Eclipse: The Best GBA Emulator for iOS!

Introduction

Eclipse is a powerful web-based emulator that lets you play classic games directly in your browser—no downloads or installs required. Whether you’re on iOS, Android, or desktop, Eclipse works seamlessly without worrying about app revokes or sideloading. Best of all, it supports offline play once your games are loaded!

Supported Systems

Eclipse currently supports the following consoles:

• Game Boy (GB)
• Game Boy Color (GBC)
• Game Boy Advance (GBA)
• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
• Super Nintendo (SNES)
• Sega Master System
• Sega Game Gear

More systems are planned for future updates!

Getting Started

Setting up Eclipse is incredibly simple since it runs entirely in your browser.

Step 1: Open Eclipse

Visit eclipseemu.me in any modern web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge). On iOS, we recommend using Safari for the best experience.

Step 2: Add to Home Screen

For the best app-like experience on iOS/iPadOS:

1. Tap the Share button in Safari
2. Select “Add to Home Screen”
3. Name it “Eclipse” and tap Add

This gives you a dedicated icon and fullscreen gameplay without browser UI!

Adding Games to Your Library

Eclipse offers multiple ways to load your games:

Cloud Storage (Google Drive / Dropbox)

Connect your cloud storage account to sync your ROM collection. This is the easiest way to access your games across all your devices.

1. Tap the + button in your Library
2. Select Google Drive or Dropbox
3. Sign in and authorize Eclipse
4. Browse and select your ROM files

Local Files

You can also load ROMs directly from your device:

1. Tap the + button in your Library
2. Select Local Files
3. Choose your ROM file from your device storage

Note: Games loaded from local files won’t be saved to your Library, but your save data will still be preserved.

Homebrew Games

Eclipse includes a curated selection of free homebrew games you can play instantly—no ROMs needed!

Controls & Input Methods

Eclipse supports three main input methods:

Touch Controls

On mobile devices, on-screen touch controls appear automatically. The D-pad and buttons are positioned for comfortable thumb access.

Keyboard

On desktop or with a connected keyboard, use the default bindings or customize them in Settings.

Game Controllers

Eclipse supports Bluetooth and USB controllers via the JavaScript Gamepad API. Simply connect your controller and it should be recognized automatically. Popular controllers like Xbox, PlayStation, and 8BitDo controllers work great!

Customizing Controls

Don’t like the default button layout? Head to Settings → Controls to remap any button to your preference.

Managing Save Files

Eclipse automatically saves your progress using browser storage. You can also:

• Export saves to back them up locally
• Import saves from other emulators
• Manage save states for quick save/load functionality

Your save data persists even for games loaded from local files!

Playing Offline

Eclipse works offline once loaded! For the best offline experience:

1. Add Eclipse to your Home Screen
2. Load games from local files instead of cloud storage
3. Your games and saves will be available even without internet

Pro Tips

• Fullscreen Mode: Tap the fullscreen button during gameplay for an immersive experience
• Fast Forward: Speed up gameplay for grinding or slow sections
• Portrait/Landscape: Eclipse adapts to your device orientation automatically
• No Revokes: Since Eclipse is web-based, you’ll never lose access due to certificate revokes like sideloaded apps