If you've been reading Retro Dodo for a while, you know we're big fans of Android emulation, so when iiSU revealed their new presentation trailer a couple of days ago, I was incredibly excited.
Android emulation is taking off, especially with the recent release of the AYN Thor, a dual-screen Android device and the KONKR Pocket Fit, which is one of the best Android gaming handhelds on the market.
With this rise in popularity has come a demand for great custom front-ends, something manufacturers launch with but often don't provide that "wow factor" that we all want. So, a talented developer by the name of iShade has revealed one of the most beautiful custom front-ends for Android emulators I have ever seen.
It has taken design inspiration from the PSP and Nintendo 3DS to create a front end that looks modern, can organise all of your ROMs and comes with an array of awesome features such as RetroAchievements, friends lists, text chat, user customisations and more.
This is one of the biggest things to happen to emulation, and I believe it's going to bring even more people to the Android emulation niche.
iShade wants iiSU to level up your retro gaming experience, with the introduction of visually pleasing artwork and custom dashboards to make it feel like your library.
There will also be the addition of RetroAchievements, which will allow you to unlock achievements in retro games which can be viewed, tracked and managed via the dashboard and in-game.
There's also media browsing, allowing you to listen to and organise your music using both .mp3 and .wav files in a way just like you can organise your game library.
iiSU also "prioritises social connectivity" by adding unique features that let you connect with your friends list through chats, sharing pictures, updating your text status, joining communities and sharing your RetroAchievements.
You can even send instant messages that pop up as an overlay on their screen. With the press of a button, they can send a message back using the overlay system that pauses the gameplay behind.
If you're hosting a netplay server, you can also invite friends via iiSU to join, just like you did back in the day on the Xbox 360 or PS2.
iiSU will also come with a shop, where you can download community themes, art, audio, pixel pins, purchase indie games and more, encouraging even more customisations and social connectivity. With ranges of verification required to be able to sell items or download Pokémon ROM hacks for free, for example.
It also comes with a dual-screen mode, which looks stunning on the AYN Thor.
iiSU's base experience will be free, but there will also be a premium version for a one-off payment of $4.99 that unlocks some goodies and customisations.
It's aimed to be released between Q2 - Q4 2026. It's going to take Android emulation to the next level and I for one, cannot wait to see this release next year.
