass, GeForce NOW), Xbox Remote Play, emulator games, and native mobile games (e.g., Apple Arcade). Enjoy effortless control and play Fortnite, Call of Duty, Roblox, Genshin Impact, and many more anytime, anywhere. Note: Controller only works with games that support controller input, and does not support PS Remote Play
- 5M-Cycle Lifespan & Zero Drift: MC1 mobile gaming controller features a Hall-effect joystick with a 5M cycle lifespan, 2.5x longer than standard carbon-film sticks. Its innovative electromagnetic induction technology ensures drift-free operation, enabling precise character control in intense games and significantly extending this phone game controller durability
- Ergonomic Grip Design: The handle is ergonomically shaped with a l*ser-engraved texture for anti-slip and enhanced grip, effectively reducing fatigue during long gaming sessions. The scientifically designed joystick and button layout ensures smooth operation. Whether for personal use or as a gift, it delivers a more comfortable and healthier gaming experience
- 7-Color RGB Light Ring & 600mAh Battery: The mobile game controller features a 7-color adjustable light ring on the joystick(ABXY button lights can be turned off, but their colors are not adjustable). The lighting is vibrant yet eye-friendly. The built-in 600mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of battery life in brightness mode — enough for a full day of gaming
In the European Union
Delta’s official documentation directs EU users to AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace. Follow the current instructions on the official AltStore and Delta sites, since availability and terms can change. Keep Delta updated through the same distribution channel.
Import a legally obtained game file
The emulator and the game are separate:
- Emulator: software that reproduces a console’s operation.
- ROM or game dump: a copy of a cartridge or other game medium.
- BIOS: firmware that some emulator cores may require.
- Save file: the game’s ordinary saved progress.
- Save state: an emulator snapshot of a running game.
Use a game file you created from your own cartridge or otherwise have the legal right to use. Nintendo says unauthorized copies and ROM downloads are illegal, and owning an original cartridge does not automatically make an internet-downloaded ROM lawful. See Nintendo’s intellectual-property and piracy FAQ.
Whether personal backup copying is lawful depends on your country, the copying method, and copyright and anti-circumvention rules. This is general information, not legal advice.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- WIDE SCREEN COMPATIBILITY — PHONE TO TABLET: X5 Lite is a versatile phone controller that stretches up to 213mm to fit iPhone 15/16, most Android phones, iPad mini 6/7, and compatible Android tablets. Secure Type-C connection keeps gameplay stable and responsive.
- MOBILE, CLOUD & REMOTE GAMING: Play supported mobile games like Zenless Zone Zero, or stream console and PC games through Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, Moonlight, and remote play. Enjoy physical controls wherever you play.
- HALL EFFECT STICKS — PRECISE CONTROL: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver smooth 360° control for accurate aiming, movement, and camera adjustments. Built for fast-paced mobile games and streamed console or PC titles.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & ERGONOMIC — 135.4G: At just 135.4g, X5 Lite stays lightweight during extended gaming. Ergonomic, laser-engraved textured grips provide a secure, comfortable hold at home or on the go.
- CUSHIONED MEMBRANE CONTROLS — COMFORTABLE & QUIETER: Cushioned membrane buttons and triggers provide comfortable feedback for repeated inputs while keeping operation quieter. Ideal for extended sessions or gaming in shared spaces.
Import steps
- Place the game file in the Files app, iCloud Drive, or another location accessible from your device. AirDrop can also transfer it.
- Open Delta and use its import control to select the file.
- Wait for the title to appear in the game library.
- Tap the title to launch it.
Typical extensions are .gb for Game Boy, .gbc for Game Boy Color, .gba for Game Boy Advance, and .nds for Nintendo DS. An extension alone does not prove that a file is valid.
If the file is in a ZIP archive
- Open Files and tap the ZIP archive to extract it.
- Import the extracted game image if Delta does not accept the archive.
- If there are several files, select the actual game image rather than artwork, checksum files, or notes.
- Extract nested archives properly instead of repeatedly renaming files.
Playing DS Pokémon games
DS games are more demanding to control because they use two screens, touch input, and sometimes microphone or wireless features. An iPad’s larger display is usually more comfortable for HeartGold, SoulSilver, and the Black and White games. Delta’s listing documents DS support, controller and microphone support, and Pokémon-specific fixes, including a C-Gear freezing fix for Black 2 and White 2.
If a particular feature does not work, update Delta, check its current documentation, and avoid assuming that generic DS online-play support guarantees Pokémon trading or local wireless emulation.
Rank #3
- Officially licensed by Xbox. Bluetooth connection. Supports Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Officially supported by Apple. Compatible with Apple and Android devices. Stretchable design fits most phones (100–170mm in length).
- Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers - Upgraded. Robust and long-lasting. Offering higher precision and sensitivity.
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad, 2 Pro back paddle buttons, Xbox button, and wear-resistant metal joystick rings for more ways to play.
- Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 on mobile.
Controls and accessories
On-screen controls are adequate for short Game Boy sessions. For long RPG sessions, a physical controller is more comfortable. Delta supports Bluetooth and wired keyboards and controllers including Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, Joy-Cons, PlayStation 4 and 5 controllers, Xbox One S and Series controllers, and MFi controllers, according to its current App Store listing.
- iPhone: a USB-C or Lightning controller can provide a handheld-style setup, but check connector and case compatibility.
- iPad: a standard Bluetooth controller is generally more flexible than a phone-mounted controller.
- DS games: a controller does not remove the need for touch input, so an iPad or stylus may be preferable.
Delta also documents landscape play, fast-forward, screenshots, iPad full-screen support, Split View, Stage Manager, and Handoff. Extra controller features such as rumble, gyro, or motion controls may not work identically in every game.
Save Pokémon progress safely
Use the game’s normal save first
Save from Pokémon’s own menu. This creates the ordinary battery-backed save associated with the game and is generally more portable than a save state.
Rank #4
- 【CONNECTION GUIDE】 ①Make sure the phone controller is NOT in charging before connected. ②Observe if the 4th LED on controller is flashing quickly (if flashing 1.2.3, it is incorrect), If not, press and hold the 'HOME' button to turn off the controller and then connect again: Open your bluetooth on mobile phone, then long press 'HOME' and the 4th light will flash quickly, then find corresponding Bluetooth name and connect.
- 【TIPS FOR IPHONE GAME CONTROLLER】 When the wireless phone controller encounters abnormal situations such as inability to connect/charge, joystick offset, you can try resetting it: poke the 'RESET' hole on the back of controller with a needle, and then restart the controller for iphone to solve most non quality problems
- 【TIPS FOR CLOUD GAMING CONTROLLER】 Please use this mobile game controller to play games on a high-speed and stable network. This is because cloud games have high network requirements and require a high-speed and low latency network environment to reduce latency caused by network congestion and enhance the gaming experience
- 【PLAY ANY CONTROLLER SUPPORTED APP GAMES】 The iphone game controller is designed to enjoy unstoppable gaming experience, work for iPhone/Android, support nearly all cloud gaming services including Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, GeForce NOW, MFi Apple Arcade & hundreds of popular mobile games like Call of Duty, Roblox, etc. The phone controller perfects your mobile gaming experience beyond a console by making it happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone
- 【WIRELESS IPHONE GAME CONTROLLER WITH HALL JOYSTICK】 Only hold on 'HOME', you can connect controller for iphone with phone via Bluetooth. The Hall effect joystick provide ultra precise control, No drift, No deadzone! It helps you gain dominant position of games faster and the performance and game experience has been improved qualitatively
Use save states as a supplement
Delta supports save states from its pause menu. A save state captures the entire emulator session, so it can fail after changing the game file, emulator core, or app version. Before updating or migrating, make a normal in-game save and back up or export your save. Do not delete Delta until important progress has been backed up, and do not assume that App Store installation automatically synchronizes saves through iCloud.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common problems and fixes
“Delta is installed, but there are no games”
This is normal. Delta does not bundle Pokémon games. Import a compatible game file that you have the legal right to use.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →“The game does not appear”
- Extract the archive first.
- Check that the file is for a system Delta supports.
- Confirm that the file is accessible in Files and that import completed.
- Test a valid file from the same system.
“The game shows a black screen”
The file may be corrupt, incomplete, incorrectly identified, compressed in an unsupported way, or affected by a core or firmware issue. Delete the failed import, update Delta, and re-import a verified dump. If another game from the same system works, consult Delta’s official documentation or issue tracker rather than downloading a random “fixed ROM.”
Best Value
- FULL SIZED CONTROLLER FORM FACTOR — Console performance meets mobile convenience for iPhone* and Android; play for extended periods in complete comfort and control with larger ergonomic handles that feel more natural to hold than standard mobile controllers (*iPhone 15 series and up)
- FULL SIZED TMR THUMBSTICKS — Perfect your aim with high-precision, anti-drift thumbsticks that are superior to Hall Effect designs
- DUAL MOUSE CLICK BACK BUTTONS — Enjoy the same ultra-responsive actuation found in our top gaming mice with 2 back buttons built into the controller’s ergonomic handles
- UNPARALLELED CASE COMPATIBILITY — Fits many popular phone cases thanks to an innovative USB C ‘island’ design and thicker depth clearance than other controllers
- POWERED BY THE RAZER NEXUS GAME LAUNCHER — Launch games, customize controls, record and share gameplay, and keep the controller updated with a free* app that can be brought up at the touch of a dedicated button. (*Razer Nexus does not require a fee/subscription, however some apps within Razer Nexus do)
“Pokémon freezes”
Update Delta first, particularly for Black, White, Black 2, or White 2, where Delta’s listing notes Pokémon-specific fixes. If the issue continues, test the dump, use normal in-game saves, and record the title, region, Delta version, iOS or iPadOS version, and exact failure point before seeking support.
“My save disappeared”
- Check Delta’s save-state list.
- Reopen the exact same game file, not a duplicate with a different filename.
- Confirm that you saved normally inside the game.
- Restore an exported or backed-up save if available.
- Avoid deleting and reinstalling Delta until the save is secured.
“My controller or DS touch input is not working”
Reconnect the controller in iOS or iPadOS, reopen Delta, and check the game’s control layout. For DS titles, remember that some actions require the touchscreen or microphone; a physical controller cannot replace every DS input.
Delta alternatives: Provenance
Provenance is a reasonable alternative for readers who want broader system coverage. Its project advertises support for Game Boy, GBA, DS, and 3DS, and its App Store version is free and automatically updated. It also documents AltStore, SideStore, manual IPA, and source-build routes.
Provenance is not equivalent to Delta’s straightforward Game Boy and DS experience. Its wider system list can mean more configuration, and advertised 3DS support does not guarantee that every Pokémon 3DS game runs reliably on every iPhone or iPad. Some cores may require firmware or BIOS files. The standard AltStore route may also require app refreshes every seven days, according to Provenance’s installation guide.
What Delta cannot do
- It cannot run Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, or Moon; these are 3DS games.
- It cannot run Pokémon Switch games, including Scarlet, Violet, and Legends: Arceus.
- It does not provide Pokémon HOME integration.
- It does not guarantee Game Boy or GBA link-cable trading.
- Its documented Nintendo DS online play does not guarantee trading compatibility for every Pokémon title.
For official transfers, modern online services, or Pokémon HOME, use supported Nintendo hardware and official software. Pokémon GO is a separate App Store game and is not played through Delta.
Safety and legality
Delta’s App Store distribution does not make every game file lawful. Apple’s App Review Guidelines permit emulator apps subject to applicable law, while Nintendo expressly opposes unauthorized game copies and emulator products used to play Nintendo game files. Avoid ROM sites, preloaded game bundles, random profiles, enterprise certificates, and suspicious “Switch emulator” downloads.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
