Delta Emulator 1.7 Adds Online Multiplayer and N64 Visual Upgrades
Looking better, screenshots and now with online play - iPhone retro fans never had it so good.
The Delta emulator’s latest update, Version 1.7, introduces long-requested features for retro gaming enthusiasts, including online multiplayer for Nintendo DS titles and significant visual improvements for Nintendo 64 (N64) games. Released March 31, 2025, the update also streamlines user customization and expands experimental tools, reinforcing Delta’s reputation as a versatile emulator for preserving classic games.
Full Release Notes Below
New Online Multiplayer
- Play online-compatible Nintendo DS games with friends around the world!
- Connect via community Nintendo WFC servers
- Choose one of the default servers, or provide a custom DNS
- Wiimmfi (167.235.229.36)
- WiiLink WFC (5.161.56.11)
- AltWFC (172.104.88.237)
- Disables pausing & other functionality during multiplayer sessions
- Shows toast notification when connecting + disconnecting from Nintendo WFC
- Stays connected online up to 30 seconds after entering background
Updated N64 Core
- Uses OpenGL ES 3.0 to render games
- Fixes many common graphical issues (e.g. black textures)
- Optionally switch back to OpenGL ES 2.0 on per-game basis
- Custom resolutions by editing config file at
Delta/Cores/Mupen64Plus/Config/mupen64plus.cfg - Custom texture packs via
Delta/Cores/Mupen64Plus/hires_texturedirectory
Game Screenshots (thanks Chris Rittenhouse!)
- New option in pause menu to take screenshots of games
- Upscales screenshot to 1080p to ensure they appear sharp in Photos app
- Map game controller buttons to take screenshot
- New
screenshotinput for controller skins - [Experimental Feature] Save to dedicated "Delta Screenshots" album
Game Controller Skins
- Choose a skin to use when a game controller is connected
- Choose system-wide or per-game
“What's New” Screen
- Lists new features in latest Delta update on first launch
- Includes links to Delta's new social media accounts
- Mastodon: @delta@indieapps.space
- Threads: @delta_emulator
- Bluesky: @deltaemulator.com
- [Experimental Feature] "Show What's New" setting to re-show on next launch
Game Settings
- New context-menu option to configure per-game settings
- Preferred game skin
- OpenGL ES 3.0 (N64)
- Inserted GBA Game (DS)
- Replaces "Change Game Skin" in game context menu
Controller Case Support
- Controller skins can adjust position of pause menu via new `menuInsets` property
- Allows using pause menu with cases such as GAMEBABY and PlayCase
- Supports vertical and horizontal insets
RetroAchievements (Experimental Feature)
- Log in with RetroAchievements account to track achievements
- Supports Hardcore mode (Optional)
- Shows notification after unlocking achievement
- Supports NES, SNES, and N64 games
- Remaining systems coming soon!
"Ask Lu" (Experimental Feature)
- Optional AI assistant with detailed information about various games
- Ask for help about the current game you're playing
- For more info, check their Discord
ImprovedSettings
- Changed "Respect Silent Mode" default to OFF for all devices
- Always shows Friend Zone Patrons in Settings
- Shows "Follow Us" footer at bottom of Settings screen
- Removed legacy credits for Riley, Shane, and Caroline
- Includes timestamp in exported error log filename
Experimental Features
- Renamed "Variable Fast Forward" to "Custom Fast Forward Speed"
- Removed legacy Experimental Features
- Online Multiplayer
- OpenGL ES 3.0
- Game Screenshots
Misc.
- Removes "External Purchase Link" entitlement from non-App Store builds
Fixed
- Fixed using analog sticks as discrete inputs for controllers with poor calibration (thanks Ian Clawson!)
- Fixed black/missing/incorrect textures in various N64 games
- Fixed white screen after (un-)locking device while AirPlaying DS games
- Fixed no audio for game previews in silent mode when Respect Silent Mode is OFF
- Fixed showing all save states as incompatible for non-DS systems
- Fixed crash when viewing save states for unsupported system
- Fixed missing accessibility label for Settings button
- Fixed not showing "Reset" button when choosing landscape skin
- Fixed not showing "Reset" button when choosing per-game Game Controller or AirPlay skins
- Fixed "Hold Button" description layout after orientation change
- [Delta Sync] Fixed misleading “file does not exist” errors when previous version is missing
- [iPad] Fixed qutting all games when using multiple scenes
Online Multiplayer Revives Nintendo DS Classics
A standout addition is online multiplayer support for Nintendo DS games via community servers like Wiimmfi, WiiLink WFC, and AltWFC. Players can now connect globally for titles such as Mario Kart DS or Pokémon Black/White, which originally relied on Nintendo’s defunct Wi-Fi Connection service. The feature disables pausing during sessions and maintains connectivity for 30 seconds if the app runs in the background, balancing nostalgia with modern convenience.
N64 Graphics Overhaul and Customization
Delta’s N64 core now uses OpenGL ES 3.0 by default, resolving persistent issues like black textures in games such as The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. Users can toggle back to OpenGL ES 2.0 per-game or apply custom texture packs and resolutions, offering flexibility for enthusiasts seeking enhanced visuals.
New Tools and Quality-of-Life Tweaks
The update introduces several user-focused features:
- Game Screenshots: Capture upscaled 1080p images directly from the pause menu or via controller shortcuts.
- Controller Skins: Customize skins system-wide or per-game, with support for third-party cases like GAMEBABY.
- RetroAchievements (Beta): Track accomplishments for NES, SNES, and N64 titles, with more systems planned.
- “Ask Lu” AI Assistant: Access game-specific tips through an experimental chatbot, though Delta advises consulting its Discord for details.
Fixes and Long-Term Support
Version 1.7 addresses over 15 bugs, including analog stick calibration errors, audio glitches in silent mode, and save state incompatibilities. It also removes legacy credits, signaling a shift toward Delta’s current development team.
Why This Matters
Delta’s updates highlight the emulator’s commitment to bridging retro gaming with modern tech. The addition of online multiplayer revitalizes dormant DS experiences, while N64 enhancements cater to preservationists and modders. Fans should monitor Delta’s experimental features, particularly RetroAchievements and Ask Lu, which may evolve into core tools. As emulation communities grow, Delta’s clean and easy to use interface make it a leader in IOS emulation
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