How to Transfer Save Files Between Emulators
Switching from one emulator to another does not mean losing your progress. This guide explains how save file formats work across different emulators and how to convert them using PatchVault.
Why Save Files Sometimes Need Converting
Most emulators store save data as raw binary SRAM — the same data that would exist on the physical game cartridge. In theory, this means saves should be cross-compatible between emulators.
In practice, two things get in the way:
- File extensions. Emulators often look for a specific extension (.sav, .srm, .dsv) and will not recognize a file with the wrong one, even if the data is identical.
- Proprietary headers. Some emulators (notably DeSmuME) prepend metadata to the save file. Other emulators do not understand this header and will fail to load the save, or load corrupted data.
PatchVault handles both issues — it strips proprietary headers, adds headers when needed, and delivers the file with the correct extension for your target emulator.
How to Convert Your Save
Find your save file. On iOS, emulators typically store saves in the Files app under their app folder (Delta, RetroArch, etc.).
Go to the save converter for your specific conversion — for example, Delta to RetroArch.
Upload your save file. The conversion happens instantly in your browser.
Download the converted file and import it into your target emulator.
Common Conversion Scenarios
GBA saves: Delta ↔ RetroArch ↔ VisualBoyAdvance ↔ Folium
For Game Boy Advance games, Delta (.sav), RetroArch (.srm), VisualBoyAdvance (.sav), and Folium (.sav) all use the same underlying raw SRAM format. To move a save between these emulators, use PatchVault to prepare the file with the correct extension.
NDS saves: DeSmuME ↔ Delta / RetroArch
DeSmuME saves (.dsv) include a proprietary text header before the actual save data. PatchVault strips this header when converting to Delta or RetroArch, and re-adds it when converting back to DeSmuME.
SNES saves: RetroArch ↔ Delta
For most SNES games, RetroArch .srm files are raw SRAM and compatible with Delta. Some SNES games with RTC (real-time clock) chips may have extra bytes at the end of the .srm file — in most cases these are ignored by the destination emulator.
Emulator Save Format Reference
| Emulator | Extension | Systems | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | .sav | GBA, GBC, GB, SNES, NDS | Uses standard raw SRAM. Compatible with VBA and Folium saves for GBA/GBC. |
| RetroArch | .srm | All systems | For GBA/GBC/SNES, .srm is raw SRAM — compatible with Delta. May include extra RTC data. |
| VisualBoyAdvance | .sav | GBA, GBC, GB | Standard format. Directly compatible with Delta saves for the same game. |
| DeSmuME | .dsv | Nintendo DS | Proprietary format with a text header before the raw save data. Must be converted. |
| Folium | .sav | GBA, GBC, GB | Standard format. Compatible with Delta and VBA saves. |
| PPSSPP | savedata folder | PSP | Saves live in PSP/SAVEDATA/[GAMEID]/ as individual .bin or game-specific files. PSP is a different system — saves cannot be converted to/from GBA, DS, or SNES emulators. RetroArch (PPSSPP core) is the only compatible target. |
Tips for a Safe Transfer
- Always keep a backup of your original save file before converting. If something goes wrong, you can start over.
- Save in-game first. Make sure your game has written its latest save before exporting the file.
- Match the game, not just the system. Save files are tied to a specific game. You cannot transfer a Fire Emblem save into a Pokémon slot, for example.
- Check save slot compatibility. Some emulators use save states (snapshots of the entire game state) rather than cartridge saves (SRAM). Save states are not transferable between emulators.
Ready to convert? Open the Save Converter →
Pick your source emulator and choose your target — all conversions in one place.
Other Guides
How to Patch ROMs on iPhone & iPad →
Apply IPS, BPS, and UPS patches directly in Mobile Safari — no PC required.