Delta, the free retro game app for iPhone, adds Sega Genesis games

Delta, the free iPhone app for playing classic console games, now supports Sega Genesis. The change comes with Delta 2.0, which the developers call their biggest update ever. It is available now on the App Store and on AltStore PAL, an alternative app store.

What changed

Delta is an emulator. That means it is an app that imitates old game consoles so their games can run on a modern device. Sega Genesis is the headline addition, and it comes with new controller skins. Skins are the on-screen button layouts you tap while playing. Genesis games also work with Action Replay and Game Genie cheat codes.

Other additions in the update:

• RetroAchievements, which lets players earn achievements in supported games.
• Hardcore mode, which turns off save-state loading and cheats for a tougher, more authentic challenge.
• Animated buttons on controller skins.
• Fast-forward speeds that can be set for each game.

A new look and easier use

The app has a Liquid Glass redesign, Apple's current glassy visual style. Menus and system icons are redone, and there are now dedicated Recently Played and Favorites sections. New audio controls let you keep music or podcasts playing while you game. If you use a connected controller, you can also move the game screen to a different spot.

There are smaller fixes too. You can delete several save states at once, and iPad multitasking is better. The update also fixes crackling SNES audio and NES games that sometimes opened to a black screen.

Extras for fans and tinkerers

Pokémon fans get custom in-game content for classic Game Boy Advance titles, such as event items and rare Pokémon. The first limited content is for Pokémon Emerald and is reached through Delta's pause menu.

Experimental features include custom visual filters, with options such as CRT effects that mimic old tube TVs. Delta also supports Epilogue's GB/SN Operator accessories. These let you plug compatible physical cartridges into an iPhone or iPad, play them in Delta, and read or write save files.

Foldable iPhone support

Delta 2.0 also supports Apple's foldable iPhone Duo, as the article describes it. Controller layouts adapt to different orientations, and Split View is supported. Folding the device during a Nintendo DS game puts it to sleep, much like closing the lid on the original handheld.

What is not covered

The material does not say which Genesis games work, how to add games to the app, or whether any part of Delta 2.0 costs money. It also gives no release details for the foldable device beyond Delta's support for it.