Shortly after the iPhone Duo’s official release, gamers began using its foldable display to replicate the Nintendo DS, thanks to a free app on the App Store called Delta. Delta is a retro game emulator that runs games from several classic consoles, including the Nintendo DS, NES, and SNES.
Apple’s first-generation iPhone Duo launched on October 23 at a starting price of $1,999. One day before launch, Delta developer Riley Testut released a major update that added support for the phone’s dual-screen design in a creative way, turning the iPhone Duo into a Nintendo DS. The developer said, “Playing Delta on Duo finally feels like a real DS,” adding that “Delta’s UI has also been fully optimized for Duo, with brand-new skins for every pose.”
iPhone Duo Users Are Turning the Phone Into a Dual-Screen Handheld
Delta’s 2.0 update has sparked a wave of social media videos showing people playing classic Nintendo DS games on the iPhone Duo. Since the phone supports different poses, users can fold one half of the screen like the Nintendo DS’s control panel, while the other half serves as the main screen. Delta also features adjustable skins, giving players full control over how their emulated Nintendo DS looks on the iPhone Duo.
Find the odd one out before the timer hits zero.
Delta’s latest update also introduces a brand-new Liquid Glass UI and support for Sega Genesis controller skins. Now optimized for iPhone Duo, the app also supports Split View and features “controller skins for every pose in both portrait and landscape.” One fun new feature that Nintendo DS fans will appreciate is the ability to put games to sleep by folding the iPhone Duo’s screen while playing, just like closing the lid on the original Nintendo handheld.
The Delta app does not include built-in or pre-installed Nintendo or Sega Genesis games. One legal way to transfer games to the iPhone Duo is to use Epilogue’s GB or SN Operators. These devices can extract ROM files from physical cartridges that players own, allowing them to transfer the files to their iPhone Duo and play them through Delta. Those who don’t mind breaking copyright laws may also be able to download ROM files from the internet, though Delta does not recommend this approach.
Apple officially lifted some restrictions on game emulators on the App Store in 2024. Since then, many retro game emulators, including Delta, have thrived on the digital storefront, attracting millions of users. Delta, for example, has reached 20 million downloads, according to its developer. Meanwhile, the success of dual-screen handheld consoles like AYN Thor has shown that there is a sizable market for Nintendo DS-style devices. Now, Delta and iPhone Duo could offer a compelling option for fans of dual-screen handhelds, although Apple’s steep $1,999 price tag remains a major barrier to entry.
GameRant is not affiliated with any brands mentioned in this article. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before using any products/services discussed.
