Playing Pokémon 3DS ROM Hacks on iPad – is there ANY working emulator?
Hey everyone,
I’ve been trying for days to get a Pokémon 3DS ROM hack running on my iPad, but I just can’t get it to work 😅
I’ve already tested the following emulators:
- Manic EMU
- PPSSPP / PP Emu
- RePlay
- Folium
- RetroArch
-
Problems I’m running into:
- Either the .3ds file isn’t recognized at all
- or the emulator won’t install properly (AltStore / TrollStore issues)
- or the game starts but crashes
Example:
On Manic EMU, I was able to start Pokémon Sinister Sun, but saving is impossible because the game crashes every time – even with in-game saving.
Additional issue:
I also can’t get Citra (3DS emulator) installed on my iPad.
I tried extracting it via ZIP apps and installing it, but no success.
What I’m looking for:
- a working 3DS emulator on iPad (iOS)
- full 3D graphics (not DS)
- cheat support
- fast forward would be nice
- preferably free
Specifically, I want to play:
- Pokémon Sinister Sun
- Pokémon Rising Sun
- Pokémon Ultra Moon (or any ROM hack based on Sun/Moon)
Questions:
Is there ANY stable 3DS emulator for iOS right now?
Are there specific settings I need to tweak (e.g. in Manic or PP EMU)?
Do I need specific ROM formats (like decrypted, etc.)?
Has anyone managed to run ROM hacks like Sinister Sun / Rising Sun stable?
Extra info:
I’m based in Europe and using iOS 18.7.7.
I also already installed Scarlet and tried to install TrollStore through it, but that didn’t work either – I assume because my iOS version is too new.
Also, I honestly have zero experience with iPad sideloading, installs, or settings.
If anyone here plays on iPad or knows how this works, I’d really appreciate any help 🙏
If there are already Reddit threads or guides about this, feel free to link them – I’m not an active Reddit user and usually only come here when I need help.
I’ve tried pretty much everything (AltStore, TrollStore, etc.), but either installation or performance completely kills it.
Thanks in advance 🙏