Delta Online Multiplayer: How It Works

Delta online multiplayer lets you play retro Game Boy and other classic console games with other people over the internet, not just on the same device. You set up a connection between two emulator instances, and both players see the same game state in real time. This article explains the different ways to do it, what you need, and the common problems you will run into.

Formula

The calculator works out your average pace and speed from a finish time and distance. The formulas are:

• Pace (min/km) = Finish time (min) / Distance (km)
• Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) / (Finish time (min) / 60)

Variables: t is the finish time in minutes, d is the distance in kilometers. Pace is the number of minutes it takes you to cover one kilometer; speed is how many kilometers you cover in one hour.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: t = 50 minutes, d = 10 km.

• Pace = 50 / 10 = 5.00 min/km
• Speed = 10 / (50 / 60) = 10 / 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows 5.00 min/km and 12.00 km/h, matching the steps above.

What Delta Emulator Is

Delta is an emulator app for iOS and iPadOS that runs games from the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64. It is popular because it runs well on iPhones and iPads, supports controller input, and has a clean interface. The app itself is free and does not include games; you must provide your own ROM files, which you should only obtain from games you legally own.

How Online Multiplayer Works in Delta

Delta does not have a built-in matchmaking server like modern online games. Instead, it uses a peer-to-peer connection. One player acts as the host and creates a session; the other player joins using a code or a direct link. The two devices communicate over the internet, and each sends its button inputs to the other. The emulator runs the same game on both devices, and because both receive the same inputs, the game state stays in sync.

There are two main ways to set this up:

• Local network (same Wi‑Fi): Both devices are on the same network, and Delta automatically discovers the host. This is the simplest method and has the lowest lag.
• Online (different networks): One player creates a room and gets a short code. The other player enters that code in Delta’s multiplayer menu. The connection goes through a relay server, so it works even if both players are behind different routers.

What Games Support It

Not every game works with link‑cable multiplayer. The original games that used the Game Boy link cable are the ones that support it in Delta. Common examples include Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow, Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal, Tetris, and Mario Kart: Super Circuit. Games that never had a link mode, like most single‑player adventures, will not work.

Also, the emulator must support the console’s link protocol. Delta supports link emulation for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance. NES and SNES games do not have a link cable equivalent, so they do not have online multiplayer in Delta.

How to Set Up a Match

The exact steps vary slightly by iOS version, but the general flow is:

1. Open Delta and load the game you want to play.
2. Go to the menu and select Multiplayer.
3. Choose Host if you want to start the session. Delta will show a code or a link.
4. The other player selects Join and enters the code or taps the link.
5. Once connected, both players start the game from the same point. Usually the host starts the game, and the guest sees the same screen.

If you are on the same Wi‑Fi, you can also use the local discovery option, which avoids entering codes.

Common Problems and Fixes

Online multiplayer in Delta is not always smooth. Here are the most common issues and what to do:

• Connection drops: This happens often on unstable Wi‑Fi. Try moving closer to the router, or use a device with a wired connection if possible.
• Lag or desync: Because the emulator sends every button press, a slow connection causes delays. Both players should close other apps that use the internet. A 5 GHz Wi‑Fi network is better than 2.4 GHz.
• Game freezes on the guest screen: Sometimes the guest sees a black screen or a frozen frame. This usually means the host’s game is paused or the connection timed out. Re‑create the session.
• Code not working: Codes expire quickly, often within a minute. The host should re‑generate a new code and the guest should enter it immediately.
• Different game versions: Both players must have the same ROM file (same region and version). If one has Pokémon Red and the other has Pokémon Blue, trading works, but if one has a hack or a different language, it will fail.

Is It Safe and Legal?

Using Delta itself is legal, but downloading ROMs of games you do not own is copyright infringement in most countries. To stay safe, only use ROMs dumped from your own cartridges. Also, be careful when joining a session with strangers: the host can see your IP address in some setups, so it is best to play only with people you trust. Delta does not have voice chat or messaging, so you cannot be harassed in‑game, but the connection itself is not encrypted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Delta support online multiplayer for all consoles?

No. Only Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games that originally had a link cable mode work. NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 games do not have link emulation in Delta.

Do both players need the same ROM file?

Yes. The ROM must be identical, including the region. If one player has a European version and the other has a US version, the game may still run, but trading or battling can fail because the games treat each other as incompatible.

Why does the connection keep dropping?

The most common cause is a weak Wi‑Fi signal or high latency between the two players. Try using a wired connection on a computer, or move closer to the router. Also, close any apps that upload or download in the background.

Can I play with someone on Android?

No. Delta is only for iOS and iPadOS. Android users have other emulators, but they are not compatible with Delta’s multiplayer protocol. You both need to be on Delta.

Is there a limit to how many players can join?

Delta’s multiplayer is designed for two players. Some games support four players with a link cable, but Delta currently only handles two connections at a time.

Does the host need a fast internet connection?

Yes, the host uploads the game state and receives the guest’s inputs. A typical upload speed of 1 Mbps is enough, but latency matters more than speed. A ping under 50 ms is ideal.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2