The Apple App Store made changes to its guidelines on April 5, allowing for the introduction of gaming emulator apps worldwide. Shortly after this change, apps such as iGBA, which lets users play Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color games on their iPhones and iPads, started appearing on the App Store. This marked a significant shift for the iPhone, as emulator apps were previously not allowed on the platform.
For those interested in using emulator apps, it is important to note that legal issues may arise if the user does not own a copy of the game being played and instead downloads ROMs from the internet. Tech Radar advises that the legal way to use emulators is by ripping code from original disks or cartridges that have been purchased. Different regions have varying laws regarding emulation, so users should be aware of their local regulations to avoid breaking the law.
Despite potential legal concerns, the iGBA app has proven to work effectively, allowing users to play classic games like Super Mario World on their iOS devices. The app plays in the top half of the iPhone screen and can also be rotated for a larger screen experience on an iPad. While the retro graphics may reveal some limitations, the overall gameplay experience is seamless.
However, it has been discovered that the iGBA app is not the original work of its developer, Mattia La Spina, but rather an unauthorized clone of GBA4iOS, an open-source emulator created by Riley Testut over a decade ago. Testut has expressed frustration over this unauthorized version and has plans to release his own app, Delta, in the near future. The issue raises questions about code ownership and adherence to licensure agreements. Additionally, concerns have been raised about iGBA collecting user data, prompting some users to await the arrival of Delta in the App Store.
Despite the initial influx of emulator apps following the App Store guideline change, the iGBA app has since been removed due to violations of Apple’s App Review Guidelines related to spam and copyright. It is unclear whether the removal was prompted by similarities to GBA4iOS or a possible complaint from Nintendo regarding the unauthorized use of their games. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of app review processes in protecting consumers from scams and fraudulent applications in the marketplace. Testut’s plans to release Delta in the App Store or AltStore in the EU may offer a legitimate alternative for users seeking emulation options in the future.
