For years, fans of the fantasy console PICO-8 have been asking the same question: Is there a proper way to enjoy Pico-8 for iOS? Not a clunky browser tab, not a remote desktop trick, but a real mobile experience that feels fast, responsive, and natural on a touchscreen.
- Why Pico-8 for iOS Needed a Native Solution
- Instant Save States Built for Mobile Play
- Touch Controls That Don’t Get in the Way
- Organizing and Discovering Games
- How to Download and Install Pico-8 for iOS (Sideloading Guide)
- What You’ll Need
- Recommended Method: Auto-Update via AltStore or SideStore
- Manual IPA Installation (Alternative)
- Getting Games Into Pocket8
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Pico-8 for iOS?
- Is Pico-8 officially available on the App Store?
- Do I need to own PICO-8 to use Pocket8?
- Is sideloading safe on iOS?
- What file format does Pico-8 for iOS support?
- Can I play Pico-8 games offline on iOS?
That gap is finally being filled by Pocket8, a native companion app designed specifically to bring Pico-8 for iOS to life—without compromising what makes PICO-8 special in the first place.
Why Pico-8 for iOS Needed a Native Solution
PICO-8 games are small, precise, and often demanding when it comes to controls. Many rely on tight movement, exact timing, and pixel-perfect input. Traditional mobile solutions struggle with this because they treat PICO-8 as web content rather than a console.
Pocket8 takes a different approach. Instead of wrapping a browser, it runs the official PICO-8 engine as a WebAssembly module, optimized for iOS hardware. This means Pico-8 for iOS finally feels like it belongs on the platform—fast startup times, smooth gameplay, and accurate behavior across games.
Instant Save States Built for Mobile Play
One of the most practical features of Pico-8 for iOS in Pocket8 is instant save and load states. Mobile gaming often happens in short sessions, and Pocket8 is designed around that reality.
At any moment, you can pause a game, save its exact state, and resume later without losing progress. This works by capturing the console’s full memory state, compressing it efficiently, and restoring it instantly. The result is seamless stop-and-go gameplay that fits perfectly into everyday phone use.
Touch Controls That Don’t Get in the Way
Touch controls are often the weakest part of mobile emulation, but Pocket8 treats them as a priority rather than a fallback. The app includes custom-designed, retro-inspired controls with optional haptic feedback, supporting both portrait and landscape orientations.
The D-pad logic has been carefully tuned to support true 8-way input, making platformers and precision-heavy games feel playable rather than frustrating. For players who prefer a different feel, a virtual joystick option is also available. Every control choice is meant to support Pico-8 for iOS without breaking immersion.
Organizing and Discovering Games
Pocket8 also improves how you manage and discover games. When you import standard .p8.png cartridges, the app automatically extracts labels and metadata, organizing them into a clean visual library. You can favorite games, rename them, and quickly return to recently played titles.
Discovery is built in as well. Pocket8 includes a native explorer for the Lexaloffle BBS, allowing you to browse featured and newly released games directly from your phone. When you find something interesting, you can download it straight into your library and play offline.
How to Download and Install Pico-8 for iOS (Sideloading Guide)
Because Pocket8 is still in development, Pico-8 for iOS is currently installed via sideloading. While this may sound complicated, the process is straightforward and well-supported.
What You’ll Need
- An iPhone or iPad
- An Apple ID
- One of the following tools:
AltStore
SideStore
Sideloadly
Recommended Method: Auto-Update via AltStore or SideStore
This is the easiest way to keep Pocket8 updated without reinstalling it manually.
Step 1: Install AltStore or SideStore
Install AltStore or SideStore on your iOS device using their official setup instructions.
Step 2: Add the Pocket8 Source
Open AltStore or SideStore and navigate to:
Sources → Add Source
Copy and paste the official source URL:
Step 3: Install Pocket8
Once added, Pocket8 will appear in the app list. Tap install, sign in with your Apple ID if prompted, and wait for the app to sideload.
Step 4: Enable Developer Mode
On your iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode
- Enable it and restart your device when prompted
Pocket8 will now launch normally and receive automatic updates.
Manual IPA Installation (Alternative)
If you prefer manual control:
- Download the latest
Pocket8.ipafile from the GitHub releases page - Open AltStore, SideStore, or Sideloadly
- Select the IPA file and sideload it to your device
- Enable Developer Mode if it isn’t already active
- Download the latest
This method works well but requires reinstalling for future updates.
Getting Games Into Pocket8
To play Pico-8 for iOS games, you’ll need standard .p8.png cartridge images.
- Find a game on the Lexaloffle BBS or sites like itch.io
- Save the cartridge image (not a ZIP or EXE file)
- Open Pocket8, tap the + icon, and import the image
An upcoming feature aims to let you launch games directly from the BBS into Pocket8 with a single tap.
Final Thoughts
Pico-8 for iOS has finally reached a point where it feels complete. With native performance, instant save states, refined touch controls, and a clear sideloading path, Pocket8 delivers an experience that respects both mobile users and the original console.
If you enjoy creative indie games and want a reliable way to play Pico-8 for iOS on your phone, Pocket8 is currently the best solution available—and it’s only getting better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Pico-8 for iOS?
Pico-8 for iOS refers to playing PICO-8 games on iPhone or iPad using a native companion app like Pocket8, designed specifically for mobile performance and touch controls.
Is Pico-8 officially available on the App Store?
No. Pico-8 for iOS is not yet on the App Store. It is currently installed using sideloading tools such as AltStore or SideStore.
Do I need to own PICO-8 to use Pocket8?
Yes. Pocket8 uses the official PICO-8 engine, which requires a valid PICO-8 license to run legally.
Is sideloading safe on iOS?
Yes, sideloading is safe when using trusted tools like AltStore or SideStore and installing apps from verified sources.
What file format does Pico-8 for iOS support?
Pocket8 supports standard .p8.png cartridge image files, which are the most common PICO-8 game format.
Can I play Pico-8 games offline on iOS?
Yes. Once a cartridge is downloaded and imported, Pico-8 for iOS works fully offline.
