Folium in IOS

Multi-system emulation

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Expert Score

89/100

Folium is a game-changer for the iOS emulation scene. It’s one of the few high-performance multi-system emulators that actually takes advantage of the hardware power in modern iPhones and iPads. The interface is strikingly modern, moving away from the 'file browser' look of older emulators toward a more library-focused, aesthetic design. It feels like a native Apple app.

Performance-wise, it’s stellar. Whether you’re running 8-bit classics or more demanding 3D handheld titles, the frame rates are consistent and the audio latency is minimal. The ability to map controllers and customize the on-screen overlay is a huge plus. It’s a sophisticated tool that makes retro gaming on mobile feel premium. For anyone serious about emulation on iOS, Folium is the gold standard for performance and design.

Dinsun reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad

Version 1.36Fri Dec 19 2025

# Added

- multiplayer chat to Cytrus

- currently only available on iOS and iPadOS 26

- SEGA Genesis and Mega Drive support via the new Plum core

- significantly improved PlayStation 1 support via the new Mandarine core

- additional information to each core which can be viewed via the ⓘ button

- full iOS 16 support back in response to a plethora of user requests

# Changed

- to the latest Azahar core available on GitHub

- all emulation controllers bar Cytrus and Grape to the new redesign

- Library, Onboarding and What's New to use the same controller

# Fixed

- several iPad layout issues when emulating with Cytrus and Grape

- game controller support for all emulation controllers bar Cytrus and Grape

- this will require testing, PS5 game controller does work from my testing

- Plum does not support game controllers yet due to the weird 3/6 button layout

# Removed

- Lychee in favour of the new Mandarine core

- the Lychee folder will automatically be renamed to Mandarine upon initial launch

- Motion & Fitness onboarding step to hopefully fix macOS support


Folium is a beautifully designed, high performing multi-system emulator that allows you to play video games from retro consoles and handhelds

-- NOTE --

Folium does not provide any games or system files, these must be provided by the user

Emulation may be slow on older devices depending on the console or handheld emulated

-- NOTE --

Supported Consoles

- Game Boy, Game Boy Color

- Game Boy Advance

- Nintendo 3DS

- Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi

- Nintendo Entertainment System

- Super Nintendo Entertainment System

- PlayStation 1

Supported Controllers

- Backbone One

- Nintendo Switch Joy-Con

- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

- PlayStation DualShock 4

- PlayStation 5 DualSense

- Xbox Series S

- Xbox Series X

Folium is in no way affiliated with Nintendo. "Nintendo" and all associated game console and handheld names and game controller names are registered trademarks of Nintendo Co., Ltd

Folium is in no way affiliated with Sony. "PlayStation" and all associated game controller names are registered trademarks of Sony Group Corporation


Requires iOS 16.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

SEGA Genesis, Mega Drive are now supported, PlayStation 1 is better than ever, chat rooms arrive for Cytrus, improvements have been made for Cytrus and Grape and more!

Folium is a beautifully designed, high performing multi-system emulator that allows you to play video games from retro consoles and handhelds

-- NOTE --

Folium does not provide any games or system files, these must be provided by the user

Emulation may be slow on older devices depending on the console or handheld emulated

-- NOTE --

Supported Consoles

- Game Boy, Game Boy Color

- Game Boy Advance

- Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS

- Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi

- Nintendo Entertainment System

- SEGA Genesis, Mega Drive

- Super Nintendo Entertainment System

- PlayStation 1

Supported Controllers

- Backbone One

- Nintendo Switch Joy-Con

- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

- PlayStation DualShock 4

- PlayStation 5 DualSense

- Xbox Series S

- Xbox Series X

Folium is in no way affiliated with Nintendo. "Nintendo" and all associated game console and handheld names and game controller names are registered trademarks of Nintendo Co., Ltd

Folium is in no way affiliated with Sony. "PlayStation" and all associated game controller names are registered trademarks of Sony Group Corporation

Folium is in no way affiliated with SEGA. "SEGA" and all associated game console and handheld names are registered trademarks of SEGA Group Corporation


Ratings & Reviews

2.4 out of 5 with 796 Counts
Age Rating 4+

Screenshots

Folium screenshot 1Folium screenshot 2Folium screenshot 3Folium screenshot 4Folium screenshot 5Folium screenshot 6

Folium is a versatile emulation frontend designed to bring your favorite classic game consoles to iOS. Built with a focus on performance and ease of use, it supports a wide range of systems, from retro 8-bit consoles to more modern handhelds. With features like save states, haptic feedback, and support for external controllers, Folium provides a seamless way to enjoy your retro library with modern enhancements.

Features

1

Support for multiple console architectures

2

High-performance JIT-ready core

3

Modern, user-friendly UI

4

External Bluetooth controller support

5

Advanced save state management

Tips

Promotion Videos

Jarrod Norwell - YouTube

Related Videos

News on this game

Folium, the new emulator on the block, tempts fate with pricing options

Folium is a new Nintendo 3DS emulator that allows iOS owners to play classic titles on the go for a price. Jarrod Norwell, the mastermind behind Folium,...

MSN - Tue Sep 30 2025

How to play Nintendo 3DS games on your iPhone with Folium

Now that the floodgates are open, countless retro game console and handheld emulation apps have hit Apple's App Store.

Pocket-lint - Sun Sep 28 2025

Nintendo 3DS emulator in the App Store - but for how much longer?

Developer Jarrod Norwell is selling a new player for ROMs from three Nintendo devices. Are the Japanese taking action against it?

Heise Online - Sat Sep 27 2025

If you were hankering for game emulators to appear in the App Store, they've begun to arrive. Software developer Folium has released the...

O'Grady's PowerPage - Fri Sep 26 2025

How to Play 3DS Games on an iPhone

A new emulator app on the iOS App Store, Folium, lets you play 3DS games on your iPhone. It also support Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance...

Lifehacker - Thu Sep 25 2025

iPhone's First Nintendo 3DS Emulator Is Here

Folium also emulates GBA and Nintendo DS - Since Apple relaxed its stance on emulation on its iOS devices, we've seen a steady stream of...

Time Extension - Thu Sep 25 2025

If you were hankering for game emulators to appear in the App Store, they've begun to arrive. Software developer Folium has released the...

O'Grady's PowerPage - Fri Sep 26 2025

Nintendo 3DS Emulator for iPhone Released in App Store With Caveats

Folium has become the first Nintendo 3DS emulator for the iPhone available in the App Store, although there are some caveats to be aware of.

MacRumors - Thu Sep 25 2025

Discord Is Taking Out Nintendo Switch Emulator Developers And Servers

The battle against Nintendo Switch emulation isn't over yet. The Mario maker got the prominent emulation software Yuzu to cave in,...

Yahoo News Singapore - Sun Sep 28 2025

Out Now: 'Assassin's Creed Mirage', 'Skul: The Hero Slayer', 'Star Wars: Hunters', 'Folium', 'MAZAICA', 'Quetzal – Card ...

Each and every day new mobile games are hitting the App Store, and so each week we put together a big old list of all the best new releases...

TouchArcade - Sat Sep 27 2025

Gameplays

Q&A

Yes, Folium is fully optimized for iPad, including support for Apple Pencil and external keyboards.

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