Delta Emulator Goes Patreon After Apple’s App Store Changes

In a surprising twist, the popular Delta Emulator—a favorite among retro gaming fans—has officially become available through Patreon. This follows a major shift in Apple’s App Store policy that has left many in the tech and gaming communities both excited and curious.

But what does this really mean for you, the gamer who just wants to relive the classics? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What is the Delta Emulator?

In case you’re new here, let’s start from the top.

The Delta Emulator is a software app that lets people play old-school video games—think Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and Super Nintendo—right from their iPhones or iPads. It’s a favorite among retro gaming lovers who enjoy diving back into classics like Pokémon, Super Mario, and Legend of Zelda.

For years, getting emulators like Delta onto iOS devices felt like a techy scavenger hunt. Apple had strict rules around emulators, meaning most users had to jump through hoops or use workarounds to install software that wasn’t officially allowed on the App Store.

So, What Changed with Apple’s App Store?

In April 2025, Apple quietly updated its App Store policies to allow game emulator apps—something it had long forbidden. This is a big deal because it opens the door for apps like Delta to finally go mainstream on iOS devices without jumping through all those extra hoops.

The timing couldn’t be better. With regulators keeping a close eye on tech giants for anti-competitive behavior, this change might also be Apple’s way of smoothing things over with app developers and consumers.

Enter Patreon: Delta’s New Home

Instead of releasing directly on the App Store, Delta’s creator, Riley Testut, made another bold move: he published it through Patreon.

Now, if you’re thinking, “Wait, isn’t Patreon for artists and YouTubers?”—you’re not wrong. But it’s also become a crucial tool for indie developers. By offering supporters early access or exclusive perks, creators can fund projects directly through fans.

Testut’s decision to publish Delta via a Patreon-supported companion app effectively turns supporters into beta testers. It’s like a newsletter and app combo—the Delta app is sent to backers in an email, with all the required install links and instructions. This innovative delivery method allows fans to legally and easily get the app while supporting continued development.

Why Choose Patreon Instead of the App Store?

The immediate question on everyone’s mind is: If Apple now allows emulator apps, why not just go the traditional route?

There are a few good reasons:

• Freedom of Updates: Apps on the App Store have to wait for Apple’s long review process before updates go live. Patreon bypasses that.
• Closer Community Ties: Patreon allows developers to build a strong, direct relationship with users, leading to better feedback.
• Monetization: Instead of relying on ads or in-app purchases, Patreon support helps fund future development in a more transparent way.

In Testut’s words, this model serves two purposes: it supports ongoing development and ensures that users have access to the most stable version of Delta, even before it’s available elsewhere.

What This Means for Retro Gamers

If you’ve been waiting for an easier way to play classic console games on your iPhone, this is your moment. Downloading Delta is simpler than ever when you support the project on Patreon.

Here’s how it works:

• Head over to Riley Testut’s Patreon page for Delta.
• Sign up as a supporter (plans usually start at a few dollars a month).
• Receive access to Delta’s iOS app via email.
• Install and start playing all your favorite retro games!

Note: You still need to find your own game ROMs (which must be legally owned). Delta doesn’t include games by default due to copyright laws.

App Store Emulator Listings Still Face Hurdles

Although Apple has opened the door for emulators, getting listed on the App Store still comes with its own catch. Apple says emulators must not include pirated content and should comply with copyright guidelines.

This means developers like Testut may still be cautious about going full throttle on the App Store route. Remember, one false move—like someone uploading a game that violates Nintendo’s copyright—and the app could be pulled down.

The Bigger Picture: A New Era for Open Apps on iOS?

Delta’s shift towards Patreon could also signal a larger trend among indie developers. By using alternative channels, they’ve found a way to work around Apple’s tight control, all while building closer communities with their audience.

Other developers may soon follow suit, especially if Apple continues to monitor emulator apps or impose new limitations down the line.

Is This the Future of App Distribution?

It really makes you wonder—will more developers take this approach? Could Patreon or similar platforms become the go-to option for indie app distribution, especially in a world where control over app stores remains a hot-button issue?

For now, it seems Delta is leading the charge in this new territory.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of retro gaming or you’ve struggled to install Delta in the past, now is a perfect time to jump in. Apple’s App Store policy changes have opened new doors, and the Delta Emulator is taking full advantage—just in a slightly unconventional, yet clever, way.

By embracing Patreon, Delta is giving users early, stable access while building a stronger, more supported community.

So grab your old favorites (legally, of course), and get ready to turn your iPhone into a digital time machine with Delta.

What Do You Think?

Would you support an app via Patreon? Do you think more developers will move away from traditional app stores?

Let us know in the comments—or better yet, fire up Delta and tell us what classic game you’re diving into first! 🎮