Parlor vs RetroArch

RetroArch uses libretro cores for many console, computer and arcade systems. Its App Store listing includes Mac and Apple TV.

Parlor compared with RetroArch, feature by feature
Feature	Parlor	RetroArch
Native Apple TV app	Not releasedSee note 1	See note 2
Native Mac app	Not releasedSee note 3	See note 4
Saves and states in your own iCloud	See note 5	See note 6
One purchase, no subscription, no account	See note 7	See note 8
Controller pairing guide	See note 9	See note 10
AirPlay full screen, phone as the pad	See note 11	Not verifiedSee note 12
No BIOS files to find	GB, GBC, GBA, DSSee note 13	Core-specificSee note 14
Homebrew games included	See note 15	DownloaderSee note 16
Link play on one device	Not verifiedSee note 17	NetplaySee note 18
Open source	See note 19	See note 20
Systems beyond these handhelds	See note 21	Many systemsSee note 22
3DS	iPhone and iPadSee note 23	Not listedSee note 24

The native Apple TV version is not yet released. Use AirPlay or HDMI from iPhone or iPad now. Source.
The listing includes tvOS 13 or later. Source.
The iPad app runs on Apple silicon Macs. Apple labels it not verified for macOS. The native version is not released. Source.
The listing includes macOS 10.13 or later. Source.
Battery saves, save states and library metadata use private iCloud. Game files do not sync. Source.
The guide documents CloudKit, iCloud Drive and WebDAV backends. Source.
One purchase covers iPhone and iPad, Family Sharing included. No in-app purchases, no ads, no Parlor account. The Apple TV version is not yet released. Source.
Free, ad-free, with no in-app purchases on the listing. Source.
The guide covers pairing, default mappings and remapping. Source.
The guide explains controller configuration and supported drivers. Source.
AirPlay or HDMI can provide the display while the iPhone provides controls. Source.
The checked listing does not describe this specific phone-control workflow. Source.
These systems need no BIOS files. Some 3DS files need keys from your own console. Source.
BIOS requirements depend on the selected core. Source.
Free homebrew games are included. The catalog identifies included games and their licences. Source.
The listing documents a Content Downloader for free content. Source.
The released listing does not describe same-device link play. Check current app support before relying on it. Source.
The netplay guide describes network multiplayer, not this specific handheld link workflow. Source.
GPL-3.0. Every core and component is named on the licences page with its own terms. Source.
The repository uses GPL-3.0. Source.
Parlor covers GB, GBC, GBA, DS and 3DS on iPhone and iPad. Source.
The listing includes arcade, computer and console cores. Source.
Some game files need your console keys. Import 3DS files outside archives. Source.
3DS is not in the supported system list. Source.

Parlor availability

Parlor is available on iPhone and iPad. Its iPad app also runs on Apple silicon Macs, with Apple marking it not verified for macOS. Native Mac and Apple TV versions are not yet released. 3DS support is limited to iPhone and iPad.

Use AirPlay or HDMI for television play now. See the platform requirements.

Saves and setup

RetroArch documents iCloud, iCloud Drive and WebDAV sync. BIOS requirements depend on the selected core. Parlor needs no BIOS files for GB, GBC, GBA or DS.

Which app fits your requirements?

Choose RetroArch when its system coverage or core settings match your needs. Free content is available through its Content Downloader.

Parlor includes free homebrew games. Check controller setup and save sync before purchase.

Purchase

Parlor is one purchase, with Family Sharing included, no in-app purchases, no ads and no Parlor account.

Sources

Checked 3 October 2026 against the sources below. Prices refer to the US store and can change. “Not listed” means the checked source does not confirm a feature. It does not prove that the feature is absent.