How to Play Pokémon ROM Hacks on iPhone & iPad (2026)
Since Delta Emulator launched on the App Store in 2024, playing GBA Pokémon ROM hacks on iPhone requires no jailbreak and no workarounds — just download the app, grab a ROM, and play. This guide covers the full setup.
Contents
What You Need
You need Delta Emulator (free on the App Store) and a .gba ROM file. Both are available without a computer — everything can be done directly on your iPhone or iPad.
Installing Delta Emulator
Delta is a free, official App Store release from Riley Testut. It supports GBA, GBC, NDS, SNES, and N64.
- 1Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- 2Search for 'Delta Emulator' — it's published by Riley Testut.
- 3Tap Get and install it. No account changes or workarounds needed.
- 4Open Delta once installed — you'll see the game library screen.
Downloading a ROM to Your iPhone
Download the ROM file directly in Safari — it saves to your Files app automatically.
- 1Open Safari on your iPhone (not Chrome — Chrome's download behavior differs).
- 2Go to the hack's page on PokeHacks and tap the Download ROM button.
- 3Safari will ask where to save it — tap Save to Files, then choose On My iPhone > Downloads.
- 4The .gba file is now saved locally on your device.
Loading the ROM in Delta
Once you have Delta installed and the .gba file downloaded:
- 1Open Delta. On the main library screen, tap the + icon (top right).
- 2Tap 'Files' to open the file picker.
- 3Navigate to On My iPhone > Downloads and select your .gba file.
- 4Delta adds the game to your library. Tap it to start playing.
Controllers and Settings
Delta works well with controllers and has good customization options:
MFi and Bluetooth controllers
Delta supports any MFi-certified controller and most Bluetooth controllers including PlayStation (DualSense, DualShock 4) and Xbox controllers. Connect via Bluetooth settings before launching Delta.
Custom skins
Delta supports custom controller skins that change the on-screen button layout. The Delta Skins subreddit has hundreds of options — useful if you prefer a different button arrangement or want a transparent skin to see more of the game.
Save states
Press and hold the menu button during gameplay to access save states. These are different from in-game saves — use them to checkpoint before tough gym battles.
Fast forward
Hold the fast forward button to speed through dialogue and grinding. Default is 3× — you can change this in Delta's settings.
GBC and NDS ROM Hacks on iPhone
Delta handles Game Boy Color hacks (.gbc files) the same way as GBA — just import the .gbc file and Delta recognizes it automatically. For Nintendo DS hacks (.nds files), Delta supports DS as well — use the same import process. DS games are larger files (up to 256MB) so download over Wi-Fi.
