Delta 1.6 classic game emulator now available for iPad

The Delta emulator app that allows players to use their own ROM files for various retro gaming systems on an iPhone is now also available for the iPad.

The emulator app from developer Riley Testut allows users to play Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advanced, NES, SuperNES, Nintendo 64, and DS ROMs of classic games. Of course, the iPhone version of the app could run on an iPad previously, but was limited to the iPhone screen size.

The iPad version removes this limitation, running full-screen either vertically or horizontally, depending on the game and system being emulated. The app update to version 1.6 also brings new controller skins specifically design for the iPad.

In addition, Delta supports external game controllers, "and the result is quite a bit like playing the classic games in an arcade back in the day," said Testut. The Delta emulator is free, with no ads, and does not track users.

Apple's App Store relaxed rules surrounding emulators back in April. Shortly thereafter, a gold rush of emulator apps appeared on the App Store.

The update to the Delta emulator also brings an optional feature that can automatically pause games when switching windows. The app now supports multiple windows in Stage Manager and Split View.

In addition, games can "hand off" games in progress from the iPad to the iPhone, or the other way around. The game will continue "exactly where you left off," says Testut.