Atari Jaguar emulation has officially arrived on iPhone with the release of BigPEmu, a highly regarded emulator developed by Rich Whitehouse. The app is now available on the App Store for $9.99, marking a significant milestone for retro gaming enthusiasts and Jaguar fans. BigPEmu is celebrated for its accuracy and unique features, making it one of the most advanced emulators for the Atari Jaguar, a console that has historically been challenging to emulate due to its complex architecture.
BigPEmu version 1.16 is out now, and the iOS port is live on the App Store! Links in reply. This version boasts an incredible number of improvements to the emulation core along with more than a few new features! pic.twitter.com/G0GTQBzWQo
— Rich Whitehouse (@DickWhitehouse) November 21, 2024
BigPEmu offers full compatibility with the Jaguar’s library, including support for peripherals like the Jaguar CD and even experimental hardware such as the unreleased Jaguar VR headset. The iOS version includes a new touchscreen interface optimized for multi-touch devices, ensuring a smooth experience for mobile users. Additionally, it retains features from its PC counterpart, such as customizable filters, native-resolution rendering, and achievements. The emulator is designed to be user-friendly, requiring no complicated installation processes—just download and play.
Rich Whitehouse has emphasized the effort and resources invested in bringing BigPEmu to iOS, including personal financial contributions to ensure its quality. He has encouraged fans to support the app by spreading the word and purchasing it early to help sustain its development.
This release comes at a time when Apple has relaxed its policies on emulators, leading to a surge in retro gaming apps on iOS. BigPEmu joins other notable emulators like Delta and Saturn emulators in bringing classic gaming experiences to mobile platforms. For fans of the Atari Jaguar—despite its commercial struggles during its 1993-1996 lifespan—this marks an exciting opportunity to revisit games like Tempest 2000 and Alien vs. Predator in a portable format.
