In a hilarious turn of events, Apple has removed an iPhone GBA emulator from the App Store because the software was, itself, pirated. The app in question, iGBA, was a clone of the open-source GBA4iOS app, just with ads slapped onto the code. In a message to MacRumors, Apple confirmed it removed the app specifically for that reason and not because the emulator might facilitate piracy (a popular stance Nintendo likes to hold).
Recently, new changes to Apple’s App Store policies have allowed the distribution of emulators for iOS users. Many believe this change is being done to counteract a recent ruling in the EU that will allow third-party app stores on the device, meaning users would have more reason to ignore Apple’s official walled garden. With specialty apps like this available within Apple’s guidelines, it could discourage users from venturing to other distributors.
As for which emulators one can expect to see on iPhones, Apple isn’t exactly clear. Again, to MacRumors, the company stated that emulators will be available for consoles emulating retro console games only. The GBA is certainly sufficiently retro as it was released almost 23 years ago across the globe. Does that mean the PS2, GameCube, and Xbox count too?
Leave a Comment
Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
