By Sagar V. Mankar Are you a retro gaming fan? Exciting news – emulation of classic PlayStation games is coming to iOS devices.
Earlier this month Apple shook up the gaming world when they updated the App Store guidelines to allow retro game console emulators.
As a result, popular Nintendo emulators such as Riley Testut’s Delta and Bimmy NES have officially arrived on the App Store this week.
And now, the creators of the popular PlayStation-themed emulator, Provenance, have announced their excitement to launch the emulator on the App Store.
What Is Provenance?
Provenance is a popular open-source multi-system emulator that allows modern devices to run games from retro consoles like:
- PlayStation 1
- PlayStation 2
- Nintendo (NES, SNES, N64, DS, Game Boy)
- Sega Genesis
- Sega Dreamcast
- Atari
- Bandai
Currently, it is only available through sideloading methods like AltStore and Patreon.
However, in an interview with iMore, Provenance lead developer Joseph Mattiello confirmed the team’s intention to submit the emulator to Apple for App Store approval.
They currently reviewing Apple’s guidelines to ensure their submission meets all requirements.
Once approved, Provenance will be the first app allowing PlayStation emulation on iPhone and iPad without any sideloading hassle.
After approval, they also promise to bring support for PlayStation 2 and Sega Dreamcast through future updates.
Will It Actually Let You Play Sony Games?
Like all emulators, Provenance itself is simply software to run the games – you’ll need to obtain the actual game files (ROMs) yourself from your own legal backups.
Downloading ROMs from the internet is a legal gray area at best.
Apple’s guidelines state developers are responsible for ensuring their apps follow all applicable laws regarding usage rights.
So Provenance can’t directly facilitate piracy, but retroactively playing your old cartridges and discs (that you own legally) seems permissible.
Other Emulators Already Arrived at the App Store
In alignment with this policy change, Riley Testut’s long-awaited Delta emulator and the AltStore third-party app marketplace have finally launched on iOS this week.
Delta brings official support for running classic games from Nintendo (NES, SNES, N64, DS), Sega, and potentially other mystery consoles on iPhone and iPad.
AltStore, meanwhile, represents a pioneering alternative app repository hosted within Apple’s ecosystem, initially available for free globally but with a €1.50 yearly fee for EU users due to Apple’s fees.
The launch comes shortly after the NES emulator Bimmy NES briefly appeared on the App Store before being pulled by the developer, likely due to legal concerns around Nintendo’s aggressive stance against emulators.
The Legalities of Emulation
A frequent concern with emulators is the piracy of games (ROMs).
Apple’s guidelines state developers are “responsible for all software offered, including ensuring it complies with laws.“
Many argue that downloading ROMs is illegal unless you own the original games.
However, a 2015 opinion suggested emulators themselves may be legal, even if obtaining ROMs raises piracy issues.
Either way, being on the App Store means Provenance can reach a massive new audience of retro gaming fans hungry to experience classics like Metal Gear Solid, Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, and Final Fantasy on their iOS devices.