# Welcome

**The premier multi-system emulator for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS.**

Play games from 38+ classic systems with beautiful library management, native Apple TV support, and museum-quality presentation. Available now on the **App Store**.

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{% hint style="success" %}
**New to emulation?** Not sure what any of this is? → [**What is an Emulator?**](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/what-is-an-emulator) — a friendly explainer for everyone, including what you can play and why you'd want to.
{% endhint %}

## 🚀 New Here? Start Here

### Get Provenance

**Recommended:** [Download from the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/provenance-app/id1596862805) (easiest, automatic updates)

**Alternative methods:** [Sideloading](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced/sideloading) or [Building from source](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced/building-from-source) (advanced users)

### First Time Setup

1. **Install** from App Store
2. **Add games** - See [Importing ROMs](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/importing-roms)
3. **Start playing!**

Need help? Check the [FAQ](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/faqs) or visit our [Discord](https://discord.gg/provenance).

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## ✨ What Makes Provenance Special

### 📺 Premier Apple TV Emulator

The **only** emulator built natively for tvOS. Play retro games on your big screen with proper controller support, TopShelf integration, and optimized performance.

### 🎨 Museum-Quality Library

Automatic artwork, manuals, and game information. Your collection looks beautiful.

### 🎮 38+ Systems Supported

From Atari 2600 to Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation to Sega Saturn. [See all systems →](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/platforms-and-performance/supported-systems)

### 🔓 100% Open Source

Fully transparent, no tracking, community-driven. Free forever when sideloaded or built from source.

### ☁️ iCloud Sync

Seamlessly sync your library, saves, and settings across all your devices (Provenance Plus).

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## 📖 Quick Navigation

### Getting Started

* [Getting Started Guide](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/getting-started) - Install, import, and play in under 10 minutes
* [Installing Provenance](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/installing-provenance) - App Store, sideloading, building
* [BIOS Requirements](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/bios-requirements) - Required files for certain systems
* [Importing ROMs](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/importing-roms) - Add games to your library
* [FAQ](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/faqs) - Common questions answered

### Using Provenance

* [Supported Systems](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/platforms-and-performance/supported-systems) - Full compatibility list
* [In-Game Menu](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/in-game-menu) - Pause menu features and shortcuts
* [Controllers & Controls](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/controllers-and-controls) - Supported controllers and setup
* [Skins Guide](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/skins-guide) - Custom controller overlays
* [Game Saves](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/saves) - Save states and battery saves
* [Quick Continue](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/quick-continue) - Core picker and save previews
* [Screen Filters & Shaders](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/shaders-and-filters) - CRT, LCD, VHS effects
* [Cheats](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/cheats) - Game Genie, Action Replay, GameShark
* [Fast Forward](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/fast-forward) - Speed up gameplay
* [Multiplayer](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/multiplayer) - Local and online play
* [RetroAchievements](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/retroachievements) - Earn achievements in retro games

### Platforms

* [Performance Optimization](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/platforms-and-performance/performance-optimization) - Get the best experience
* [Apple TV / tvOS Guide](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/platforms-and-performance/tvos-guide) - Big-screen gaming
* [iPad Features](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/platforms-and-performance/ipad-features) - CRT bezel skins and keyboard support
* [Provenance Plus](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/platforms-and-performance/provenance-plus) - iCloud sync and premium features

### Advanced

* [System-Specific Guides](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/platforms-and-performance/system-guides) - N64, 3DS, GameCube/Wii deep dives
* [Building from Source](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced/building-from-source) - For developers
* [Contributing](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/help-and-community/contribute) - Help improve Provenance
* [Troubleshooting](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/help-and-community/troubleshooting) - Fix common issues

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## 🆕 What's New

### Recent Features

* 🎨 **Skins** — Custom controller overlays from DeltaStyles.com (free for all users)
* 🎬 **Metal Shader Filters** — 7 built-in filters: Simple CRT, Complex CRT, Mega Tron, ulTron, LCD, Game Boy, VHS
* 🏆 **RetroAchievements** — Earn achievements in retro games
* ⏩ **Fast Forward** — Speed up gameplay with a pause menu toggle or controller shortcut
* 🎮 **Multiplayer** — Local multiplayer with up to 4 controllers
* 🧩 **Cheats** — Game Genie, GameShark, Action Replay across 12+ native cores
* 🔄 **Quick Continue** — Save state previews and core picker on game launch

[See full changelog →](https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/releases)

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## 🌟 Provenance Plus

**Optional Provenance Plus upgrade** – $3.99/month, $39.99/year, or a $99.99 one-time lifetime purchase to support development and unlock premium features:

* ☁️ **iCloud Sync** - Seamless library and save sync across devices
* 🧪 **Beta Access** - Test new features early via TestFlight
* 🎯 **Priority Support** - Get help faster
* ❤️ **Support Development** - Keep Provenance improving

**Note:** Provenance is **free forever** when sideloaded or built from source. Plus features support ongoing development.

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## 💬 Community

* **Discord:** [discord.gg/provenance](https://discord.gg/provenance)
* **GitHub:** [github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance](https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance)
* **Issues:** [Report bugs](https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/issues)
* **Reddit:** [r/Provenance](https://www.reddit.com/r/Provenance/)

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## 📚 Documentation Structure

This wiki is organized into sections:

* **Installation & Usage** - Getting Provenance installed and adding games
* **Info** - System compatibility, controllers, technical details
* **Help** - FAQ, troubleshooting, contributing
* **Development** - Building from source, contributing code

Use the sidebar navigation to explore, or search for specific topics.

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**Last updated:** March 2026 **Provenance version:** Latest (App Store) **Wiki maintained by:** Provenance community

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**🌐 Main website:** [provenance-emu.com](https://provenance-emu.com) — Download the best free iOS game emulator for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.