Software files, specifically designed for use with an iOS-based emulator application, facilitate the execution of retro video games on Apple mobile devices. These files contain the game data extracted from original game cartridges or discs. As an illustration, one might utilize such files to play classic titles from consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System or Game Boy Advance on an iPhone.
Their significance lies in providing a means to experience vintage gaming on modern hardware, preserving gaming history, and offering accessibility to titles no longer commercially available. Furthermore, this functionality extends the capabilities of devices beyond their intended purpose, transforming them into portable retro gaming platforms. The emergence of this practice reflects the growing interest in retro gaming and the adaptability of modern technology.