Now You Can Play Nintendo 64 Cartridges Directly on iPhone [VIDEO]

Retro gaming enthusiasts rejoice as it’s now possible to play physical Nintendo 64 (N64) cartridges directly on an iPhone, thanks to Benn Venn’s JoeyN64 cartridge dumper.

The JoeyN64 is a plug-and-play device designed to interface with N64 cartridges. It allows users to back up and restore save files, as well as dump original game ROMs for emulation purposes.

The device operates with a straightforward drag-and-drop interface, eliminating the need for specialized software or drivers. When connected via USB-C, the cartridge appears as a USB drive on the host device, enabling users to effortlessly transfer ROM files.

With Apple’s recent policy changes permitting retro game emulators on the App Store, several emulation apps have become available for iOS devices. Among them, the Delta emulator stands out for its robust support of multiple gaming systems, including the N64.

To play physical N64 cartridges on an iPhone using the JoeyN64 and Delta emulator, here’s what you need to do:

1. Connect the JoeyN64 to your computer via USB-C and insert the N64 cartridge into the JoeyN64.​
2. The cartridge will mount as a USB drive; drag and drop the ROM file to your computer to create a backup.​
3. Use a file-sharing method (such as AirDrop, iCloud Drive, or a file management app) to transfer the ROM file from your computer to your iPhone.​
4. Open the Delta emulator on your iPhone, and import the transferred ROM file into Delta’s library.​
5. Select the imported game within Delta to start playing.​

It’s important to note that while backing up and playing ROMs of games you own may be permissible in some jurisdictions, distributing or downloading ROMs of games you do not own is illegal and violates copyright laws.

Watch the following video to find out more and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.