It's a shame that Apple doesn't allow emulators on its App Store. But the good news is that Apple is planning to loosen the restrictions and officially allow game emulators on the App Store .
While we don’t know exactly how emulators will work on the iPhone yet, Apple’s move would help its App Store compete with alternative app stores in the EU. If you can actually play games from an emulated console on your iPhone, it could be a great thing for retro gaming fans.
However, the iPhone lacks controls, which is a big drawback for games that require quick reflexes. Luckily, there are plenty of options for the iPhone.
The ideal situation would be a game controller that attaches directly to your phone, like the Backbone One. These are similar to the Switch Joy-Cons in that they clip onto either end of your iPhone in landscape orientation, but connect via Lightning or USB-C, depending on which version you buy, so you don't need to pair it with Bluetooth.
But if you already have a Switch, you don't need to buy Backbone's controller. Nintendo's controllers also work with iPhones, and there are adapters that let you attach Joy-Cons to your phone.
You can also use your existing Xbox or PlayStation controller. They may not be as portable as the other options we've mentioned, but the Xbox Wireless Controller and PlayStation DualSense are especially well-suited for GameCube games like F-Zero GX and Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, which really need analog triggers for the best experience.
There's also 8BitDo's Pro 2 controller with analog triggers. It's better than the standard Switch Pro controller and has a great SNES aesthetic.
These are just a few of the many controller options available for the iPhone. There's a lot more to come, as Apple's phones are already a mobile gaming powerhouse, while third-party controllers have yet to make a big splash. With emulators allowed in the App Store—a change likely prompted by legal pressure from antitrust lawsuits in the US and regulatory pressure in the European Union—the iPhone could well be the ideal handheld gaming platform in the future.
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