Soolra is launching an iOS emulator app and retro controller case that converts your iPhone into a gaming handheld.
It will play emulator games from the good old 8-bit days. Soolra said supports legally licensed, free games, and users can upload ROMs they have purchased or legally obtained. All games provided on the app are legally licensed, and Soolra said it adheres to copyright laws to protect both the creators and users of its platform.
Retro gaming fans face two challenges when it comes to playing their favorite 8-bit games — they either have to buy an emulator device that only grants access to titles from one console or the emulator on their phone uses the touchscreen to control actions, which doesn’t allow for tactile feedback.
Sagi Yatom’s passion for playing retro video games drove him to address those challenges. That’s why he developed Soolra: a new iPhone case that converts into a portable video game console.

There’s a lot of innovation these days in pocket gaming, like ModRetro’s Chromatic, that brings back retro gaming and gamers’ love for the good old days.
Soolra’s controller case looks and feels like any other phone case; however, users can simply slide the bottom half off and flip it to the front to instantly transform their iPhone into a handheld gaming device. With its comfortable, ergonomic design that wraps securely around iPhones, the setup is effortless: flip, snap and play.
New gaming company Soolra is launching a high-performance iOS emulator app that turns your iPhone into a full retro gaming console. Paired with a Bluetooth-enabled case featuring a D-pad, action buttons and arrows, it delivers the tactile feel of classic gameplay. The case also works as a Bluetooth controller for Xbox, PlayStation and PC, offering flexibility for retro and modern gamers alike.
Soolra’s emulator delivers a seamless gaming experience for a wide variety of titles — from modern, fast-paced action and story-driven adventures to retro classics. Gaming enthusiasts can download their favorite games, add the code to the Soolra emulator and access classics like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon.
Modern gamers can use Bluetooth connectivity to pair with an Xbox or PlayStation, turning it into a controller to play today’s popular titles like FIFA, Fortnite and NBA 2K25. Whether revisiting old favorites or discovering new ones, Soolra makes gaming more fun, captivating and responsive.
“Mobile gaming has been held back by touchscreens for too long,” Yatom said in a statement. “We wanted to reimagine what is possible for retro gaming by putting physical buttons back in players’ hands with an iPhone case that transforms into a controller. Now, with real, responsive controls, gamers can enjoy a more engaging experience that gives the feel of nostalgic devices.”
Because Soolra is an iPhone case, it’s not clunky like other emulators. Distinctive features include A/B/X/Y action buttons; 8-directional pad for precise movement; start and select menu buttons; a custom-built app that serves as a high-performance emulator for various retro gaming platforms; and Bluetooth connectivity for improved sound quality and TV casting options.

Soolra is also driving advancement for the game developer community. Its open platform invites developers to integrate and optimize their games for the Soolra ecosystem. Experienced coders and aspiring game developers are encouraged to explore the full range of capabilities offered by Soolra and to contribute to the evolution of retro gaming.
Future updates will include support for modding, cheat code integration and customization, providing even more flexibility for gamers and developers alike. With its blend of nostalgia, modern tech and portability, Soolra is poised to become a go-to accessory for retro fans to casual players and everyone in between.
The case is available on the Soolra website for $80. It is compatible with iPhones 13 through 15 and Pro models 13 through 16, offering high-resolution graphics and up to 100 hours of battery life. Soolra offers a range of colors for the case, including blue, pink, grey and black.
Soolra said retro gaming fans face two challenges when it comes to playing their favorite 8-bit games — they either have to buy an emulator device that only grants access to titles from one console, or the emulator on their phone uses the touchscreen to control actions, which doesn’t allow for tactile feedback.
Yatom’s passion for playing retro video games drove him to address those challenges. That’s why he developed Soolra: a new iPhone case that converts into a portable video game console. The founders include Yatom and Tal Melenboim.