Emulation General Wiki - User contributions [en]

User:MysticChromium

2026-09-08T16:28:16Z

MysticChromium: Create about page for myself

Just someone who does stuff here and there I guess, primarily use the RetroArch side of things for emulation when I can

When I make an edit, it's usually just updating a version number or something minor like that, though I occasionally make a larger edit

Android emulators

2026-09-08T16:24:39Z

MysticChromium: Android Studio is available on macOS

{{Infobox OS/Android}}

: ''This page is about software that emulates Android on other hardware, like desktops.''

{{for|emulators that run on Android|Emulators on Android}}

'''[[wikipedia:Android (operating system)|Android]]''' is a mobile operating system developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. It was originally developed in secret before launching in 2008 as a competitor against Apple's [[IOS emulators|iPhone]]. While other mobile operating systems have been made throughout the years, none have emerged in terms of market share nearly as much as Android.

Android is like a Linux distribution in that it uses the Linux kernel to facilitate communication with the hardware and manage processes on the system. Unfortunately, the similarities end there, as Android uses an entirely different toolset from standard Linux distributions and no support is given for running it on PCs. (Software development on Android is also nothing like Linux development as apps are compiled into architecture-specific <code>APK</code>s via Java which, like IPA files on [[IOS emulators|iOS]], are specially designed Zip files. They may be occasionally coupled with <code>OBB</code> files, see [[Copy_protection#Bypassing_Copy_Protection]] section for information about APK+DATA and copy protection situation on Android). While Android can technically run Linux binaries, doing so requires superuser privileges that Android does not provide by default. For many devices, you can expect to see a custom ROM that has an integrated su binary (or a means to install it easily, such as a custom recovery), but not all devices have one.

However, the Linux kernel is flexible enough that it can be emulated well, unlike iOS, older cell phone models, and older Japanese Galapagos mobile phones. While Android natively supports mice,<ref group="note">If you have an Android device, you can confirm this by connecting a Bluetooth or USB mouse via a USB adapter.</ref> most apps expect users to have a touchscreen, so Android emulators will usually default to emulating touchscreen presses like [[Nintendo DS emulators|DS emulation]] (though it can be less than ideal in many cases). The host's keyboard may often emulate the button controller add-ons, and some emulators support [[Xbox 360 emulators|Xbox 360]] controllers with some more tweaks.

To run Android apps on your computer, most of the Android emulators employ a two-step approach. First, they set up a virtual environment using [[Hypervisors|hypervisor]] (and of course support for [[wikipedia:X86_virtualization#Hardware-assisted_virtualization|hardware assisting virtualization]] such as vt-x/amd-v and virtual gpu adapter such as [https://docs.mesa3d.org/drivers/virgl.html VirGL]). Then, they use [[Recommended linux distros#Emulation focused|custom Android-x86 images]] and translation layer such as "[[Compatibility layer|libhoudini or libndk or Intel BT]]" to convert instructions from ARM processors (used in phones) to work on your computer's x86 architecture. See [[#Hardware features]] supported ABI, API sections and [[#Enhancements]] built-in translation layer and VM columns for more information.

== Before diving in ==

;* [[Hypervisors|Hardware-assisted virtualization]] feature must be turned from your BIOS for most of these methods due to performance reasons.
;* You need to turn off Hyper-V from Windows Feature panel if [[Hypervisors|Type-2 hypervisor]] used by the emulator due to [[Hypervisors#Hyper-V feature conflict issue|conflict issue]]. Having said that some emulators like BlueStacks provide special Hyper-V build for prevent this issue. Recently, with [https://support.bluestacks.com/hc/en-us/articles/22561951043981-BlueStacks-5-20-Release-Notes#01HMGBJDK8G7J7S9C0G5R9SBVR BlueStacks 5 version 5.20, you can now run BlueStacks with Hyper-V enabled] including all instances such as Nougat 32-bit, which will run as intended and no additional changes required.
;* If you already have an Android device, we recommend using a mirroring application like "[https://github.com/Genymobile/scrcpy scrcpy]" instead of these "emulators".
;* If you've got an extra device lying around, you can use [[Recommended Linux distros#Android]] instead of these "emulators".

== Emulators ==
{| {{Emulator table}}
|+{{Emulator comparison introduction|[[Android emulators#Enhancements|enhancements]], [[Android emulators#Hardware features|hardware features]], and [[Android emulators#Android consoles|Android consoles]]. Also see [[PlayStation Mobile]].}}
!Name
!Platform(s)
!Active?
!Latest version
![[Licensing|License]]
!Compatibility
![[Recommended emulators|Recommended? (overall)]]
|-
! colspan="7" |PC
|-
|ARCVM
| align="left" |{{Icon|ChromeOS}}||{{Ya}}
|N/A||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{~}}
|-
|Android Studio
It's an IDE and it includes [https://developer.android.com/studio/intro/update#sdk-manager built-in Android Emulator]
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}||{{Ya}}
|[https://developer.android.com/studio/archive Beta and Canary builds]
[https://developer.android.com/studio/ 4.0]
|{{Red}} {{License|SA}}
|?||{{~}}
|-
|[[Genymotion]]
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}||{{Ya}}
|[https://www.genymotion.com/download/ {{GenymotionVer}}]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{~}}
|-
|[https://play.google.com/googleplaygames Google Play Games]
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{Ya}}
|[https://play.google.com/googleplaygames#section-system-requirements Beta]
[https://developer.android.com/games/playgames/emulator Developer]
|{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|[https://play.google.com/googleplaygames/exploregames Only for selected titles] (Beta build)
? (Developer build)
|{{~}}
|-
|[https://trinityemulator.github.io/ Trinity]
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{~}}
|[https://github.com/TrinityEmulator/TrinityEmulator/releases git]||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|?||{{~}}
|-
|[https://waydro.id/index.html Waydroid]
| align="left" |{{Icon|Linux|LinuxARM}}||{{Ya}}
|[https://waydro.id/#install git]
[https://github.com/casualsnek/waydroid_script Extras script]
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|?||{{~}}
|-
|[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/android/wsa/release-notes WSA]
This shouldn't be confused with WSL or WSL2.

See [[Hypervisor]] page for WSL2 and [[Compatibility layer]] page for WSL.
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows|WoA}}||{{~|link=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/android/wsa/}}
|Comes with Windows store
[https://github.com/cinit/WSAPatch WSA patch for Windows 10]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Emulator compatibility|368|558|link=https://github.com/riverar/wsa-app-compatibility#support-tables}}||{{~}}
|-
|[[Anbox]]
| align="left" |{{Icon|Linux|LinuxARM}}||{{Na}}
|[https://docs.anbox.io/userguide/install.html git]||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|Andy OS
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows|macOS}}||{{Ya}}
|[https://andyroid.net/ 0.47.226.1096.26]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}<ref name="Bloatware" group="note" />
|-
|ARC Welder
(Google Chrome)
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}||{{Na}}
|[https://developer.chrome.com/apps/getstarted_arc ARC 50.5021.602.0]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|ARChon
(Google Chrome)
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}||{{Na}}
|[https://archon-runtime.github.io/ ARC 41.4410.238.0]||{{Red}} {{License|SA}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|[[BlueStacks]]
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows|macOS}}||{{Ya}}
|[https://support.bluestacks.com/hc/en-us/sections/360012290292-Release-Notes {{BlueStacksVer}}]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|[https://support.bluestacks.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413818315789-Games-playable-on-different-Android-versions-on-BlueStacks-5 ?]||{{Na}}<ref name="Bloatware" group="note">These emulators are closed-source, and while they're distributed for free, their devs look for roundabout ways to monetize them. '''Since these emulators closed-source and comes with adware and bloatware applications, it's important to research the developers background before using them to ensure their trustworthiness and avoid potential privacy risks before using them'''. MuMu, LDPlayer, NoxPlayer and MEmu developed by the various Chinese software companies and BlueStacks App Player developed by American technology company called "[https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4928776 BlueStacks]". Despite data security regulations existing in various regions (e.g., [[Wikipedia:General_Data_Protection_Regulation|GDPR]] in the "EU", [[Wikipedia:California_Consumer_Privacy_Act|CCPA]] in "California", and [[Wikipedia:Cybersecurity_Law_of_the_People's_Republic_of_China|Cybersecurity Law]] in "PRC"), concerns regarding government surveillance remain significant. Therefore, we recommend exercising caution when relying on closed-source software developed within such jurisdictions. Make sure to check if there are pre-installed '''extra''' apps comes with these emulators and disable or uninstall them (e.g. BlueStacks X, BlueStacks Services etc.), monitor your internet traffic and processor activity to detect any abnormal activity and block domains accordingly if the need arises or use tools like '[https://github.com/henrypp/simplewall simplewall]'. Also avoid giving sensitive account data as much as is possible due to potential security reasons. Besides basic safety, these precautions often make impacted emulators run faster and more responsive when the adware services and apps are turned off.</ref>
|-
|Droid4X
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows|macOS}}||{{Na}}
|[https://droid4x.cc/ 0.10.7]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|KoPlayer
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{Na}}
|[https://koplayerpc.com/ 2.0.0]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|LDPlayer<ref group="note">LDShop and LDPlayer's cloud backend suffered a major data breach exposing user screens and payment sessions, while the bundled Sogou keyboard has been flagged for telemetry that logs plaintext keystrokes. ([https://x.com/nte_wl/status/2054627592054153273 see tweet)]</ref>
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{Ya}}
|[https://en.ldplayer.net/ 4.0.50.3]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}<ref name="Bloatware" group="note" />
|-
|MEmu
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{Ya}}
|[https://www.memuplay.com/ {{MEmuVer}}]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}<ref name="Bloatware" group="note" />
|-
|MuMu
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows|macOS|WoA}}||{{Ya}}
|[https://mumu.163.com/global/download/en/index.html 1.1.0.2]
[https://mumu.163.com 1.1.0.5 (v2.3.17) (Chinese Ver)]
|{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}<ref name="Bloatware" group="note" />
|-
|NoxPlayer
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows|macOS}}||{{Ya}}
|[https://www.bignox.com 7.0.2.7]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}<ref name="Bloatware" group="note" />
|-
|LeapDroid
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{Na}}
|[http://www.leapdroid.com/ 1.8.0]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|Peak App Player
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{Na}}
|[http://web.archive.org/web/20191120002207/http://www.peakplayer.net/index.php/en/peakplayeren/ 1.2.5 Beta 2]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|Shashlik
| align="left" |{{Icon|Linux}}||{{Na}}
|[http://www.shashlik.io/ 0.9.3]||{{Dunno}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|SmartGaGa
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{Na}}
|[http://web.archive.org/web/20190820044528/https://www.smartgaga.com/ 1.1.646]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|Windroy
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{Na}}
|[https://sourceforge.net/projects/windroy/ 4.0.3]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|Windroye
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{Na}}
|2.9.1||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|Xamarin Android Player
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows|macOS}}||{{Na}}
|[https://github.com/xamarin/release-notes-archive/blob/master/release-notes/android/android-player/index.md 0.6.5]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|XePlayer
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{Na}}
|[http://xeplayer.com/ 6.0.10]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|YouWave
| align="left" |{{Icon|Windows}}||{{Na}}
|[https://youwave.com/ 5.11]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|Lepton
| align="left" |{{Icon|Linux}}||{{TBD}}
|||{{TBD}}
|[https://steamdb.info/app/3043620/info/ ?]||{{TBD}}
|-
! colspan="7" |Mobile
|-
|Windows Bridge for Android
(Project Astoria)
| align="left" |{{Icon|Win10Phone}}||{{Na}}
|Discontinued ($)||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
! colspan="7" |Browser
|-
|ARC Welder
(Google Chrome)
| align="left" |{{Icon|Web}}||{{Na}}
|[https://developer.chrome.com/apps/getstarted_arc ARC 50.5021.602.0]||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|?||{{Na}}
|-
|ARChon
(Google Chrome)
| align="left" |{{Icon|Web}}||{{Na}}
|[https://archon-runtime.github.io/ ARC 41.4410.238.0]||{{Red}} {{License|SA}}
|?||{{Na}}
|}

== Compatibility layers ([[Compatibility layers|...]]) ==
{| {{Emulator table}}
!Name
!Platform(s)
!Active?
!Latest version
![[Licensing|License]]
!Compatibility
![[Recommended emulators|Recommended? (overall)]]
|-
! colspan="7" |PC
|-
|KMRE
| align="left" |{{Icon|Linux}}||{{Dunno}}
|[https://archive.ubuntukylin.com/ubuntukylin/pool/partner/kmre_2.4.6.8+22.04_amd64.deb 2.4.6.8]||{{Dunno}}
|?||{{Na}}
|}

== Comparisons ==

; Emulators
:; Genymotion
:: A closed-source Android emulator with lots of [[Android emulators#Hardware features|hardware features]], available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It's not designed for gaming, but [https://support.genymotion.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003059737-Can-I-play-games-with-Genymotion it has decent software compatibility]. It's a commercial product though, aimed at software developers and QA teams and you'll need to create an account and download the free non-commercial use license. Except for the pay-to-remove "free for personal use" watermark on the screen, paid builds add features only useful for Android app developers. Unlike other closed-source emulators, Genymotion avoids pre-installing unnecessary apps.

:; Google Play Games
:: Not to be confused with the [[Preservation projects#Private Platform Servers|service of the same name]], Google Play Games is a PC application that lets you browse, download, and play '''select mobile games''' on a Windows desktop or laptop. Use developer build if you want more [[Android emulators#Hardware features|hardware feature]] support. Google Play Games is not yet available for Mac. Currently, only bunch of games are available for beta version but Google adding games on a regular basis.<ref>[https://play.google.com/googleplaygames#section-faqs Google Play Games FAQ]</ref>

[[File:Android_Studio_built-in_emulator_device_skin_demonstration.jpeg|thumb|298x298px|Android Studio built-in emulator device skin demonstration, see [[#Enhancements]]]]

:; Trinity
:: Open source Android emulator, basically a repackaged Qemu Android x86 VM. It aims for high {{YouTubeVideoTime|tfq4MsxaHZw|855|performance}} and it's even faster than Google Play Games emulator. See [https://github.com/TrinityEmulator/TrinityEmulator#2-detailed-instructions Guest OS image installation guide] for installation. Also see [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfq4MsxaHZw OSDI '22 - Trinity: High-Performance Mobile Emulation through Graphics Projection] presentation for more information.

:; Android Studio
:: Android Studio is an IDE software based on JetBrains' IntelliJ IDEA. It has built-in Android emulator with [https://developer.android.com/studio/run/managing-avds AVD (Android Virtual Device) configuration manager]. While its built-in emulator (which is literally called as [https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator "Android Emulator"]) may not be the fastest or software compatible (supports lots of OS image though), Android Studio shines as a developer's toolkit, offering seamless integration with coding, debugging, and testing tools for Android smartphones, [[Smart TV emulators#Android TV.2FGoogle TV|Android TVs]], [https://developer.android.com/wear Wear OS] and other Android ecosystem hardware. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1TTzkToDyE Recent updates brings new UI] aims to reduce complexity, provide easier access to essential features etc. It has built-in plugin manager which you can get Genymotion plugin for further enhance its emulation capabilities. Also you can use [https://developer.android.com/games/playgames/pg-emulator#debug adb to debugging with developer version of "Google Play Games" emulator]. Supports lots of [[#Hardware features]] and [[#Enhancements]]. See release notes for [https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/emulator built-in "Android Emulator"] and [https://androidstudio.googleblog.com/ Android Studio] for more information.

:; Waydroid
:: Waydroid runs a full Android system inside a Linux container, giving Android apps direct access to the host kernel. It’s built for Wayland desktops (X11 support is unofficial) and avoids virtualization, unlike emulators. Because it runs Android’s native libraries rather than translating APIs, it provides near‑native performance and can expose host GPU, audio, and peripherals to Android apps.

::; Lepton
::: Valve’s fork of Waydroid created for the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset. It uses the same container‑based AOSP runtime but adds Steam integration, VR‑optimized rendering paths, and extra drivers to expose the headset’s sensors. Like Waydroid, it supports sideloading APKs and runs without traditional virtualization. Lepton is intended primarily for games targeting standalone headsets such as Meta Quest, and the Steam store will also add support for publishing APK files.

:; Anbox
:: Anbox is a project that aims to run Android applications on Ubuntu distributions. It is in alpha state and only known to work on Ubuntu 16.04. Anbox requires custom kernel modules to run because, unlike other emulators which emulate the whole Linux kernel, this one uses the host system's Linux kernel directly. Development has been succeeded by Waydroid.

:; BlueStacks
:: A commercial software with a decent compatibility and performance. It has lots of [[Android emulators#Enhancements|enhancement]] and [[Android emulators#Hardware features|hardware feature]] support. Newer versions bundled with "BlueStacks X" software and "BlueStacks services" which you can uninstall it afterwards, and you need to uninstall these during each update session unfortunately (BlueStacks Player do not need these apps). It includes Google Apps by default.

:; MuMu Player
:: Another closed-source Android emulator. There are three versions of MuMu available
::; MuMu Player 6
::: This version of MuMu uses Android 6.0 Marshmallow
::; MuMu Player 12
::: This one is based on Android 12 Snow Cone and may have more compatibility with games
::; MuMu Nebula
::: This version runs Android 7.0 Nougat and is more suitable for low-end computers

:; MEmu
:: Another closed-source Android emulator and also with good compatibility.

:; LDPlayer
:: Another closed-source Android emulator and also with good compatibility. When testing games alongside Nox, LDPlayer shows better performance/compatibility with games.

:; Droid4x
:: Has good compatibility but forcefully uninstalls VirtualBox, so it cannot co-exist with Genymotion and Xamarin. It's not recommended because it will install hidden background services (xunlei.exe, and Thunder.exe, both by the Chinese company which developed Droid4x) that seed Chinese torrents constantly and are a pain to uninstall or deactivate (in case you've already fallen for it, use Revo Uninstaller).

:; Windroy
:: (Without the 'e' suffix) is a fast Android emulator that does not rely on VirtualBox or any similar technology. Compatibility isn't good, though. While the Google Play store can be installed with some tinkering, not many games can be installed (due to not faking device names) and will spawn multiple harmless-yet-annoying app_process.exe crashes. The official site is down since July 2016.

:; Windroye
:: (With the 'e' suffix) uses VirtualBox, but still offers better performance than BlueStacks. The Play Store is installed by default and has no stability issues found in Windroy.

:; Shashlik
:: A project by KDE that aims to run Android applications on Linux using KDE5 and Qt5 technology. The project is in infancy state and only known to run on latest Kubuntu versions. It lacks ARM processor emulation, so not many games will run. It is, however, known to play [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SC6c_ih_Ac Flappy Bird] and can show [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju_R8ftiIp4 Spotify's login screen]. It uses a modified version of [[QEMU]] to emulate the Android operating system. The last major update was in March 2016 and seems to be abandoned.

:; Xamarin Android Player
:: A newcomer to the Android emulation market. Not much is known about this because it required a minimum $25/month subscription to main Xamarin products. The main Xamarin products were [https://blog.xamarin.com/xamarin-for-all made available for free] after the purchase by Microsoft, but Xamarin Android Player was discontinued, as its technology was later incorporated into Visual Studio for Android app development.

:; Project Astoria
:: A Microsoft-developed Android emulator for Windows 10 Mobile included in several insider previews. It could run [https://www.reddit.com/r/windowsphone/comments/3gaoct/android_apps_that_work_on_win10_right_now/ a few applications], though apps that required Google Play Services did not run or had issues. This project was reportedly [http://www.windowscentral.com/microsofts-project-astoria-delayed discontinued] in November 2015, and [http://www.winbeta.org/news/microsoft-confirms-the-death-of-project-astoria-focusing-on-other-bridges-instead its cancellation was confirmed] on February 2016, so the emulator is not included in more recent versions of Windows 10 Mobile.

; Android Linux distros
:; Andy OS
:: Not recommended because it will install a [https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/8rq4fm/reminder_that_andyroid_mines_cryptocurrency/ cryptocurrency miner] on your system without asking or informing the user. Just like Genymotion, Andy OS uses VirtualBox, but with a twist: if it detects an installed VirtualBox during installation, '''it will delete it''' and will refuse to work.

; Compatibility layers

:; KMRE
:: KMRE is a compatibility layer and The official solution to run Android applications on computers with Chinese homegrown Phytium/KunPeng ARM processors and NeoKylin Linux operating system, though later also available on x86-64 on [https://www.ubuntukylin.com/index-en.html Ubuntu Kylin]. KMRE is not designed with third-party applications outside its app store and in fact, force installing third-party apps breaks older versions of KMRE. It's an somewhat reasonable solution if you are restricted to working with these kinds of computers due to national security reasons.

:: See [[Android emulators#KMRE|KMRE section]] for more information.

== Enhancements ==
{| {{Basic table}}
|+Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.
! colspan="2" style="width:50%" |Name
!ARCVM
!Android Studio
!Genymotion
!Google Play Games
!Trinity
!Waydroid
!WSA
|-
| rowspan="1" |Controls
|[https://docs.retroachievements.org/general/tutorials/turbo-button.html Turbo button]||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
| rowspan="6" |Post-processing
|{{Enhancements/Post-processing/AI-powered filter compatible}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|{{Enhancements/Post-processing/Filters}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{~}} Android Studio emulator [https://developer.android.com/studio/run/managing-avds#skins supports lots of device frame and custom skin] (similarly to libretro overlay/bezels). You can get additional skins from various sources (e.g. [https://github.com/mingchen/android-emulator-skins mingchen's Android Emulator Skins], [https://sourceforge.net/projects/android-emulator-skins/files/ CREAL's AVD skins]), also you can use buttons on these device frames.||{{~}} Similarly to Android Studio, it has device skin capability for better immersion but it's exclusive to users with license registration.
| {{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
|[[High dynamic range#Inverse tone mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|[[wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering anti-aliasing]]
(FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}||{{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
|[[wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]]
(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}||{{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
|{{Enhancements/Post-processing/Shader chain}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}||{{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
| rowspan="13" |Quality of life
|Automatic updater||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|Big Picture Mode||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in on-screen control
Simulating touch input on display via keyboard or gamepad. This QoL enhancement is crucial for lots of touch input exclusive games.

Also you can use third-party apps such as [https://github.com/Shyri/TouchMapper TouchMapper] for this.
|{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno|link=https://old.reddit.com/r/WSA/comments/z62m2v/how_do_i_remap_key_to_screen_presses_for_gaming/}}
|-
|[[Compatibility layer|Built-in translation layer]]||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Na}} You need to manually install libhoudini translation layer on guest system for Genymotion. See [[compatibility layer]] for more info.
| {{Ya|link=https://developer.android.com/games/playgames/start#playbility-architecture}}
| {{Ya}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Hypervisors|Built-in, self-contained or integrated virtualization engine]]
Emulators that employ a self-contained hypervisor are a distinct class of virtualization solutions that integrate their own layer directly into the application package similarly to [[Computer specifications#Recommended Specifications|static linking]]. Unlike emulators that rely on third-party or host operating system (OS) features (Microsoft Hyper-V/WHPX, KVM or Intel's HAXM), these solutions are designed to be functionally independent of the host OS's virtualization stack. On Windows, this is typically achieved for Android emulation by installing a proprietary, kernel-level driver that acts as a hypervisor to manage the virtual machine, bypassing the need for pre-existing host OS'es virtualization stack/feature. This shouldn't be confused with hardware-assisted virtualization (VT-x/AMD-V).
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}} Android Studio has Android emulator, which is [https://developer.android.com/studio/intro/update#recommended QEMU]-based device-emulation tool. Supports [https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator-acceleration#vm-windows-aehd AEHD] driver (although its deprecated?), OR [https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator-acceleration#choose-windows-hypervisor WHPX for Windows] and [https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator-acceleration#vm-linux KVM for Linux] for hardware acceleration.||{{Na}} It has built-in QEMU version which asks for Hyper-V ([https://docs.genymotion.com/desktop/Get_started/011_Windows_install/#hypervisor on Windows]) (it's currently in beta), otherwise you need to use "with VirtualBox" builds.
| {{Na}} ''Hyper-V-dependent''
| {{Na}} It's uses [https://github.com/TrinityEmulator/TrinityEmulator#4-code-organization QEMU 5.0] and asks for Hyper-V or obsolete HAXM for hardware acceleration.
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}} ''Hyper-V-dependent''
|-
|Command-line options||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Ya|link=https://docs.genymotion.com/desktop/06_GMTool/}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Ya}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|File sharing
Similar to "Shared Folder" enhancement for [[Hypervisors#Type 2 hypervisors|Type-2 hypervisors]].
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|Multiple instances and instance manager||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Na|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KEaPQpfzkQ&t=422}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|On-screen display
Showcases messages, controller input state which is useful for speedrunners, performance data, active settings, and various notifications.
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|Pause/Resume emulation||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|Per-game profiles||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth stealth]
Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, the software may still require the necessary [[Computer specifications#Operating System|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system if it is not statically linked.
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}||{{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
|[[Save disk space for ISOs#PlayStation 1|Streamable compression format]]||{{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}||{{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
| rowspan="5" |[https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
|Fast forward/Turbo speed||{{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}||{{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
|[[wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
|[https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]||{{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}||{{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
|Rewind||{{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}||{{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
|Save states||{{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}||{{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
| rowspan="6" |Misc.
|Debug features
adb support, [https://developer.android.com/agi AGI support], integration with IDE etc.
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Ya|link=https://developer.android.com/games/playgames/pg-emulator}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Virtual reality#VR game room simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan="7" |Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment. So there is no support.
|-
|[[Netplay]]||{{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}||{{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Na}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Na}}
|-
|Rich Presence (RPC)
Allows the emulator to share real-time game session details (e.g., current game title, level, boss, playtime, or custom status) with external applications. This enables features such as displaying what you're playing on your profile, inviting friends to spectate, or triggering join-in-progress functionality where supported.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Screen translator
Using optical character recognition (OCR) and other techniques, this feature can provide live translation of in-game text, text-to-speech for visually impaired users, and more — either on demand or automatically.
| colspan="7" |You can use [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ RetroArch's AI Service] or the standalone offline [https://github.com/bquenin/interpreter bquenin's Interpreter].
|-
|[[wikipedia:Variable_refresh_rate|Variable refresh rate]]||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
| {{Dunno}}
|}

== Hardware features ==
{| {{Basic table}}
|+Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.
! colspan="2" style="width:50%" |Name
!ARCVM
!Android Studio
![https://docs.genymotion.com/desktop/04_Emulating_sensors_and_features/ Genymotion]
!Google Play Games
!Trinity
!Waydroid
!WSA
|-
| colspan="2" |Android controls||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Baseband||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/training/monitoring-device-state/battery-monitoring Battery]
The Battery simulation allows you to test how your application reacts with different battery charge levels and states of charge.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya|link=https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator-extended-controls}}||{{Ya|link=https://docs.genymotion.com/desktop/04_Emulating_sensors_and_features/#battery}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Biometrics||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/bluetooth Bluetooth]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya|link=https://stackoverflow.com/questions/22604305/how-to-use-android-emulator-for-testing-bluetooth-application}}||{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na|link=https://xdaforums.com/t/looking-wsa-for-windows-11-where-bluetooth-also-works.4610551/post-88829045}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Camera||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/media/camera/camerax Camera] and media input injection
With this, you can select your host webcams, microphones, videos, images or audio files as the device camera and audio input source.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Ya|link=https://docs.genymotion.com/desktop/04_Emulating_sensors_and_features/#camera-and-media-injection}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |Connectivity
|[[wikipedia:Google_Cloud_Messaging|Google Cloud Messaging (GCM)]]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Preservation projects#Private Platform Servers|Google Play Games]]
[[Preservation projects#Private Platform Servers|Google Play Services]]

Achievements, Challenges, Leaderboards etc.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Ya|link=https://docs.genymotion.com/desktop/04_Emulating_sensors_and_features/#open-gapps}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/develop/ui/views/touch-and-input/game-controllers Controllers]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}||{{Ya}}
|{{Ya|link=https://blog.google/products/google-play/google-play-games-beta-october-2023-update/}}
|{{Na|link=https://github.com/TrinityEmulator/TrinityEmulator/issues/3}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya|link=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/android/wsa/release-notes#build-22084000040}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Disk I/O
Similarly to [[PC emulator comparisons#Storage|disk storage emulation on PC emulators]], this allows you to emulate devices with slow internal storage.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}||{{Ya|link=https://docs.genymotion.com/desktop/04_Emulating_sensors_and_features/#disk-io}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |External storage||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/games/optimize/adpf/gamemode/about-API-and-interventions Game Mode]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/reference/android/location/Location GPS]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya|link=https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator-extended-controls}}||{{Ya|link=https://docs.genymotion.com/desktop/04_Emulating_sensors_and_features/#gps}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[wikipedia:Android_(operating_system)#Home_screen|Home screen]]
This shouldn't be confused with emulator frontend/GUI.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}} [https://developer.android.com/games/playgames/pg-emulator#navigation Exclusive to developer builds] and [https://old.reddit.com/r/GalaxyTab/comments/mt5ekb/in_android_12_google_is_all_about_tablets_again/ it's looking similar to Android 12 tablet home menu launcher] ({{YouTubeVideoTime|2KEaPQpfzkQ|408|Demonstration}}). It's unclear whether this app directly emulates the native home screen or provides an alternative UI/UX with limited features.
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/develop/ui/views/touch-and-input/keyboard-input Keyboard]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KEaPQpfzkQ&t=153}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Microphone||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/games/playgames/input-mouse Mouse]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}||{{Ya}}
|{{Ya|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KEaPQpfzkQ&t=153}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/jetpack/compose/touch-input/pointer-input/multi-touch Multi-touch]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}||{{Ya|link=https://docs.genymotion.com/desktop/03_Virtual_devices/#touchscreen}}
|{{Dunno|link=https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/249633800/lack-of-multi-touch-support-on-play-games-beta?hl=en}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Navigation buttons||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |Network
|Mobile data||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/wifi/wifi-scan Wi-Fi]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya|link=https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator-wifi}}||{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/develop/ui/views/notifications Notifications]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Ya}}
| {{~|link=https://developer.android.com/games/playgames/faq#q_can_we_use_push_notifications_for_google_play_games}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya|link=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/android/wsa/release-notes#build-220440000190}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Phone||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Power button||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Screen rotation||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[List of console games that support motion controls#Android Emulation|Sensors]]
|Accelerometer||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Gyroscope||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya|link=https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator-extended-controls}}||{{Ya|link=https://www.genymotion.com/blog/genymotion-desktop-3-8-0/}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Magnetometer||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator-install-add-files Sideloading/Installing]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
| {{~}} Exclusive to developer builds, {{YouTubeVideoTime|2KEaPQpfzkQ|280|Demonstration}}. To use sideloading in the developer builds, you need to use adb install "AppName.apk" command in the Command Prompt.
|{{Ya}} [https://github.com/TrinityEmulator/TrinityEmulator/wiki/Advanced-Usages#adb-connection Use adb to connect] then use adb install command.
|{{Dunno}}
| {{~|link=https://github.com/Simizfo/WSATools#requisites}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/usb USB and USB passthrough]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Volume buttons||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
! colspan="9" |[[wikipedia:Android_version_history|OS version]]
|-
| colspan="2" |[[wikipedia:Android_version_history#Android_7.1_Nougat|7.1 Nougat]] (API 25)
New JIT Compiler, making for 75 percent faster app installations and a 50 percent reduction in compiled code size.

JIT compiler with code profiling to ART, which lets it constantly improve the performance of Android apps as they run.

Vulkan 3D rendering API support.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Ya}}<ref name="GenymotionOSsupport" group="note" />
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[wikipedia:Android_version_history#Android_4.4_KitKat|KitKat]] (API 19)
Supporting [[wikipedia:Android_version_history#Android_4.4_KitKat|Android 4.4 (KitKat)]] is crucial for emulators due to compatibility and [[Preservation projects|preservation]] reasons.

Older applications and games often rely on the "[[wikipedia:Dalvik_(software)|Dalvik]]", which isn't present in newer versions and there could be '''[https://web.archive.org/web/20141215220606/http://www.androidruntime.com:80/list compatibility issues]'''.

Android 5.0 (Lollipop) (API 21) introduced the "[[wikipedia:Android_Runtime|Android RunTime]]" (ART), [[wikipedia:Android_Runtime#History|replacing "Dalvik" entirely]].

Having said that ART is mostly backwards compatible with Dalvik. See these sources for more information: [https://xdaforums.com/t/explained-art-runtime-in-android-4-4-kitkat.2622098/ 1], [https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/difference-between-dalvik-and-art-in-android/ 2], [https://developer.android.com/guide/practices/verifying-apps-art 3].
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Na}}<ref name="GenymotionOSsupport" group="note">[https://support.genymotion.com/hc/en-us/articles/9511224511901-Which-Android-versions-are-available Genymotion: Which Android versions are available?], Since September 2022, Genymotion no longer provide Android 4.4 and below images, see [https://support.genymotion.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002708018-I-can-t-find-Android-4-4-and-below this page].</ref>
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[wikipedia:Android_version_history#Android_12|Snow Cone]] (API 31)
Android Runtime (ART) module added to the updatable core OS components via Google Play, added functionality to existing modules.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Ya}}<ref name="GenymotionOSsupport" group="note" />
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}} It uses android-x86 9.0 64-bit.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
! colspan="9" |[https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/abis Supported ABIs]
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/abis#arm64-v8a arm64-v8a]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}<ref name="GooglePlayGamesABI">[https://developer.android.com/games/playgames/start#playbility-architecture Google Play Games ABI Architecture support].</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://web.archive.org/web/20180507120451/https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/abis#sa armeabi]
| colspan="7" |armeabi and MIPS support deprecated in [[Compatibility layer|libndk translation layer]] version r16 and [https://android.googlesource.com/platform/ndk/+/master/docs/Roadmap.md#ndk-r17 removed in r17].
But [[Compatibility layer|libhoudini translation layer]] still supports it?
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/abis#v7a armeabi-v7a]
Supporting armeabi-v7a ABI is crucial for emulators due to compatibility and [[Preservation projects|preservation]] reasons.

Older applications and games often rely on the [[wikipedia:ARM_architecture_family|ARM 32-bit (Cortex)]] architecture, which isn't used in newer hardware.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/abis#x86 x86]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}<ref name="GooglePlayGamesABI" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/abis#86-64 x86_64]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya|link=https://developer.android.com/games/optimize/64-bit#64-bit-emulator}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}<ref name="GooglePlayGamesABI" />
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
! colspan="9" |[https://developer.android.com/develop/ui/views/graphics/opengl/about-opengl Supported APIs]
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://registry.khronos.org/OpenGL/index_es.php#specs11 OpenGL ES 1.x]
Supporting OpenGL ES 1.x is crucial for emulators due to compatibility and [[Preservation projects|preservation]] reasons.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://registry.khronos.org/OpenGL/index_es.php#specs31 OpenGL ES 3.x]
The OpenGL ES 3.x APIs is backwards-compatible with the 2.x APIs which is crucial for emulators due to compatibility and [[Preservation projects|preservation]] reasons.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfq4MsxaHZw&t=923}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://registry.khronos.org/vulkan/#apispecs Vulkan 1.3]
See [https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/graphics/android-baseline-profile Android Baseline 2022 profile] and also see [https://source.android.com/docs/core/graphics/implement-vulkan#versions Vulkan API versions for several Android releases].

Vulkan releases are backward compatible with each other.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|}

== PlayStation Mobile ==
{{Main|PlayStation Mobile}}

== Android consoles ==
Because it's possible to fork and create your own Android-based OS, many developers have used Android to power their own commercial consoles. However, as mentioned before, just because it uses Android as a base does not mean they will all work correctly on a standard Android emulator, as they may require specific hardware setup, extra non-standard APIs or frameworks provided by the OS of the console, or extra authentication that relies on the services bundled with the console.

'''Note: [[Smart TV emulators|Smart TVs and smart media players/media boxes]] (e.g. ChromeCast with Google TV, Amazon Fire TV) are not consoles, despite some of them are able to run video games. The distinction is simple: If a device is not designed with gaming as its sole or main purpose, then it's not an Android console. Please do not add that kind of devices that can play video games into this section.'''
{| {{Emulator table}}
!Name
![[MAME]] support
!ROMs
!Description
|-
|Atlantis Land Kora
|None
|None
|
|-
|[https://www.clementoni.com/it-en/16612-clemstation-60/ Clemstation 6.0]
|None
|None
|Released in 2018 by Clementoni, the Clemstation is a "multimedia educational console" only sold in Italy that appears to be on a running custom version of Android. Because it's still being sold, it's unknown how games will be made for it and when it will be discontinued. Information on how many units have been sold so far has not been released to the public.
|-
|Diyomate X18
|None
|None
|
|-
|flarePlay
|None
|None
|
|-
|Fuze Tomahawk F1
|None
|None
|A Chinese console with Nvidia Tegra SoC, similar to Nvidia Shield. Has some heavy-hitting exclusive Android titles such as ''Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1'' and ''Dynasty Warriors 8'', but eventually flopped.
|-
|GPD Mars Gamebox
|None
|None
|
|-
|[[XD/XD+|GPD XD / XD+]]
|None
|None
|A foldable handheld console manufactured by Gamepad Digital (GPD).
|-
|LeapFrog Epic
|None
|None
|
|-
|LC Smart Pandora TV Box
|None
|None
|
|-
|Lexibook LexiBox TV
|None
|None
|
|-
|Lexibook Playdroid
|None
|None
|
|-
|Mad Catz Mojo
|None
|None
|
|-
|MeLE X8
|None
|None
|
|-
|My Clem Box
|None
|None
|Released in 2018 by Italian toy company Clementoni and sold exclusively in Italy, My Clem Box is an educational console with Wii-like motion controls. Because it's still being sold, it's unknown how games will be made for it and when it will be discontinued. Information on how many units have been sold so far has not been released to the public.
|-
|[https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/zukanneopad NEO Consoles]
|None
|None
|Released in 2017 by Takara Tomy. The NEO Series are educational consoles only sold in Japan and appear to use a custom version of Android. Because it's still being sold, it's unknown how games will be made for it and when it will be discontinued. Information on how many units have been sold so far has not been released to the public.
|-
|Nvidia Shield TV
|None
|None
|A console/media box hybrid manufactured by Nvidia. Has a lot of heavy-hitting titles such as ''Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance'', ''Doom 3'', ''Half-Life 2'', etc.
|-
|[[Ouya emulators|Ouya]]
|None
|[https://archive.org/details/ouyalibrary?&sort=-downloads&page=2 Yes]
|A failed microconsole that started from a Kickstarter project. The controller sucks and the games can be found elsewhere. Since the Ouya runs on Android, emulation is technically possible by extracting menu/application APK files and running them in an Android emulator or VM.
|-
|PlayJam GameStick
|None
|None
|A tiny console the size of a USB thumb drive.
|-
|Phoenix One
|None
|None
|A console/desktop computer hybrid, equipped with Qualcomm 660 SoC, running PhoenixOS which is an Android distro designed for desktop computers. Has a "computer mode" that enables multi-window multitasking and system-wide file manager integration, such as copying & pasting files.
|-
|Razer Forge TV
|None
|None
|
|-
|miniStation
|None
|None
|A console designed by Tencent and manufactured by multiple manufacturers such as Lenovo and Skyworth. Designed to run cellphone games and simple emulators.
|-
|Snail Games OBox
|None
|None
|
|-
|Soomax Sensory
(享动体感游戏机)
|None
|None
|
|-
|TCL T2
|None
|None
|
|-
|UIS Xtreamer Multi-Console
|None
|None
|
|-
|UTStarcom DanDan (蛋蛋)
|None
|None
|
|-
|ZTE FunBox
|None
|None
|
|}

== GM Android-based ==
Some General Motors cars are equipped with an in-car entertainment system running on Android.

[https://developer.gm.com/app-gallery App Gallery].

== Android-specific challenges and limitations ==

=== Google apps ===
Android is open-source, but the Google Play Store has to be licensed from Google in order to incorporate it into a build, including Play Services and many other Google apps. That often means developers pay a fee that can trickle back to the user in some form (either through adware, privacy-invading trackers, or by selling the emulator as a commercial product). Custom ROMs for real Android devices on Android 4 and earlier used to bundle the Google Play Store, but this changed with newer versions. The new method is to install a custom ROM and then install "GApps" through another service like [https://opengapps.org/ the Open GApps Project].

=== Architectural differences ===
Many games often optimize and compile specifically for ARM processors, which prevents them from being executable on x86 CPUs, even when using a project like Android-x86. Some emulators, like BlueStacks, have ARM translation layer by default; in others, like Genymotion, it is possible to install an ARM translation layer manually. See [[#Hardware features]] supported ABI section and [[#Enhancements]] built-in translation layer section for more information.

=== Conflict ===
Many emulators like to uninstall each other for some reason. Droid4x, Andyroid, Genymotion, and Xamarin cannot co-exist on the same machine without modifying their installers, which can be a problem if one game works on only one of these emulators but other games do not. Also keep in mind that you should turn off Hyper-V windows feature if [[Hypervisors|Type-2 hypervisor]] used for emulator backend due to [[Hypervisors#Hyper-V feature conflict issue|conflict issue]], although some emulators like BlueStacks provide special Hyper-V build for this.

=== Antitamper protection ===
In order to reduce cheating, many games refuse to run if they discover that the device has been rooted. If the emulator comes rooted by default, it must be manually unrooted before the game can be played. The rooting method for modern devices is Magisk, which installs itself in the bootloader instead of the system partition, which makes it harder to detect.

Some games take more aggressive measures to detect the presence of Custom ROMs (unofficial firmware) or Android emulators (like the ones listed on this page) in a variety of ways, such as checking for the existence or absence of system files in order to prevent the game from running in any unverified environments. These games are very difficult or plain impossible to play on emulators without resorting to cracked versions of the games.

=== Android-based Operating Systems ===
There are many [[wikipedia:Fork_(software_development)|forks]] of Android; some of these go beyond a custom UI and are instead entirely new OSes that use the Android code in addition to writing their own code, such as Amazon's Fire OS; in some cases these come as compatibility layers on top of an otherwise unrelated OS, such as Windows Subsystem for Android. Depending on how much (and what) new code, features, and APIs were added, will determine the effects they will have on Android emulation but if one thing is for sure, these forks are (most likely) going to cause some emulation issues.

=== Google Chrome situation ===

: Can open APK files using the ARC Welder extension, though their emulation on PC is average at best. Here's a [http://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iIbxaftAu_ho5rv9fUlXSLTzwU6MbKOldsWXyrYiyo8/edit#gid=0 compatibility list] and a [https://www.reddit.com/r/chromeapks dedicated subreddit]. Google has announced [http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/05/the-play-store-comes-to-chrome-os-but-not-the-way-we-were-expecting/ Play Store for Chrome OS], but it works on a different "container" technology that is embedded in the Chrome OS. In addition, Google has [http://blog.chromium.org/2016/08/from-chrome-apps-to-web.html discontinued Google Chrome apps on PC].

=== Emulator-Specific Issues ===

==== BlueStacks ====

* '''Can't root the device:'''

The latest Kingroot's .apk will do the job when loaded inside BlueStacks. It's that simple.

Alternatively, you could use Universal [[BlueStacks]] Rooting Software on an existing BlueStacks installation. Before opening it, go to the folder where BlueStacks is installed under Program Files, and run "HD-Quit.exe" once.

Then, from the extracted "BlueStacks RootEZ 32_64", open as administrator "BlueStacks RootEZ.exe". Click "Automatic Detect from Installed Bluestacks", enable "Enlarge System (Root.fs) Size to 400MB", and click "I'm ready for Step 1". A command-line window should appear. Now just wait until "Preparing Complete" appears. Then, click "Go for Step 2" and wait until "Rooting is Complete" appears.

Close the application, and open the "output" folder in the same directory as the extracted application. You should find a newly generated "Root.fs" file. You can use it to replace the existing one under "%programdata%\BlueStacks\Android" (Press Windows+R and go there), but it's recommended to keep a backup of the original in case the new one causes Bluestacks to hang in the loading screen for more than a few minutes.

The package also includes Nova Explorer and Root Launcher. You may verify the rooting status with the "Root Checker" app from Google Play. Considering some apps check for Google Play services for online checks, you can also install "Modded Google Play Store", "[https://www.luckypatchers.com/ Lucky Patcher]" and "Magisk".

==== Andyroid ====

* '''Unable To Launch VM Process:'''

On the taskbar, right-click Andyroid's notification icon, and choose Settings, Advanced, Set Andy Protocol. Type "tcp" and confirm, then launch Andyroid.

==== Android-x86 ====

* '''3D Support is broken on VMWare when using newer kernels:'''

Kernels > 4.14 with version 8.1 break 3d acceleration in VMWare (see https://groups.google.com/forum/#!searchin/android-x86/4.9%7Csort:date/android-x86/wB65vJnuJiI/ytJaWYWUBwAJ). Use kernel 4.9 with 8.1 instead.

* '''Setting resolution in VMWare'''

Pass in a kernel option to grub when booting. Select the boot entry and then press 'e' to edit it, and then 'e' to edit again. Add the kernel option here. For example, to use a video resolution of 1920x1080, add 'video=1920x1080'. Press return to save the changes (for this boot session only), and 'b' to boot (the keys to edit and boot may be different depending on your grub version, there are usually instructions on the grub screen for the requisite keys)

==== KMRE ====

* '''Installing third-party apks'''

Installing third-party apks requires a dedicated installer <code>kmre-apk-installer</code>. It could be acquired by command <code>sudo apt update && sudo apt install kmre-apk-installer</code>.

Notice that KMRE is still not designed with third-party apps in mind. Installing third-party apps may result in abnormal behaviors of KMRE such as unable to start & stop itself on demand due to clogged-up background processes of third-party apps.

Installing apks inside KMRE is specifically filtered out unless the application running is upgrading itself.

* '''Receiving a notice that the mobile environment is not running while trying to install third-party apps'''

Go to app store - mobile apps to trigger the startup process of KMRE. You can see a startup notice in the bottom right corner on the desktop while it's starting up.

* '''Accessing Android system settings'''

Execute command <code>startapp com.android.settings</code> in the terminal. Notice that changing system settings is very likely to break KMRE.

* '''Accessing files of Android'''

Files in <code>/storage/emulated/0</code> are mapped to <code>/var/lib/kmre/data/kmre-1000-${LOGNAME}</code>.

'''Notice that this path contains a hard link to <code>/home</code>. KMRE will filter out file deletion, but not creation and modification. Improper file management in Android could result in data loss in host machine.'''

As KMRE is not really an emulator/hypervisor, the <code>/</code> and other paths such as <code>/sys</code> on Android doesn't have mappings, but some paths are mapped to <code>/var/lib/kmre/kmre-1000-${LOGNAME}</code>.

== See also ==

* [[Cellphone emulators]] - Information on emulators for various feature phone/non-smartphone platforms.
* [[Emulators on Android]] - Various emulators on Android OS

== Notes ==
{{Notelist|group=note}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [[wikipedia:Comparison_of_mobile_operating_systems|Comparison of mobile operating systems]]
* [[wikipedia:Android_version_history|Android version history]], [https://developer.android.com/topic/performance/baselineprofiles/overview Android Baseline profiles]
* [https://developer.android.com/ Android Developer]
* [https://xdaforums.com/t/list-of-devices-armv7-armv6-armv5.1596800/ XDAForums - List of devices: ARMv7, ARMv6, ARMv5]
* [[wikipedia:Comparison_of_high-definition_smartphone_displays#720p_by_1280_.28HD_ready.29|Early Android devices with OLED and HD Ready display]]

----
{{NEL}}

[[Category:Android| ]]
[[Category:Various emulation]]

Template:GamePlayColorVer

2026-07-28T18:45:37Z

MysticChromium:

2.6.2</center><noinclude>[[Category:Emulator Templates]]</noinclude>

Game Boy Advance emulators

2026-03-18T16:04:44Z

MysticChromium: /* Emulators */ Active\, based on commit history

{{Infobox computing device/Game Boy Advance}}

{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy Advance|Emulators on Game Boy Advance}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game_Boy_Advance|Game Boy Advance]]''' (often shortened to GBA) is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on the 21st of March 2001, in North America on the 11th of June and in Australia and Europe on the 22nd of June and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|99.99|2001}}. It has a ARM7TDMI CPU at 16.78 MHz and a Zilog Z80 CPU at 8 MHz and 4 MHz. It has 288 KB of RAM and 96 KB of VRAM.

The GBA is one of the few cases of emulation being available prior to the release of the console due to the existence of tech demos. Due to the console's relative simplicity and the low system requirements for emulation, several emulation options capable of running commercial games were available early in the console's lifespan. Emulation has only continued to advance since then, with modern offerings being highly accurate and playable on many devices.

==Emulators==
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;line-height:1.5;width:100%;"
|+Before editing, review the [[Getting involved]] and [[Recommended emulators|Recommended]] pages. See [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|system requirements]] page for performance demand of the emulators. See tables for [[#Enhancements|enhancements]], [[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|hardware features and peripherals]]. For more details such as [[licensing]], [[Source_code#Language_levels|programming language]], [[High_and_low-level_emulation|emulation method]], visit each emulator’s dedicated page.
!Name
!Platform(s)
!Latest version
!Compatibility
![[Licensing|License]]
!Active
![[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
!colspan="7"|x86
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group="lower-alpha">[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift confirming the libretro core is tracking the master branch], However, even though it's updated frequently, some [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|hardware features]] are exclusive to the standalone version. Therefore, using the standalone version is recommended.</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Mesen]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[NanoBoyAdvance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/workflows/build/master Dev builds] [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/releases {{NanoBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases/ {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master git Artifacts] [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://ares-emu.net/compatibility/nintendo-game-boy-advance?status=-1|2290|2921}} ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_m/ vbam_libretro] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ vba_next_libretro]<ref group="note">VBA Next is a Game Boy Advance emulator based on VBA-M 2011 with backported patches for performance and compatibility improvements.</ref>
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro cores] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases 2.1.11]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBAHawk]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/alyosha-tas/GBAHawk/releases {{GBAHawkVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[jgenesis]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgenesis/releases {{jgenesisVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{?}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (mGBA 0.10.0)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [https://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[https://problemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[MAME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|git artifacts<ref group="lower-alpha">[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref> [https://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}]
|[https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mess.php?software_list_name=gba&compatibility= ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/ gpSP_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[Mednafen]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/beetle_gba/ mednafen_gba_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[{{MednafenURL|releases/}} {{MednafenVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://hades-emu.org Hades]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/hades-emu/Hades/releases/tag/v1.1.0 {{HadesVer}}] [https://nightly.link/hades-emu/Hades/workflows/build/master Nightly builds] [https://github.com/hades-emu/hades git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/higan-emu/higan/releases/tag/v110 {{higanVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}<ref group="lower-alpha">Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|agbemu
|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/burhanr13/agbemu/releases 1.1]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|iDeaS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20150311100053/https://ciacin.site90.com/ideas.php {{iDeaSVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA VGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA/#Downloads {{VGBAVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|Meteor
|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/blastrock/meteor {{MeteorVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|BoyCottAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://boycottadvance.emuunlim.org/Downloads.htm {{BoyCottAdvanceVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|PlayBoy Advance
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|[https://www.zophar.net/macintosh/gba/playboy-advance.html {{PlayBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|GameBeanAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/bmchtech/GameBeanAdvance git]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Red}} {{License|SA}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
!colspan="7"|ARM
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|LiA|Pandora}}
|[https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android unofficial Android version] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://www.explusalpha.com/contents/gba-emu GBA.emu] (VBA-M 2.1.4 based)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
|[https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha/releases/tag/Pre-release Pre-release] [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbaEmu 1.5.82][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/75 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|LiA|Pandora}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|WoA}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master git Artifacts] [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Pandora}} {{Icon|Didj|Symbian}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://repo.openpandora.org/?page=detail&app=package.gpsp.notaz 0.9.2.8 Pandora] [https://github.com/Summeli/gpSP4Cute Symbian]
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name=gpsp>libretro core-only.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://pixelrespawn.com/ Linkboy]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pixelrespawn.linkboy 3.5.0] [https://apps.apple.com/app/linking-boy/id6695762604 AppStore]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBA
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details/John_GBA?id=com.johnemulators.johngba 2.13]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}}||{{R}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|Pizza Boy A Pro
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.dbtecno.pizzaboygbapro&hl=en_US 2.16.2]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}}||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://sites.google.com/site/fastemulator/ My Boy!]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gba 2.0.8]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{Na}}<ref group="lower-alpha">Superseded by Linkboy.</ref>
|-
|agbemu
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/burhanr13/agbemu/releases 1.1]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|VGBAnext
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.emu {{VGBANextVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hydra.noods 0.1] [https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://forums.windowscentral.com/app-spotlight/252987-trio-nintendo-emulators-vba8-vgbc8-snes8x.html VBA10]
|align=left|{{Icon|W10P}}
|[https://forum.xda-developers.com/windows-10-mobile/windows-10-mobile-apps-and-games/app-vba10-emulator-t3588704 1.22] [https://emulator.games/emulators/gameboy-advance/vba10/ Alt]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20190801135245/http://allaboutwindowsphone.com/software/content/VBA8_1.php VBA8]
|align=left|{{Icon|W8P}}
|[https://www.appx4fun.com/xap/15223/ 2.27]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|GBA_J2ME
|align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
|[https://oldfag.top/downloads/?act=view&id=168 1.0]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|GBA Emulator (Rekkuzan)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Rekkuzan.UnityBoyAdvance 0.1.13]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[Manic EMU]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/manic-emu-game-emulator/id6743335790 {{Manic EMUVer}}][https://github.com/Manic-EMU/ManicEMU/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{TBD}}
|-
|[[Provenance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/provenance-app/id1596862805 {{ProvenanceVer}}][https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Folium]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/folium/id6498623389 App Store] ($) [https://folium.emuplace.app/downloads {{FoliumVer}}] [https://github.com/emuplace/folium.emuplace.app/releases/latest Latest IPA]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Delta]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688 {{DeltaVer}}] [https://github.com/rileytestut/Delta git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
!colspan="7"|Consoles
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|Switch}} {{Icon|3DS|PSV}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://mgba.io/downloads.html#homebrew {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online|Nintendo Classics]] ([[Sloop]])
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}{{Icon|Switch2}}
|{{N/a}}
|[[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|Only for selected titles]] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ VBA Next]
|align=left|{{Icon|NGC|Wii|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PS4}} {{Icon|Vita}} {{Icon|Xbox|Xbox360}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC|PSP}} {{Icon|PS2|NGC|Wii}} {{Icon|3DS|Vita}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [[GpSP#PSP_Version|TempGBA4PSP]]
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name=gpsp></ref> ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm open_agb_firm]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm/releases 2024-07-30]
|Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|8.10
|[[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_2|Only for selected titles (3DS)]] [[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_3|Only for selected titles (Wii U)]] ROM injection is possible with both consoles with relatively high compatibility. ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Game_Boy_Interface Game Boy Interface]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest main] [https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest-extra extra]
|Uses real GBA Hardware (Requires Game Boy Player hardware) ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name=gbinterface>Multiple versions available. Pick the version that fits best with your specific setup.</ref>
|-
|Game Boy Player Boot Disc
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|
|Uses real GBA Hardware Limited to a filtered, 480i output with a slight amount of input lag ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name=gameboyplayer>Game Boy Interface is recommended instead</ref>
|-
|ReGBA
|Align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1332 v1.45.5 revision 3]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Enhanced_mGBA emGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/mgba/latest git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA GX]]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://github.com/dborth/vbagx/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBARunner3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner3 git]
|Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Red}} Source available ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name=gbarunner3>Recommended on DS</ref>
|-
|DSTWO
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|{{N/a}}
|Uses SOC of flashcart itself for emulation||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}}||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Gbaemu4DS
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|[https://ichfly.github.io/gbaemu4DS Alpha 2 fix 4][https://github.com/ichfly/gbaemu4DS git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[GBARunner2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner2/releases/tag/v20200812-131430_6e4ce45 2020/08/12]
|Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[gpSP|UO gpSP Kai]] (UO gpSP改)
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|3.4 test 4 build 230
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita|WiiU}} {{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git] (Switch/Vita/WiiU) [https://github.com/Xiro28/NooDS_PSP git] (PSP port)
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|}
<references group="lower-alpha" />

==Comparisons==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
;[[mGBA]]:Free and open-source Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator developed by endrift. Written from scratch, it aims for speed, [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]], and portability. Yet, it is the most complete GBA emulation effort with [[#Enhancements|enhancements]] and [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|feature support]], passing the older project VBA and its forks. It is also available as a libretro core for RetroArch. As of 0.9.0, mGBA with a stripped-down GUI has been integrated into Dolphin for games supporting [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|connectivity features]].

;[[NanoBoyAdvance]]:Highly [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]]<ref>[https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md mGBA suite comparison]</ref> Game Boy Advance emulator. It aims for [[Emulation Accuracy|cycle-accurate]] emulation when possible (CPU, DMA, timers, PPU and Game Pak prefetch), while also offering enhancements such as improved audio quality. Very high compatibility, including games that require emulation of [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md#Game-compatibility peculiar hardware edge-cases]. Unfortunately, following the release of the next major update, the developer "[https://github.com/fleroviux fleroviux]" will step down from actively developing the project.[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1auz9c9/nanoboyadvance_180_is_released_plus_announcement/]

;[[GBAHawk]]:A fork of the BizHawk emulator focusing on console verification of Gameboy Advance TASes and hardware research.[https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/GBA_Tests]

;[[VisualBoy Advance|Visual Boy Advance (VBA)]]:The original GBA emulator. Discovered to have an <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability detailed below.

:;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|Visual Boy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:A fork with additional minor improvements. It is behind in terms of [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]] compared to mGBA or other recommended GBA emulators, but is still useful for its robust debugging features and sound interpolation that reduces hissing.

::;VBA-Next:A [[RetroArch]] fork from an older revision of VBA-M with added speedhacks and tweaks, making it useful for lower-end devices. A bit less accurate in some respects, but fixes a few games such as Advance Wars 2.

;[[SkyEmu]]:Low-level Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator. Its primary focus is to provide a [https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/ybejxv/skyemu_v2_release/itutt2h/ good user experience] through a good tradeoffs mixture [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]]<ref>[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu#accuracycompatibility SkyEmu: Accuracy and Compatibility], [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/blob/dev/docs/Accuracy.md SkyEmu: Accuracy on Difficult to Emulate Games].</ref>, performance, features, and usability. Capable of full instruction pipeline, prefetch emulation, and per pixel PPU Implementation capable of both scan line and mid-scan line effects.

;[[higan]] / [[ares]]:[[Emulation Accuracy|Accuracy]] wise, it is behind compared to NanoBoyAdvance and SkyEmu (and maybe mGBA), but it has dot-based instead of scanline-based renderer and does a better job compared to VBA-M. It is also behind in terms of compatibility compared to mGBA, NanoBoyAdvance, and SkyEmu, but Ares stands out being a [[Multi-system_emulators|multi-system emulator]] and supports some useful [[#Enhancements|enhancements]], like shaders/filters and simple debug features.

;[[Mesen]]: It has potential to be the best GBA debugger in the future. placeholder text

;[[MAME]]:Has a <code>gba</code> driver markup as working, but both graphics and sound are [https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/dettaglio_mame.php?game_name=gba "imperfect"] as of version 0.280.

;[[gpSP]]:Originally made for the PSP, its last official version was 0.91. There are, however, two forks of interest: [https://dl.qj.net/psp/emulators/gpsp-mod-20090720.html gpSPmod] and [https://filetrip.net/psp-downloads/homebrew/download-gpsp-j-12-06-16-f29570.htmlgpSP-J gpSP-J]. gpSP-J has superior compatibility, while gpSPmod has more options for customization (full screen, cheats, etc.) Both are superior to Kai. TempGBA is another good fork. For other platforms, there is a libretro port of gpSP with fast x86 and ARM dynarecs. While it is behind the best GBA emulators in terms of accuracy, its great performance makes it a viable option for old/underpowered machines or for using extreme fast-forward in games.

;Pizza Boy A:Likely due to the [[Yuzu#Lawsuit|yuzu situation]], the project was pulled from the Play Store by its developer after seven years of development and was presumed dead in 2024[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1b97uus/emulator_pizza_boy_for_gba_and_gbc_removed_from/][https://old.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnAndroid/comments/1ba5h5g/pizzaboy_emulator_is_gone/][https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/7/24093867/another-emulator-is-shutting-down]. However, in April, the project was renamed and development has resumed[https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/23/24138403/speaking-of-turning-your-phone-into-a-nintendo-emulator][https://gbatemp.net/threads/pizza-boy-a-basic-emulator-back-into-google-play-store-free-and-without-ads.654652/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1cbp2fx/pizza_boy_is_back/].

; [[Nintendo Switch Online|Nintendo Classics]] ([[Sloop]])
* GBA support was added to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack in February 2023, alongside GB games exclusive to the normal tier;
* Users are [[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|limited to the selection of games]] Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Can support Online and Local Play with other Switch Online Expansion Pack users (up to 4 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* [https://twitter.com/LuigiBlood/status/1624005571815899136 Accurate enough] at the point of being able to pass any of the ''AGB Test Cartridge'' (v10) tests without a single failure;
* Video filters can be applied;
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Allows rumble support for games that had such a function back when played in a Game Boy Player (''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'', ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'')
* With version 3.0.0, it adopted the ''Nintendo Classics'' brand; adds the GBA BIOS as an easter egg, individual remaps and proper 1080p upscaling in handheld mode.
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''NOTE:''' There's a ''huge'' <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability affecting VBA and most of its forks, except for VBA-M. The function for adding GameShark codes ("Import > GameShark code file") doesn't check if the file's size is within 1024 kilobits, meaning cheat code files from dubious sources can be engineered with malware in mind. There is good news; VBA-M still doesn't do a sanity check for those files, but it just crashes instead of letting the code wreak havoc. So, depending on your use case, avoid using:
# Cheat code files bigger than 1024 KB that you got online from untrustworthy sources.
# The import code files feature.
# The old emulator altogether, and settle for other options like mGBA or VBA-M. All of them support the same SRAM save data the cartridge uses.

'''List of recommended GBA emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in the above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

==Enhancements==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|+Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.
! colspan=2 style="width:50%" |Name
! mGBA
! Mesen
! NanoBoyAdvance
! SkyEmu
! ares
! GBE+
! VBA-M
!GBAHawk
! BizHawk
! No$GBA
|-
|rowspan="2" |Controls
|[[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|{{~}}<ref name="lrExclusive" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://docs.retroachievements.org/general/tutorials/turbo-button.html Turbo button]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="4" |Graphics
|Remove sprite limit The GBA has hardware support for up to 128 sprites.[https://www.vg-resource.com/thread-28888.html] – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some flickering seen in games at times, and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|{{Dunno}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/3186 *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/967 *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Resolution|Resizable internal resolution]]
|colspan="10" |For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more visible.
|-
|[[Texture_packs#Sprite_Replacement_.282D.29|Sprite replacement]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|Widescreen hack]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="2" |Performance
|[[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal frame rate hack]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|{{Na}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2833 *]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/65j3c3/can_a_emulated_game_run_better_then_the_actual/dgau7ck/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1jp70fe/gb_enhanced_v19_release_dmggbcgbapok%C3%A9mon_mini/ml30fq0/]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="6" |Post-processing
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering anti-aliasing]] (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]] (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Shader_Presets|Shader chain]]
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrExclusive"></ref>
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/pull/1397 *]
|{{Na}}
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrExclusive"></ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="11" |Quality of life
|Automatic updater
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|cheat manager]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [https://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
|colspan="10" |Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
|Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|patch manager]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Command-line options
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Pause/Resume emulation
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|Per-game profiles
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth stealth] Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, the software may still require the necessary [[Computer_specifications#Operating_System|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system if it is not statically linked.
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs#Game_Boy_Advance_.2F_Nintendo_DS_.2F_Nintendo_3DS|Streamable compression format]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="6" |[https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
|Fast forward/Turbo speed
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Frame step (forwards and backwards)
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|{{Ya}}<ref name="ExStandalone" group="lower-alpha">Exclusive to standalone version.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|{{Dunno}}[https://forums.mgba.io/archive/index.php?thread-4910.html]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Rewind
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Save states
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| rowspan="8" |Misc.
|[[Sound and audio#Audio filters and presets|Audio filters and presets]] Simulation of characteristic playback limitations and coloration of vintage consumer audio hardware, such as CRT television speakers, arcade cabinets, handheld consoles, early PC sound outputs, and low-fidelity integrated speakers. These filters are not intended to be perfectly accurate recreations, but rather to evoke the tonal qualities, distortion, bandwidth limits, resonance, and compression associated with 8-bit and 16-bit era devices. Examples include mono or narrow stereo output, reduced frequency response, speaker cone distortion, mild saturation, aliasing, and preset lo-fi profiles inspired by classic TVs, portable game systems, radios, and retro multimedia hardware.
| colspan="10" |Exclusive to [https://github.com/RetroCrisis/Retro-Crisis-Audio-Filters libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|{{Ya}}[https://mgba.io/2021/03/28/mgba-0.9.0/#more-debugging-improvements *]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
|colspan="10" |Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
|[https://github.com/ipatix/gba-hq-mixer High quality audio mixer] HQ audio mixer for games which use Nintendo's MusicPlayer2000 sound engine
|{{~}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Netplay]] You can use either yuzu/Ryujinx for playing GBA games online via netplay. This enhancement shouldn't be confused with GBA connectivity features emulation.
|[https://mgba.io/faq.html#glossary WIP]
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[[RetroAchievements]]
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrExclusive">Exclusive to libretro core. There is also a [https://retroachievements.org/download.php#ravba modified version of VBA-M] for RetroAchievement support. [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2232 Feature request: RetroAchievements integration in mGBA standalone].</ref>
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{~}} [[RetroAchievements#Emulators_planned_for_RetroAchievements|WIP]]
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1djp8ro/ares_v139_release/l9ckjp2/ roadmap]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrExclusive"></ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}[https://retroachievements.org/download.php#bizhawk *]
|{{Na}}
|-
|Rich Presence (RPC) Allows the emulator to share real-time game session details (e.g., current game title, level, boss, playtime, or custom status) with external applications. This enables features such as displaying what you're playing on your profile, inviting friends to spectate, or triggering join-in-progress functionality where supported.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Screen translator Using optical character recognition (OCR) and other techniques, this feature can provide live translation of in-game text, text-to-speech for visually impaired users, and more — either on demand or automatically.
| colspan="10" |You can use [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ RetroArch's AI Service] or the standalone offline [https://github.com/bquenin/interpreter bquenin's Interpreter].
|}
<references group="lower-alpha"/>

==Hardware features and peripherals==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;font-size:95%;width:100%"
|+Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages. ''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024], [https://maru-chang.com/hard/agb/english.htm maru-chang.com - hardware]''
! colspan="4" style="width:50%" |Name
! mGBA
! Mesen
! NanoBoyAdvance
! SkyEmu
! ares
! GBE+
! VBA-M
!GBAHawk
! BizHawk
! No$GBA
|-
|rowspan="4" |Cartridge features
|colspan="3" |[[#Real-time_clock|Real-time clock]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2/blob/master/Core/GBA/Cart/GbaRtc.cpp *]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{~}}[https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/blob/master/ares/gba/cartridge/rtc.cpp *]<ref name="RTC-GBA" group="lower-alpha">Though there is code that shows RTC support, ares currently does not emulating the Pokémon and Boktai games correctly.</ref>
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/blob/master/src/BizHawk.Emulation.Cores/Consoles/Nintendo/GBA/MGBAHawk.cs *]
|{{Ya}}[https://problemkaputt.de/gbanew.htm *]
|-
|colspan="3" |Rumble
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[[#Inputs|Solar sensor]]
|{{~}}<ref name="manual-switch" group="lower-alpha">Only the Nintendo Switch port allows use of the Switch's light sensor.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Na}}
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha">Only manual configuration. No automatic detection via light sensor/camera input/weather forecast/GPS location/other.</ref>
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha" />
|-
|colspan="3" |[[List_of_console_games_that_support_motion_controls#Game_Boy_Advance_Emulation|Tilt sensor]] ''Koro Koro Puzzle - Happy Panechu'' and ''Yoshi's Universal Gravitation'' use standard accelerometer, and ''WarioWare: Twisted!'' uses a different, much larger version but with a more accurate motion sensor.
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{Ya}}<ref name="RetroArch" group="lower-alpha">Motion Control support present on RetroArch VBA-M core.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="3" |Hardware features
|colspan="3" |[[#GB.2FGBC_backward_compatibility_emulation.2FEnhanced_Mode|Game Boy (Color) backwards compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}[https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=21831.0 *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="3" |Game Boy Player Rumble Different from cartridge rumble. Very few games utilize this feature such as ''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'', ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'', and ''Drill Dozer''.
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/#operating-system System BIOS]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
| rowspan="22" |Peripherals
| rowspan="5" |[[#Connectivity|Connectivity]]
| rowspan="3" |[[Wikipedia:Game_Link_Cable#Third_generation|Link Cable]]
|[[#GameCube Connectivity|GameCube connectivity]]||{{Ya}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha">Does not work on libretro core. Feature Requests: [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/114 GBA Game Link Support], [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/87 e-Reader support] for for VBA-M libretro core.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/vvdqyk/release_of_skyemu_10/ifjfj7a/ *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />||{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[[#GBA_Multi_Pak_Link_Multiplayer_.281.7E4GBA.29|Multi-Pak]]||{{Ya}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/15pvssg/the_skyemu_v3_gbgba_and_newly_nds_emulator_is_now/jw1785m/ WIP]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://squallsnake.com/blog-gba-single-pak-multiplayer-game-list/ Single-Pak]||{{Ya}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/15pvssg/the_skyemu_v3_gbgba_and_newly_nds_emulator_is_now/jw1785m/ WIP]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/831 *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Mobile Adapter GB||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[#Connectivity|Wireless Adapter]]||{{Na}} [https://mgba.io/timeline.html#IN+THE+FUTURE *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators|e-Reader]]
| colspan="2" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader + GBA Game]]
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}<ref name="e-Reader-GBAGame" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}<ref name="e-Reader-GBAGame" group="lower-alpha">Incomplete: this emulator will not recognize the games they're connected to. Normally, after choosing "Connection/to Game Boy Advance", the e-Reader should have "(Game Name) Game Data" preloaded in its internal EEPROM memory and appearing in a tiny black box on-screen, but this can't happen in either No$GBA, VBA-M, or VBA e-Reader mods. Without this step done, scanning e-Cards will just yield an error message. e-Reader/GBA game pack emulation in this emulator can be still reached by ripping a save game from real e-Reader hardware, with this step already done. Using this save with the e-Reader BIOS, it's possible to connect to the GBA game pack, and scan e-Cards… though it's a very less-than-ideal solution and there are only pre-baked e-Reader save files for Super Mario Advance 4 (U), Pokémon Emerald (J), LeafGreen (J) and FireRed (J)."</ref>
|-
|colspan="2" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader + NGC Game]]
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|Standalone]]
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[[#Game_Boy_Advance_Video|Game Boy Advance Video]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="13" |[[#Special_hardware|Special hardware]]
|colspan="2" |Agatsuma's TV Tuner
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art37.html][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1jp70fe/gb_enhanced_v19_release_dmggbcgbapok%C3%A9mon_mini/]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |AGS-006 family Play-Yan Play-Yan Micro Nintendo MP3 Player
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art32.html][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Battle Chip Gate
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Campho Advance
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art36.html]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Glucoboy
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art33.html *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Jukebox
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art31.html *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art27.html Magical Watch]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Toys-to-life emulation|Toys-to-life]]
|Multi Plust On System
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Soul Doll Adapter
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Turbo File Advance
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Virtureal Racing System
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art24.html *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="3" |Misc.
|colspan="3" |[[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|Cartridge hot swapping]] It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[https://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting Cartridge tilting] Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.<ref name="Tilt" group="lower-alpha">{{YouTubePlaylist|PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d|Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist}}</ref>
|colspan="10" | There is no emulator currently includes built-in cartridge tilting simulation. As a workaround, you can try the external [https://github.com/redscientistlabs/RTCV Real-Time Corruptor (RTCV)] tool. It is a real-time memory/data corruption tool for inducing glitches during emulation, which might mimic some effects of cartridge tilting (e.g., visual/audio artifacts or crashes). However, it is not a true "cartridge tilting" simulator, as it works on live memory rather than simulating cartridge read errors.
|-
|colspan="3" |[https://shonumi.github.io/dandocs.html#jcc_gcn Joy Carry Cartridge GameCube connectivity]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|}
<references group="lower-alpha"/>

===GB/GBC backward compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode===
Game Boy Advance is backwards compatible with GB/GBC, resulting in some [https://cheapergamer.co.uk/gba-enhanced-gbc-games/ GB/GBC games enhanced if you play on GBA]. Having said that, this shouldn't be confused with [[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulation]] or [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System emulators#Hardware features and peripherals|Super Game Boy 1/2]]. Some of the multicore emulators support both GB/GBC and GBA emulation; however, they don't have support for "backwards compatibility/GBA mode" emulation.

===Real-time clock===
A few cartridges use a battery-backed real-time clock that keeps track of time even when the cartridge is separate from the GBA, permitting in-game events that activate on certain times of day. Paradoxially, while almost no games support this feature, three of the few that do are the ''extremely'' popular Pokémon games, making this feature highly requested.

Games that use the real-time clock include:
* Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald
** Manages the growth of berries
** Resets NPCs that give berries daily
** Resets the daily Lottery
** Permits evolution of Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon
** Changes the tide of Shoal Cave, which changes its item and Pokémon selection based on tide
** Re-rolls the possibility of whether Mirage Island appears
* Boktai 1/2/3
** Manages the growth of solar fruit
** Activates sunrise, which grants Morning Dew and the Astro Battery when looking at the top of the Solar Tree
** Changes the lighting of the outside environment, including shadows, which are necessary in successfully passing the Forest of Delusion
** Activates sunset, which reactivates the Gun Del Sol after an Overheat
* Rockman EXE 4.5 Real Operation
* Sennen Kazoku
** Makes the game bootable, since the game prevents progress if the clock cannot run
** Tracks time passing while generations of families develops (the main gameplay)

===Game Boy Advance Video===
:''See also: [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Video|Game Boy Advance Video]] on Wikipedia''
GBA Videos were officially released cartridges with movies/shows on them for viewing on GBA hardware. Most recommended GBA emulators should be able to play this type of cartridge if its 32MB, although {{YouTubeVideoTime|o9XmB43bN5w|540|not all of it supports 64MB ones}}.
*[https://old.reddit.com/r/Gameboy/comments/byos8r/watching_gameboy_advance_video_on_a_gamecube/ Game Boy Player is not compatible with this feature]
*mGBA support both 32MB and 64MB video cartridges.
*Mesen and Mednafen can play this type of ROM, too. Tested on 4Kids and Nickelodeon cartridges.
:See [[Home_media_players#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation pieces of software.
:See [[Ripping_games|Dumping/ripping]].

===Connectivity===
{{Main|Netplay#Playing Local Multiplayer over Internet}}
====GBA Multi Pak Link Multiplayer (1~4GBA)====
;VBA-M: This doesn't work with old VBA versions.
:Disable "Pause when Inactive," configure all four Joypads each with their own button layout, enable "Link, Enable GBA Link." Now open VBA-M again as many times needed for each player, and have them each use their separate Joypad configuration. Each player will have a separate SRAM save file.
;VBA Link + e-Reader:Useful if you want to use the Pokémon Battle-eCards. Downloads and instructions reside [https://projectpokemon.org/forums/showthread.php?42433-RELEASE-VBA-LINK-E-READER here].
;mGBA:Select "New multiplayer window" from the menu. As you load your ROMs into each window, "Player [X] of [Y]" will appear across the title bar. This can be done for up to four players. However, multiple instances of the same ROM will share a save file.
;No$GBA:Set the number of emulated Game Boys in the emulation setting to be 2 or more, and the Link Game Paks Options to Game Pak in all GBAs.

'''Note''': A purple end in GBA means player 1, while a gray end in GBA means P2, P3, or P4. Daisy-chaining up to three cables will set up the additional P3 and P4 by connecting the purple end to a purple midsection.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agblink.pdf</ref>

====GBA Wireless Multiplayer====
The [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter|wireless adapter]] has the ability to connect five players<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbwireless_trilingual.pdf</ref> to each other and includes its own software to download a subset of another player's game that runs when no cartridge is inserted. ''Pokémon Fire Red'' and ''Leaf Green'' came bundled with this accessory, but it can also work with ''Pokémon Emerald'' and the ''Classic NES Series''.

The libretro core of [[gpSP]] has successfully emulated the wireless adapter<ref>https://www.davidgf.net/2024/01/13/gba-wireless-adapter/</ref>. [[GBE+]](in v1.6) and VBA-M partially implemented the support of this add-on, though it's still a work-in-progress, and can only access menus. Support of this add-on is currently on [[mGBA]]'s roadmap.

====GameCube Connectivity====
[https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Boy_Advance_to_Nintendo_GameCube_Link_Cable#List_of_Supported_Games The Game Boy Advance can also connect to the GameCube].<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbgcncable.pdf</ref> e-Reader functionality with GC games has now been emulated thanks to mGBA. [[Dolphin]] supports connectivity through rudimentary joybus emulation made in parallel with VBA-M. Because this emulator has fallen behind, the feature was recently added to [[mGBA]], a more accurate emulator. They showcased early higan support in a video, but nothing has been released as yet.

=====Dolphin/mGBA or VBA-M=====
:''Requires mGBA 0.9.0 or newer or VBA-M r947 or newer.''

* Reduce your volume. You won't want it to be high, especially with headphones.
* Open Dolphin and mGBA/VBA-M. Make sure neither is blocked by your firmware.
* In Dolphin, launch the game and navigate to the area where you're asked to connect the GBA. Then, under the controller options, assign the GameCube controllers as "GBA" for whichever you need.
* If you're using mGBA, open the File menu, and click Connect to Dolphin.
* In the dialog box that appears, press Connect. mGBA will boot up the GBA BIOS if no rom has been selected.
* If you're using VBA-M, uncheck Pause When Inactive in Options > Emulator. Then, under Options > Link > Joybus Options, make sure the "Enable Joybus Connection" is on and set "IP/Hostname" to use default settings, that is <code>127.0.0.1</code> or <code>localhost</code>.
* Dolphin will freeze.
* Open the GBA BIOS in VBA-M as if it were a regular GBA ROM. The regular splash screen will stutter a bit.
* In either emulator, Dolphin should recognize the Joybus Link by then, and the GC game will detect that a GBA was connected.
* To connect other units, open another emulator instance and repeat its process.

Notable games that work:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Four_Swords_Adventures The Legend of Zelda Four Swords Adventures]: Both two modes are available for the US/PAL version work. The third Japan-only Navi Trackers mode works as well.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Final_Fantasy_Crystal_Chronicles Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Billy_Hatcher_and_the_Giant_Egg Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]: You can download games to your GBA. Amusingly, a RAM dump from VBA-M can be opened as a functional GBA ROM.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Kururin_Squash! Kururin Squash!]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Sonic_Adventure_2:_Battle Sonic Adventure 2: Battle] (buggy)

Notable games that don't:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Mr_Driller:_Drill_Land Mr. Driller: Drill Land]
*lots more

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Games_with_GameCube-GBA_connectivity See all games with GC-GBA connectivity]

===e-Reader===
:''Main page: [[GBA e-Reader emulators]]''
This device can read content off e-Card paper stripes either as standalone content, or additional content to GBA/GC games. Can be thought of as DLC.

===Inputs===
;Solar Sensor
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, No$GBA 2.6 onwards, and My Boy!:
* mGBA: In the shortcut editor, shortcuts can be configured to raise/lower the solar level incrementally or to set any particular brightness level. The Nintendo Switch port of mGBA also allows use of the Switch's light sensor.
* VBA-M: This emulator uses the keys of the lateral motion controls to change the Solar Sensor levels. You can find those keys and modify them in Options → Input → Configure… → "Special" tab.
* No$GBA: Under '''Options/Emulation Setup''', you can find the Solar Sensor Level option. You're given the choice between only three brightness levels though: Darkness, 100 Watts, and Bright Sunlight.
* My Boy!: This emulator uses a button combination or the device's light sensor to check the brightness level. You can change this under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Solar Emulation By" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA: Uses the device's light sensor to check the brightness level.

2. ROM Patches: In abscence of more robust emulation, the normal solution was implementing patches that adjust the level of sunlight through a key sequence. These still retain their use when involving flashcards or official solutions, say, if you are using Virtual Console injections in the 3DS.

Currently, [https://github.com/Prof9/Boktai-Solar-Sensor-Patches Prof9 developed patches] that cover every version of every GBA game, including prototypes and fan-translations. The key sequences were designed in a way that minimizes interference with other controls, mainly camera controls. Prof9 also included "cleaner" patches that undo the effects of more antiquated patches, though those "cleaner" patches will not be necessary if you downloaded a fresh ROM.

However, combinations of Boktai 4 JP with earlier solar sensors to get solar sensor bonuses aren't emulated yet in any DS emulator.

;Motion Control
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, My Boy! and Pizza Boy:
* mGBA includes full motion control support using the motion sensor present in controllers like DualShock 4, DualSense and Switch Pro Controller.
* VBA '''doesn't''' emulate this feature, and its "Motion Control" option (with keys mapped to each tilt direction) covers the GBC title Kirby Tilt'n Tumble.
* VBA-M core on RetroArch includes motion control support by using a controller stick (left or right)
* My Boy! uses the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature. You can change the sensitivity under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Motion sensitivity" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA also used the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature for games like WarioWare: Twisted and Yoshi's Universal Gravitation.

2. ROM Patches: Fixes applied directly to the ROM (with the Lunar IPS utility, or at runtime using mGBA or VBA-M and naming them the same as the ROM in the same directory) by various scene release groups to make it compatible with any emulator/flashcard. D-Pad controls substituting motion controls don't work as well here as they tilt it "too much" at times to be very playable.
* Yoshi Topsy Turvy/Universal Gravitation: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1799 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1947 EU], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=2001 US]
* WarioWare Twisted! (Patch: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1682 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1979 US])

;Rumble Feature
There are various rumble features found in GBA/GBC cards:
* '''GBC Rumble:''' GBC games which came on special cartridges with additional hardware for the rumble feature. It was actually used by dozens of releases, and some games like Tarzan 2 GBC were programmed to have rumble support but shipped on regular cartridges. Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only), which also covers the dummied-out rumble games. Not emulated anywhere else.
* '''GBA Gyro Rumble:''' WarioWare Twisted was shipped on a cart with rumble support. It would rumble when you tilt to one "extreme." Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds,
* '''GBA Variable Rumble:''' Drill Dozer has rumble support, with variable force and speed depending on the rock type you drill through in-game. Partially emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds.
* '''Game Boy Player Rumble:''' Many regular GBA games, shipped on regular cartridges, enable rumble during gameplay when played on GB Player hardware (which is essentially GBA hardware). These include Super Mario Advance 4, Summon Night Hajimari no Ishi, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Shikakui Atama wo Marukusuru Advance (both releases), Pokémon Pinball, and Drill Dozer which disables its original cartridge rumble scheme and enables this one instead. None of the emulators support this, though it is being under development for the mGBA emulator.

===Special hardware===
Emulation of these is spotty, apart from GBE+, which supports almost all GBA peripherals.

;Turbo File Advance
The Turbo File Advance was a peripheral for the GBA which allowed certain games to write data to it, acting as an external memory card. Developed by Sammy Corporation, it was compatible with only 2 games, RPG Tsukuru Advance and Derby Stallion Advance.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
The Power Antenna & Bug Sensor were small plastic peripherals that interfaced with the GBA's serial port and contained LEDs that flashed in response to certain events within Keitai Denjuu Telefang 2, the only supported GBA game.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
As the GBA didn't have native infrared connectivity, Nintendo released an official IR adapter called the AGB-006 to restore this functionality. However, it only saw use in Cyber Drive Zoids: Kiju no Senshi Hyuu to control specific Zoid toy models.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Figurine Readers
Some GBA games/series had figurine reader add-ons, essentially precursors to the likes of Skylanders and Amiibo.
* '''Soul Doll Adapter''' (Legendz: Island of Ordeal/Sign of Nekuromu)
* '''Multi Plust On System''' (Bouken Yuuki Pluster World: Plust Gate/EX/Pluston GP)
GBE+ has support for both the Soul Doll Adapter and Multi Plust On System, while mGBA supports the Soul Doll Adapter.

;Battle Chip Gate
A peripheral device by Capcom and Takara compatible with ''Mega Man Battle Network 4'' (Japanese edition). It can be connected to the Game Boy Advance and allow the player to transmit real-life toy Battle Chips to the NetNavis in the game. It is also compatible with toy Advanced PETs and ''Rockman.EXE 4.5 Real Operation''. It can also unlock minigames in ''Mega Man Zero 3''.

[[mGBA]] and [[GBE+]] support this add-on.

;Glucoboy
An obscure medical peripheral designed to monitor a child's blood glucose levels and reward them for keeping tabs on their condition. [https://assemblergames.com/threads/glucoboy-for-gameboy-is-this-the-rarest-game-accessory-for-gameboy-advance.41853/page-2 Bayer Healthcare destroyed all unsold stock] making it hard to find. It is emulated in GBE+ since version 1.8.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:1406913527173-1-.png|400px|thumb|right|'''Left:''' The default game. '''Right:''' The "Game Boy Colors" mode on [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]].]]
The screen on the original Game Boy Advance is not backlit and can be hard to see in some conditions. To compensate, game developers often used oversaturated colors by default so that the result would look normal on hardware. On standard computer screens, saturation is not an issue, so this can look jarring and undesirable for gameplay. Some games made after 2003 may have also taken the Game Boy Advance SP model (AGS-001) into account, since its screen was actually frontlit; a newer model, AGS-101, was released in 2005 that was actually backlit. For everything else though, emudevs have given some solutions:

====Emulator Options====
'''No$GBA:''' Under "Emulation Options," select "GBA Mode". There are four modes.

* '''GBA (no backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''GBA SP (backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''Nintendo DS in GBA mode:''' Some desaturation
* '''VGA Mode (poppy bright):''' No desaturation

'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders > Load New Shader, select "gba-color.shader"

'''VBA-M:''' (nightly only): Under Options > Game Boy Advance, you will find the option, '''LCD Filter'''.

'''higan:''' Under Settings > Video Filter, you will find the "Color Emulation" checkbox.

* '''Color Emulation off:''' No desaturation
* '''Color Emulation on:''' Gamma correction and adjusted color range.
'''NanoBoyAdvance''': Enabled by default. Under Config > Video > Color Correction > GBA

'''SkyEmu''': Color Correction is set by default to 1.00 force in this emulator, and there are 2 types of desaturation methods. The first one is named SkyEmu and is selected by default, and the other one is named Higan and, as its name suggests, is based on higan's color correction. Change the desaturation type by pressing the ≡ button, then select GBA Color Correction Type. You can also change the intensity of the desaturation: slide the slider to 0.00 to brighten the screen a tad bit.

====Shaders====
Cg [[Shaders and Filters|shaders]] can be used in [[OpenEmu]] or [[RetroArch]] that adjust the colors to those of a real GBA screen, as well as other screen types. These are available in GLSL<ref name="GLSL">https://github.com/libretro/glsl-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for OpenGL, and Slang<ref name="Slang">https://github.com/libretro/slang-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for Vulkan.

For GBA, there is <code>gba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/gba-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profile of a GBA screen under an external light source more accurately than VBA-M or No$GBA color options. If you prefer the darker color options that those emulators have, then use <code>vba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/vba-color.cg</ref> instead.

There is also <code>nds-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/nds-color.cg</ref> and <code>psp-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/psp-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profiles of the original Nintendo DS frontlit screen and the PSP-1000/PSP-2000 backlit screen, respectively.

For Game Boy Advance shader presets, see the "Shader Presets" page;
{{Main|Shader_Presets}}

===Horrible Sound Quality===
As a handheld rushed to the market (because of the WonderSwan Color competition), the Game Boy Advance had some cut corners. The sound hardware was affected the hardest: while it could play Game Boy Color sound in addition to samples and sequenced music like what would be heard on the SNES, the actual playback quality is awful compared to the sound samples stored internally in the ROM.

There were [https://www.romhacking.net/utilities/881/ tools] made to extract the internal high-quality music (as midi files plus a sound font, to be played on foobar2000); however, interest remains limited in implementing its playback in real-time on emulators. It's worth noting that NanoBoyAdvance includes an high quality audio mixer and there's a very experimental feature exists on [[mGBA]] (nightly versions) under Enhancements as "XQ GBA Audio", but it's very buggy and still limited to games using the standard sound engine, the so-called "Sappy" engine, which is still a big part of the GBA's software library.

===High Resolution Affine Transformation Graphical Effects===
Similarly to the scaling effects used on the Super NES known commonly as "Mode 7" graphics, the Game Boy Advance has affine transformation effects for some backgrounds and individual sprites that can be done in hardware. Due to the GBA's lower resolution, some detail may be lost.

The [[mGBA]] emulator added an Enhancements menu where you can change the resolution of those graphical effects, for a smoother effect. The graphical render engine will need to be OpenGL for those to take effect. It won't work on games where those effects are done in software instead of the hardware scaling features (like the 3D environment in Asterix & Obelix XXL)

===Save formats===
Originally, when saves were implemented, nobody settled on a format, so the Visual Boy Advance devs made their own. Because other emulators often went with raw data, having to exchange different saves caused problems. The original Visual Boy Advance tries to figure out which format a given save is but often fails at it. By explicitly telling the emulator to read it as a specific type using a file called <code>vba-over.ini</code>, VBA complies. VBA-M includes this config file by default, but older revisions like VBA 1.7.2 and VBALink don't.

The VBA-Next and VBA-M cores in Libretro have the file baked into the binary so that it can load raw .sav files. However, they convert the format to its own derivative at exactly 136 KB every time, with save type info contained within the file. This completely avoids the previous issues at the cost of incompatibility with standalone VBA and most others.

To solve this incompatibility, Libretro devs created a
[https://github.com/libretro/vba-next/blob/master/libretro/gbaconv/gbaconv.c command-line tool] to convert .srm save files made from these cores to raw .sav save data for other emulators. It takes standard input (i.e., drag and drop the .srm onto the executable) and outputs accordingly. It can also be done in reverse. A [https://thysbelon.github.io/gbaconv-web/ website version of this tool can be found here].

For more information about Game Boy Advance hardware and its reverse engineering; 
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/ Game Boy Advance Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: {{YouTubeVideo|R43k-p9XdIk|The Story of Quake on the Game Boy Advance}}, {{YouTubeVideo|_Qqg4VCZ0k8|How the Game Boy Advance knew it was running a Game Boy Game}}, {{YouTubeVideo|_GVSLcqGP7g|Tomb Raider on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance is incredible}}, {{YouTubeVideo|mpNWEbZdXNw|How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance}}
* martin korth: [https://problemkaputt.de/gbatek-contents.htm gbatek]
* [https://akkera102.sakura.ne.jp/gbadev/ akkera102.sakura gbadev (Japanese)]
* [https://gbadev.net/gbadoc/ gbadev - gbadoc]
* [https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/GBA_Development/Resources WikiBooks - GBA Development Resources]

==Notes==
<references group="note"/>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Game Boy Advance| ]]

{{#seo:
|keywords=video games,emulation,emulator,emu,wiki,download,recommended,guide,list,nintendo,game,boy,gameboy,advance,mgba,vba-m
|description=Information and recommendations for the best {{PAGENAME}} and where to download them.
|published_time={{#time:c|{{REVISIONTIMESTAMP}}}}
}}

Nintendo DS emulators

2026-02-09T22:15:19Z

MysticChromium: /* Emulators */ 3 years since last release, Play Store release no longer online

{{Infobox computing device/Nintendo DS}}

{{for|emulators that run on the Nintendo DS|Emulators on Nintendo DS}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo DS|Nintendo DS]]''' (DS) is a handheld console produced by Nintendo and released on November 21, 2004, and had 2 ARM CPUs (ARM9 and ARM7) with 4 MB of RAM and was priced at {{Inflation|USD|149.99|2004}}. The main selling point was the use of dual screens for gameplay, with one being a touchscreen. It is the only console to have come close to the [[PlayStation 2 emulators|PlayStation 2]] in lifetime sales (154.02 million units), as a result of attracting many casual players, and even non-gamers, into the gaming community.

;Remember, certain titles such as [[Wikipedia:Category:Nintendo_DSi_games|DSi retail]] and [[Wikipedia:List_of_DSiWare_games_and_applications|DSiWare]] games are exclusive to the DSi. Make sure your chosen emulator [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|supports these variations (see "DSi exclusive features" section)]] if you want to play them.

==Emulators==
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|+Before editing, review the [[Getting involved]] and [[Recommended emulators|Recommended]] pages. See [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|system requirements]] page for performance demand of the emulators. See tables for [[#Enhancements|enhancements]], [[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|hardware features and peripherals]]. For more details such as [[licensing]], [[Source_code#Language_levels|programming language]], [[High_and_low-level_emulation|emulation method]], visit each emulator’s dedicated page.
!Name
!Platform(s)
!Latest version
!'''[[#Nintendo DSi|DSi]]'''
!Compatibility
![[Licensing|License]]
!Active
![[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
!colspan="8"|x86
|-
|[[melonDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|Dev Builds<ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-windows/master/melonDS-windows-x86_64.zip Windows], [https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-ubuntu/master/melonDS-ubuntu-x86_64.zip Ubuntu], [https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-macos-universal/master/macOS-universal.zip macOS-universal]</ref> [https://melonds.kuribo64.net/downloads.php {{MelonDSVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ ''libretro core'']<ref group=N name=melonDSRA>Similar to Dolphin, PPSSPP and Citra libretro cores, [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds melonDS DS] libretro core or the standalone version of melonDS is highly recommended over the melonDS libretro core because it is two versions out of date (still on 0.9.3), and the generation 5 Pokémon are broken. If you turn on C-Gear, after a few minutes you will be unable to save. [https://github.com/libretro/melonDS/issues/179#issuecomment-1407488464 '''You also can't use any wifi features'''] or do in game trades either or the game will freeze.</ref>
|{{Ya}} ||[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/forum.php?id=3 ?] ([https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues .]) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|melonDS DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com libretro core] [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds git]
|{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://desmume.org/download/ {{DeSmuMEVer}}/Nightly] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{Na}} ||[https://forums.desmume.org/viewforum.php?id=6 ?] ([https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/issues .]) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (melonDS)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [https://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[https://problemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{WIP-Box}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{WIP-Box}}
|-
|[[mGBA#medusa|mGBA/medusa]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://mgba.io/downloads.html#medusa alpha 2]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref name="medusa suspended"/>||{{WIP-Box}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{WIP-Box}}
|-
|[https://corgids.wordpress.com/ CorgiDS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/CorgiDS/releases git] [https://www.emucr.com/search/label/CorgiDS SVN]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}}<ref>https://corgids.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/extended-break/</ref> ||{{Na}}
|-
|ndsemu
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/rasky/ndsemu git]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20110225190819/http://https://com/ NeonDS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20100925152735/http://nehttps://m/system/files/NeonDS_0.2.1.zip 0.2.1]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|dasShiny
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/Cydrak/dasShiny git]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[http://ds-duos.blhttps://com/ DuoS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://www.emulatorhttps://om/download.php/emulators/nds/duos/DuoS.zip 8/25/2012 Beta]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[Ensata]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://www.mediafire.comhttps://0odmalrndt9m7a/Ensata+v1.4d.rar 1.4d]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20111130005614/https://ideasemu.biz/ iDeaS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://www.emulator-zone.com/https://mulators/nds/ideas/ideas1040.7z 1.0.4.0]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|dust
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Mac|Web}}
|[https://github.com/kelpsyberry/dust git]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
!colspan="8"|ARM
|-
|melonDS DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|tvOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com libretro core] [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds git]
|{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[DraStic]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pandora|Pyra}}
|[https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/exophase/drastic-2/drastic-r2-6-0-4a-release/ {{DraSticVer}}] [https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/32 0.1 Pyra]
|{{Na}} ||[https://pandorawiki.org/DraStic_Compatibility_List 68% 49 out of 73 reported titles (Pandora) ] [https://xdaforums.com/t/drastic-ds-updated-to-v2-1-5-1a-xplay-compatibility-list-over-100-games-playable.2396919/ 88% 127 out of 145 reported titles (Android) ] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}<ref>https://gbatemp.net/threads/drastic-ds-emulator-on-android-is-now-free-to-download-will-be-taken-down-soon.650119/</ref> ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/desmume/ DeSmuME_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[melonDS]] (unofficial) [https://docs.libretro.com/library/melonds/ melonds_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/rafaelvcaetano/melonDS-android git] [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.magnum.melonds 1.10.0] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=melonDSRA></ref>
|{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPL3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{WIP-Box}}
|-
|[[Delta]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688 {{DeltaVer}}] [https://github.com/rileytestut/Delta git]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[Provenance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/provenance-app/id1596862805 {{ProvenanceVer}}][https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/releases git]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}}
|
|{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}})||{{Ya}} ||{{WIP-Box}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hydra.noods 0.1] [https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{WIP-Box}}
|-
|[https://inds.nerd.net/ iNDS] (nds4ios-derived) (DeSmuME-based)
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/iNDS-Team/iNDS/releases git]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|nds4ios
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[http://https://angelxwind.net/i/?page/downloads SVN]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[http://jefhttps://blog/nds4droid/ nds4droid] (DeSmuME-based)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/jquesnelle/nds4droid git]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[Manic EMU]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/manic-emu-game-emulator/id6743335790 {{Manic EMUVer}}] [https://github.com/Manic-EMU/ManicEMU/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{TBD}}
|-
|[[Folium]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/folium/id6498623389 App Store] ($) [https://folium.emuplace.app/downloads {{FoliumVer}}] [https://github.com/emuplace/folium.emuplace.app/releases/latest Latest IPA]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{TBD}}
|-
!colspan="8"|Console
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|WiiU}}
|
|{{Dunno}} ||[[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_3|Only for selected titles]] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/desmume/ DeSmuME_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|PS4}} {{Icon|Vita}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/ 0.9.13]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[melonDS]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/melonds/ melonds_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita}} {{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=melonDSRA></ref> [https://github.com/rsduck/melonDS/releases git] (Switch) [https://github.com/Rinnegatamante/melonDS-Vita git](Vita Port) [https://github.com/DanielSant0s/melonDS-PS2 git] (PS2 Port) 
|{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{WIP-Box}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita|WiiU}} {{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git] (Switch/Vita/WiiU) [https://github.com/Xiro28/NooDS_PSP git] (PSP port)
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{WIP-Box}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME PSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/590011753849421846/870274164748079104/desmume_psp_4.zip V4][https://github.com/Xiro28/DesmumePSPExperimental Experimental]
|{{Na}} ||[[DeSmuME PSP|26% 16 out of 63 reported titles ]] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|DesmumeX
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|[https://www.1emulation.com/forums/topic/35774-desmumex-v087-new-update 0.87]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Desmume Wii
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii}}
|[https://code.google.com/archive/p/desmumewii/downloads r185]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME PSP|DSonPSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://wololo.net/downloads/index.php/download/1235 0.7]
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} (POC) ||{{Na}}
|}
<references group=N />

==Native==
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|'''[[#Nintendo DSi|DSi]]'''
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|DS Mode
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|
|{{✓}} ||No documented issues ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[nds-bootstrap]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}{{Icon|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/DS-Homebrew/nds-bootstrap/releases 2.13.1]
|{{✓}} ||[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LRTkXOUXraTMjg1eedz_f7b5jiuyMv2x6e_jY_nyHSc/edit?gid=0#gid=0 98.8% (1065 out of 1078 reported titles)] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|}
<references group=N />

==Comparisons==
;[[melonDS]]
:Unlike DeSmuME, melonDS has some DSi support. In terms of being user-friendly, options in melonDS are more simplified. Has similar DS game compatibility as DeSmuME. Both can run games at a higher internal resolution (sharper 3D objects) and can open ROMs inside a compressed archive (ZIP, RAR, 7Z etc.). Both can display the two screens in a variety of ways, but melonDS has a hybrid mode. [https://i.imgur.com/S73Eb4m.jpg (Example)] While the developers of No$GBA had documented the Wi-Fi capabilities first, melonDS is the first and only emulator that has gotten as far as it has, and it has been found to work reasonably well with a handful of games. Switching to OpenGL in core options may give a performance boost, with 1.0 RC version OpenGL [[High/Low_level_emulation#Rendering_Advancements|compute shader renderer]] introduced[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=216] similar to [[High/Low_level_emulation#Rendering_Advancements|other compute shader renderers]]. In May 2023, it was confirmed that there are plans for high-level emulation of Arm7 on MelonDS. The project is codenamed MelonHLE.
:;melonDS DS
::An enhanced remake of the melonDS libretro that prioritizes standalone parity, reliability, and usability. Features included in this remake that were not available in the melonDS libretro core include full Wi-Fi support (Kaeru WFC, AltWFC, Wiimmfi), firmware overrides (name, color, birthday, etc.), homebrew save data support, screen rotation in the core settings (as the screen rotation feature in RetroArch's Video settings did not rotate touch inputs for melonDS and DeSmuME and can distort the screen), additional screen layout options, directly boot Nintendo DSi titles (excluding DSiWare, which must be installed to the DSi NAND), RetroAchievements support for DSi(Ware) games, battery support, and selectable NAND and firmware images. However, some melonDS libretro core features aren't yet presented in this remake, such as local wireless connection, GDB Stub Support, DSi Camera support, and OpenGL compute shader renderer, but some are planned to be implemented. With that stated, this remake is not a perfect replacement for the melonDS libretro core but has its uses that the original core and the DeSmuME libretro core lack.

;[[DeSmuME]]
:DeSmuME has gained significant improvements since 2018; new features include less CPU/GPU resource usage and high-resolution 3D rendering, and Wi-Fi emulation has been reintroduced in the latest builds. v0.9.13 from May 2022 is the first "Stable" build in over 7 years and is highly recommended over all previous builds (though dev builds are also generally very usable). [[OpenEmu]] uses a shallow fork of the v0.9.11 build and should be avoided as well.

;[[DraStic]]
:A (currently) closed-source emulator for [[Android emulators|Android]] devices that can run games at a decent speed even on potato phones. It is on par with (or in some cases better than) DeSmuME, and emulating it through BlueStacks on PC may actually be a viable and fast alternative aside from a slight input delay. Some rumors have spread around that the developers deliberately put in issues to mess with unofficial copies, though this is considered unsubstantiated. At the very least, you shouldn't expect any support from Exophase and company if you use an unofficial copy. It is available on the Raspberry Pi and Odroid via RetroPie, and runs {{YouTubeVideo|715kg1-hmxA|relatively well}}. As of March 5, 2024, due to yuzu lawsuits mainly focused on the Zelda franchise, the creator made it free and plans on open-sourcing the code.

;[[No$|No$GBA]]
:Focuses on speed, and has major compatibility issues and glitches as a result. Because it was initially a GBA emulator, the DS' 3D features are still very poorly handled. '''It is a good option for low-end machines, but don't expect a lot of games to run perfectly'''. A fan program, No$Zoomer, was released for version 2.6, which increases compatibility and options, as well as the titular zooming and resizing abilities. The biggest addition is noise cancellation which clears up static No$GBA makes with its 3D rendering. It doesn't change accuracy though. No$Zoomer never rebased to newer No$GBA versions, and it looks like it was abandoned, so it likely never will. In v2.8, No$GBA became the first emulator to support DSi games, which has been their most notable feature. Only use No$GBA for DSi games that don't work on other emulators, debugging (if you've taken up ROM hacking for DS games or homebrew development), if you value speed above everything, if you're using a potato PC, or just as a last resort.

;[[BizHawk]]
:Uses melonDS 0.9.5 core for Nintendo DS and DSi emulation, mGBA or VBA-Next cores for Game Boy Advance emulation

;[[Delta]]
:An open-source [[Multi-system_emulators|multi-system emulator]] for iOS with the ability to emulate many consoles and handhelds, including the DS. Since version 1.3, Delta Emulator allows you to emulate Nintendo DS with a DeSmuME or melonDS (0.9.1)[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=199] core. You will need to have DS BIOS or DSi BIOS to play DS/DSi games in Delta using the melonDS core. It also allows you to boot into DS/DSi home screen and functions similarly to melonDS.

;[[NooDS]]
:A one-man project aiming for simplicity and speed, filling a similar niche as the old NeonDS or No$GBA. It's a WIP that is currently not nearly as accurate as competing options, but it now includes HLE firmware re-implementations to allow running games straight out of the box. It's also one of the few modern DS emulators to support playing GBA games.

;[[mGBA#medusa|mGBA/medusa]]
:[[mGBA]] developer endrift is also creating a DS emulator, but it is very much a [https://mgba.io/timeline.html#IN+THE+FUTURE work-in-progress] and isn't nearly as far as melonDS in terms of the capabilities it's covered. As of March 2018, medusa's development is "suspended until further notice".<ref name="medusa suspended">https://mgba.io/2018/03/09/holy-grail-bugs-revisited/#postscript-a-several-month-late-explanation</ref>

;iDeaS
:An abandoned and experimental DS emulator that uses a plug-in system, it is very slow and buggy but has partially gotten some features working, like the camera and slide accessories.
;[[Ensata]]: Nintendo's official DS emulator that was leaked to the public. It is not very usable or compatible, but it can run a few games.

;[[nds-bootstrap]]
nds-bootstrap is an application for Nintendo DS, DSi and 3DS that allows DS and DSi ROMs and homebrew homebrew to be booted from SD cards (DSi/3DS) or flashcard (DS). It is included in [[TWiLightMenu++]], where selecting a game will start it via nds-bootstrap, but games can also be started straight from the 3DS home screen by creating shortcuts with forwarders such as [https://github.com/YANBForwarder/YANBF YANBF]. In terms of enhancements, it supports cheats from [https://gbatemp.net/threads/deadskullzjrs-nds-i-cheat-databases.488711/ usrcheat.dat] (different databases even include [https://gbatemp.net/threads/circle-pad-patches-for-super-mario-64-ds-and-other-games-in-twilightmenu-with-twpatcher-and-rtcom.623267/ analogue control patches for 3DS]), a widescreen mode, which stretches the image to fill the whole upper screen of the 3DS (the internal resolution stays at the DS's 256x192, however), and, in contrast to all the emulators so far, it even supports "overclocking" in the form of booting 3DS games in DSi mode (with the DSi's clock rate of 133 MHz, double the DS's 67 MHz), which significantly increases the frame rate of certain games (Rayman DS, Trackmania DS, Trackmania Turbo etc.).

'''Comparisons of several Nintendo DS emulators:'''
* [https://emucross.com/the-next-generation-of-ds-emulators/ Looking Toward the Next Generation of DS Emulators] (By [[Dolphin]] tester, [https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/authors/JMC47/ JMC47], AKA Justin M. Chadwick. 5 June 2017. Tested emulators: melonDS (0.2 and 0.3), medusa (Alpha 2) & GBE+ (1.1) compared to the mature DeSmuME.)

===High resolution===
;[[melonDS]]
:Has an OpenGL renderer with upscaling as of version 0.8.<ref name="melondsopengl">http://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=90</ref> The renderer is much faster than DeSmuME's and supports increasing the internal resolution up to 16x native resolution. More features, such as texture filtering, are planned.

;DeSmuME X432R
:A fork of DeSmuME that has graphical enhancements, such as an option to increase internal resolution and use MSAA. The devs of DeSmuME have now included an option for increased internal resolution (see below), making X432R outdated. See the [[DeSmuME]] page for more details.

;[[DeSmuME]] ([[libretro]])
:Also has the option to increase internal resolution since the [https://github.com/libretro/desmume/commit/5e430dfbc22f9d54c77f291304a38352ee1e5a63 8/8/15 git commit]. It requires a very high-end CPU to run at a reasonable framerate.
;DraStic:Has released a beta version supporting double the original resolution.
;Virtual Console (Wii U):Has a configuration file with support for x2 internal resolution without any significant performance hit (as well as a brightness setting). However, there is no legit way to enable it without a homebrew-enabled console.

==Enhancements==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|+Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.
! colspan=2 style="width:50%" |Name
! melonDS
! melonDS DS
! DeSmuME
! BizHawk
! No$GBA
! DraStic
|-
|rowspan="3" |Controls
|[[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|
|-
|[[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse injector compatible]]
|{{~}}
|{{~}}[https://github.com/makidoll/melonPrimeDS?tab=readme-ov-file#melonprimeds *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|
|-
|[https://docs.retroachievements.org/general/tutorials/turbo-button.html Turbo button]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|rowspan="6" |Graphics
|Better [[texture filtering]] Enhancement option for providing better texture filtering methods comparing the original hardware had.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|Pre-rendering anti-aliasing (MSAA, SSAA)
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}} (MSAA)
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|[[Resolution|Resizable internal resolution]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|Super-resolution techniques ([https://github.com/NVIDIA/DLSS/blob/main/doc/DLSS_Programming_Guide_Release.pdf DLSS], [https://github.com/intel/xess/?tab=readme-ov-file XeSS] and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 2+]])
|colspan="6" |Requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors, so it is quite challenging and unlikely to be possible soon. Besides any GPU that can use DLSS can run these emulators at 4K native with ease anyway.
|-
|[[Texture_packs#Texture_Replacement_.283D.29|Texture packs]]
|{{Na}}([https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=182 WIP])
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|
|-
|[[Widescreen_hacks#Nintendo_DS|Widescreen hack]] Widescreen is possible thanks to specific codes made by the community for a lot of DS games.
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/395 *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|rowspan="3" |Performance
|[https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies] ([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-FG] and [https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5621/~/enabling-smooth-motion-in-nvidia-app SM], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation XeSS-FG], [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on-amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF] and [https://gpuopen.com/fidelityfx-super-resolution-3/#:~:text=Features-,Frame%20Generation,-Insert%20interpolated%20frames FSR FG])
|colspan="6" |Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be possible soon however post-processing techniques such as [[Wikipedia:Motion_interpolation|motion interpolation]] is quite possible. [[Input_lag|Input latency]] will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique used, it is recommended to use '''after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack"'''. While '''AFMF''' or '''LSFG''' could be used with melonDS or De

SmuME?, please be aware some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.
|-
|[[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal frame rate hack]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|
|-
|[[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|{{~}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?pid=2574#2574 *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|rowspan="6" |Post-processing
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering anti-aliasing]] (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha">Only possible with software renderer.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}<abbr title="Supports MSAA but there is no post-rendering AA technique supported.">*</abbr>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]] (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|[[Shader_Presets|Shader chain]]
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrRA">Only possible with libretro core. [https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/1146 GitHub Issue page for adding RetroAchievements to the melonDS standalone version]. But DSi RetroAchievement are [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#nintendo not supported].</ref>
|{{Ya}}
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrRA" />
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|
|-
|rowspan="11" |Quality of life
|Automatic updater
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|[[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|Command-line options
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|cheat manager]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}
|-
|Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|
|-
|Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|patch manager]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|[[Save_converters|Built-in save manager]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|Pause/Resume emulation
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|Per-game profiles
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrRA" />
|{{Ya}}
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrRA" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth stealth] Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, the software may still require the necessary [[Computer_specifications#Operating_System|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system if it is not statically linked.
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|[[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|rowspan="6" |[https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
|Fast forward/Turbo speed
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|Frame step (forwards and backwards)
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/pull/1671 WIP]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|
|-
|[https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|{{Na}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/463 *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|Rewind
|{{Na}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?pid=5060 *]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|
|-
|Save states
|{{Ya}}
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha">Save states not available for Nintendo DSi(Ware) titles in MelonDS DS.</ref>
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
| rowspan="9" |Misc.
|[[Sound and audio#Audio filters and presets|Audio filters and presets]] Simulation of characteristic playback limitations and coloration of vintage consumer audio hardware, such as CRT television speakers, arcade cabinets, handheld consoles, early PC sound outputs, and low-fidelity integrated speakers. These filters are not intended to be perfectly accurate recreations, but rather to evoke the tonal qualities, distortion, bandwidth limits, resonance, and compression associated with 8-bit and 16-bit era devices. Examples include mono or narrow stereo output, reduced frequency response, speaker cone distortion, mild saturation, aliasing, and preset lo-fi profiles inspired by classic TVs, portable game systems, radios, and retro multimedia hardware.
| colspan="6" |Exclusive to [https://github.com/RetroCrisis/Retro-Crisis-Audio-Filters libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|{{Na}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/249 *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|
|-
|[[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
|colspan="6" |Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
|Free Look Free Look is an enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{WIP-Box}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/9lwy0r/desmume_begins_to_implement_a_freelook_feature/][https://windwakr.github.io/miscstuff.html]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|
|-
|Multiple screens
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|[[Netplay#Other|Netplay]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrRA"></ref>
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|
|-
|[[RetroAchievements]]
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="noDSiRA">Nintendo DS RetroAchievements is exclusive in libretro cores and the unofficial melonDS Android port. DSi games aren't supported in these emulators/cores for RetroAchievements.</ref>
|{{Ya}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="DSiRA">DSi RetroAchievements is supported in [https://twitter.com/RetroCheevos/status/1647525064667955201?cxt=HHwWgoCw4afUl90tAAAA BizHawk's MelonDS core] and the MelonDS DS libretro core.</ref>
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrRA" />
|{{Ya}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="noDSiRA" />
|{{Na}}
|
|-
|Rich Presence (RPC) Allows the emulator to share real-time game session details (e.g., current game title, level, boss, playtime, or custom status) with external applications. This enables features such as displaying what you're playing on your profile, inviting friends to spectate, or triggering join-in-progress functionality where supported.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|
|-
|Screen translator Using optical character recognition (OCR) and other techniques, this feature can provide live translation of in-game text, text-to-speech for visually impaired users, and more — either on demand or automatically.
| colspan="6" |You can use [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ RetroArch's AI Service] or the standalone offline [https://github.com/bquenin/interpreter bquenin's Interpreter].
|}
<references group="lower-alpha"/>

==Hardware features and peripherals==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|+Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages. Also see [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art40.html this article].
! colspan="4" style="width:50%" |Name
! melonDS
! melonDS DS
! DeSmuME
!BizHawk
! No$GBA
|-
| rowspan="18" |Hardware features
| rowspan="6" |[[#Connectivity|Connectivity]]
| colspan="2" |[[#Infrared Cartridge|Infrared cartridge]]||{{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| rowspan="5" |[[#Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|Wi-Fi]]
|3DS connectivity||{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[[#Local wireless communication|Multi-Card]]||{{Ya}}||{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[[#Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|Online]]||{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{~}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[[#DS Download Play|Single-Card (DS Download Play)]]||{{Ya}}||{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[[#DS/Wii connectivity|Wii connectivity]]||{{Na}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/1000 *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| rowspan="6" |DSi-exclusive features
| rowspan="3" |[[#DSi Game formats|Game formats]]
|DSi-enhanced
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{~}}
|-
|DSi-exclusive
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|DSiWare
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Outer and inner cameras
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |SD card
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|colspan="2" |System BIOS
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[[#Backwards_compatibility_for_Game_Boy_Advance.2FGBA_Mode|Game Boy Advance backwards compatibility]]
|{{Na}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?id=1229 *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| rowspan="3" |Inputs
| colspan="2" |[[List_of_games_that_support_microphone|Microphone]]
|{{Ya}}<ref name="DSmic" group="lower-alpha">melonDS and melonDS DS support microphone in external microphone, blow, noise, and (for melonDS) WAV file; additionally, melonDS now has microphone support for DSi games for feature parity. Unknown if melon DS DS supports mic for DSi titles.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}<ref name="DSmic" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{~}}<ref name="nocash-whitenoise" group="lower-alpha" />
|-
|colspan="2" |[[List_of_games_that_support_Pressure-Sensitive_Face_Buttons#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Pressure-sensitive touchscreen]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[List_of_games_that_support_touchscreen#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Touchscreen]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="3" |iQue DS region lock
|{{~}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="3" |System BIOS
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="24" |Peripherals
|colspan="3" |DS camera
|{{Ya}}<ref group="lower-alpha">melonDS supports outer and inner cameras in Physical Camera mode and as Image File.</ref>
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha">DS camera is supported but DSi camera is not yet supported in melonDS DS.</ref>
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{~}}<ref name="nocash-whitenoise" group="lower-alpha">no$gba supports whitenoise for the camera and microphone.</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" |Fitness
| colspan="2" |Bayer DIDGIT
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| rowspan="3" |Pedometer
|[https://miiwiki.org/wiki/Activity_Meter_(character) Activity Meter]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://dmitry.gr/?r=05.Projects&proj=28.%20pokewalker Pokéwalker]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Ubisoft Thrustmaster pedometer
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="3" |Nintendo Wireless Keyboard
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{~}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| rowspan="15" |Slot 2
| colspan="2" |Beypoint Reader & Beypointer Option Pak
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://www.siliconera.com/ds-directional-sensing-card-used-for-stargazing/ Directional Sensing Card]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Expansion Pak
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://segaretro.org/Facening_Scan Facening Scan/DS Scanner]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#GBA/DS connectivity|Game Boy Advance Game Pak]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Guitar Hero pad
|{{Ya}}<ref name="Slot2MelonDS" group="lower-alpha">Support for GBA slot peripherals can be activated in MelonDS under "File > Insert Add-On Cart" before booting the respective game.</ref>
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Magic Reader
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Piano for Easy Piano
|{{Na}}<ref name="Slot2MelonDS" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Rumble Pak
|{{Ya}}<ref name="Slot2MelonDS" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Sega Card Reader
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}<ref name="CardReaderDeSmuME" group="lower-alpha">Supported in the latest nightly builds, on Windows only.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Slide controller
|{{Na}}<ref name="Slot2MelonDS" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}<ref name="SlideControllerDeSmuME" group="lower-alpha"> There is an open [https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/pull/737 pull request] that implements support for this add-on.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Solar Sensor
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha">Only manual configuration. No automatic detection. Since ''Lunar Knights'' is a DS game, no solar sensor could fit onto a cartridge. However, functionality is available if one of 3 original ''Boktai'' GBA games is used.</ref>
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha" />
|-
| colspan="2" |Taito paddle controller
|{{Na}}<ref name="Slot2MelonDS" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[List_of_console_games_that_support_motion_controls#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Tilt sensor]]
|{{Ya}}<ref name="Slot2MelonDS" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[https://megaman.fandom.com/wiki/Wave_Scanner Wave Scanner]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="1" | Special hardware
|colspan="2" | [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art39.html Wantame Card Scanner] The scanner is actually not a Slot 2 device, despite its appearances. The pins used for the GBA slot don't really connect to anything inside the scanner; there's no real circuitry attached. Instead, the WCS outputs data through a small cable that plugs into the DS' microphone slot.
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[https://vpets.thefrugalgamer.net/2023/07/19/teku-teku-angel/ ''Teku Teku Angel'']
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="3" |''Wappy Dog''
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| rowspan="4" |Misc.
| colspan="3" |Battery
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="3" |[[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|Cartridge hot swapping]] It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[http://www.https://ghtyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting Cartridge tilting] Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.<ref name="Tilt" group="lower-alpha">{{YouTubePlaylist|PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d|Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist}} [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/925329-nintendo-ds/71009293 DS example]</ref>
|colspan="5" | There is no emulator currently includes built-in cartridge tilting simulation. As a workaround, you can try the external [https://github.com/redscientistlabs/RTCV Real-Time Corruptor (RTCV)] tool. It is a real-time memory/data corruption tool for inducing glitches during emulation, which might mimic some effects of cartridge tilting (e.g., visual/audio artifacts or crashes). However, it is not a true "cartridge tilting" simulator, as it works on live memory rather than simulating cartridge read errors.
|-
| colspan="3" |[https://infendo.com/nintendo-ds-car-navigation-system/ Smart Navi Car Navigational System]<ref group="lower-alpha">Used in ''Kuruma de DS'' which can connect to the following ECLIPSE GPS navigational systems:

# AVN-SZX04i
# AVN-SZ04i
# AVN-SZ04iW
# AVN-ZX04i
# AVN-Z04i
# AVN-Z04iW
# AVN-ZX03i
# AVN-Z03i
# AVN-Z03iW
# AVN-ZX02i</ref>||{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|}
<references group="lower-alpha" />

===Connectivity===
The DS offers five types of connections:
* '''Local wireless communications''' - ''(Multiple cartridges)''
* '''DS Download Play''' - ''(Single cartridge)''
* '''Wi-Fi Connection''' - ''(Online multiplayer)''
* '''DS/Wii connectivity'''
* '''GBA/DS connectivity'''

The major challenge with emulating multiplayer functionalities is timing inaccuracies, which have made many projects, such as DeSmuME, not want to implement them. So far, the only emulator to actually make any progress is melonDS, but even that is still under development.

====Infrared Cartridge====
Special NTR-031 cartridges with in-built IR ports. Other than connection to pedometers (''Personal Trainer: Walking'' connects to Activity Meter and ''Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver'' connect to PokéWalker), also used for [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Entralink Entralink] in ''Pokémon Black/White/Black 2/White 2'' and for [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Memory_Link Memory Link] from B/W to B2/W2.

====Local wireless communication====
Players who have a copy of the same game can link together using the DS's wireless signals (given that the game offers this feature).

melonDS supports wireless communication with several games, including ''New Super Mario Bros.'' and the ''Pokémon'' games, but you need to have either multiple instances opened, which can slow down overall performance, or connect multiple computers via LAN. No$GBA can connect but fails before the actual connection is finished.

====DS Download Play====
This feature allows players with a DS and only one copy of a game to play together (Single-Card Play). This way, not everyone needs a copy of a game. The player with the physical cartridge will host the game while the other players connect using a "downloaded" version received from the host. Normally they're either simple mini-games, stripped-down demos of the main game, or a limited version of multiplayer. In most cases, it is better to use multi-cart instead. However, some games, like ''Mario Party DS'', require Download Play to use its multiplayer.

Download Play is supported by melonDS. Like with local multiplayer, it is very hit-and-miss, but unlocking the framerate helps. melonDS will often fail during the download process, but some games actually go as far as booting and sometimes in-game as well.

====Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection====
{{Main|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection}}

====DS/Wii connectivity====
Uses wireless communication on the DS to connect to the Wii. The idea is parallel to the GBA Link Cable for the GameCube, and just like the Link Cable, [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Wii-to-DS_connectivity only a handful of games actually have this feature]. Some notable examples include:

* ''Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time'' - which is essentially the same as the DS port but can connect with other DSes with the game.
* ''Pokémon Battle Revolution'' - in which players could transfer their Pokémon from the Generation IV main series games and use the DS as a controller.
* ''Animal Crossing: City Folk'' - in which data could be transferred between the DS version (''Animal Crossing: Wild World''), and the ''Nintendo Channel'' on the Wii, where players could download demos of DS games to their console using Download Play (basically the same idea as the Download Station kiosk).

So far, no emulator has been able to emulate this feature, nor have attempted to. If this were ever going to be emulated, it would require work on both ends.

====GBA/DS connectivity====
Inserting a GBA cartridge in the Slot-2 of the Nintendo DS while a game is running can unlock various gameplay features for [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Nintendo_DS_games_with_GBA_connectivity several DS games].

It is unknown if No$GBA supports this, but it can be done in DeSmuME by going to Config > Slot 2 (GBA Slot) and selecting GBA Cartridge. Select the GBA ROM file, and make sure its <code>.sav</code> file is in the same folder. You may need to reset the game for it to take effect.
As of version 0.9, [https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=110 melonDS supports GBA connectivity] ([https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds?tab=readme-ov-file#game-boy-advance-connectivity melonDS DS libretro core support guide]) and even added support for the solar sensor on GBA Boktai cartridges used in Boktai DS (Lunar Knight), something DeSmuME has yet to support. Either drag and drop the GBA ROM onto the program before starting or open the file before loading the NDS file.

===Backwards compatibility for Game Boy Advance/GBA Mode===
The Nintendo DS is backward compatible with Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridges. Shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators|Game Boy Advance emulation]] or [[#Connectivity|GBA/DS connectivity]]. None of the emulators supports this feature currently.

===Accessories===
:''[[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_DS_accessories|Wikipedia - List of Nintendo DS accessories]]''
;Guitar Hero pad: Used in the "Guitar Hero: On Tour" series (required) and Band Hero DS. Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Piano for Easy Piano: Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Taito paddle controller: Compatible with Arkanoid, Space Invaders Extreme, Space Invaders Extreme 2, and Space Bust-a-Move. Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Tilt sensor: Also known as Motion Pak, it's used in "Tony Hawk's Motion/Hue's Pixel Painter." No emulators support this add-on yet. (Slot 2)
;Pressure-sensitive touchscreen: Used in "Harvest Moon DS," "Colors!", "Metroid Prime: Hunters," "Okamiden" and "Rhythm Heaven." No emulators support this feature yet (can work with analog triggers or DualShock 2/3 pressure-sensitive face buttons).
;Rumble pack: Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2). Requires compatible Joystick.
;Slide controller: Required by "Slide Adventure Mag Kid." No emulators support this add-on at the moment. There is an [https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/pull/737 open PR] for DeSmuME that implements this add-on.
;Nintendo Wireless Keyboard: Bundled with "Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure" (JP/EU/AU). The game refuses to boot without a keyboard, but it can be run on emulators with an anti-piracy fix and another DeSmuME-specific save bug fix. There is also [http://pokemonlog.com/pokemon-fuligin-download-rom/ a pre-patched ROM.] While it is playable using the on-screen keyboard on the lower screen, the keyboard isn't emulated. There is [https://github.com/AnimeCommander/Learn.With.Pokemon-Typing-Adventure.lua/blob/master/Pok%C3%A9mon%20Typing%20DS%20Keyboard%20Script.lua a Lua script] that permits using the actual keyboard by mapping presses of the actual keyboard to taps of the virtual Touch Screen. However, you will need to blank out all the control/hotkey bindings of DeSmuME if you're going to play this game, because some of the keyboard keys also activate some controls; otherwise, pressing the Q key would also pause the game, given one example. A recommendation would be to have a separate copy of 32-bit DeSMuMe, which purpose is playing *only* this game. In that copy, place the patched ROM, the Lua script, and a 32-bit version of [https://sourceforge.net/projects/luabinaries/files/5.1.5/Windows%20Libraries/Dynamic/ lua51.dll.] (The platform used in building the <code>.dll</code> shouldn't matter.) Even then, not only is the emulated workaround a little slow, but saving is still broken. Use savestates instead.
;DS camera: Accessory bundled with the Japan-only Face Training (European localization for Christmas 2007 was canceled, and it was released as a retail DSi game in 2010 using the internal camera rather than the original accessory). Not to be confused with the built-in DSi camera. No emulators exist for it at all.
;Bayer DIDGIT: A glucose meter for diabetic children with a game called ''Knock 'Em Downs: World's Fair'' that rewards them for checking their blood sugar levels regularly. The game has been dumped, but no support for the glucose meter peripheral exists as of the time of this writing; it may, however, be possible to add reward points through Action Replay codes, not to mention that the game will still function without the glucose meter attachment anyway (albeit with reduced functionality, of course).

===iQue DS region lock===
iQue is Nintendo's Chinese subsidiary (previously a partnership between them and Wei Yen until 2013), so when they released the DS with a few localized games, their ROMs had special flags set in them to check if the hardware that ran the cartridge was iQue's or Nintendo's as a sort of region lock. Nintendo's own hardware would fail this check, throwing an "Only for iQue DS" error in white text on a black background. No other DS games have this mechanism, not even for Korean releases. This region lock is bypassed by the 3DS for these DS games, even though 3DS games have their own region lock. It is weird.

Emulators differ in their behavior to this region lock. No$GBA crashes, while DeSmuME can load them. However, for melonDS, you need a [[Emulator Files|Firmware Dump]] from an iQue DS; otherwise, it will replicate the region lock.

The only way the ROM will accept other hardware (and thus emulators) is with a hack involving a simple byte change. Use a hex editor to change the byte located at <code>0x1D</code> from value <code>80</code> to <code>00</code>.

===Other issues===
Certain games, such as American Girl titles (e.g., ''Julie Finds a Way'' and ''Kit Mystery Challenge''), suffer from severe flickering issues which keep those games from being playable on most emulators. [[DraStic]] was the first emulator able to run the two games properly, and while DeSmuME r5043 had an initial fix that worked around the glitch, it was removed in later revisions as it broke compatibility with ''Pokémon SoulSilver'', among others; this has since been patched on r5531 once the true nature of the [https://sourceforge.net/p/desmume/bugs/1134/ bug] was better understood. The fix would be later incorporated into other emulators. ''Ultimate Mortal Kombat'' suffers from flickering and slowdown due to the way it loads sprites, though it isn't as serious in DraStic. ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Jedi Alliance'' is an even more egregious example, crashing due to timing differences between actual hardware and an emulated system.

=Nintendo DSi=
{{Infobox console
| title = Nintendo DSi
| image = DSiBlack.png
| caption = A black Nintendo DSi console
| manufacturer = Nintendo
| family = Nintendo DS
| type = Handheld game console
| generation = Seventh
| released = '''Nintendo DSi''': 
JP: November 1, 2008 
AU: April 2, 2009 
EU: April 3, 2009 
NA: April 5, 2009 
'''Nintendo DSi XL''': 
JP: November 21, 2009 
EU: March 5, 2010 
NA: March 28, 2010 
AU: April 15, 2010 
| discontinued = Yes; date undisclosed
| unitsshipped = 41 million (as of September 30, 2014)
| media =
Physical and digital 
Nintendo DS Game Card 
Nintendo DSi Game Card 
Nintendo DSi Shop (digital distribution) 
Secure Digital card (SD card) 
Secure Digital High Capacity card (SDHC card)
| os = Nintendo DSi system software
| memory = 16 MB RAM
| cpu = 133 MHz ARM9 66 MHz ARM7
| storage = 256 MB internal flash memory SD/SDHC card (up to 32 GB) Cartridge save
| connectivity = Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
| onlineservice = Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Nintendo DSi Shop Nintendo Zone
| predecessor = Game Boy Advance
| successor = Nintendo 3DS
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

Released on April 5, 2009, the '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo DSi|Nintendo DSi]]''' added new lighting effects, an inner and outer 0.3 megapixel digital cameras, 16MB of RAM (compared to the previous 4MB of RAM), a faster ARM9 CPU clocked at 133 MHz, and offered downloadable titles called "DSiWare". It costs {{Inflation|USD|169.99|2009}} at launch and later dropped to {{Inflation|USD|149.99|2010}}. The system, however, was region-locked, meaning DSi exclusives from different regions couldn't be used. It also did away with backwards-compatibility by removing Slot-2, which was used to load GBA cartridges and certain accessories (such as the Rumble Pak).

DSi emulation has been pretty neglected due to its small library of exclusive games and lack of DSi-enhanced titles that provide anything major besides camera support. The only thing really notable is DSiWare, which saw several exclusive releases.

No$GBA added support for DSi games of all three formats starting with version 2.8, although some games won't boot and others have graphical glitches. You will need to enable "16MB DSi/retail" under the settings to use it. Compatibility is very iffy due to No$GBA's already poor DS emulation, and the camera is just spoofed as a static image and will cause the emulator to crash whenever used, meaning games that use it may boot, but won't be very playable.

DSi used an encryption system for the game dumps that went on to be enhanced and used for the 3DS. This encryption is checked at start-up, hence why some Nintendo DS emulators don't even manage to boot DSiWare dumps. It's very unlikely DSi-mode emulation is ever going to be implemented in DeSmuME in particular due to various creative differences unique to that project.

As of version 0.9, melonDS has DSi emulation. It can connect to the internet and can play games with WFC online using libslirp or libpcap. It could become the most usable option for DSi emulation soon. Most of it is being done using the documentation that the No$GBA dev has already compiled on the subject<ref>http://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?id=13</ref> ([https://problemkaputt.de/gbatek.htm GBATEK]).

==DSi Game formats==
There are three types of games that uses the DSi hardware enhancements:

;DSi-enhanced retail cartridges: A regular game cartridge that is compatible with the older NDS models, but unlocks more RAM and features when used on the DSi (commonly it is just camera support, but may provide better performance with the extra RAM). Only a [http://www.rfgeneration.com/blogs/pdrydia/DSi-enhanced-titles-an-incomplete-list-1969.php couple of games] had this feature and is similar to how some late Game Boy Color games (mainly the ones made by Capcom or WayForward in the early 2000s) would offer additional feature if played on the Game Boy Advance. These games will still boot on any NDS emulators, but will be detected as if it was on the original DS and will not load any DSi enhancements. DSi-enhanced games will also have an animated icon when displayed in the boot menu of the DSi, and the titleID on the cartridge will say '''TWL''' instead of '''NTR'''.
;DSi-exclusive retail cartridges: Retail cartridges that rely on the DSi hardware features. An error screen will show when attempting to load one of these games on a regular DS console (and by extension, emulators also). These cartridges where white instead of gray and only [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DSi#Software_library five games] were physically released this way, either as launch titles or because they were too big to be sold as DSiWare (see below).
;DSiWare: Downloadable titles only available through the DSi Shop (discontinued as of March 31, 2017). They have a 16MB size limitation due to the small size of the internal NAND and a lot of interesting exclusives for the system were released as DSiWare. The Nintendo 3DS eShop also had some DSiWare for purchase (which used to be the only ''legal'' way of getting them), though it uses a different file packaging format than the DSi. The 3DS itself is also capable of running other DSiWare since the firmware used for backwards-compatibility is the same as the DSi.

All three formats can be converted to <code>.nds</code> format. Compared to regular DS games, DSi games have some additional header information not even correctly dumped in most early sets. Recent sets have since updated to the correct format. DSiWare dumps can exist in both <code>.nds</code> format and <code>.cia</code> format (for installation on a homebrewed 3DS).

Even though it's possible to convert these titles to <code>.nds</code>, when attempting to run these games on a normal emulator, it will either show an error message (when attempting to run a DSi-exclusive title), or will crash on boot-up (when attempting to run DSiWare) due to missing encryption abilities and lack of DSi hardware support. DSi-enhanced games will run as if it was on a regular DS model.

On the DSi/3DS family of handhelds, the first two formats can be played on some select DSi-compatible flashcarts like the discontinued and expensive CycloDS iEvolution flashcard (which won't work on a stock 3DS unless you install custom firmware to whitelist it). As for the third type, some are only available for digital purchase at the 3DS eShop and are installed as apps to the limited TWL NAND. Users with custom firmware can also convert DSiWare to an installable <code>.cia</code> and even dump already installed ones back to <code>.nds</code>. Since both the DSi Shop and 3DS eShop have closed, the only way of getting DSiWare on the original system is by [[Modding Consoles/Flashcarts#Nintendo_DSi|homebrewing]] your DSi and launching the <code>.nds</code> ROM through Unlaunch or [[TWiLight Menu++]].

==DSi Emulation Tutorial==
===BIOS Files===
DSi emulation requires a copy of the lower 32K-halves of the ARM7/ARM9 BIOS files (<code>BIOSDSI7.ROM</code> and <code>BIOSDSI9.ROM</code>), which are different from the regular DS BIOS files and needed for the decryption. melonDS also requires these files along with the regular DS BIOS and the DSi's firmware.bin. These unicorns can be found [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|here]].

It is also advised (but still completely '''optional''') to use a NAND dump for No$GBA to increase compatibility; however, a NAND dump is required to use melonDS.

===No$GBA===
For now, NO$GBA is the most mature DS emulation project that supports the Nintendo DSi. Using the latest debugger version of NO$GBA is recommended.
;Game Loading Methods
:;Simple .nds Loading
:Requirements: These [https://archive.org/details/DSiFirmwareFiles files] with the NO$GBA version overwritten with the latest version.

:DSiWare ROMs preserved online in romsets currently use the nds format, similar to regular Nintendo DS ROMs. If you change Emulation Settings > NDS Mode/Colors > DSi (retail/16MB), you can drag and drop all three types of DSi content on the emulator (or open the ROM), and it will run in DSi Mode.

:However, it is recommended for retail cartridges to be loaded that way with the option "Emulation Settings > Reset/Startup Entry Point" set to "GBA/NDS BIOS." This loading method isn't recommended for DSiWare games because of some bugs introduced and the lack of ability to save altogether. However, if you insist, do set that option "Reset/Startup Entry Point" to "Start Cartridge Directly" at your own risk for any unpleasant aspects of the experience.

:;NAND Loading
:Requirements are the same as [https://archive.org/details/DSiFirmwareFiles above]. If you have a real DSi unit, you can dump its NAND and use it instead of the included DSi-1.mmc file, so that you play that different game selection.

:This option is more authentic to how real hardware works. It has much fewer bugs and a higher compatibility than the Simple nds loading method. DSiWare games were limited to a 128MB internal NAND memory or 40 games in the DSi Home Menu, whichever limitation comes first. The file "DSi-1.mmc" represents the NAND and hosts installed games (that will appear in the DSi Home Menu) and properly working game saves. While the DSi supported SD cards, it didn't allow for game software to be booted from there.

:Make sure to use "Emulation Settings > Reset/Startup Entry Point" at all times. The DSiWare titles that can be booted through this method will appear in the DSi Home Menu as separate slots than the "inserted game cartridge" icon.

:Using Unlauncher, a homebrew exploit, games can be added to the NAND. However, this is an advanced technique, and generally heavily discouraged. Users of this software on real hardware were compelled to use custom firmwares that allowed for using game software from the SD card (normally impossible). This means that to take advantage of this method as an emulation user, you will be stuck with the pre-installed games on the commonly shared BIOS files online.

:;SD Card Loading
:The most recommended method, as per [http://hg101.proboards.com/thread/14716/emulate-dsi-dsiware these] [https://www.ngemu.com/threads/no-gba-3-0-dsiware-compatibility-list-using-the-nand.206911/ tutorials]. This method loads the game from the SD card instead of the NAND, and allows for an easier time adding new games to the emulator.

:Requirements include these files to be placed in the same directory as NO$GBA. Not compatible with the previous methods, and so to be used in a folder with a fresh setup.

:* [https://mega.nz/#!aJAyUQIb!OIOOrA_PMeTizDxnmf-5y5fekLxxZkRZfWGKEvV_Tx0 BIOS Files]: Required for DSi emulation.
:* [https://mega.nz/#!qBY0DAJa!18nfxczgF-JxqyFxSogfej7G23vYSjJnQCIh_tdXUq0 Modified NAND]: Includes Unlauncher (Hold A to boot it, but not needed) and [[TWiLight Menu++]]
:* [https://mega.nz/#!vERGXCwY!GSmvL2PODesi0Vmu-atKPXxxz1UyucHZyH9bXghM0a0 2GB SD Card]: Filename is DSi-1.SD
:* A tool to mount a virtual SD drive, such as [https://www.osforensics.com/tools/mount-disk-images.html OSFMount]. To be used (Open DSi-1.SD > "Mount") with the 2GB SD Card to add new .nds files to it. Remember to disable "Read-Only" and to Dismount before using the emulator again.

:Some issues are still present with this method. Refer to the next section for tips on how to deal with some of them.

===melonDS===
The latest dev builds of melonDS can also boot the DSi Menu and load most DSiWare.
To boot up the DSi Menu, you need specific files which can all be found [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|here]].
==Known Issues==
===No$GBA===
Aside from general emulation problems inherited from the older DS emulation project, there are the following issues:

* ''Microphone doesn't work.'' (DSiWare + any method) No known fix.
* ''Camera doesn't work.'' (DSiWare + any method) Unimplemented. No known fix.
* ''Wi-Fi doesn't work.'' Unimplemented.
* ''Touch Screen issues related to Screen Calibration'' (DSiWare + [[TWiLight Menu++]] or simple nds loading) The fix is to load the original DSi Home Menu first (holding B when resetting the emulator or loading it), then reset to TWiLight Menu++ (not holding any buttons) before loading the desired game.
* ''Can't Save'' (DSiWare + simple nds loading) This method is hardware inaccurate to begin with. For best results, switch to [[TWiLight Menu++]] or Original NAND methods.
===melonDS===
DSiWare has to be launched from the NAND as it can't boot them as .nds.

=References=
<references />

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Nintendo DS| ]]

Yuzu

2026-01-17T00:39:40Z

MysticChromium: /* Forks */ Eden has support for ARM Macs

{{Lowercase title}}

{{Infobox emulator
|title = yuzu
|logo = Yuzu_Icon.png
|logowidth = 100
|developer = Tropic Haze LLC yuzu Team
|last-version = {{Version|Yuzu}}
|fate = [https://web.archive.org/web/20240312071432if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/ Discontinued] (archived)
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Linux|Linux]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]] [[Emulators on macOS|macOS]] (experimental)
|architecture = x86_64, ARM64
|target = [[Nintendo Switch emulators|Nintendo Switch]]
|compatibility = [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304185123if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/game/ Compatibility list] (archived)
|website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304212345if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/ yuzu-emu.org] (archived)
|prog-lang = {{Proglang|C++}}
|license = {{license|GPLv3}}
|source = [https://github.com/yuzu-emu-mirror/yuzu GitHub] (mirror)
|bios = [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_Switch|Required]]
}}

{{for|other software that emulates the Switch|Nintendo Switch emulators}}

'''yuzu''' is a discontinued open-source [[Nintendo Switch emulators|Nintendo Switch]] emulator and debugger written in C++. Prior to its discontinuation, it was the most popular Nintendo Switch emulator and had certain performance advantages over its main competitor, [[Ryujinx]], but lower compatibility. It is no longer officially available for download, but archived downloads are available.

==Download==
;We do not recommend using Yuzu anymore. Instead, we recommend using [[#Forks|active forks of Yuzu]].

{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win|Lin}}
|''[https://web.archive.org/web/20240412002255/https://github.com/pineappleEA/pineapple-src/releases Early Access Builds (built by pinEApple)] Patreon releases''
|-
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win|Lin}}
|''[https://web.archive.org/web/20240304181906/https://yuzu-emu.org/downloads/ Latest Archived Builds]''
|-
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Android}}
|''[https://web.archive.org/web/20240304181906/https://yuzu-emu.org/downloads/#android Latest Archived Builds]''
|}

==System requirements==
See [[Computer specifications#Yuzu and forks]]

==History==
yuzu reached in-game on several Nintendo Switch exclusives in November 2019,<ref>[https://twitter.com/yuzuemu/status/1195079948635164679 Pokémon Sword and Shield go in-game] (November 14, 2019)</ref> and has been improving in compatibility by the day with active developers ever since.

''The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+'', ''Puyo Puyo Tetris'', and ''Cave Story+'' were the first games to boot.<ref>{{cite web|title=First games are running!|url=https://yuzu-emu.org/entry/first-games-are-running/|author=JMC47|date=April 15, 2018|accessdate=April 16, 2018}}</ref> In late [https://t.co/2ctw1wBN3S April 2018], yuzu booted its first Switch exclusive, ''1-2-Switch''. [https://t.co/8FY1zFoM7X Three months later], yuzu was able to run its first 3D rendered game, ''Minecraft: Story Mode''.

[https://yuzu-emu.org/entry/yuzu-progress-report-2018-p1/ This progress report] from July 2018 details the extensive work required to research the Switch and get yuzu up and running, chronicling the compatibility status of a small bundle of games and apps over time. The post also covers a surprising number of similarities between the hardware and firmware of the [[Nintendo_3DS_emulators|3DS]] and Switch, and why portions of [[Citra]] were reused in yuzu.

Yuzu started showing some 3D rendering on ''Super Mario Odyssey'' in early August 2018.<ref>[https://twitter.com/yuzuemu/status/1027066281441341440 First 3D Graphics] (August 8, 2018)</ref> This long-awaited exclusive brought a lot of interest in the project. The team covered all the changes that month in [https://yuzu-emu.org/entry/yuzu-progress-report-2018-p3/ another progress report] from September 2018.

In May 2020, multicore CPU emulation was implemented, improving framerates on many titles. This feature appears to cause audio slow down, so the developers recommend enabling audio stretching in order to mitigate it.<ref>{{YouTubeVideo|rbNd67vIO78 |Yuzu Multicore Released | This Update is INSANELY FAST}}</ref>

In July 2021, yuzu's [[Shader caches|shader ]] decompiler was rewritten, allowing the generation of pipeline cache for Vulkan users and providing a considerable performance boost.

In October 2021, resolution scaling was added to the emulator that allowed it to render games up to 6x the original resolution or 0.5x on the low end. It also added AMD FidelityFX™ Super-Resolution as a window adaptation filter among others.<ref>[https://yuzu-emu.org/entry/yuzu-art/ New Feature Release - Resolution Scaler (October 24, 2021)]</ref>

As of March 2022, an estimated half of the Nintendo Switch library can be played from start to finish, like Super Mario Odyssey, which had correct graphics and speed after 1 year of it getting to boot up.

On May 30, 2023, the emulator was ported to Android. This version was in early access, with a free and a paid version available.

===Lawsuit===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo Nintendo] sued Yuzu (TROPIC HAZE LLC) on February 26, 2024<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240304182910/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68284505/nintendo-of-america-inc-v-tropic-haze-llc/ Nintendo of America Inc. v. Tropic Haze LLC (1:24-cv-00082) On CourtListener.com]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240229213811if_/https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.rid.56980/gov.uscourts.rid.56980.1.0.pdf Case 1:24-cv-00082-JJM-LDA Document 1 (February 26, 2024)]</ref>, over copyright infringement. On March 4, 2024, Nintendo and Tropic Haze settled out of court, with US$2,400,000.00 in Nintendo's favor, along with an injunction preventing Yuzu's management from continuing development of Yuzu or assisting Citra with development.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240304174726if_/https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.rid.56980/gov.uscourts.rid.56980.10.0.pdf Case 1:24-cv-00082-JJM-LDA Document 10 (Mars 04, 2024)]</ref> Distribution of Yuzu and Citra ceased after the lawsuit's conclusion,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240304175212/https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.rid.56980/gov.uscourts.rid.56980.10.1.pdf Case 1:24-cv-00082-JJM-LDA Document 10-1 (Mars 04, 2024)]</ref> and a statement was put on the websites of both emulators and the official Discord. Also see [[Legal Status of Emulation]].

[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1b6juv9/yuzu_and_yuzus_support_of_citra_are_being/]

==Forks==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;line-height:1.5;width:74%;font-size:90%;"
|+Before editing, review the [[Getting involved]] and [[Recommended emulators|Recommended]] pages. See [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|system requirements]] page for performance demand of the emulators. See tables for [[Nintendo_Switch_emulators#Enhancements|enhancements]], [[Nintendo_Switch_emulators#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|hardware features and peripherals]]. For more details such as [[licensing]], [[Source_code#Language_levels|programming language]], [[High_and_low-level_emulation|emulation method]], visit each emulator’s dedicated page.
|-style="font-weight:bold;"
!Name
!Platform(s)
!Latest version(s)
!Compatibility
![[Licensing|License]]
!Active
![[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-style="font-weight:bold;"
!colspan="10" | x86_64
|-
|Eden
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Solaris|OpenBSD|Haiku|NetBSD}}
|[https://github.com/eden-emulator/Releases/releases {{EdenVer}}] [https://github.com/pflyly/eden-nightly/releases nightly (unofficial)] [https://git.eden-emu.dev/eden-emu/eden git] [https://github.com/Eden-CI/PR/releases as-is builds]
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Citron
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://git.citron-emu.org/citron/emulator/releases {{CitronVer}}] [https://git.citron-emu.org/citron/emulator git]
|{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://citron-emu.org/|1275|1500}}
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Sudachi
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases/tag/v1.0.15 {{SudachiVer}}] [https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases/tag/v1.0.14 v1.0.14] (Linux) [https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases/tag/v1.0.13 v1.0.13] (macOS) [https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases git] (releases)
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{n}}
|{{~}}
|-
|Torzu
|align=left|{{Icon|Win|Linux|macOS}}
|[http://vub63vv26q6v27xzv2dtcd25xumubshogm67yrpaz2rculqxs7jlfqad.onion/torzu-emu/torzu git] (Dark Git) [https://notabug.org/litucks/torzu git mirror] (NotABug)
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{~}}
|{{n}}
|-
|Suyu
|align=left|{{Icon|Win|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://git.suyu.dev/suyu/suyu/releases v0.0.3]
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{n}}
|{{n}}
|-style="font-weight:bold;"
!colspan="10" | ARM64
|-
|Eden
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Android|LinuxARM|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/eden-emulator/Releases/releases/tag/v0.0.4-rc1 {{EdenVer}}] [https://github.com/eden-emulator/Releases/releases git mirror] (releases) [https://git.eden-emu.dev/eden-emu/eden git]
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Citron
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Android|LinuxARM}}
|[https://git.citron-emu.org/citron/emu/-/releases {{CitronVer}}] [https://git.citron-emu.org/citron/emu git]
|{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://citron-emu.org/|1275|1500}}
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Sudachi
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases/tag/v1.0.15 {{SudachiVer}}] [https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases git] (releases)
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{n}}
|{{~}}
|-
|Pomelo
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://pomelo-emu.github.io/downloads.html Official Site] [https://gitlab.com/Pomelo-Emu/Pomelo git]
|{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://pomelo-emu.github.io/titles.html/|87|136}}
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{n}}
|{{~}}
|-
|Torzu
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[http://vub63vv26q6v27xzv2dtcd25xumubshogm67yrpaz2rculqxs7jlfqad.onion/torzu-emu/torzu git] (Dark Git) [https://notabug.org/litucks/torzu git mirror] (NotABug)
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{~}}
|{{n}}
|-
|Suyu
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://git.suyu.dev/suyu/suyu/releases v0.0.3]
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{n}}
|{{n}}
|}
</div>

;Eden: Newest fork in the scene, '''Eden''', with people that previously worked on Citron and Sudachi. Most of the new features provided by Eden are aimed at Android drivers specific issues. [https://old.reddit.com/r/yuzu/comments/1kgzpya/about_eden_current_state/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1kjk61u/eden_nintendo_switch_emulator/].

;Citron: A fork of yuzu, known as '''uzuy''' until October 2024. After a line of Nightly releases dating from November 2024 and a failed server migration that took the site down [https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fhas-citron-been-taken-down-v0-uxtrqvqkt19e1.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1179%26format%3Dpjpg%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D0d7ea6999148d1ca858d9f6fc05695fe20dcc3c2], Citron reappeared with a newer Canary pre-launch version on January 2025. Since the partial suspension of Sudachi development and the recent inactivity of torzu, this emulator was one the most active yuzu forks at the time.

:After internal disagreements over the idea of adding DRM and telemetry to combat misuse of the emulator, and its creator Zephyron[https://old.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnAndroid/comments/1jnpo71/the_fall_of_citron/], developers from Citron have split off and created Eden.

;Sudachi: Initially conceived by Jarrod Norwell as an experimental port of yuzu to iOS/iPadOS, the project was rebased on Yuzu's EA-4176 build following the yuzu takedown. Subsequently, the project evolved to include further improvement of the project and distributions for Linux and macOS. While it was once available on separate repositories for Windows and Android, DMCA takedowns led to the closure of both repositories and the associated Discord server[https://old.reddit.com/r/EmulationOniOS/comments/1db1qwl/sudachi_has_been_takedown/][https://x.com/antique_codes/status/1809288541064819064] (see "2024 - Yuzu (Switch) vs. Nintendo" section of the [[Legal Status of Emulation]] page). The project is now distributed through its own hosting platform. Requires a paid Apple Developer Account or TrollStore to use the <code>com.apple.developer.kernel.increased-memory-limit</code> entitlement. In version 1.0.15, the gyroscope is not recognized, and all non-English languages are removed; therefore, it is recommended to use the previous version until these issues are resolved.

:Sudachi is no longer in-development[https://sudachi.emuplace.app/]

:;Pomelo: A fork of Sudachi maintained by Stossy11 focused on iOS/iPadOS support. Pomelo can be installed with [https://sidestore.io SideStore], a paid developer account or TrollStore. This project has been archived and superseded by a Ryujinx-based emulator by the same developer: [https://melonx.org/ MeloNX].

;Suyu: A fork ([https://git.suyu.dev/suyu/suyu based on the latest EA-4176]). Unlike its parent project, the Switch firmware is required (like older versions of yuzu) as well a title.keys file for eShop/nsp games, updates and DLCs (on yuzu, they were auto generated if missing). The repository was originally hosted on GitLab, but it was forced to move after GitLab took it down, citing the use of the raw yuzu code. It is hosted on a self-managed instance of Forgejo. This decision, along with various precautions[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1bck011/heres_how_the_makers_of_the_suyu_switch_emulator/], suggests a desire to avoid [[Legal_Status_of_Emulation#Nintendo|legal claims similar to those faced by yuzu]]. Later, the team tried to recruit programmers to start to study the code. Thus, there is an adaptation period needed to see some serious advancements, and in the meantime, in response to concerns about the project's financial motivations, the suyu team emphasized a strict policy against accepting donations; they assure users that there is no intention to profit from the emulator. But there have been inexperienced coding criticisms from some in the community directed at the developers' work. Their discord server was shut down (see "2024 - Yuzu (Switch) vs. Nintendo" section of the [[Legal Status of Emulation]] page)

:Messages from suyu developers about leaving the project: [https://pastebin.com/6FYdz9Sr kksowo's message on Paste.bin], [https://old.reddit.com/r/suyu/comments/1c1hs3l/the_death_of_suyu/ The Death of Suyu by u/AMA2581 on r/suyu]. After this, however, the founder of the project states that [https://old.reddit.com/r/suyu/comments/1c1tnh5/founder_speaking_future/ they will still try to maintain the project] as much as they can. Their Discord server is shut (see "2024 - Yuzu (Switch) vs. Nintendo" section of the [[Legal Status of Emulation]] page), and with the [https://chat.suyu.dev/channel/announcements?msg=0czPGU0xnVBMkM1II announcement in February 13, 2025], the project could be considered ceased and dead.

;torzu: A fork of yuzu. To prevent take-downs, the main git repository is hosted using the Tor network. It has a mirror on NotaBug, torzu still aims to remain "compilable on Linux and Windows" and serve as a "good base to fork" in the future. torzu doesn't publish official releases or offer official support.

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304212345if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/ Official Website] (archived)
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304183035if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/entry/ Blog/entries]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304201438if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/wiki/faq/ FAQ(s)]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304185123if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/game/ Game Compatibility List]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304181617if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/screenshots/ Screenshots]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304211120if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/wiki/ Wiki(s)]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304194040if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/help/ Help]
* [https://yuzu-mirror.github.io/ Unofficial Mirror] (yuzu-mirror.github.io)

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Hybrid console emulators]]
[[Category:Handheld console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Linux emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Inactive emulation software]]

Recommended emulators

2025-10-23T20:16:15Z

MysticChromium: /* Not recommended */ Based on several emulators throughout the wiki being Not Recommended for at least one of these reasons, and is general solid rule to have for user safety

{{for|a condensed list of the most recommended emulators|List of recommended emulators}}
===What are recommended emulators?===
Well, most importantly they're emulators that are recommended by /emugen/. The list of recommended emulators is available on each emulation page, check the Wiki page and look at the "'''Recommended'''" column.

Emulators are listed in the order of most recommended at the top and least recommended at the bottom.

===Recommendation levels===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col"|Recommendation level
! scope="col"|Appearance
! scope="col"|Description
! scope="col"|Template call
|-
|Recommended
|{{✓}}
|[[#Recommended|Recommended emulator]]. One of the better emulators for the given system(s)
|<code>{{T|✓}} or {{T|Y}}</code>
|-
|Semi-recommended
|{{~}}
|[[#Semi-recommended|Semi-recommended emulator]]. Typically less compatible than higher recommended emulators.
|<code>{{T|~}}</code>
|-
|Unknown
|{{?}}
|Untested emulator. An emulator that has not been tested/tested enough.
|<code>{{T|?}}</code>
|-
|Further research needed
|{{R}}
|Further research needed to determine if it's recommended. Typically an emulator that was recently added to the article.
|<code>{{T|R}}</code>
|-
|Not recommended
|{{✗}}
|[[#Not recommended|Not recommended emulator]]. Surpassed by other emulators.
|<code>{{T|✗}} or {{T|N}}</code>
|}

==System emulation status==
Assign these symbols in "Infobox system" panel section based on;
✓: Compatibility is approximately 40% or higher.
~: Compatibility is lower than 40%, even though functional emulators exist.
✗: No functional emulators exist, or compatibility is negligible (near 5%).

==Recommending emulators==

If you want to change the recommendation of an emulator that is listed as 'unknown recommendation' or 'further research needed' you can:

* Ask /emugen/
* Use the discussion page to gather opinions from other editors
* Edit the article yourself, if you have conducted your own research

'''These are not strict rules but guidelines that should be considered while recommending an emulator:'''

===Recommended===
----

*Have high compatibility (and mappers support for systems like [[Nintendo_Entertainment_System_emulators|NES]], [[Game_Boy/Game_Boy_Color_emulators|GB/GBC]], [[Master_System_emulators|SMS/GG]], or operating systems support for [[PC_Emulator_Comparisons#Emulators|PC emulators]] etc.)

*Various [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=500&offset=0&profile=default&search=%22%7Chardware+features%22 hardware features] like connectivity, peripherals and special hardware support etc.

*Offering useful [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?search=%22%23Enhancements%7CEnhancements%22&title=Special%3ASearch&limit=500&profile=default&fulltext=1 enhancement features].

*Supports arcade and other hardware variations[https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?search=%22%23Arcade+variations%22&title=Special%3ASearch&profile=default&fulltext=1][https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?search=%22%23Hardware+variations%22&title=Special%3ASearch&profile=default&fulltext=1].

*Being capable of running on various modern devices/operating systems and run at full speed on modern affordable/popular hardware. ''See [https://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/ Steam HW survey] and [[Computer specifications]] for that.''

*Generally, be usable day-to-day by even the not-so-tech-savvy users. (e.g. distributing binaries of the software, without requiring compiling)

*Being improved regularly--in other words, be active and, preferably, be open-source (not closed-source), as that ensures that any active programmer can keep the software in good shape and able to run on the latest operating systems.

*[[Emulation_Accuracy|Accuracy]]-focused emulators are recommended when they have a reasonable amount of compatibility compared to general-use emulators without demanding high-end hardware. Being accurate doesn't always mean more compatible.

===Semi-recommended===

This should be a small amount of the listed emulators, otherwise should be listed as recommended or not recommended.

* Meets only a few of the recommended guidelines, e.g hard to use GUI but accurate emulation.

* Emulators that aren't the best in those categories. They still may be good emulators, and offer many great features, but are not the best option for general users or fall short compared to other emulators.

* If it has some level of compatibility, emulators lacking competition (like [[Xbox_360_emulators|Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation_4_emulators|PlayStation 4]]), or any other system in the [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Very_early_emulation very early] emulation category.

===Not recommended===

* If the emulator cannot run any commercial software or game.
** [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Not_yet_emulated Unemulated systems], [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Very_early_emulation very early] emulated systems with little to no compatibility, [[MAME]]'s "MACHINE_SKELETON" state.
* It falls short compared to other emulators.
* If use of the emulator poses data privacy risks, or if the emulator is/has been associated with questionable practices (including but not limited to adware, bloatware, shady monetization, license violation, illegal activity).

__NOTOC__
[[Category:Recommendations]]

Citra

2025-10-20T16:10:28Z

MysticChromium: /* Forks */ Azahar has builds functioning for M-chip Macs

{{Infobox emulator
|title = Citra
|logo = Citra.png
|logowidth = 100
|developer = Tropic Haze LLC Citra Team
|last-version = '''Nightly''' 2104 '''Canary''' 2798
|fate = [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304225805if_/https://citra-emu.org/ Discontinued] (archived)
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Linux|Linux]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]] [[Emulators on macOS|macOS]]
|architecture = x86_64, ARM64
|target = [[Nintendo 3DS emulators|Nintendo 3DS]]
|compatibility = [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304201046if_/https://citra-emu.org/game/ Compatibility list] (archived)
|website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304220745if_/https://citra-emu.org/ citra-emu.org] (archived)
|prog-lang = {{Proglang|C++}}
|license = {{license|GPLv2}}
|source = [https://github.com/citra-mirror/citra GitHub] (mirror)
|bios = [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_3DS|Required]]
}}

{{for|other software that emulates the 3DS|Nintendo 3DS emulators}}

'''[[wikipedia:Citra (emulator)|Citra]]''' (formerly Akiru) is a discontinued free and open-source [[Nintendo 3DS emulators|Nintendo 3DS]] emulator/debugger written in C++. It is also available as a [[libretro]] core. The emulator is no longer active.

==Download==
;We do not recommend using Citra anymore. Instead, we recommend using [[#Forks|active forks of Citra]].

{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win|Lin|Mac|Android}}
|''[https://web.archive.org/web/20240229205025/https://citra-emu.org/download/ Latest Archived Builds] [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304191743/https://github.com/citra-emu/citra-nightly/releases Latest Archived Nightly (2104)] [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304191843/https://github.com/citra-emu/citra-canary/releases Latest Archived Canary (2798)]''
|}

If you decide to install it from the archived link, the updater tries to fetch for updates and can't fetch any due to it shutting down forcing you to quit the setup. However, you can download Citra from "Manual Installation" section and you can download and use Citra as usual.

==System requirements==
See [[Computer specifications#Citra]]

==History==
Citra emulates a subset of 3DS hardware and therefore is useful for running/debugging homebrew applications, and it is also able to run many commercial games. Some of these do not run at a playable state. On May 23, 2020, a [https://citra-emu.org/entry/announcing-citra-android/ official Android release] for Citra came out. The minimum requirements are Android 8 (64-bit) and OpenGL ES 3.2 support. Since 15th September 2023, Citra has also added support for Vulkan, resulting in improved performance in a number of scenarios. Many games achieve playable framerates on a variety of hardware, though the developers recommend an Android device with a Snapdragon 835 chip or better.

===Lawsuit===
See [[Yuzu#Lawsuit]].

==Shared data==
Some 3DS games make use of shared files from the console's system software. These games will not boot in Citra if said files are not present in the user folder.

These files are not provided by the Citra developers for legal reasons, so they can be downloaded from the [[Emulator Files#Nintendo 3DS|Emulator Files]] page.

==Importing saves==
Some games require this to bypass bugs in title screens.
# Get the Title ID for the game version you have from [http://www.3dsdb.com/ here]. For example, we'll try with the European version of Zelda: ALBW. Its full Title ID is <code>00040000000EC400</code>.
# Take the last 8 digits of the Title ID. (in our example, <code>000EC400</code>) In case this method fails later, take <code>00000000</code> instead, or make sure the save file and the ROM image are from the same region.
# Make an empty folder named as that partial Title ID (<code>000EC400</code>). Put inside it another folder named "data", then inside that one put another folder named <code>00000001</code>, then inside that one put the actual save data files.
# Move the folder with the title ID and put it here:
#: <code>\user\sdmc\Nintendo 3DS\00000000000000000000000000000000\00000000000000000000000000000000\title\00040000</code>

==Issues==
===Emulation issues===
Emulation for various features is non-existent or not actively worked on enough to be in a usable state. This includes:
* Connectivity features relying on Wi-Fi (Wii U/3DS, Switch/3DS, 3DS Local Multiplayer, 3DS Online...), not in small part due to the setbacks hindering Wi-Fi DS emulation. However, Download Play is emulated.
* New 3DS mode. It is now in a playable state, but some games may still crash with it enabled.

===Game image format===
Citra accepts games in '''.3ds, .cia or .cxi format'''. Furthermore, in Summer 2017, chances are your existing dumps tailor-made for Citra most probably made with the officially recommended tool braindump, which were missing some data yet could be emulated on Citra, have had their compatibility broken as a design choice with no options provided to fix those dumps. You'll have to get new dumps.

While the latest sighax exploit allows for dumping decryption keys to convert (and possibly load) encrypted games in either .3ds or .cia format, development for a solution to allow for this Citra, even one requiring keys from your console, was formerly not actively pursued ''as a design choice''. Tools on 3DS and PC exist to convert those to decrypted .3ds format, and a guide can be found [[Nintendo 3DS emulators#Encryption|here]]. However, Citra now allows loading/installing encrypted 3ds/CIA files if the necessary AES keys are provided. The required keys are provided with the 3DS Shared Data downloadable above.

===Telemetry===
Citra developers decided to implement a telemetry feature, uploading to them through Internet connection detailed logs and data about your computer specs and the games you're playing. When booting Citra for the first time, you get asked if you want to enable it.

===macOS compatibility===
Although macOS support in Citra is still poor, macOS builds have returned to Citra Canary 2485 and newer thanks to the addition of the new Vulkan renderer. Previously, macOS builds were discontinued after build 1782 due to the developers raising the OpenGL requirements to version 4.3, while macOS only supports up to version 4.1. The new Vulkan renderer addresses this by utilizing the MoltenVK translation layer instead of OpenGL, enabling compatibility with macOS systems. Additionally, these latest builds are Universal and have native support for both Intel and Apple Silicon.

==Forks==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-style="font-weight:bold;"
!Name
!Platform(s)
!Latest version(s)
!New 3DS
![[Nintendo_3DS_emulators#Hardware_features|Hardware features]]
![[Nintendo_3DS_emulators#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
!Compatibility
![[Licensing|License]]
!Active
![[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-style="font-weight:bold;"
|colspan="10" | x86
|-
|Azahar
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/azahar-emu/azahar/releases/latest {{AzaharVer}}]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://github.com/azahar-emu/compatibility-list/issues|11|12}}
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Borked3DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Borked3DS/Borked3DS/releases/latest {{Borked3DSVer}}]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Mandarine
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/mandarine3ds/mandarine {{MandarineVer}}]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|PabloMK7 fork
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/PabloMK7/citra/releases/tag/r608383e r608383e]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|Lime3DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Lime3DS/lime3ds-archive/releases/tag/2119.1 2119.1]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-style="font-weight:bold;"
|colspan="10" | ARM64
|-
|Azahar
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/azahar-emu/azahar/releases/latest {{AzaharVer}}]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://github.com/azahar-emu/compatibility-list/issues|11|12}}
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Borked3DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Borked3DS/Borked3DS/releases/latest {{Borked3DSVer}}]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|[[Folium]] (Cytrus)
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/folium/id6498623389 App Store] ($) [https://folium.emuplace.app/downloads {{FoliumVer}}] [https://github.com/emuplace/folium.emuplace.app/releases/latest Latest IPA]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Mandarine
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/mandarine3ds/mandarine {{MandarineVer}}]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|Citra MMJ
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/weihuoya/citra/releases git]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Yellow}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})<ref group=N>Source code is not published in full, which may be a violation of the GPLv2 license.</ref>
|{{✓}}<ref group=N>Release binaries are still actively published, but source code is not.</ref>
|{{✗}}
|-
|PabloMK7 fork
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/PabloMK7/citra/releases/tag/r608383e r608383e]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|Lime3DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Lime3DS/lime3ds-archive/releases/tag/2119.1 2119.1]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

{{Infobox emulator
|title = Azahar
|logo = Azahar icon.png
|logowidth = 153
|active = Yes
|version = [https://github.com/azahar-emu/azahar/releases/latest {{AzaharVer}}]
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Linux|Linux]] [[Emulators on macOS|macOS]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|target = [[Nintendo 3DS emulators|Nintendo 3DS]]
|developer = [https://github.com/OpenSauce04 OpenSauce], [https://github.com/PabloMK7 PabloMK7], and other contributors
|prog-lang = {{Proglang|C++}}
|source = [https://github.com/azahar-emu/azahar GitHub]
|license = {{license|GPLv2}}
|bios = [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_3DS|Required for some games]]
}}

{{Infobox emulator
|title = Borked3DS
|logo = Borked3DS.png
|logowidth = 153
|active = Yes
|version = [https://github.com/Borked3DS/Borked3DS/releases/latest {{Borked3DSVer}}]
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Linux|Linux]] [[Emulators on macOS|macOS]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|target = [[Nintendo 3DS emulators|Nintendo 3DS]]
|developer = [https://github.com/rtiangha rtiangha]
|prog-lang = {{Proglang|C++}}
|source = [https://github.com/Borked3DS/Borked3DS GitHub]
|license = {{license|GPLv2}}
|bios = [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_3DS|Required for some games and decryption]]
}}

;Azahar: A merger of the PabloMK7 and Lime3DS Citra forks by the same developers, meant to merge added features of both to make a definitive emulator. Certain changes were made out of legal considerations, such as ending support for encrypted games, renaming the .3ds file format to its official file extension, .cci, and removing the ability to download system files directly from Nintendo's CDN, which has been replaced by the Artic Setup Tool: a homebrew application that copies system files from a real 3DS unit to Azahar. Cryptographic keys are now included in the emulator directly.<ref>{{cite web |last= |first=PabloMK7 |date=December 12, 2024 |title=Game Loading on Azahar: What's Changing |url=https://azahar-emu.org/blog/game-loading-changes/ |website=azahar-emu.org |location= |publisher= |access-date=January 25, 2025}}</ref> Azahar also includes new features not present in other Citra forks, such as the ability to download owned games from the Nintendo eShop, a new compression file format called Z3DS with a built in converter,<ref>{{cite web |last= |first=PabloMK7 |date=August 1, 2025 |title=Support for compressed 3DS backups is here! How to free up space in your 3DS game library. |url= https://azahar-emu.org/blog/compressed-backups/ |website=azahar-emu.org |location= |publisher= |access-date=September 25, 2025}}</ref> an optional "Disable Right Eye Rendering" hack which can improve performance up to 50% when used in 2D, and other quality of life upgrades over Citra.

;Borked3DS: A rebrand and continuation of the Bravely Offline Citra fork. The developers consider it to be an "experimental" or "sandbox" fork that may be unstable at times. It has all of the latest features from PabloMK7's Citra fork, most features from Lime3DS, and some hacks and features from Mandarine. It also has its own unique features, such as feature parity in the Android version, UI improvements for desktop and Android, and support for the Skylanders IR portal on desktop.

;PabloMK7 fork: A Citra fork written in C++ and initially created to add online play,<ref>https://twitter.com/Pablomf6/status/1719705943028449372</ref> but continued to receive new updates and other new features following the end of support for upstream Citra. PabloMK7 was a contributor of Citra, and the repository has also seen work from other active Citra contributors such as GPUCode, who was among the most active contributors before the repository was deleted. Being a fork of Citra, the emulator emulates a subset of 3DS hardware and therefore is useful for running/debugging homebrew applications; it is also able to run many commercial games. Some of these do not run in a playable state. On May 5, 2024, PabloMK7 announced an upcoming feature known as Artic Base,<ref>https://twitter.com/Pablomf6/status/1787246255002853480</ref> released on May 12, 2024.<ref>https://github.com/PabloMK7/ArticBaseServer</ref> Artic Base is a 3DS homebrew app that can stream game data from the 3DS system to an instance of Citra over the local network, allowing users to play their own games on Citra without having to dump them. Artic Base can also sync save data between the 3DS and Citra. Development of the fork ceased on October 29, 2024, pending a merger with Lime3DS (which had also ceased development). The resulting Citra fork would later come to be known as Azahar.<ref name="azahar">https://azahar-emu.org</ref>

;Lime3DS: A Citra fork. The main goal of the project was to act as a revival of Citra.<ref>https://github.com/Lime3DS#lime3ds-is-a-project-which-aims-to-revive-citra-the-most-popular-open-source-nintendo-3ds-emulator</ref> Much like its predecessor, Lime3DS is mainly written in C++. Development for Lime3DS began on the same day as Citra's closure, March 4, 2024. Unlike some other forks appearing at this time, the developers for Lime3DS intended to separate their branding from that of Citra and create a separate successor. The emulator had been steadily updated since then, boasting high compatibility and stability for many 3DS titles. Development ceased in November 2024, pending a merger with the PabloMK7 Citra fork (which had also ceased development). The resulting Citra fork would later come to be known as Azahar.<ref name="azahar"></ref>

;[[Folium]]: A Citra port to iOS/iPadOS devices developed by Jarrod Norwell. Previously known as emuThreeDS and [https://github.com/emuPlace/Limon/ Limón]. Now continued as a [[Multi-system_emulators|multi emulator]] named Folium. [https://github.com/folium-app/Cytrus Cytrus] is the Nintendo 3DS emulation core used in Folium.[https://x.com/antique_codes/status/1845758124298481883/photo/2]

;Mandarine: A Citra fork. It was originally named "Citra-Enhanced." Development ceased temporarily in March 2024 due to the [[Yuzu#Lawsuit|stoppage of Citra development]]. Afterward, the project changed its name to Lemonade<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnAndroid/comments/1bbos29/citraenhanced_is_going_to_be_continued_and/</ref> and shifted its focus to the Android platform while planning to add new [[Nintendo_3DS_emulators#Hardware_features|features]] and [[Nintendo_3DS_emulators#Enhancements|enhancements]]. However, due to critique stemming from Lemonade's developers alleged stealing of code from other forks, violation of Citra's GPLv2 license, and berating of developers of other forks,<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20240411140255/https://twitter.com/Pablomf6/status/1778376166098825515</ref> much of the team has since abandoned the project.<ref>https://github.com/Lemonade-emu/Lemonade/pull/2/files#diff-b335630551682c19a781afebcf4d07bf978fb1f8ac04c6bf87428ed5106870f5R16</ref> The fork was thereafter renamed back to Citra-Enhanced, before then renaming again to Mandarine after an alleged repository hijack attempt.<ref>https://github.com/mandarine3ds/mandarine/commit/ad06b079df3641e1f4086278ef93a65c204d245c#contribution</ref>

;Citra MMJ: '''Citra MMJ''' is a Citra fork for Android written by weihuoya. In the past, it has been claimed that it offers better performance on Android, however, with recent Android performance improvements in other forks, it is unclear if this is still the case. Additionally, not all of the code distributed in Citra MMJ binaries is included in the source code repository on GitHub, meaning there is less transparency for users who want to know what code is being run on their systems and less openness for external developers who may wish to contribute. This may also violate the emulator's GPLv2 license, which stipulates that source code must be available to anyone who can obtain a binary.

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304220745if_/https://citra-emu.org/ Official Website] (archived)
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304201523if_/https://citra-emu.org/entry/ Blog/entries]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304201048if_/https://citra-emu.org/help/ Help]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304212658if_/https://citra-emu.org/wiki/faq/ FAQ(s)]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304201046if_/https://citra-emu.org/game/ Game Compatibility List]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304201040if_/https://citra-emu.org/wiki/home/ Wiki(s)]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304202112if_/https://citra-emu.org/screenshots/ Screenshots]

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Handheld console emulators]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Linux emulation software]]
[[Category:macOS emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Inactive emulation software]]

Yuzu

2025-10-08T19:57:08Z

MysticChromium: /* Forks */ Architecture section matching

{{Lowercase title}}

{{Infobox emulator
|title = yuzu
|logo = Yuzu_Icon.png
|logowidth = 100
|developer = Tropic Haze LLC yuzu Team
|last-version = {{Version|Yuzu}}
|fate = [https://web.archive.org/web/20240312071432if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/ Discontinued] (archived)
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Linux|Linux]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]] [[Emulators on macOS|macOS]] (experimental)
|architecture = x86_64, ARM64
|target = [[Nintendo Switch emulators|Nintendo Switch]]
|compatibility = [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304185123if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/game/ Compatibility list] (archived)
|website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304212345if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/ yuzu-emu.org] (archived)
|prog-lang = {{Proglang|C++}}
|license = {{license|GPLv3}}
|source = [https://github.com/yuzu-emu-mirror/yuzu GitHub] (mirror)
|bios = [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_Switch|Required]]
}}

{{for|other software that emulates the Switch|Nintendo Switch emulators}}

'''yuzu''' is a discontinued open-source [[Nintendo Switch emulators|Nintendo Switch]] emulator and debugger written in C++. Prior to its discontinuation, it was the most popular Nintendo Switch emulator and had certain performance advantages over its main competitor, [[Ryujinx]], but lower compatibility. It is no longer officially available for download, but archived downloads are available.

==Download==
;We do not recommend using Yuzu anymore. Instead, we recommend using [[#Forks|active forks of Yuzu]].

{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win|Lin}}
|''[https://web.archive.org/web/20240412002255/https://github.com/pineappleEA/pineapple-src/releases Early Access Builds (built by pinEApple)] Patreon releases''
|-
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win|Lin}}
|''[https://web.archive.org/web/20240304181906/https://yuzu-emu.org/downloads/ Latest Archived Builds]''
|-
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Android}}
|''[https://web.archive.org/web/20240304181906/https://yuzu-emu.org/downloads/#android Latest Archived Builds]''
|}

==System requirements==
See [[Computer specifications#Yuzu and forks]]

==History==
yuzu reached in-game on several Nintendo Switch exclusives in November 2019,<ref>[https://twitter.com/yuzuemu/status/1195079948635164679 Pokémon Sword and Shield go in-game] (November 14, 2019)</ref> and has been improving in compatibility by the day with active developers ever since.

''The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+'', ''Puyo Puyo Tetris'', and ''Cave Story+'' were the first games to boot.<ref>{{cite web|title=First games are running!|url=https://yuzu-emu.org/entry/first-games-are-running/|author=JMC47|date=April 15, 2018|accessdate=April 16, 2018}}</ref> In late [https://t.co/2ctw1wBN3S April 2018], yuzu booted its first Switch exclusive, ''1-2-Switch''. [https://t.co/8FY1zFoM7X Three months later], yuzu was able to run its first 3D rendered game, ''Minecraft: Story Mode''.

[https://yuzu-emu.org/entry/yuzu-progress-report-2018-p1/ This progress report] from July 2018 details the extensive work required to research the Switch and get yuzu up and running, chronicling the compatibility status of a small bundle of games and apps over time. The post also covers a surprising number of similarities between the hardware and firmware of the [[Nintendo_3DS_emulators|3DS]] and Switch, and why portions of [[Citra]] were reused in yuzu.

Yuzu started showing some 3D rendering on ''Super Mario Odyssey'' in early August 2018.<ref>[https://twitter.com/yuzuemu/status/1027066281441341440 First 3D Graphics] (August 8, 2018)</ref> This long-awaited exclusive brought a lot of interest in the project. The team covered all the changes that month in [https://yuzu-emu.org/entry/yuzu-progress-report-2018-p3/ another progress report] from September 2018.

In May 2020, multicore CPU emulation was implemented, improving framerates on many titles. This feature appears to cause audio slow down, so the developers recommend enabling audio stretching in order to mitigate it.<ref>{{YouTubeVideo|rbNd67vIO78 |Yuzu Multicore Released | This Update is INSANELY FAST}}</ref>

In July 2021, yuzu's [[Shader caches|shader ]] decompiler was rewritten, allowing the generation of pipeline cache for Vulkan users and providing a considerable performance boost.

In October 2021, resolution scaling was added to the emulator that allowed it to render games up to 6x the original resolution or 0.5x on the low end. It also added AMD FidelityFX™ Super-Resolution as a window adaptation filter among others.<ref>[https://yuzu-emu.org/entry/yuzu-art/ New Feature Release - Resolution Scaler (October 24, 2021)]</ref>

As of March 2022, an estimated half of the Nintendo Switch library can be played from start to finish, like Super Mario Odyssey, which had correct graphics and speed after 1 year of it getting to boot up.

On May 30, 2023, the emulator was ported to Android. This version was in early access, with a free and a paid version available.

===Lawsuit===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo Nintendo] sued Yuzu (TROPIC HAZE LLC) on February 26, 2024<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240304182910/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68284505/nintendo-of-america-inc-v-tropic-haze-llc/ Nintendo of America Inc. v. Tropic Haze LLC (1:24-cv-00082) On CourtListener.com]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240229213811if_/https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.rid.56980/gov.uscourts.rid.56980.1.0.pdf Case 1:24-cv-00082-JJM-LDA Document 1 (February 26, 2024)]</ref>, over copyright infringement. On March 4, 2024, Nintendo and Tropic Haze settled out of court, with US$2,400,000.00 in Nintendo's favor, along with an injunction preventing Yuzu's management from continuing development of Yuzu or assisting Citra with development.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240304174726if_/https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.rid.56980/gov.uscourts.rid.56980.10.0.pdf Case 1:24-cv-00082-JJM-LDA Document 10 (Mars 04, 2024)]</ref> Distribution of Yuzu and Citra ceased after the lawsuit's conclusion,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240304175212/https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.rid.56980/gov.uscourts.rid.56980.10.1.pdf Case 1:24-cv-00082-JJM-LDA Document 10-1 (Mars 04, 2024)]</ref> and a statement was put on the websites of both emulators and the official Discord. Also see [[Legal Status of Emulation]].

[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1b6juv9/yuzu_and_yuzus_support_of_citra_are_being/]

==Forks==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-style="font-weight:bold;"
!Name
!Platform(s)
!Latest version(s)
![[Nintendo_Switch_emulators#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Hardware features]]
![[Nintendo_Switch_emulators#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
!Compatibility
![[Licensing|License]]
!Active
![[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-style="font-weight:bold;"
|colspan="10" | x86_64
|-
|Eden
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|FreeBSD|Solaris}}
|[https://github.com/eden-emulator/Releases/releases {{EdenVer}}] [https://github.com/eden-emulator/Releases/releases git mirror] (releases) [https://git.eden-emu.dev/eden-emu/eden git]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Citron
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://git.citron-emu.org/citron/emulator/-/releases {{CitronVer}}] [https://git.citron-emu.org/citron/emulator git]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://citron-emu.org/|1275|1500}}
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Sudachi
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases/tag/v1.0.15 {{SudachiVer}}] [https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases/tag/v1.0.14 v1.0.14] (Linux) [https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases/tag/v1.0.13 v1.0.13] (macOS) [https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases git] (releases)
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{n}}
|{{~}}
|-
|Torzu
|align=left|{{Icon|Win|Linux|macOS}}
|[http://vub63vv26q6v27xzv2dtcd25xumubshogm67yrpaz2rculqxs7jlfqad.onion/torzu-emu/torzu git] (Dark Git) [https://notabug.org/litucks/torzu git mirror] (NotABug)
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{~}}
|{{n}}
|-
|Suyu
|align=left|{{Icon|Win|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://git.suyu.dev/suyu/suyu/releases v0.0.3]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{n}}
|{{n}}
|-style="font-weight:bold;"
|colspan="10" | ARM64
|-
|Eden
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|LinuxARM}}
|[https://github.com/eden-emulator/Releases/releases/tag/v0.0.3-rc3 {{EdenVer}}] [https://github.com/eden-emulator/Releases/releases git mirror] (releases) [https://git.eden-emu.dev/eden-emu/eden git]
|{{?}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Citron
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|LinuxARM}}
|[https://git.citron-emu.org/citron/emu/-/releases {{CitronVer}}] [https://git.citron-emu.org/citron/emu git]
|{{?}}
|{{~}}
|{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://citron-emu.org/|1275|1500}}
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|Sudachi
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases/tag/v1.0.15 {{SudachiVer}}] [https://github.com/emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app/releases git] (releases)
|{{?}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{n}}
|{{~}}
|-
|Pomelo
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://pomelo-emu.github.io/downloads.html Official Site] [https://gitlab.com/Pomelo-Emu/Pomelo git]
|{{?}}
|{{~}}
|{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://pomelo-emu.github.io/titles.html/|87|136}}
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{n}}
|{{~}}
|-
|Torzu
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[http://vub63vv26q6v27xzv2dtcd25xumubshogm67yrpaz2rculqxs7jlfqad.onion/torzu-emu/torzu git] (Dark Git) [https://notabug.org/litucks/torzu git mirror] (NotABug)
|{{?}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{~}}
|{{n}}
|-
|Suyu
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://git.suyu.dev/suyu/suyu/releases v0.0.3]
|{{?}}
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|{{n}}
|{{n}}
|}
</div>

;Eden: Newest fork in the scene, '''Eden''', with people that previously worked on Citron and Sudachi. Most of the new features provided by Eden are aimed at Android drivers specific issues. [https://old.reddit.com/r/yuzu/comments/1kgzpya/about_eden_current_state/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1kjk61u/eden_nintendo_switch_emulator/].

;Citron: A fork of yuzu, known as '''uzuy''' until October 2024. After a line of Nightly releases dating from November 2024 and a failed server migration that took the site down [https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fhas-citron-been-taken-down-v0-uxtrqvqkt19e1.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1179%26format%3Dpjpg%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D0d7ea6999148d1ca858d9f6fc05695fe20dcc3c2], Citron reappeared with a newer Canary pre-launch version on January 2025. Since the partial suspension of Sudachi development and the recent inactivity of torzu, this emulator was one the most active yuzu forks at the time.

:After internal disagreements over the idea of adding DRM and telemetry to combat misuse of the emulator, and its creator Zephyron[https://old.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnAndroid/comments/1jnpo71/the_fall_of_citron/], developers from Citron have split off and created Eden.

;Sudachi: Initially conceived by Jarrod Norwell as an experimental port of yuzu to iOS/iPadOS, the project was rebased on Yuzu's EA-4176 build following the yuzu takedown. Subsequently, the project evolved to include further improvement of the project and distributions for Linux and macOS. While it was once available on separate repositories for Windows and Android, DMCA takedowns led to the closure of both repositories and the associated Discord server[https://old.reddit.com/r/EmulationOniOS/comments/1db1qwl/sudachi_has_been_takedown/][https://x.com/antique_codes/status/1809288541064819064] (see "2024 - Yuzu (Switch) vs. Nintendo" section of the [[Legal Status of Emulation]] page). The project is now distributed through its own hosting platform. Requires a paid Apple Developer Account or TrollStore to use the <code>com.apple.developer.kernel.increased-memory-limit</code> entitlement. In version 1.0.15, the gyroscope is not recognized, and all non-English languages are removed; therefore, it is recommended to use the previous version until these issues are resolved.

:Sudachi is no longer in-development[https://sudachi.emuplace.app/]

:;Pomelo: A fork of Sudachi maintained by Stossy11 focused on iOS/iPadOS support. Pomelo can be installed with [https://sidestore.io SideStore], a paid developer account or TrollStore. This project has been archived and superseded by a Ryujinx-based emulator by the same developer: [https://melonx.org/ MeloNX].

;Suyu: A fork ([https://git.suyu.dev/suyu/suyu based on the latest EA-4176]). Unlike its parent project, the Switch firmware is required (like older versions of yuzu) as well a title.keys file for eShop/nsp games, updates and DLCs (on yuzu, they were auto generated if missing). The repository was originally hosted on GitLab, but it was forced to move after GitLab took it down, citing the use of the raw yuzu code. It is hosted on a self-managed instance of Forgejo. This decision, along with various precautions[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1bck011/heres_how_the_makers_of_the_suyu_switch_emulator/], suggests a desire to avoid [[Legal_Status_of_Emulation#Nintendo|legal claims similar to those faced by yuzu]]. Later, the team tried to recruit programmers to start to study the code. Thus, there is an adaptation period needed to see some serious advancements, and in the meantime, in response to concerns about the project's financial motivations, the suyu team emphasized a strict policy against accepting donations; they assure users that there is no intention to profit from the emulator. But there have been inexperienced coding criticisms from some in the community directed at the developers' work. Their discord server was shut down (see "2024 - Yuzu (Switch) vs. Nintendo" section of the [[Legal Status of Emulation]] page)

:Messages from suyu developers about leaving the project: [https://pastebin.com/6FYdz9Sr kksowo's message on Paste.bin], [https://old.reddit.com/r/suyu/comments/1c1hs3l/the_death_of_suyu/ The Death of Suyu by u/AMA2581 on r/suyu]. After this, however, the founder of the project states that [https://old.reddit.com/r/suyu/comments/1c1tnh5/founder_speaking_future/ they will still try to maintain the project] as much as they can. Their Discord server is shut (see "2024 - Yuzu (Switch) vs. Nintendo" section of the [[Legal Status of Emulation]] page), and with the [https://chat.suyu.dev/channel/announcements?msg=0czPGU0xnVBMkM1II announcement in February 13, 2025], the project could be considered ceased and dead.

;torzu: A fork of yuzu. To prevent take-downs, the main git repository is hosted using the Tor network. It has a mirror on NotaBug, torzu still aims to remain "compilable on Linux and Windows" and serve as a "good base to fork" in the future. torzu doesn't publish official releases or offer official support.

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304212345if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/ Official Website] (archived)
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304183035if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/entry/ Blog/entries]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304201438if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/wiki/faq/ FAQ(s)]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304185123if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/game/ Game Compatibility List]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304181617if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/screenshots/ Screenshots]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304211120if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/wiki/ Wiki(s)]
:- [https://web.archive.org/web/20240304194040if_/https://yuzu-emu.org/help/ Help]
* [https://yuzu-mirror.github.io/ Unofficial Mirror] (yuzu-mirror.github.io)

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Hybrid console emulators]]
[[Category:Handheld console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Linux emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Inactive emulation software]]

Game Boy Advance emulators

2025-10-08T19:53:09Z

MysticChromium: /* Emulators */ Semi-recommended below fully recommended

{{Infobox system
|title = Game Boy Advance
|logo_size = 250px
|image = gbagba.png
|image_size = 250px
|caption = Indigo Game Boy Advance
|aka = CN: iQue Game Boy Advance
|developer = [[Nintendo|Nintendo R&D]]
|manufacturer = [[Nintendo]]
|family = Game Boy
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|price = {{Inflation|USD|99.99|2001}}
|generation = [[:Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles|Sixth]]
|release date =
JP: March 21, 2001 
NA: June 11, 2001 
PAL: June 22, 2001
|discontinued = Yes
|units sold = 81.51 million
|media =
Game Boy Game Pak 
Game Boy Color Game Pak 
Game Boy Advance Game Pak
|soc = Nintendo CPU AGB
|cpu = ARM7TDMI @ 16.78 MHz Sharp SM83 @ 4 / 8 MHz
|memory = 288 KB RAM, 98 KB VRAM
|display = Reflective TFT LCD, 240 × 160 px, 61.2 mm × 40.8 mm (2.41 in × 1.61 in)
|dimensions = 82 mm × 144.5 mm × 24.5 mm (3.23 in × 5.69 in × 0.96 in)
|power = 2 × AA batteries
|topgame = ''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Sapphire'' (16.22 million units)
|compatibility =
[[Game Boy (Color) emulators|Game Boy]] 
[[Game Boy (Color) emulators|Game Boy Color]]
|predecessor = [[Game Boy Color]]
|successor = [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]]
|related =
Game Boy Advance SP 
Game Boy Micro
|emulated = {{Ya}}
}}

{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy Advance|Emulators on Game Boy Advance}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game_Boy_Advance|Game Boy Advance]]''' (often shortened to GBA) is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on the 21st of March 2001, in North America on the 11th of June and in Australia and Europe on the 22nd of June and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|99.99|2001}}. It has a ARM7TDMI CPU at 16.78 MHz and a Zilog Z80 CPU at 8 MHz and 4 MHz. It has 288 KB of RAM and 96 KB of VRAM.

The GBA is one of the few cases of emulation being available prior to the release of the console due to the existence of tech demos. Due to the console's relative simplicity and the low system requirements for emulation, several emulation options capable of running commercial games were available early in the console's lifespan. Emulation has only continued to advance since then, with modern offerings being highly accurate and playable on many devices.

==Emulators==
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
!Name
!Platform(s)
!Latest version
![[#Hardware features and peripherals|Hardware features and peripherals]]
![[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
!Compatibility
![[Licensing|License]]
!Active
![[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
!colspan="9"|x86
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group="lower-alpha">[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift confirming the libretro core is tracking the master branch], However, even though it's updated frequently, some [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|hardware features]] are exclusive to the standalone version. Therefore, using the standalone version is recommended.</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Mesen|Mesen]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[NanoBoyAdvance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/workflows/build/master Dev builds] [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/releases {{NanoBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{Na}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases/ {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|{{Na}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master git Artifacts] [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{~}} ||{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://ares-emu.net/compatibility/nintendo-game-boy-advance?status=-1|2290|2921}} ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_m/ vbam_libretro] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ vba_next_libretro]<ref group="note">VBA Next is a Game Boy Advance emulator based on VBA-M 2011 with backported patches for performance and compatibility improvements.</ref>
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core'''s'''] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases 2.1.11]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBAHawk]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/alyosha-tas/GBAHawk/releases 2.2.0]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (mGBA 0.10.0)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [https://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[https://problemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[MAME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|git artifacts<ref group="lower-alpha">[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref> [https://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{~}} ||[https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mess.php?software_list_name=gba&compatibility= ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/ gpSP_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[Mednafen]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/beetle_gba/ mednafen_gba_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[{{MednafenURL|releases/}} {{MednafenVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://hades-emu.org Hades]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/hades-emu/Hades/releases/tag/v1.0.0 {{HadesVer}}] [https://nightly.link/hades-emu/Hades/workflows/build/master Nightly builds] [https://github.com/hades-emu/hades git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/higan-emu/higan/releases/tag/v110 {{higanVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}<ref group="lower-alpha">Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|agbemu
|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/burhanr13/agbemu/releases 1.1]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|iDeaS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20150311100053/https://ciacin.site90.com/ideas.php {{iDeaSVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA VGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA/#Downloads {{VGBAVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|Meteor
|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/blastrock/meteor {{MeteorVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|BoyCottAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://boycottadvance.emuunlim.org/Downloads.htm {{BoyCottAdvanceVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|PlayBoy Advance
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|[https://www.zophar.net/macintosh/gba/playboy-advance.html {{PlayBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|GameBeanAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/bmchtech/GameBeanAdvance git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{~}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
!colspan="9"|ARM
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|LiA|Pandora}}
|[https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android unofficial Android version] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha">Libretro core is active; unofficial standalone port for Android is not.</ref> ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://www.explusalpha.com/contents/gba-emu GBA.emu] (VBA-M 2.1.4 based)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
|[https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha/releases/tag/Pre-release Pre-release] [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbaEmu 1.5.82][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/75 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|LiA|Pandora}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|WoA}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master git Artifacts] [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Pandora}} {{Icon|Didj|Symbian}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://repo.openpandora.org/?page=detail&app=package.gpsp.notaz 0.9.2.8 Pandora] [https://github.com/Summeli/gpSP4Cute Symbian]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name=gpsp>libretro core-only.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://pixelrespawn.com/ Linkboy]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pixelrespawn.linkboy 2.2.3] [https://apps.apple.com/app/linking-boy/id6695762604 AppStore]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBA
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details/John_GBA?id=com.johnemulators.johngba 2.13]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}}||{{R}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|Pizza Boy A Pro
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.dbtecno.pizzaboygbapro&hl=en_US 2.16.2]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}}||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://sites.google.com/site/fastemulator/ My Boy!]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gba 2.0.8]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{Na}}<ref group="lower-alpha">Superseded by Linkboy.</ref>
|-
|agbemu
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/burhanr13/agbemu/releases 1.1]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|VGBAnext
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.emu {{VGBANextVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hydra.noods 0.1] [https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://forums.windowscentral.com/app-spotlight/252987-trio-nintendo-emulators-vba8-vgbc8-snes8x.html VBA10]
|align=left|{{Icon|W10P}}
|[https://forum.xda-developers.com/windows-10-mobile/windows-10-mobile-apps-and-games/app-vba10-emulator-t3588704 1.22] [https://emulator.games/emulators/gameboy-advance/vba10/ Alt]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20190801135245/http://allaboutwindowsphone.com/software/content/VBA8_1.php VBA8]
|align=left|{{Icon|W8P}}
|[https://www.appx4fun.com/xap/15223/ 2.27]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|GBA_J2ME
|align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
|[https://oldfag.top/downloads/?act=view&id=168 1.0]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|GBA Emulator (Rekkuzan)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Rekkuzan.UnityBoyAdvance 0.1.13]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[Manic EMU]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/manic-emu-game-emulator/id6743335790 {{Manic EMUVer}}][https://github.com/Manic-EMU/ManicEMU/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{TBD}}
|-
|[[Provenance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/provenance-app/id1596862805 {{ProvenanceVer}}][https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Folium]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/folium/id6498623389 App Store] ($) [https://folium.emuplace.app/downloads {{FoliumVer}}] [https://github.com/emuplace/folium.emuplace.app/releases/latest Latest IPA]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Delta]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688 {{DeltaVer}}] [https://github.com/rileytestut/Delta git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
!colspan="9"|Consoles
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|Switch}} {{Icon|3DS|PSV}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://mgba.io/downloads.html#homebrew {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online|Nintendo Classics]] ([[Sloop]])
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}{{Icon|Switch2}}
|{{N/a}}
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|Only for selected titles]] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ VBA Next]
|align=left|{{Icon|NGC|Wii|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PS4}} {{Icon|Vita}} {{Icon|Xbox|Xbox360}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC|PSP}} {{Icon|PS2|NGC|Wii}} {{Icon|3DS|Vita}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [[GpSP#PSP_Version|TempGBA4PSP]]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name=gpsp></ref> ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm open_agb_firm]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm/releases 2024-07-30]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|8.10
|{{~}} ||{{Na}} ||[[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_2|Only for selected titles (3DS)]] [[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_3|Only for selected titles (Wii U)]] ROM injection is possible with both consoles with relatively high compatibility. ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Game_Boy_Interface Game Boy Interface]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest main] [https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest-extra extra]
|{{~}} ||{{Na}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware (Requires Game Boy Player hardware) ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name=gbinterface>Multiple versions available. Pick the version that fits best with your specific setup.</ref>
|-
|Game Boy Player
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|
|{{~}} ||{{Na}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware Limited to a filtered, 480i output with a slight amount of input lag ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name=gameboyplayer>Game Boy Interface is recommended instead</ref>
|-
|ReGBA
|Align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1332 v1.45.5 revision 3]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Enhanced_mGBA emGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/mgba/latest git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA GX]]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://github.com/dborth/vbagx/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBARunner3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner3 git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Red}} Source available ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name=gbarunner3>Recommended on DS</ref>
|-
|DSTWO
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|{{N/a}}
|{{Dunno}} ||{{~}} ||Uses SOC of flashcart itself for emulation||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}}||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Gbaemu4DS
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|[https://ichfly.github.io/gbaemu4DS Alpha 2 fix 4][https://github.com/ichfly/gbaemu4DS git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[GBARunner2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner2/releases/tag/v20200812-131430_6e4ce45 2020/08/12]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[gpSP|UO gpSP Kai]] (UO gpSP改)
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|3.4 test 4 build 230
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita|WiiU}} {{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git] (Switch/Vita/WiiU) [https://github.com/Xiro28/NooDS_PSP git] (PSP port)
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|}
<references group="lower-alpha" />

==Comparisons==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
;[[mGBA]]:Free and open-source Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator developed by endrift. Written from scratch, it aims for speed, [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]], and portability. Yet, it is the most complete GBA emulation effort with [[#Enhancements|enhancements]] and [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|feature support]], passing the older project VBA and its forks. It is also available as a libretro core for RetroArch. As of 0.9.0, mGBA with a stripped-down GUI has been integrated into Dolphin for games supporting [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|connectivity features]].

;[[NanoBoyAdvance]]:Highly [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]]<ref>[https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md mGBA suite comparison]</ref> Game Boy Advance emulator. It aims for [[Emulation Accuracy|cycle-accurate]] emulation when possible (CPU, DMA, timers, PPU and Game Pak prefetch), while also offering enhancements such as improved audio quality. Very high compatibility, including games that require emulation of [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md#Game-compatibility peculiar hardware edge-cases]. Unfortunately, following the release of the next major update, the developer "[https://github.com/fleroviux fleroviux]" will step down from actively developing the project.[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1auz9c9/nanoboyadvance_180_is_released_plus_announcement/]

;[[GBAHawk]]:A fork of the BizHawk emulator focusing on console verification of Gameboy Advance TASes and hardware research.[https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/GBA_Tests]

;[[VisualBoy Advance|Visual Boy Advance (VBA)]]:The original GBA emulator. Discovered to have an <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability detailed below.

:;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|Visual Boy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:A fork with additional minor improvements. It is behind in terms of [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]] compared to mGBA or other recommended GBA emulators, but is still useful for its robust debugging features and sound interpolation that reduces hissing.

::;VBA-Next:A [[RetroArch]] fork from an older revision of VBA-M with added speedhacks and tweaks, making it useful for lower-end devices. A bit less accurate in some respects, but fixes a few games such as Advance Wars 2.

;[[SkyEmu]]:Low-level Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator. Its primary focus is to provide a [https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/ybejxv/skyemu_v2_release/itutt2h/ good user experience] through a good tradeoffs mixture [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]]<ref>[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu#accuracycompatibility SkyEmu: Accuracy and Compatibility], [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/blob/dev/docs/Accuracy.md SkyEmu: Accuracy on Difficult to Emulate Games].</ref>, performance, features, and usability. Capable of full instruction pipeline, prefetch emulation, and per pixel PPU Implementation capable of both scan line and mid-scan line effects.

;[[higan]] / [[ares]]:[[Emulation Accuracy|Accuracy]] wise, it is behind compared to NanoBoyAdvance and SkyEmu (and maybe mGBA), but it has dot-based instead of scanline-based renderer and does a better job compared to VBA-M. It is also behind in terms of compatibility compared to mGBA, NanoBoyAdvance, and SkyEmu, but Ares stands out being a [[Multi-system_emulators|multi-system emulator]] and supports some useful [[#Enhancements|enhancements]], like shaders/filters and simple debug features.

;[[Mesen]]: It has potential to be the best GBA debugger in the future. placeholder text

;[[MAME]]:Has a <code>gba</code> driver markup as working, but both graphics and sound are [https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/dettaglio_mame.php?game_name=gba "imperfect"] as of version 0.280.

;[[gpSP]]:Originally made for the PSP, its last official version was 0.91. There are, however, two forks of interest: [https://dl.qj.net/psp/emulators/gpsp-mod-20090720.html gpSPmod] and [https://filetrip.net/psp-downloads/homebrew/download-gpsp-j-12-06-16-f29570.htmlgpSP-J gpSP-J]. gpSP-J has superior compatibility, while gpSPmod has more options for customization (full screen, cheats, etc.) Both are superior to Kai. TempGBA is another good fork. For other platforms, there is a libretro port of gpSP with fast x86 and ARM dynarecs. While it is behind the best GBA emulators in terms of accuracy, its great performance makes it a viable option for old/underpowered machines or for using extreme fast-forward in games.

;Pizza Boy A:Likely due to the [[Yuzu#Lawsuit|yuzu situation]], the project was pulled from the Play Store by its developer after seven years of development and was presumed dead in 2024[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1b97uus/emulator_pizza_boy_for_gba_and_gbc_removed_from/][https://old.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnAndroid/comments/1ba5h5g/pizzaboy_emulator_is_gone/][https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/7/24093867/another-emulator-is-shutting-down]. However, in April, the project was renamed and development has resumed[https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/23/24138403/speaking-of-turning-your-phone-into-a-nintendo-emulator][https://gbatemp.net/threads/pizza-boy-a-basic-emulator-back-into-google-play-store-free-and-without-ads.654652/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1cbp2fx/pizza_boy_is_back/].

; [[Nintendo Switch Online|Nintendo Classics]] ([[Sloop]])
* GBA support was added to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack in February 2023, alongside GB games exclusive to the normal tier;
* Users are [[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|limited to the selection of games]] Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Can support Online and Local Play with other Switch Online Expansion Pack users (up to 4 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* [https://twitter.com/LuigiBlood/status/1624005571815899136 Accurate enough] at the point of being able to pass any of the ''AGB Test Cartridge'' (v10) tests without a single failure;
* Video filters can be applied;
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Allows rumble support for games that had such a function back when played in a Game Boy Player (''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'', ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'')
* With version 3.0.0, it adopted the ''Nintendo Classics'' brand; adds the GBA BIOS as an easter egg, individual remaps and proper 1080p upscaling in handheld mode.
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''NOTE:''' There's a ''huge'' <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability affecting VBA and most of its forks, except for VBA-M. The function for adding GameShark codes ("Import > GameShark code file") doesn't check if the file's size is within 1024 kilobits, meaning cheat code files from dubious sources can be engineered with malware in mind. There is good news; VBA-M still doesn't do a sanity check for those files, but it just crashes instead of letting the code wreak havoc. So, depending on your use case, avoid using:
# Cheat code files bigger than 1024 KB that you got online from untrustworthy sources.
# The import code files feature.
# The old emulator altogether, and settle for other options like mGBA or VBA-M. All of them support the same SRAM save data the cartridge uses.

'''List of recommended GBA emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in the above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

==Enhancements==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan=2 style="width:50%" |Name
! mGBA
! Mesen
! NanoBoyAdvance
! SkyEmu
! ares
! GBE+
! VBA-M
!GBAHawk
! BizHawk
! No$GBA
|-
|rowspan="2" |Controls
|[[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|{{~}}<ref name="lrExclusive" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://docs.retroachievements.org/general/tutorials/turbo-button.html Turbo button]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="4" |Graphics
|Remove sprite limit The GBA has hardware support for up to 128 sprites.[https://www.vg-resource.com/thread-28888.html] – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some flickering seen in games at times, and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|{{Dunno}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/3186 *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/967 *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Resolution|Resizable internal resolution]]
|colspan="10" |For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more visible.
|-
|[[Texture_packs#Sprite_Replacement_.282D.29|Sprite replacement]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|Widescreen hack]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="2" |Performance
|[[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal frame rate hack]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|{{Na}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2833 *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/65j3c3/can_a_emulated_game_run_better_then_the_actual/dgau7ck/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1jp70fe/gb_enhanced_v19_release_dmggbcgbapok%C3%A9mon_mini/ml30fq0/]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="6" |Post-processing
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering anti-aliasing]] (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]] (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Shader_Presets|Shader chain]]
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrExclusive"></ref>
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/pull/1397 *]
|{{Na}}
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrExclusive"></ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="11" |Quality of life
|Automatic updater
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|cheat manager]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [https://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
|colspan="10" |Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
|Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|patch manager]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Command line options
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Pause/resume emulation
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|Per-game profiles
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth Stealth] Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, it still requires necessary [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system.
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs#Game_Boy_Advance_.2F_Nintendo_DS_.2F_Nintendo_3DS|Streamable compression format]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="6" |[https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
|Fast-forward/turbo speed
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Frame step (forwards and backwards)
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|{{Ya}}<ref name="ExStandalone" group="lower-alpha">Exclusive to standalone version.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|{{Dunno}}[https://forums.mgba.io/archive/index.php?thread-4910.html]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Rewind
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Save states
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="6" |Misc.
|AI service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
|colspan="10" |Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|{{Ya}}[https://mgba.io/2021/03/28/mgba-0.9.0/#more-debugging-improvements *]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
|colspan="10" |Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
|[https://github.com/ipatix/gba-hq-mixer High quality audio mixer] HQ audio mixer for games which use Nintendo's MusicPlayer2000 sound engine
|{{~}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Netplay]] You can use either yuzu/Ryujinx for playing GBA games online via netplay. This enhancement shouldn't be confused with GBA connectivity features emulation.
|[https://mgba.io/faq.html#glossary WIP]
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[[RetroAchievements]]
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrExclusive">Exclusive to libretro core. There is also a [https://retroachievements.org/download.php#ravba modified version of VBA-M] for RetroAchievement support. [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2232 Feature request: RetroAchievements integration in mGBA standalone].</ref>
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{~}} [[RetroAchievements#Emulators_planned_for_RetroAchievements|WIP]]
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1djp8ro/ares_v139_release/l9ckjp2/ roadmap]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lrExclusive"></ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}[https://retroachievements.org/download.php#bizhawk *]
|{{Na}}
|}
<references group="lower-alpha"/>

==Hardware features and peripherals==
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
:''[https://maru-chang.com/hard/agb/english.htm maru-chang.com - hardware]''
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan="4" style="width:50%" |Name
! mGBA
! Mesen
! NanoBoyAdvance
! SkyEmu
! ares
! GBE+
! VBA-M
!GBAHawk
! BizHawk
! No$GBA
|-
|rowspan="4" |Cartridge features
|colspan="3" |[[#Real-time_clock|Real-time clock]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2/blob/master/Core/GBA/Cart/GbaRtc.cpp *]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{~}}[https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/blob/master/ares/gba/cartridge/rtc.cpp *]<ref name="RTC-GBA" group="lower-alpha">Though there is code that shows RTC support, ares currently does not emulating the Pokémon and Boktai games correctly.</ref>
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/blob/master/src/BizHawk.Emulation.Cores/Consoles/Nintendo/GBA/MGBAHawk.cs *]
|{{Ya}}[https://problemkaputt.de/gbanew.htm *]
|-
|colspan="3" |Rumble
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[[#Inputs|Solar sensor]]
|{{~}}<ref name="manual-switch" group="lower-alpha">Only the Nintendo Switch port allows use of the Switch's light sensor.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Na}}
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha">Only manual configuration. No automatic detection via light sensor/camera input/weather forecast/GPS location/other.</ref>
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="lower-alpha" />
|-
|colspan="3" |[[List_of_games_that_support_tracked_motion_controllers#Game_Boy_Advance_Emulation|Tilt sensor]] ''Koro Koro Puzzle - Happy Panechu'' and ''Yoshi's Universal Gravitation'' use standard accelerometer, and ''WarioWare: Twisted!'' uses a different, much larger version but with a more accurate motion sensor.
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{Ya}}<ref name="RetroArch" group="lower-alpha">Motion Control support present on RetroArch VBA-M core.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="3" |Hardware features
|colspan="3" |[[#GB.2FGBC_backward_compatibility_emulation.2FEnhanced_Mode|Game Boy (Color) backwards compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}[https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=21831.0 *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="3" |Game Boy Player Rumble Different from cartridge rumble. Very few games utilize this feature such as ''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'', ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'', and ''Drill Dozer''.
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/#operating-system System BIOS]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|rowspan="22" |Peripherals
|rowspan="5" |[[#Connectivity|Connectivity]]
|rowspan="3" |[[Wikipedia:Game_Link_Cable#Third_generation|Link Cable]]
|[[#GameCube Connectivity|GameCube connectivity]]
|{{Ya}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha">Does not work on libretro core. Feature Requests: [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/114 GBA Game Link Support], [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/87 e-Reader support] for for VBA-M libretro core.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/vvdqyk/release_of_skyemu_10/ifjfj7a/ *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[[#GBA_Multi_Pak_Link_Multiplayer_.281.7E4GBA.29|Multi-Pak]]
|{{Ya}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/15pvssg/the_skyemu_v3_gbgba_and_newly_nds_emulator_is_now/jw1785m/ WIP]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://squallsnake.com/blog-gba-single-pak-multiplayer-game-list/ Single-Pak]
|{{Ya}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/15pvssg/the_skyemu_v3_gbgba_and_newly_nds_emulator_is_now/jw1785m/ WIP]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/831 *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Mobile Adapter GB
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#Connectivity|Wireless Adapter]]
|{{Na}} [https://mgba.io/timeline.html#IN+THE+FUTURE *]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="3" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators|e-Reader]]
|colspan="2" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader + GBA Game]]
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}<ref name="e-Reader-GBAGame" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}<ref name="e-Reader-GBAGame" group="lower-alpha">Incomplete: this emulator will not recognize the games they're connected to. Normally, after choosing "Connection/to Game Boy Advance", the e-Reader should have "(Game Name) Game Data" preloaded in its internal EEPROM memory and appearing in a tiny black box on-screen, but this can't happen in either No$GBA, VBA-M, or VBA e-Reader mods. Without this step done, scanning e-Cards will just yield an error message. e-Reader/GBA game pack emulation in this emulator can be still reached by ripping a save game from real e-Reader hardware, with this step already done. Using this save with the e-Reader BIOS, it's possible to connect to the GBA game pack, and scan e-Cards… though it's a very less-than-ideal solution and there are only pre-baked e-Reader save files for Super Mario Advance 4 (U), Pokémon Emerald (J), LeafGreen (J) and FireRed (J)."</ref>
|-
|colspan="2" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader + NGC Game]]
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|Standalone]]
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="lower-alpha" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{~}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[[#Game_Boy_Advance_Video|Game Boy Advance Video]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="13" |[[#Special_hardware|Special hardware]]
|colspan="2" |Agatsuma's TV Tuner
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art37.html][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1jp70fe/gb_enhanced_v19_release_dmggbcgbapok%C3%A9mon_mini/]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |AGS-006 family Play-Yan Play-Yan Micro Nintendo MP3 Player
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art32.html][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Battle Chip Gate
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Campho Advance
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art36.html]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Glucoboy
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art33.html *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Jukebox
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art31.html *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |
[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art27.html Magical Watch]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="2" |[[Toys-to-life emulation|Toys-to-life]]
|Soul Doll Adapter
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Multi Plust On System
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Turbo File Advance
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |Virtureal Racing System
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art24.html *]
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="3" |Misc.
|colspan="3" |[[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|Cartridge hot swapping]] It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[https://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting Cartridge tilting] Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.<ref name="Tilt" group="lower-alpha">{{YouTubePlaylist|PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d|Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist}}</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="3" |[https://shonumi.github.io/dandocs.html#jcc_gcn Joy Carry Cartridge GameCube connectivity]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|}
<references group="lower-alpha"/>

===GB/GBC backward compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode===
Game Boy Advance is backwards compatible with GB/GBC, resulting in some [https://cheapergamer.co.uk/gba-enhanced-gbc-games/ GB/GBC games enhanced if you play on GBA]. Having said that, this shouldn't be confused with [[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulation]] or [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Super Game Boy 1/2]]. Some of the multicore emulators support both GB/GBC and GBA emulation; however, they don't have support for "backwards compatibility/GBA mode" emulation.

===Real-time clock===
A few cartridges use a battery-backed real-time clock that keeps track of time even when the cartridge is separate from the GBA, permitting in-game events that activate on certain times of day. Paradoxially, while almost no games support this feature, three of the few that do are the ''extremely'' popular Pokémon games, making this feature highly requested.

Games that use the real-time clock include:
* Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald
** Manages the growth of berries
** Resets NPCs that give berries daily
** Resets the daily Lottery
** Permits evolution of Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon
** Changes the tide of Shoal Cave, which changes its item and Pokémon selection based on tide
** Re-rolls the possibility of whether Mirage Island appears
* Boktai 1/2/3
** Manages the growth of solar fruit
** Activates sunrise, which grants Morning Dew and the Astro Battery when looking at the top of the Solar Tree
** Changes the lighting of the outside environment, including shadows, which are necessary in successfully passing the Forest of Delusion
** Activates sunset, which reactivates the Gun Del Sol after an Overheat
* Rockman EXE 4.5 Real Operation
* Sennen Kazoku
** Makes the game bootable, since the game prevents progress if the clock cannot run
** Tracks time passing while generations of families develops (the main gameplay)

===Game Boy Advance Video===
:''See also: [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Video|Game Boy Advance Video]] on Wikipedia''
GBA Videos were officially released cartridges with movies/shows on them for viewing on GBA hardware. Most recommended GBA emulators should be able to play this type of cartridge if its 32MB, although {{YouTubeVideoTime|o9XmB43bN5w|540|not all of it supports 64MB ones}}.
*[https://old.reddit.com/r/Gameboy/comments/byos8r/watching_gameboy_advance_video_on_a_gamecube/ Game Boy Player is not compatible with this feature]
*mGBA support both 32MB and 64MB video cartridges.
*Mesen and Mednafen can play this type of ROM, too. Tested on 4Kids and Nickelodeon cartridges.
:See [[Home_media_players#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation pieces of software.
:See [[Ripping_games|Dumping/ripping]].

===Connectivity===
{{Main|Netplay#Playing Local Multiplayer over Internet}}
====GBA Multi Pak Link Multiplayer (1~4GBA)====
;VBA-M: This doesn't work with old VBA versions.
:Disable "Pause when Inactive," configure all four Joypads each with their own button layout, enable "Link, Enable GBA Link." Now open VBA-M again as many times needed for each player, and have them each use their separate Joypad configuration. Each player will have a separate SRAM save file.
;VBA Link + e-Reader:Useful if you want to use the Pokémon Battle-eCards. Downloads and instructions reside [https://projectpokemon.org/forums/showthread.php?42433-RELEASE-VBA-LINK-E-READER here].
;mGBA:Select "New multiplayer window" from the menu. As you load your ROMs into each window, "Player [X] of [Y]" will appear across the title bar. This can be done for up to four players. However, multiple instances of the same ROM will share a save file.
;No$GBA:Set the number of emulated Game Boys in the emulation setting to be 2 or more, and the Link Game Paks Options to Game Pak in all GBAs.

'''Note''': A purple end in GBA means player 1, while a gray end in GBA means P2, P3, or P4. Daisy-chaining up to three cables will set up the additional P3 and P4 by connecting the purple end to a purple midsection.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agblink.pdf</ref>

====GBA Wireless Multiplayer====
The [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter|wireless adapter]] has the ability to connect five players<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbwireless_trilingual.pdf</ref> to each other and includes its own software to download a subset of another player's game that runs when no cartridge is inserted. ''Pokémon Fire Red'' and ''Leaf Green'' came bundled with this accessory, but it can also work with ''Pokémon Emerald'' and the ''Classic NES Series''.

The libretro core of [[gpSP]] has successfully emulated the wireless adapter<ref>https://www.davidgf.net/2024/01/13/gba-wireless-adapter/</ref>. [[GBE+]](in v1.6) and VBA-M partially implemented the support of this add-on, though it's still a work-in-progress, and can only access menus. Support of this add-on is currently on [[mGBA]]'s roadmap.

====GameCube Connectivity====
[https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Boy_Advance_to_Nintendo_GameCube_Link_Cable#List_of_Supported_Games The Game Boy Advance can also connect to the GameCube].<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbgcncable.pdf</ref> e-Reader functionality with GC games has now been emulated thanks to mGBA. [[Dolphin]] supports connectivity through rudimentary joybus emulation made in parallel with VBA-M. Because this emulator has fallen behind, the feature was recently added to [[mGBA]], a more accurate emulator. They showcased early higan support in a video, but nothing has been released as yet.

=====Dolphin/mGBA or VBA-M=====
:''Requires mGBA 0.9.0 or newer or VBA-M r947 or newer.''

* Reduce your volume. You won't want it to be high, especially with headphones.
* Open Dolphin and mGBA/VBA-M. Make sure neither is blocked by your firmware.
* In Dolphin, launch the game and navigate to the area where you're asked to connect the GBA. Then, under the controller options, assign the GameCube controllers as "GBA" for whichever you need.
* If you're using mGBA, open the File menu, and click Connect to Dolphin.
* In the dialog box that appears, press Connect. mGBA will boot up the GBA BIOS if no rom has been selected.
* If you're using VBA-M, uncheck Pause When Inactive in Options > Emulator. Then, under Options > Link > Joybus Options, make sure the "Enable Joybus Connection" is on and set "IP/Hostname" to use default settings, that is <code>127.0.0.1</code> or <code>localhost</code>.
* Dolphin will freeze.
* Open the GBA BIOS in VBA-M as if it were a regular GBA ROM. The regular splash screen will stutter a bit.
* In either emulator, Dolphin should recognize the Joybus Link by then, and the GC game will detect that a GBA was connected.
* To connect other units, open another emulator instance and repeat its process.

Notable games that work:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Four_Swords_Adventures The Legend of Zelda Four Swords Adventures]: Both two modes are available for the US/PAL version work. The third Japan-only Navi Trackers mode works as well.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Final_Fantasy_Crystal_Chronicles Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Billy_Hatcher_and_the_Giant_Egg Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]: You can download games to your GBA. Amusingly, a RAM dump from VBA-M can be opened as a functional GBA ROM.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Kururin_Squash! Kururin Squash!]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Sonic_Adventure_2:_Battle Sonic Adventure 2: Battle] (buggy)

Notable games that don't:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Mr_Driller:_Drill_Land Mr. Driller: Drill Land]
*lots more

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Games_with_GameCube-GBA_connectivity See all games with GC-GBA connectivity]

===e-Reader===
:''Main page: [[GBA e-Reader emulators]]''
This device can read content off e-Card paper stripes either as standalone content, or additional content to GBA/GC games. Can be thought of as DLC.

===Inputs===
;Solar Sensor
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, No$GBA 2.6 onwards, and My Boy!:
* mGBA: In the shortcut editor, shortcuts can be configured to raise/lower the solar level incrementally or to set any particular brightness level. The Nintendo Switch port of mGBA also allows use of the Switch's light sensor.
* VBA-M: This emulator uses the keys of the lateral motion controls to change the Solar Sensor levels. You can find those keys and modify them in Options → Input → Configure… → "Special" tab.
* No$GBA: Under '''Options/Emulation Setup''', you can find the Solar Sensor Level option. You're given the choice between only three brightness levels though: Darkness, 100 Watts, and Bright Sunlight.
* My Boy!: This emulator uses a button combination or the device's light sensor to check the brightness level. You can change this under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Solar Emulation By" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA: Uses the device's light sensor to check the brightness level.

2. ROM Patches: In abscence of more robust emulation, the normal solution was implementing patches that adjust the level of sunlight through a key sequence. These still retain their use when involving flashcards or official solutions, say, if you are using Virtual Console injections in the 3DS.

Currently, [https://github.com/Prof9/Boktai-Solar-Sensor-Patches Prof9 developed patches] that cover every version of every GBA game, including prototypes and fan-translations. The key sequences were designed in a way that minimizes interference with other controls, mainly camera controls. Prof9 also included "cleaner" patches that undo the effects of more antiquated patches, though those "cleaner" patches will not be necessary if you downloaded a fresh ROM.

However, combinations of Boktai 4 JP with earlier solar sensors to get solar sensor bonuses aren't emulated yet in any DS emulator.

;Motion Control
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, My Boy! and Pizza Boy:
* mGBA includes full motion control support using the motion sensor present in controllers like DualShock 4, DualSense and Switch Pro Controller.
* VBA '''doesn't''' emulate this feature, and its "Motion Control" option (with keys mapped to each tilt direction) covers the GBC title Kirby Tilt'n Tumble.
* VBA-M core on RetroArch includes motion control support by using a controller stick (left or right)
* My Boy! uses the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature. You can change the sensitivity under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Motion sensitivity" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA also used the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature for games like WarioWare: Twisted and Yoshi's Universal Gravitation.

2. ROM Patches: Fixes applied directly to the ROM (with the Lunar IPS utility, or at runtime using mGBA or VBA-M and naming them the same as the ROM in the same directory) by various scene release groups to make it compatible with any emulator/flashcard. D-Pad controls substituting motion controls don't work as well here as they tilt it "too much" at times to be very playable.
* Yoshi Topsy Turvy/Universal Gravitation: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1799 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1947 EU], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=2001 US]
* WarioWare Twisted! (Patch: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1682 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1979 US])

;Rumble Feature
There are various rumble features found in GBA/GBC cards:
* '''GBC Rumble:''' GBC games which came on special cartridges with additional hardware for the rumble feature. It was actually used by dozens of releases, and some games like Tarzan 2 GBC were programmed to have rumble support but shipped on regular cartridges. Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only), which also covers the dummied-out rumble games. Not emulated anywhere else.
* '''GBA Gyro Rumble:''' WarioWare Twisted was shipped on a cart with rumble support. It would rumble when you tilt to one "extreme." Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds,
* '''GBA Variable Rumble:''' Drill Dozer has rumble support, with variable force and speed depending on the rock type you drill through in-game. Partially emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds.
* '''Game Boy Player Rumble:''' Many regular GBA games, shipped on regular cartridges, enable rumble during gameplay when played on GB Player hardware (which is essentially GBA hardware). These include Super Mario Advance 4, Summon Night Hajimari no Ishi, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Shikakui Atama wo Marukusuru Advance (both releases), Pokémon Pinball, and Drill Dozer which disables its original cartridge rumble scheme and enables this one instead. None of the emulators support this, though it is being under development for the mGBA emulator.

===Special hardware===
Emulation of these is spotty, apart from GBE+, which supports almost all GBA peripherals.

;Turbo File Advance
The Turbo File Advance was a peripheral for the GBA which allowed certain games to write data to it, acting as an external memory card. Developed by Sammy Corporation, it was compatible with only 2 games, RPG Tsukuru Advance and Derby Stallion Advance.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
The Power Antenna & Bug Sensor were small plastic peripherals that interfaced with the GBA's serial port and contained LEDs that flashed in response to certain events within Keitai Denjuu Telefang 2, the only supported GBA game.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
As the GBA didn't have native infrared connectivity, Nintendo released an official IR adapter called the AGB-006 to restore this functionality. However, it only saw use in Cyber Drive Zoids: Kiju no Senshi Hyuu to control specific Zoid toy models.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Figurine Readers
Some GBA games/series had figurine reader add-ons, essentially precursors to the likes of Skylanders and Amiibo.
* '''Soul Doll Adapter''' (Legendz: Island of Ordeal/Sign of Nekuromu)
* '''Multi Plust On System''' (Bouken Yuuki Pluster World: Plust Gate/EX/Pluston GP)
GBE+ has support for both the Soul Doll Adapter and Multi Plust On System, while mGBA supports the Soul Doll Adapter.

;Battle Chip Gate
A peripheral device by Capcom and Takara compatible with ''Mega Man Battle Network 4'' (Japanese edition). It can be connected to the Game Boy Advance and allow the player to transmit real-life toy Battle Chips to the NetNavis in the game. It is also compatible with toy Advanced PETs and ''Rockman.EXE 4.5 Real Operation''. It can also unlock minigames in ''Mega Man Zero 3''.

[[mGBA]] and [[GBE+]] support this add-on.

;Glucoboy
An obscure medical peripheral designed to monitor a child's blood glucose levels and reward them for keeping tabs on their condition. [https://assemblergames.com/threads/glucoboy-for-gameboy-is-this-the-rarest-game-accessory-for-gameboy-advance.41853/page-2 Bayer Healthcare destroyed all unsold stock] making it hard to find. It is emulated in GBE+ since version 1.8.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:1406913527173-1-.png|400px|thumb|right|'''Left:''' The default game. '''Right:''' The "Game Boy Colors" mode on [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]].]]
The screen on the original Game Boy Advance is not backlit and can be hard to see in some conditions. To compensate, game developers often used oversaturated colors by default so that the result would look normal on hardware. On standard computer screens, saturation is not an issue, so this can look jarring and undesirable for gameplay. Some games made after 2003 may have also taken the Game Boy Advance SP model (AGS-001) into account, since its screen was actually frontlit; a newer model, AGS-101, was released in 2005 that was actually backlit. For everything else though, emudevs have given some solutions:

====Emulator Options====
'''No$GBA:''' Under "Emulation Options," select "GBA Mode". There are four modes.

* '''GBA (no backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''GBA SP (backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''Nintendo DS in GBA mode:''' Some desaturation
* '''VGA Mode (poppy bright):''' No desaturation

'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders > Load New Shader, select "gba-color.shader"

'''VBA-M:''' (nightly only): Under Options > Game Boy Advance, you will find the option, '''LCD Filter'''.

'''higan:''' Under Settings > Video Filter, you will find the "Color Emulation" checkbox.

* '''Color Emulation off:''' No desaturation
* '''Color Emulation on:''' Gamma correction and adjusted color range.
'''NanoBoyAdvance''': Enabled by default. Under Config > Video > Color Correction > GBA

'''SkyEmu''': Color Correction is set by default to 1.00 force in this emulator, and there are 2 types of desaturation methods. The first one is named SkyEmu and is selected by default, and the other one is named Higan and, as its name suggests, is based on higan's color correction. Change the desaturation type by pressing the ≡ button, then select GBA Color Correction Type. You can also change the intensity of the desaturation: slide the slider to 0.00 to brighten the screen a tad bit.

====Shaders====
Cg [[Shaders and Filters|shaders]] can be used in [[OpenEmu]] or [[RetroArch]] that adjust the colors to those of a real GBA screen, as well as other screen types. These are available in GLSL<ref name="GLSL">https://github.com/libretro/glsl-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for OpenGL, and Slang<ref name="Slang">https://github.com/libretro/slang-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for Vulkan.

For GBA, there is <code>gba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/gba-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profile of a GBA screen under an external light source more accurately than VBA-M or No$GBA color options. If you prefer the darker color options that those emulators have, then use <code>vba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/vba-color.cg</ref> instead.

There is also <code>nds-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/nds-color.cg</ref> and <code>psp-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/psp-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profiles of the original Nintendo DS frontlit screen and the PSP-1000/PSP-2000 backlit screen, respectively.

For Game Boy Advance shader presets, see the "Shader Presets" page;
{{Main|Shader_Presets}}

===Horrible Sound Quality===
As a handheld rushed to the market (because of the WonderSwan Color competition), the Game Boy Advance had some cut corners. The sound hardware was affected the hardest: while it could play Game Boy Color sound in addition to samples and sequenced music like what would be heard on the SNES, the actual playback quality is awful compared to the sound samples stored internally in the ROM.

There were [https://www.romhacking.net/utilities/881/ tools] made to extract the internal high-quality music (as midi files plus a sound font, to be played on foobar2000); however, interest remains limited in implementing its playback in real-time on emulators. It's worth noting that NanoBoyAdvance includes an high quality audio mixer and there's a very experimental feature exists on [[mGBA]] (nightly versions) under Enhancements as "XQ GBA Audio", but it's very buggy and still limited to games using the standard sound engine, the so-called "Sappy" engine, which is still a big part of the GBA's software library.

===High Resolution Affine Transformation Graphical Effects===
Similar to the scaling effects used on the Super NES known commonly as "Mode 7" graphics, the Game Boy Advance has affine transformation effects for some backgrounds and individual sprites that can be done in hardware. Due to the GBA's lower resolution, some detail may be lost.

The [[mGBA]] emulator added an Enhancements menu where you can change the resolution of those graphical effects, for a smoother effect. The graphical render engine will need to be OpenGL for those to take effect. It won't work on games where those effects are done in software instead of the hardware scaling features (like the 3D environment in Asterix & Obelix XXL)

===Save formats===
Originally, when saves were implemented, nobody settled on a format, so the Visual Boy Advance devs made their own. Because other emulators often went with raw data, having to exchange different saves caused problems. The original Visual Boy Advance tries to figure out which format a given save is but often fails at it. By explicitly telling the emulator to read it as a specific type using a file called <code>vba-over.ini</code>, VBA complies. VBA-M includes this config file by default, but older revisions like VBA 1.7.2 and VBALink don't.

The VBA-Next and VBA-M cores in Libretro have the file baked into the binary so that it can load raw .sav files. However, they convert the format to its own derivative at exactly 136 KB every time, with save type info contained within the file. This completely avoids the previous issues at the cost of incompatibility with standalone VBA and most others.

To solve this incompatibility, Libretro devs created a
[https://github.com/libretro/vba-next/blob/master/libretro/gbaconv/gbaconv.c command-line tool] to convert .srm save files made from these cores to raw .sav save data for other emulators. It takes standard input (i.e., drag and drop the .srm onto the executable) and outputs accordingly. It can also be done in reverse. A [https://thysbelon.github.io/gbaconv-web/ website version of this tool can be found here].

For more information about Game Boy Advance hardware and reverse engineering; 
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/ Game Boy Advance Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: {{YouTubeVideo|R43k-p9XdIk|The Story of Quake on the Game Boy Advance}}, {{YouTubeVideo|_Qqg4VCZ0k8|How the Game Boy Advance knew it was running a Game Boy Game}}, {{YouTubeVideo|_GVSLcqGP7g|Tomb Raider on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance is incredible}}, {{YouTubeVideo|mpNWEbZdXNw|How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance}}
* martin korth: [https://problemkaputt.de/gbatek-contents.htm gbatek]
* [https://akkera102.sakura.ne.jp/gbadev/ akkera102.sakura gbadev (Japanese)]
* [https://gbadev.net/gbadoc/ gbadev - gbadoc]
* [https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/GBA_Development/Resources WikiBooks - GBA Development Resources]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Game Boy Advance| ]]
[[Category:ARM-based]]
[[Category:Backward-compatible consoles]]
[[Category:Discontinued handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles]]

Game Boy (Color) emulators

2025-10-08T19:50:31Z

MysticChromium: /* Emulators */ swap game play color, gbc.emu

{{Infobox system
|title = Game Boy (Color)
|logo = Game_Boy.png
|image = Game-boy-color.png
|imagecaption = '''Top:''' Original Game Boy '''Bottom:''' Game Boy Color
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]]
|release=1989 (Game Boy) 1998 (Game Boy Color)
|discontinued = 2003
|predecessor = [[Game & Watch]]
|successor= [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}
{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy (Color)|Emulators on GB/GBC}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy|Game Boy]]''' (GB) and '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy Color|Game Boy Color]]''' (GBC) are 8-bit, fourth-generation handheld consoles released by Nintendo on July 31, 1989 and November 18, 1998 respectively and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|89.95|1998}}. The Game Boy has a Sharp LR35902 core CPU at 4.19 MHz. It had a monochrome display that could only show four shades of grey, albeit with a olive green tinge on the original. The Game Boy Color uses the same LR35902 core as the original; while it is clocked at 8.38 MHz, it can be underclocked to 4.19 MHz for backwards-compatibility purposes. It was named such from its color screen, but it also had a larger memory size and a faster CPU. The hardware similarities allow cross-compatibility between the two platforms and they are often treated as one. They would both be succeeded by the backward-compatible [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]].

Nintendo re-released the console as the '''Game Boy Pocket''' in 1996, with a more compact body and a better screen. A front light was added to a special edition of the Pocket in Japan called the '''Game Boy Light''', a feature that wouldn't be seen outside of Japan until the Game Boy Advance SP.

Nintendo released a peripheral for the [[Super Nintendo emulators|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] called [[wikipedia:Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]] in June 1994, which was modeled like a cartridge but included its own cartridge slot for Game Boy/Color games, as well as the hardware needed to translate the games. Many Game Boy/Color emulators offer at least some of the special features it included, such as added borders, colorization, custom button mappings, and other features. It was possible to link, but without the external port, as well as errors in the CPU, it would not be feasible to the end user. These issues would later be corrected in the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.

==Emulators==
Because of how relatively easy popular 8-bit consoles are to emulate, tons of Game Boy emulators exist. For a list of open-source projects, see [https://github.com/search?o=desc&q=gameboy+emulator&s=updated&type=Repositories&utf8=%E2%9C%93 this GitHub query]. For a list of accuracy tests, see [https://daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout/ daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout].
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
!Name
!Platform(s)
!Latest version
![[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
![[#Hardware features and peripherals|Hardware features and peripherals]]
![[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
![[Licensing|License]]
!Active
![[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
!colspan="9"|x86
|-
|[[SameBoy]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://sameboy.github.io/downloads] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[BGB]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://bgb.bircd.org/#downloads]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[http://emulicious.net Emulicious]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://emulicious.net/downloads]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (BSNES)(Gambatte_Speedrun)(SameBoy)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [http://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[Gambatte]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://sourceforge.net/projects/gambatte/files/gambatte]||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=active>[https://github.com/libretro/gambatte-libretro/tree/master Libretro core] is still active.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
|[[Mesen|Mesen]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds]||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[MAME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref>[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[Gearboy]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|NetBSD}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc git]||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master git Artifacts] [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{AresVer}}]||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift's comment about libretro core]</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [http://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[jgenesis]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgenesis/releases {{JgenesisVer}}]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://chillygb.arci.me/ ChillyGB]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/AuroraViola/ChillyGB]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://hhug.me/ hhugboy]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/tzlion/hhugboy/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases/ {{SkyEmuVer}}]||{{Na}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://binji.github.io/binjgb/ binjgb]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|[https://github.com/binji/binjgb/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Ironboy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/chiplis/ironboy/ git]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|PyBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Baekalfen/PyBoy/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|LGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[dmgemu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/emu-russia/dmgemu/ {{dmgemuVer}}]||{{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} ? ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|KevBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/xkevio/kevboy/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|jgb
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgb git]||||||||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|DoubleCherryGB
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/TimOelrichs/doublecherryGB-libretro git]||||||||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[http://byuu.org/emulation/higan] [https://github.com/libretro/higan libretro core]||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm/ BDM]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm-demo/ Demo]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB VGB]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|Gamebert
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/robert/gamebert git]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[Pantheon]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://bostjan-grandovec.si/Content/News.htm]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|UGE
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/SuperDisk/hUGETracker/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|PDEQ}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[KiGB]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|DOS}}
|[http://kigb.emuunlim.com/downloads.htm]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[TGB Dual]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}<ref group=N name=two>On Linux as an SDL port (and the [[libretro]] core is based on this version).</ref>
|[https://github.com/libertyernie/tgbdual_L/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|GiiBiiAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance/releases git]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|MetroBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{~}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|hdmg
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://git.sr.ht/~sircmpwn/hdmg git]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[rew.]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Windows9x}}
|[https://wikiwiki.jp/emulator/rew. rew12stx]||{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
!colspan="9"|ARM
|-
|[[SameBoy]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy SameBoy_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|watchOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sameboy/id6496971295 1.0] (iOS App Store) [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte Gambatte_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://www.explusalpha.com/contents/gbc-emu GBC.emu]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbcEmu {{.emuVer}}][https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha git][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/76 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Game Play Color]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/gameplaycolor/gameplaycolor/releases {{GamePlayColorVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|WoA}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master <abbr title="Latest development build version">git Artifacts]</abbr> [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[Gearboy]]
|align=left|{{Icon|WoA|LinuxARM}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/releases/tag/v0.41 beta41] (source)
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}}[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android *] ||{{~}}<ref group=N>Must be compiled from source due to binaries going offline and has been surpassed in terms of general use, but is still Recommended for its exceptional [https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/_5D9uMlRlL-DJ_anXEyJHtI3IriwCFVPgg2zgwhkaG-uYwkjYeTqmiuUZwpomTYKsuo=w1024-h768-rw Printer] and {{YouTubeVideo|ESYolQ761Dw|Kirby Camera}} support.</ref>
|-
|Pizza Boy C Pro
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.dbtecno.pizzaboypro 6.7.3]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{R}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android 0.3]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1] [https://github.com/CocoaBob/GBA4iOS git] (new fork)
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy 0.2.0]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://eightbitwonders.gitlab.io/app 8-Bit Wonders]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://f-droid.org/packages/de.rainerhock.eightbitwonders 0.8.6a] (F-Droid)0.8.6a (Play)0.8.6a (Amazon)[https://gitlab.com/eightbitwonders/app git]
|{{Na}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||roadmap
|-
|MeBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
|[http://www.arktos.se/meboy/download.php 1.6][https://github.com/chijure/meboy git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://pixelrespawn.com/ Linkboy]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pixelrespawn.linkboy 2.2.3] [https://apps.apple.com/app/linking-boy/id6695762604 AppStore]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://my-oldboy-free-gbc-emulator.en.uptodown.com/android My OldBoy!]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gbc 2.0.0]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBC
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.johnemulators.johngbc 3.93]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[Manic EMU]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/manic-emu-game-emulator/id6743335790 {{Manic EMUVer}}][https://github.com/Manic-EMU/ManicEMU/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{TBD}}
|-
|[[Provenance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/provenance-app/id1596862805 {{ProvenanceVer}}][https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Delta]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688 {{DeltaVer}}] [https://github.com/rileytestut/Delta git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
!colspan="9"|Consoles
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko)
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|N/A
|{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|Super Game Boy
|align=left|{{Icon|SNES}}
|N/A
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||Uses real Gameboy hardware ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}<ref group=N name=supergameboy>Uses real hardware on the cartridge. Super Game Boy 1 runs slightly faster than real hardware without a mod and does not have a link port. The Japanese-only Super Game Boy 2 has a link port and runs at the correct speed. Both SGBs support game borders, palettes, and SGB-enhanced games.</ref>
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Game_Boy_Interface Game Boy Interface]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest main] [https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest-extra extra]
|{{~}} ||{{Ya}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware (Requires Game Boy Player hardware) ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}<ref group=N name=gbinterface>Multiple versions available. Pick the version that fits best with your specific setup.</ref>
|-
|Game Boy Player
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|
|{{~}} ||{{Ya}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware (Requires Game Boy Player hardware) ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gameboyplayer>Game Boy Interface is recommended instead. Limited to a filtered, 480i output with a slight amount of input lag</ref>

|-
|[http://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-a-gameboy-emulator-for-ds.343407 GameYob DS]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|[https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-3ds-gb-c-emu.372523/ GameYob 3DS]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|[https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/GameYob_3DS 1.0.8][https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA-M|<abbr title="Modified port of VBA-M. With it you can play GBA/Game Boy Color/Game Boy games on your Wii/GameCube.">VBA GX</abbr>]]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://github.com/dborth/vbagx#nightly-builds nightly-builds]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|PlutoBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|3DS|NX}} {{Icon|Vita|DC}} {{Icon|PSX}} {{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|NGC}} {{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|Vita|3DS}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|RIN
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/mbarczak/psp_rin git] [https://archive.org/details/rin-rx.-7z RX] [https://archive.org/details/rin_v1.32n1.2.7z 1.32n1.2]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|8.10
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PSV|3DS}}
|[https://endrift.com/mgba/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/releases git]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|GBEmu
|align=left|{{Icon|VB}}
|[https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/t/entry-game-boy-emulator/ 0.1]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|RealBoy Vita
|align=left|{{Icon|PSV}}
|[https://vitadb.rinnegatamante.it/#/info/167 1.2][https://github.com/xerpi/realboy-vita/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|ShuBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|MD}}
|[http://jiggawatt.org/badc0de/shuboy.htm 1.0]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|aGBe
|align=left|{{Icon|PSX}}
|[https://sourceforge.net/projects/agbe/files/agbe SF]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|Hu-Boy
|align=left|SuperGrafx TurboGrafx-CD TurboDuo
|[https://www.chrismcovell.com/huboy.html V 0.30621]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{X}}
|-
!colspan="9"|Firmware
|-
|PlutoBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|UEFI}}
|[https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|}
<references group=N />

==Comparison==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
===Game Boy-only emulators===
;[[SameBoy]]:One of the most [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy emulators currently. The UI is simple and easy to use. It includes open source bootroms, although these can be replaced with real ones. Has debugging features and also emulates the Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer.
;[[BGB]]:A closed-source emulator for Windows (and [[Wine]]) with solid Game Boy and Game Boy Color accuracy, as well as near flawless link support. It has a wealth of options for color palettes. Mostly used for its advanced debugger.
;[[Gambatte]]:Pretty [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] open-source Game Boy/Color emulator. It has a good range of options and features, though not quite as much as some other emulators. The main fork is not in active development, but the libretro core is still active.
;[http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy]:A Windows-only Game Boy/Color emulator based on GEST with a focus on bootleg and unlicensed games. It is capable of detecting and correctly emulating the mapper on a number of games that are otherwise broken on other emulators, but some ROMs require manually selecting the mapper on the Unlicensed Compatibility Mode menu. Besides the usual raw dumps, it also supports the footered [http://hhug.me/gbx GBX] ROM format, which correctly informs the emulator which mapper to run regardless of what the internal headers say.
;GameRoy:A Game Boy emulator, dissasembler and debugger written in Rust. It has high [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]] and accurate clock frequency. It is more suited for debugging uses for now.
;[[TGB Dual]]:An ancient emulator that supports link cable emulation. It also supports [[netplay]], but it requires a VPN. The libretro port supports local multiplayer using player 2's controls.
;[[KiGB]]:An old and obsolete emulator which boasted its accuracy but was proven to be full of game-specific hacks.<ref>https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/238</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Test_ROMs#Emulators_running_on_desktop_computers</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/KiGB</ref> It has a wide selection of features, but other emulators have caught up and are already doing much better.
;[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance GiiBiiAdvance]:Pioneered full GB Camera emulation, including webcam support. Aside from that, it's an unfinished emulator with the basics set up, but its promising future currently on hiatus. It has very [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] timing.
;[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy MetroBoy]:Extremely [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy simulator which being written in a subset of C++ that's designed to to be mechanically translated into Verilog HDL.
;Ironboy:A very recent and promising emulator written in Rust for WebAssembly which is focus only on the original Game Boy (DMG) to [https://github.com/Chiplis/IronBoy#ironboy achieve the highest degree of accuracy]. Unfortunately, it only supports monochrome Game Boy games.
;binjgb:A GB + GBC emulator for both desktop and WebAssembly, developed by Ben "binji" Smith since 2016. Most famously used by McDonald's in 2023 to publish ''Grimace's Birthday'' [https://grimacesbirthday.com/ as a browser game].
;[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko):
* GB support was added to Nintendo Switch Online in February 2023, alongside GBA games exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier;
* Users are limited to the selection of games Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Supports online and Local Play (up to 2 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* Supports tilt controls through gyroscope or normal controllers (e.g.: ''Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble'');
* Supports infrared emulation (e.g.: ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'');
* Palette styles can be applied (original GB, Pocket, and GBC);
* No Super Game Boy features supported (it always runs games in GBC mode);
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''List of recommended GB/GBC emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

===GB/C emulation on GBA emulators===
''This shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|actual backwards compatibility on GBA emulation]].''
;[[mGBA]]:Primarily emulates the [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]] but it also includes GB/C support much like the original system. It's a solid implementation, with most of the library working perfectly.
;[[GBE+]]:An emulator that has a large effort in preserving the functions of a multitude of [[#Game Boy Features|obscure accessories]] that other emulators don't focus on. It can also load custom tiles in games, including colorized tiles for original Game Boy titles.
;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VisualBoy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:Used to be the go-to for Game Boy Advance emulation and even included solid GB/C emulation. It's now behind [[mGBA]] on both fronts.

===[[Multi-system emulators]]===
;[[higan]]/[[ares]]:Because it started out as a [[Super Nintendo emulators|SNES emulator]] (its original name was bsnes), it was the first one that properly emulated all of the [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Super_Game_Boy|Super Game Boy]]'s features, such as SPC sound chip utilization, which requires the SNES and GameBoy to be emulated simultaneously so it's demanding.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/zwq9fu/ares_crossplatform_open_source_multisystem/j1ys10k/</ref>
;[[BizHawk]]:Uses a modified Gambatte core. It provides speedrunning tools.
;[[MAME]]:Has solid Game Boy emulation through its <code>gameboy</code> driver despite the sound being imperfect, as well as slightly worse Game Boy Color compatibility through its <code>gbcolor</code> driver (where both the graphics and sound are imperfect). Despite its setbacks, it aims to feature compatibility with obscure mappers that other emulators usually ignore, like Wisdom Tree games or MMM01 multicarts. Accuracy was improved upon with contributions by Judge_.
;[[Mesen]]:Game Boy (DMG) and Game Boy Color (CGB) games can also be played on Mesen 2, but only Game Boy Color can play CGB games. For DMG games, you can choose either Game Boy or Game Boy Color, or run the game in Super Game Boy mode by loading the Super Game Boy BIOS (1 or 2) into the SNES core.

==Mappers==
Much like the NES, the Game Boy (and by extension, the Game Boy Color) used '''Memory Bank Controllers''' (MBC) (called MMCs on the NES) and also known informally as '''mappers''', to go beyond the restrictive initial hardware specifications. Nevertheless, Nintendo was much more careful to standardize their specifications to [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Category:Licensed_chips just a small number of possible mappers]. Moreover, Game Boy ROMs now included an official internal header mandated by Nintendo that included the correct MMC type. This meant that for the officially licensed games, these mappers proved to be rarely a problem... with some notable unimplemented exceptions: Net de Get's MBC6 that offered downloadable content off the internet, and the MMM01 footer used for some official multi-cart games, among others.

However, it doesn't get better when it comes to '''unlicensed games''', since they didn't necessarily respect Nintendo's specifications about how a given mapper type should handle its memory and behave in general, and internal headers were often filled with erroneous data to hinder dumping and emulation efforts. Some emulators like MESS/[[MAME]] and [http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy] try to emulate that behavior with various degrees of success ([http://hhug.me/dump/ Compatibility List]). The hhugboy project also proposed a similar solution to iNES for this mapper problem, as the [http://hhug.me/gbx/1.0 gbx ROM format] that appends a footer with extra information needed for some unlicensed games. However, this format, much less unlicensed hardware quirks, isn't widely adopted aside from tentative [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers mGBA support].

==Enhancements==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan=2 style="width:50%" |Name
! SameBoy
! BGB
!Emulicious
|-
|rowspan="2" |Controls
|[[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|{{~}}<ref name="LibretroExclusive" group="N2" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://docs.retroachievements.org/general/tutorials/turbo-button.html Turbo button]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="4" |Graphics
|Remove sprite limit The Gameboy supports a maximum of 40 sprite objects. – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some of the flickering seen in games at times and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Resolution|Resizable internal resolution]]
|colspan="3" |For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more apparent.
|-
|[[Texture_packs#Game_Boy|Sprite replacement]]
|colspan="3" |Exclusive to [[GBE+]] emulator at the moment.
|-
|[[Widescreen_hacks#Game_Boy|Widescreen hack]] Possible with technique called [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideGB]] which uses a similar technique as [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideNES]].
|colspan="3" |Exclusive to [https://kemenaran.winosx.com/posts/widegb-now-available-on-windows/ SameBoy WideGB fork] at the moment.
|-
|rowspan="1" |Performance
|[[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="4" |Post-processing
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Shader_Presets|Shader chain]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="12" |Quality of life
|Automatic updater
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|cheat manager]]
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="SameBoyCOCO">For macOS only.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
|colspan="3" |Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
|Built-in Game Boy sound player
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="SameBoyCOCO"></ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|patch manager]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Command line options
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Pause/resume emulation
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Per-game profiles
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth Stealth] Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, it still requires necessary [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="6" |[https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
|Fast-forward/turbo speed
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Frame step (forwards and backwards)
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Rewind
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Save states
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="5" |Misc.
|AI service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
|colspan="3" |Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|{{Ya}}[https://sameboy.github.io/features/#debugging *]
|{{Ya}}[https://bgb.bircd.org/manual.html#debugkeys *]
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
|colspan="3" |Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
|[[Netplay#Game_Boy|Netplay]] Should not be confused with Game Boy (Color) online features or link cable emulation. See [[#Hardware features and peripherals|hardware features and peripherals]].
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="LibretroExclusive">Input lag mitigation technique and [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#game-boy-game-boy-color RetroAchievements exclusive to libretro cores]. Also [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy/#features netplay enhancement] exclusive to SameBoy libretro core.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[RetroAchievements]]
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="LibretroExclusive"></ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|}
<references group=N2/>

==Hardware features and peripherals==
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan="3" style="width:50%" |Name
! SameBoy
! BGB
!Emulicious
|-
| rowspan="12" |Cartridge features
| colspan="2" |Built-in IR ports Some games like ''Nectaris'' for GB (monochrome GBs have no IR port at all, IR functionality is completely new to them) or ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' and the Japanese edition of ''Robopon'' for GBC feature on-board IR transmitters/receivers on their cartridges instead of relying on the Modile Adapter GB or GB Kiss Link IR modem or Link Cable functionality. This feature is sometimes called ''GB Kiss'' (i.e. cartridges "kiss" each other).
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Built-in speakers Embedded audio speakers present on cartridges employing TAMA5 and HuC1 mappers: ''Game de Hakken!! Tamagotchi - Osutchi to Mesutchi'' (aka ''Tamagotchi 3''), ''Robot Poncots'' (''Robopon'' outside of Japan) and ''Pocket Family'' game series.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Game Boy Advance-enhanced mode
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#Game Boy Camera|Game Boy Camera]]
|{{~}}<ref name="SameBoyCOCO" group="N3">For MacOS only.</ref>
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#Real-time_clock|Real-time clock]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#Rumble|Rumble]]
|{{~}}<ref group="N3">RetroArch only.</ref>
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="5" |[[Super Nintendo emulators#Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy-enhanced features]] Most of them can only work on the Super Nintendo's hardware.
|Borders
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Custom audio
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Custom palettes
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Local multiplayer
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Super Game Boy-enhanced mode
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)|Tilt sensor]] ''Kirby’s Tilt ‘n’ Tumble'' and ''Command Master'' use biaxial/4-way accelerometer.
|{{Ya}}
|{{~}}<ref name="no-controllers" group="N3">Motion Control does not support controller's gyro. Supports only remapping to mouse/keyboard/gamepad.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |Hardware features
| colspan="2" |[[#Infrared|Infrared (Game Boy Color)]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| colspan="2" |System BIOS
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|rowspan="22" |Peripherals
|rowspan="2" |Barcode scanner
|[[#Accessories|Barcode Boy]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[#Accessories|Barcode Taisen Bardigun]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="3" |Connectivity
|[[#Multiplayer|4-Player Adapter]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[#Multiplayer|Link Cable]]<ref group="N3">Super Game Boy for SNES supports only on the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.</ref>
|{{~}}<ref group="N3">[[SameBoy]]'s libretro core supports Link Cable, standalone does not.</ref>
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Mobile Adapter GB
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#Game Boy Printer|Game Boy Printer]]
|{{~}}<ref name="SameBoyCOCO" group="N3" />
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |
[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art8.html Full Changer] accelerometer
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="6" |Special hardware
|[[#Accessories|GB Pocket Sonar]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|GB Kiss Link IR modem
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[#Accessories|Sewing Machines]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Turbo File GB
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[#Accessories|WorkBoy]]
|{{~}}<ref name="SameBoyCOCO" group="N3" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="7" |Unlicensed/unreleased
|[[#Multiplayer|16-Player Adapter]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[https://tcrf.net/Alleyway#Paddle_Controller_Accessory Alleyway Controller]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Game Genie
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://luigiblood.tumblr.com/post/187348407478/reverse-enginnering-the-unreleased-gameboy-printer Pocket Printer Color]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Pro Action Replay
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://segabits.com/blog/2022/08/18/the-story-of-the-cancelled-game-boy-color-to-dreamcast-official-connectivity-solution/ Sakura Taisen TV Adapter/Barcode Scanner]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|{{YouTubeVideo|yP1Bkfj9kDY|WORLD PORT}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |Virtual pet toy connectivity
|[https://sakurawars.fandom.com/wiki/Pocket_Sakura Pocket Sakura]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[bulba:Pokémon_Pikachu_2_GS#Interactions_with_Generation_II|Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS]]||{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="2" |Misc.
|colspan="2" |[[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|Cartridge hot swapping]] It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting Cartridge tilting] Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.<ref name="Tilt" group="N3">{{YouTubePlaylist|PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d|Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist}}</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|}
<references group=N3 />

===Infrared===
The Game Boy Color had an infrared transmitter and receiver. Generation II Pokémon games made use of this feature through Mystery Gift. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe could send high scores to another cartridge. GBE+ had [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art4.html basic IR emulation] back in July 2016 but it then only worked with Pokémon games. Now, as of [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art11.html April 2018], it has full IR emulation for most IR-enabled games (Hudson Soft's HuC-1's IR capabilities need to be emulated for Japanese ''Pokémon TCG'').

*[[List of games that support IR#GameBoy Color Emulation]].

===Game Boy Camera===
The Game Boy Camera is an official Nintendo accessory for the Game Boy and was released in 1998. Users can take pictures and modify them with stickers and frames, as well as play several included minigames. In addition to the original model, there was a US-exclusive Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time edition that included different stamps.

The first emulator to have some capability of emulating the Game Boy Camera was a modified version of an old emulator called Hash. This version, named Hashcam, can still be found on the author's website. While there were some efforts to run the Game Boy Camera ROM in BGB unofficially, the author didn't show much interest in it. However, it is fully emulated with webcam support in a lesser-known emulator called GiiBiiAdvance.

As of version 0.7.0, or any dev builds post 0.6.0, mGBA can emulate this accessory by either using the PC's webcam or sending a BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or other image format to the game, as if it was coming from the camera itself.<ref name="mGBA_Cam">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mGBA_emu/status/890954205472501762|title=Game Boy Camera in mGBA dev builds|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2017-07-28}}</ref> The camera is also functional on the 3DS port. To enable the PC webcam, go to <code>Game Boy</code> under <code>settings</code> and switch the <code>camera driver</code> to <code>Qt Multimedia</code>, or by editing <code>qt.ini</code> and setting <code>cameraDriver=1</code> under <code>[General]</code>.

===Game Boy Printer===
Game Boy Printer is a thermal printer accessory released by Nintendo in 1998 used in conjunction with the Game Boy Camera and also used to prints images from compatible GB games such as ''Pokémon Gold and Silver'', ''Pokémon Crystal'', ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe'', ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX''.

[[VisualBoy Advance]] (including its forks), [[GBE+]] and [[mGBA]] have Game Boy Printer support that turn the signals into a bitmap form of the image.

====Game Boy Printer Color====
'''Game Boy Printer Color''' alternatively known as '''Pocket Printer Color''' is an unreleased successor to the Game Boy Printer. See [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Game_Boy_Printer_Color here]. It would have connected to the Nintendo 64DD via ''Mario Artist: Paint Studio'' using the 64GB Cable and possibly an MBC4 GB Printer Cartridge.

===Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)===
Two Game Boy Color games featured a built-in tilt sensor: Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble and Command Master. These games cannot be played without support for this feature. [[VisualBoy Advance|VBA]] and [[KiGB]] have a "Motion Sensor" option to map four directional keys to emulate the cartridge tilting, but the controls aren't analog. [[BGB]] can emulate the tilting features with the use of the mouse. [[SameBoy]] allows to use the mouse, as well as a joystick, and on the Cocoa frontend, is supporting controller's motion controls. [[mGBA]] supports controller's motion controls and allows to assign stic's X an Y axes. Hiyoko, the official GBC emulator for [[Nintendo Switch Online]], emulates motion controls for Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble by translating gyroscope input either from the console itself (when playing in portable mode) or from a detached Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller (when playing in docked mode).

*[[List of games that support tracked motion controllers#GameBoy Color Emulation]]

===Rumble===
A good number of cartridges came with a built-in rumble that required an AAA battery to power, such as ''Pokémon Pinball'', but the feature is optional. So far, only [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA-GX]] emulates rumble in these games, including games that have their rumble feature dummied out (one being ''Tarzan'').

===Alleyway Controller===
It's another unreleased accesory, the unknown device which is speculated to be a Vaus-like Paddle controller for ''Alleyway'' which still retains in-game code for communicating with it.

===Multiplayer===
* '''Link Cable:''' [[BGB]], [[KiGB]], some versions of [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[TGB Dual|TGB-Dual]] supports link cable. It can also be used for Netplay on the corresponding [[RetroArch]] core. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiplayer_Game_Boy_games#Two-player_games_via_the_Game_Link_Cable Two-player games via the Game Link Cable list].
* '''4-Player Adapter:''' Currently only [[GBE+]] and DoubleCherryGB supports it.
* '''Faceball 2000 16-Player Link Cable:''' There is a 16-Player adapter as well, but it went unreleased outside of unused code in some games, but it is emulated by ''DoubleCherryGB'' emulator and allows to play Faceball 2000 in local splitscreen and via netplay.
* '''Multiplayer Hacks:''' DoubleCherryGB emulates virtual link-cable devices that allow Tetris Battle Royal and Kwirk Multiplayer up to 16 players on local splitscreen and via netplay.

===Online features===
====Mobile Game Boy Adapter====
There is a Japan-only accessory that communicates with Mobile Golf and Japanese Pokémon Crystal. It was bundled with Mobile Trainer cartridge which allowed the player to use e-mail as well as browse Nintendo's website. It saw use on some Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, but support was limited to Japan, and the servers went offline by 2002.

It is possible to partially emulate its feature for Pokémon Crystal by [http://forums.glitchcity.info/index.php?topic=7509.0 using BGB's scripting capability], and GBE+ can at least reach the title screen of Mobile Trainer and made [https://www.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/9141oy/making_progress_with_gb_mobile_adapter_emulation/ some progress in July 2018], but otherwise, no emulators (except for a recently leaked at time of writing internal emulator) properly support this accessory.

====Hudsonsoft GB Kiss Link IR modem====
This accessory both allowed IR communications between 2 gameboys before the Game Boy Color existed with its IR port and with a modem, it allowed users to download exclusive content by them from Hudsonsoft's website. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art38.html supports this]. Resources about this super obscure accessory include [http://nectaris.tg-16.com/GB-KISS-LINK-FAQ-hudson-gameboy-nectaris.html this] and {{YouTubeVideo|uOuJ0EcA8IQ|this}}.

====GB Memory Cartridge====
The Game Boy Memory Cartridge, also referred to as the GB Memory Cartridge is an official Nintendo flash cartridge Game Pak for the Game Boy or Game Boy Color. As with most Game Boy games, a Game Boy Advance or Game Boy Advance SP can also be used to run the cartridge and play the game(s) inside.

The cartridges were designed for the Japan-only [[Early online services#Nintendo Power .28SNES .2F Game_Boy.29|Nintendo Power cartridge service]] and come with special sticker spaces for the player to make note of the games they installed onto the cartridge. The Super Famicom Memory Cassettes were released for the same service.

See [[Early online services#Nintendo Power .28SNES .2F Game_Boy.29]] page and [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Game_Boy_Memory_Cartridge niwanetwork's dedicated page] for more information.

===Accessories===
There are [[wikipedia:Game Boy accessories#Game Boy|a few accessories that the Game Boy and Game Boy Color]] had. Due to their very small and game-specific use, most emulators don't bother with them at all, save for GBE+.

* '''Game Boy Pocket Sonar:''' Japan only cartridge released by Bandai. It is a sonar-enabled device used for fishing with a fishing game included. Only GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art13.html supports] this feature. A similar cartridge was released for the WonderSwan (still unemulated).
* '''Barcode Boy:''' An obscure Japan-only barcode-scanning device released by Namcot (then-Namco's consumer division) in 1992. A total of 4 games were released to utilize this accessory. KiGB and GEST claim support for this device, but they only feed random data to Game Boy until the game accepts it as a valid barcode. GBE+ has [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art7.html proper emulation] with the ability to read barcodes from binary files. DoubleCherryGB also has full support. All barcodes are hardcode. After each scan the next barcode is loaded.
* '''Barcode Taisen Bardigun:''' Another Japan-only barcode-scanning device with the dedicated game. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art6.html supports this accessory].
* '''Sakura Taisen TV Adapter/Barcode Scanner:''' Unreleased hardware {{YouTubeVideo|ilaJUOr8Knk|which connects to the GBC link port and is used to scan barcodes shown on TV by the Dreamcast Sakura Taisen game in order to unlock extra content in the GBC Sakura Taisen game}}, where support is still out there hidden in game's code.
* '''Sewing Machines:''' There is link cable support the compatible sewing machines of 3 models:

** '''Singer IZEK-1500''': Released for Singer's 150th anniversary. Has a compartment near the back to hold the Link Cable. Nearly identical to the Jaguar JN-100 in all physical aspects. Unlike the JN-2000, the IZEK 1500 lacks a connection for an embroidery arm. The power cable is also detachable.
** '''Jaguar JN-100''': Nearly identical to the Singer IZEK-1500 in all physical aspects. Unlike the JN-2000, the JN-100 lacks a connection for an embroidery arm. The power cable is built-in.
** '''Jaguar JN-2000''': Different body style from the JN-100 or IZEK-1500. Very similar to the '''Jaguar SP-3000 series''' or the '''Singer CE-200'''. Link Cable is not inside a compartment. It sits as part of a slot where the Game Boy is supposed to rest. Power cable is built-in. Comes with an embroidery arm, the '''EM-2000'''.

Each model is compatible with the single-prong version '''YC-485''' foot controller. The IZEK was unique in that it came bundled with a specially coloured Game Boy and a cartridge for interfacing with the machine.<ref name="IZEK_1">{{YouTubeVideoTime|AlhJKMXU7tg|325|Game Boy Part 2 - Did You Know Gaming? Feat. Jake of Vsauce3}}</ref><ref name="IZEK_2">{{YouTubeVideo|K-Epj2_eJdA|IZEK Digital Sewing Machine - Gameboy Color Controller (Game Boy Color) Review}}</ref> Their support has been added in a GBE+ release.<ref>[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art22.html Edge of Emulation: Game Boy Sewing Machines]</ref>
* '''Suzuki Pocket Dash Diagnostic System''' and '''Aprilia DITECH Interface''': A series of diagnostic cartridges used for Suzuki and Aprilia scooters respectively, developed by Orbital Technologies in the early 2000s. Both were used to interface with a supported motorcycle's engine control unit (ECU) in a similar manner to OBD tools for automobiles. The diagnostic cartridges were only made available for use by motorcycle dealerships and were not licensed by Nintendo. No dump of either cartridge exists as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:Gbc over saturation2.png|thumb|right|350px|Comparison of saturation levels in [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[Gambatte]].]]
The Game Boy Color's screen is under-saturated. Game developers often work around this by using brighter colors knowing it'll be compensated for on hardware. This does not translate well in emulation, because standard LCD screens don't account for this sort of issue. Many emulators attempt to combat this issue with options that adjust accordingly; if not directly, then [[Shaders_and_Filters#Image_Adjustment|shader functionality]] may be implemented.

This issue also affects [[Game Boy Advance emulators#Oversaturation|Game Boy Advance emulation]].

====Emulator options====
'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders, you will find three customizable '''Desaturation''' parameters.

'''VBA-M:''' Under Options > Game Boy, you will find the '''GB color option'''. The recent nightly builds also include the '''LCD Filter''' option.

For more information about Game Boy hardware and reverse engineering; 
* meganesu: [https://meganesu.github.io/generate-gb-opcodes/ Game Boy CPU Instructions]
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ Game Boy Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: {{YouTubeVideo|zQE1K074v3s|How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy}}, {{YouTubeVideo|FzPTK91EJY8|Learn to code and write games on the Nintendo Game Boy}}, {{YouTubeVideo|I1cUIGHZLGA|Secrets of the Nintendo Game Boy Boot Logo}}, {{YouTubeVideo|gYQMdox5gzI|How Cartridges worked on the Nintendo Game Boy}}
* kOOPa and nocash: [https://problemkaputt.de/pandocs.htm Pan Docs]
* [https://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki] – Information about the Game Boy

==See also==
* [[Emulators on GB/GBC]]

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy| ]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color| ]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]

Game Boy (Color) emulators

2025-10-08T19:48:57Z

MysticChromium: /* Emulators */ Semi-recommended below fully recommended

{{Infobox system
|title = Game Boy (Color)
|logo = Game_Boy.png
|image = Game-boy-color.png
|imagecaption = '''Top:''' Original Game Boy '''Bottom:''' Game Boy Color
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]]
|release=1989 (Game Boy) 1998 (Game Boy Color)
|discontinued = 2003
|predecessor = [[Game & Watch]]
|successor= [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}
{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy (Color)|Emulators on GB/GBC}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy|Game Boy]]''' (GB) and '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy Color|Game Boy Color]]''' (GBC) are 8-bit, fourth-generation handheld consoles released by Nintendo on July 31, 1989 and November 18, 1998 respectively and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|89.95|1998}}. The Game Boy has a Sharp LR35902 core CPU at 4.19 MHz. It had a monochrome display that could only show four shades of grey, albeit with a olive green tinge on the original. The Game Boy Color uses the same LR35902 core as the original; while it is clocked at 8.38 MHz, it can be underclocked to 4.19 MHz for backwards-compatibility purposes. It was named such from its color screen, but it also had a larger memory size and a faster CPU. The hardware similarities allow cross-compatibility between the two platforms and they are often treated as one. They would both be succeeded by the backward-compatible [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]].

Nintendo re-released the console as the '''Game Boy Pocket''' in 1996, with a more compact body and a better screen. A front light was added to a special edition of the Pocket in Japan called the '''Game Boy Light''', a feature that wouldn't be seen outside of Japan until the Game Boy Advance SP.

Nintendo released a peripheral for the [[Super Nintendo emulators|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] called [[wikipedia:Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]] in June 1994, which was modeled like a cartridge but included its own cartridge slot for Game Boy/Color games, as well as the hardware needed to translate the games. Many Game Boy/Color emulators offer at least some of the special features it included, such as added borders, colorization, custom button mappings, and other features. It was possible to link, but without the external port, as well as errors in the CPU, it would not be feasible to the end user. These issues would later be corrected in the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.

==Emulators==
Because of how relatively easy popular 8-bit consoles are to emulate, tons of Game Boy emulators exist. For a list of open-source projects, see [https://github.com/search?o=desc&q=gameboy+emulator&s=updated&type=Repositories&utf8=%E2%9C%93 this GitHub query]. For a list of accuracy tests, see [https://daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout/ daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout].
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
!Name
!Platform(s)
!Latest version
![[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
![[#Hardware features and peripherals|Hardware features and peripherals]]
![[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
![[Licensing|License]]
!Active
![[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
!colspan="9"|x86
|-
|[[SameBoy]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://sameboy.github.io/downloads] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[BGB]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://bgb.bircd.org/#downloads]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[http://emulicious.net Emulicious]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://emulicious.net/downloads]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (BSNES)(Gambatte_Speedrun)(SameBoy)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [http://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[Gambatte]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://sourceforge.net/projects/gambatte/files/gambatte]||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=active>[https://github.com/libretro/gambatte-libretro/tree/master Libretro core] is still active.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
|[[Mesen|Mesen]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds]||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[MAME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref>[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[Gearboy]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|NetBSD}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc git]||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master git Artifacts] [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{AresVer}}]||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift's comment about libretro core]</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [http://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[jgenesis]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgenesis/releases {{JgenesisVer}}]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://chillygb.arci.me/ ChillyGB]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/AuroraViola/ChillyGB]||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://hhug.me/ hhugboy]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/tzlion/hhugboy/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases/ {{SkyEmuVer}}]||{{Na}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://binji.github.io/binjgb/ binjgb]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|[https://github.com/binji/binjgb/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Ironboy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/chiplis/ironboy/ git]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|PyBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Baekalfen/PyBoy/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|LGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[dmgemu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/emu-russia/dmgemu/ {{dmgemuVer}}]||{{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} ? ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|KevBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/xkevio/kevboy/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|jgb
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgb git]||||||||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|DoubleCherryGB
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/TimOelrichs/doublecherryGB-libretro git]||||||||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[http://byuu.org/emulation/higan] [https://github.com/libretro/higan libretro core]||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm/ BDM]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm-demo/ Demo]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB VGB]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|Gamebert
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/robert/gamebert git]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[Pantheon]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://bostjan-grandovec.si/Content/News.htm]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|UGE
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/SuperDisk/hUGETracker/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|PDEQ}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[KiGB]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|DOS}}
|[http://kigb.emuunlim.com/downloads.htm]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[TGB Dual]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}<ref group=N name=two>On Linux as an SDL port (and the [[libretro]] core is based on this version).</ref>
|[https://github.com/libertyernie/tgbdual_L/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|GiiBiiAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance/releases git]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|MetroBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy/releases]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{~}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|hdmg
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://git.sr.ht/~sircmpwn/hdmg git]||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[rew.]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Windows9x}}
|[https://wikiwiki.jp/emulator/rew. rew12stx]||{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
!colspan="9"|ARM
|-
|[[SameBoy]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy SameBoy_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|watchOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sameboy/id6496971295 1.0] (iOS App Store) [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte Gambatte_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Game Play Color]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/gameplaycolor/gameplaycolor/releases {{GamePlayColorVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://www.explusalpha.com/contents/gbc-emu GBC.emu]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbcEmu {{.emuVer}}][https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha git][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/76 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|WoA}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master <abbr title="Latest development build version">git Artifacts]</abbr> [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[Gearboy]]
|align=left|{{Icon|WoA|LinuxARM}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/releases/tag/v0.41 beta41] (source)
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}}[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android *] ||{{~}}<ref group=N>Must be compiled from source due to binaries going offline and has been surpassed in terms of general use, but is still Recommended for its exceptional [https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/_5D9uMlRlL-DJ_anXEyJHtI3IriwCFVPgg2zgwhkaG-uYwkjYeTqmiuUZwpomTYKsuo=w1024-h768-rw Printer] and {{YouTubeVideo|ESYolQ761Dw|Kirby Camera}} support.</ref>
|-
|Pizza Boy C Pro
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.dbtecno.pizzaboypro 6.7.3]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{R}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android 0.3]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1] [https://github.com/CocoaBob/GBA4iOS git] (new fork)
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy 0.2.0]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://eightbitwonders.gitlab.io/app 8-Bit Wonders]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://f-droid.org/packages/de.rainerhock.eightbitwonders 0.8.6a] (F-Droid)0.8.6a (Play)0.8.6a (Amazon)[https://gitlab.com/eightbitwonders/app git]
|{{Na}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||roadmap
|-
|MeBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
|[http://www.arktos.se/meboy/download.php 1.6][https://github.com/chijure/meboy git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://pixelrespawn.com/ Linkboy]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pixelrespawn.linkboy 2.2.3] [https://apps.apple.com/app/linking-boy/id6695762604 AppStore]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://my-oldboy-free-gbc-emulator.en.uptodown.com/android My OldBoy!]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gbc 2.0.0]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBC
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.johnemulators.johngbc 3.93]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|[[Manic EMU]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/manic-emu-game-emulator/id6743335790 {{Manic EMUVer}}][https://github.com/Manic-EMU/ManicEMU/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{TBD}}
|-
|[[Provenance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/provenance-app/id1596862805 {{ProvenanceVer}}][https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Delta]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688 {{DeltaVer}}] [https://github.com/rileytestut/Delta git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Dunno}}
|-
!colspan="9"|Consoles
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko)
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|N/A
|{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|Super Game Boy
|align=left|{{Icon|SNES}}
|N/A
|{{Na}} ||{{Dunno}} ||Uses real Gameboy hardware ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}<ref group=N name=supergameboy>Uses real hardware on the cartridge. Super Game Boy 1 runs slightly faster than real hardware without a mod and does not have a link port. The Japanese-only Super Game Boy 2 has a link port and runs at the correct speed. Both SGBs support game borders, palettes, and SGB-enhanced games.</ref>
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Game_Boy_Interface Game Boy Interface]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest main] [https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest-extra extra]
|{{~}} ||{{Ya}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware (Requires Game Boy Player hardware) ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}<ref group=N name=gbinterface>Multiple versions available. Pick the version that fits best with your specific setup.</ref>
|-
|Game Boy Player
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|
|{{~}} ||{{Ya}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware (Requires Game Boy Player hardware) ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gameboyplayer>Game Boy Interface is recommended instead. Limited to a filtered, 480i output with a slight amount of input lag</ref>

|-
|[http://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-a-gameboy-emulator-for-ds.343407 GameYob DS]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|[https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-3ds-gb-c-emu.372523/ GameYob 3DS]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|[https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/GameYob_3DS 1.0.8][https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA-M|<abbr title="Modified port of VBA-M. With it you can play GBA/Game Boy Color/Game Boy games on your Wii/GameCube.">VBA GX</abbr>]]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://github.com/dborth/vbagx#nightly-builds nightly-builds]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|PlutoBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|3DS|NX}} {{Icon|Vita|DC}} {{Icon|PSX}} {{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|NGC}} {{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|Vita|3DS}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|RIN
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/mbarczak/psp_rin git] [https://archive.org/details/rin-rx.-7z RX] [https://archive.org/details/rin_v1.32n1.2.7z 1.32n1.2]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|8.10
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PSV|3DS}}
|[https://endrift.com/mgba/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/releases git]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|GBEmu
|align=left|{{Icon|VB}}
|[https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/t/entry-game-boy-emulator/ 0.1]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{Ya}}
|-
|RealBoy Vita
|align=left|{{Icon|PSV}}
|[https://vitadb.rinnegatamante.it/#/info/167 1.2][https://github.com/xerpi/realboy-vita/releases git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|ShuBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|MD}}
|[http://jiggawatt.org/badc0de/shuboy.htm 1.0]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Na}} ||{{~}}
|-
|aGBe
|align=left|{{Icon|PSX}}
|[https://sourceforge.net/projects/agbe/files/agbe SF]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{Na}} ||{{Na}}
|-
|Hu-Boy
|align=left|SuperGrafx TurboGrafx-CD TurboDuo
|[https://www.chrismcovell.com/huboy.html V 0.30621]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{Ya}} ||{{X}}
|-
!colspan="9"|Firmware
|-
|PlutoBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|UEFI}}
|[https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Dunno}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{Ya}} ||{{Ya}}
|}
<references group=N />

==Comparison==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
===Game Boy-only emulators===
;[[SameBoy]]:One of the most [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy emulators currently. The UI is simple and easy to use. It includes open source bootroms, although these can be replaced with real ones. Has debugging features and also emulates the Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer.
;[[BGB]]:A closed-source emulator for Windows (and [[Wine]]) with solid Game Boy and Game Boy Color accuracy, as well as near flawless link support. It has a wealth of options for color palettes. Mostly used for its advanced debugger.
;[[Gambatte]]:Pretty [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] open-source Game Boy/Color emulator. It has a good range of options and features, though not quite as much as some other emulators. The main fork is not in active development, but the libretro core is still active.
;[http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy]:A Windows-only Game Boy/Color emulator based on GEST with a focus on bootleg and unlicensed games. It is capable of detecting and correctly emulating the mapper on a number of games that are otherwise broken on other emulators, but some ROMs require manually selecting the mapper on the Unlicensed Compatibility Mode menu. Besides the usual raw dumps, it also supports the footered [http://hhug.me/gbx GBX] ROM format, which correctly informs the emulator which mapper to run regardless of what the internal headers say.
;GameRoy:A Game Boy emulator, dissasembler and debugger written in Rust. It has high [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]] and accurate clock frequency. It is more suited for debugging uses for now.
;[[TGB Dual]]:An ancient emulator that supports link cable emulation. It also supports [[netplay]], but it requires a VPN. The libretro port supports local multiplayer using player 2's controls.
;[[KiGB]]:An old and obsolete emulator which boasted its accuracy but was proven to be full of game-specific hacks.<ref>https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/238</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Test_ROMs#Emulators_running_on_desktop_computers</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/KiGB</ref> It has a wide selection of features, but other emulators have caught up and are already doing much better.
;[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance GiiBiiAdvance]:Pioneered full GB Camera emulation, including webcam support. Aside from that, it's an unfinished emulator with the basics set up, but its promising future currently on hiatus. It has very [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] timing.
;[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy MetroBoy]:Extremely [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy simulator which being written in a subset of C++ that's designed to to be mechanically translated into Verilog HDL.
;Ironboy:A very recent and promising emulator written in Rust for WebAssembly which is focus only on the original Game Boy (DMG) to [https://github.com/Chiplis/IronBoy#ironboy achieve the highest degree of accuracy]. Unfortunately, it only supports monochrome Game Boy games.
;binjgb:A GB + GBC emulator for both desktop and WebAssembly, developed by Ben "binji" Smith since 2016. Most famously used by McDonald's in 2023 to publish ''Grimace's Birthday'' [https://grimacesbirthday.com/ as a browser game].
;[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko):
* GB support was added to Nintendo Switch Online in February 2023, alongside GBA games exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier;
* Users are limited to the selection of games Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Supports online and Local Play (up to 2 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* Supports tilt controls through gyroscope or normal controllers (e.g.: ''Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble'');
* Supports infrared emulation (e.g.: ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'');
* Palette styles can be applied (original GB, Pocket, and GBC);
* No Super Game Boy features supported (it always runs games in GBC mode);
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''List of recommended GB/GBC emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

===GB/C emulation on GBA emulators===
''This shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|actual backwards compatibility on GBA emulation]].''
;[[mGBA]]:Primarily emulates the [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]] but it also includes GB/C support much like the original system. It's a solid implementation, with most of the library working perfectly.
;[[GBE+]]:An emulator that has a large effort in preserving the functions of a multitude of [[#Game Boy Features|obscure accessories]] that other emulators don't focus on. It can also load custom tiles in games, including colorized tiles for original Game Boy titles.
;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VisualBoy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:Used to be the go-to for Game Boy Advance emulation and even included solid GB/C emulation. It's now behind [[mGBA]] on both fronts.

===[[Multi-system emulators]]===
;[[higan]]/[[ares]]:Because it started out as a [[Super Nintendo emulators|SNES emulator]] (its original name was bsnes), it was the first one that properly emulated all of the [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Super_Game_Boy|Super Game Boy]]'s features, such as SPC sound chip utilization, which requires the SNES and GameBoy to be emulated simultaneously so it's demanding.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/zwq9fu/ares_crossplatform_open_source_multisystem/j1ys10k/</ref>
;[[BizHawk]]:Uses a modified Gambatte core. It provides speedrunning tools.
;[[MAME]]:Has solid Game Boy emulation through its <code>gameboy</code> driver despite the sound being imperfect, as well as slightly worse Game Boy Color compatibility through its <code>gbcolor</code> driver (where both the graphics and sound are imperfect). Despite its setbacks, it aims to feature compatibility with obscure mappers that other emulators usually ignore, like Wisdom Tree games or MMM01 multicarts. Accuracy was improved upon with contributions by Judge_.
;[[Mesen]]:Game Boy (DMG) and Game Boy Color (CGB) games can also be played on Mesen 2, but only Game Boy Color can play CGB games. For DMG games, you can choose either Game Boy or Game Boy Color, or run the game in Super Game Boy mode by loading the Super Game Boy BIOS (1 or 2) into the SNES core.

==Mappers==
Much like the NES, the Game Boy (and by extension, the Game Boy Color) used '''Memory Bank Controllers''' (MBC) (called MMCs on the NES) and also known informally as '''mappers''', to go beyond the restrictive initial hardware specifications. Nevertheless, Nintendo was much more careful to standardize their specifications to [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Category:Licensed_chips just a small number of possible mappers]. Moreover, Game Boy ROMs now included an official internal header mandated by Nintendo that included the correct MMC type. This meant that for the officially licensed games, these mappers proved to be rarely a problem... with some notable unimplemented exceptions: Net de Get's MBC6 that offered downloadable content off the internet, and the MMM01 footer used for some official multi-cart games, among others.

However, it doesn't get better when it comes to '''unlicensed games''', since they didn't necessarily respect Nintendo's specifications about how a given mapper type should handle its memory and behave in general, and internal headers were often filled with erroneous data to hinder dumping and emulation efforts. Some emulators like MESS/[[MAME]] and [http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy] try to emulate that behavior with various degrees of success ([http://hhug.me/dump/ Compatibility List]). The hhugboy project also proposed a similar solution to iNES for this mapper problem, as the [http://hhug.me/gbx/1.0 gbx ROM format] that appends a footer with extra information needed for some unlicensed games. However, this format, much less unlicensed hardware quirks, isn't widely adopted aside from tentative [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers mGBA support].

==Enhancements==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan=2 style="width:50%" |Name
! SameBoy
! BGB
!Emulicious
|-
|rowspan="2" |Controls
|[[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|{{~}}<ref name="LibretroExclusive" group="N2" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://docs.retroachievements.org/general/tutorials/turbo-button.html Turbo button]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="4" |Graphics
|Remove sprite limit The Gameboy supports a maximum of 40 sprite objects. – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some of the flickering seen in games at times and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Resolution|Resizable internal resolution]]
|colspan="3" |For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more apparent.
|-
|[[Texture_packs#Game_Boy|Sprite replacement]]
|colspan="3" |Exclusive to [[GBE+]] emulator at the moment.
|-
|[[Widescreen_hacks#Game_Boy|Widescreen hack]] Possible with technique called [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideGB]] which uses a similar technique as [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideNES]].
|colspan="3" |Exclusive to [https://kemenaran.winosx.com/posts/widegb-now-available-on-windows/ SameBoy WideGB fork] at the moment.
|-
|rowspan="1" |Performance
|[[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="4" |Post-processing
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Shader_Presets|Shader chain]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="12" |Quality of life
|Automatic updater
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|cheat manager]]
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="SameBoyCOCO">For macOS only.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
|colspan="3" |Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
|Built-in Game Boy sound player
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="SameBoyCOCO"></ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|patch manager]]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Command line options
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Pause/resume emulation
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Per-game profiles
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth Stealth] Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, it still requires necessary [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="6" |[https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
|Fast-forward/turbo speed
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Frame step (forwards and backwards)
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Rewind
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Save states
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="5" |Misc.
|AI service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
|colspan="3" |Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|{{Ya}}[https://sameboy.github.io/features/#debugging *]
|{{Ya}}[https://bgb.bircd.org/manual.html#debugkeys *]
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
|colspan="3" |Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
|[[Netplay#Game_Boy|Netplay]] Should not be confused with Game Boy (Color) online features or link cable emulation. See [[#Hardware features and peripherals|hardware features and peripherals]].
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="LibretroExclusive">Input lag mitigation technique and [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#game-boy-game-boy-color RetroAchievements exclusive to libretro cores]. Also [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy/#features netplay enhancement] exclusive to SameBoy libretro core.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[RetroAchievements]]
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="LibretroExclusive"></ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|}
<references group=N2/>

==Hardware features and peripherals==
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan="3" style="width:50%" |Name
! SameBoy
! BGB
!Emulicious
|-
| rowspan="12" |Cartridge features
| colspan="2" |Built-in IR ports Some games like ''Nectaris'' for GB (monochrome GBs have no IR port at all, IR functionality is completely new to them) or ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' and the Japanese edition of ''Robopon'' for GBC feature on-board IR transmitters/receivers on their cartridges instead of relying on the Modile Adapter GB or GB Kiss Link IR modem or Link Cable functionality. This feature is sometimes called ''GB Kiss'' (i.e. cartridges "kiss" each other).
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Built-in speakers Embedded audio speakers present on cartridges employing TAMA5 and HuC1 mappers: ''Game de Hakken!! Tamagotchi - Osutchi to Mesutchi'' (aka ''Tamagotchi 3''), ''Robot Poncots'' (''Robopon'' outside of Japan) and ''Pocket Family'' game series.
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Game Boy Advance-enhanced mode
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#Game Boy Camera|Game Boy Camera]]
|{{~}}<ref name="SameBoyCOCO" group="N3">For MacOS only.</ref>
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#Real-time_clock|Real-time clock]]
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#Rumble|Rumble]]
|{{~}}<ref group="N3">RetroArch only.</ref>
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|rowspan="5" |[[Super Nintendo emulators#Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy-enhanced features]] Most of them can only work on the Super Nintendo's hardware.
|Borders
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Custom audio
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Custom palettes
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Local multiplayer
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Super Game Boy-enhanced mode
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)|Tilt sensor]] ''Kirby’s Tilt ‘n’ Tumble'' and ''Command Master'' use biaxial/4-way accelerometer.
|{{Ya}}
|{{~}}<ref name="no-controllers" group="N3">Motion Control does not support controller's gyro. Supports only remapping to mouse/keyboard/gamepad.</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |Hardware features
| colspan="2" |[[#Infrared|Infrared (Game Boy Color)]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
| colspan="2" |System BIOS
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Ya}}
|-
|rowspan="22" |Peripherals
|rowspan="2" |Barcode scanner
|[[#Accessories|Barcode Boy]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[#Accessories|Barcode Taisen Bardigun]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="3" |Connectivity
|[[#Multiplayer|4-Player Adapter]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[#Multiplayer|Link Cable]]<ref group="N3">Super Game Boy for SNES supports only on the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.</ref>
|{{~}}<ref group="N3">[[SameBoy]]'s libretro core supports Link Cable, standalone does not.</ref>
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Mobile Adapter GB
|{{Na}}
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[[#Game Boy Printer|Game Boy Printer]]
|{{~}}<ref name="SameBoyCOCO" group="N3" />
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |
[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art8.html Full Changer] accelerometer
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="6" |Special hardware
|[[#Accessories|GB Pocket Sonar]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|GB Kiss Link IR modem
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[#Accessories|Sewing Machines]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|Turbo File GB
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[#Accessories|WorkBoy]]
|{{~}}<ref name="SameBoyCOCO" group="N3" />
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="7" |Unlicensed/unreleased
|[[#Multiplayer|16-Player Adapter]]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|[https://tcrf.net/Alleyway#Paddle_Controller_Accessory Alleyway Controller]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Game Genie
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://luigiblood.tumblr.com/post/187348407478/reverse-enginnering-the-unreleased-gameboy-printer Pocket Printer Color]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|Pro Action Replay
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[https://segabits.com/blog/2022/08/18/the-story-of-the-cancelled-game-boy-color-to-dreamcast-official-connectivity-solution/ Sakura Taisen TV Adapter/Barcode Scanner]
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|-
|{{YouTubeVideo|yP1Bkfj9kDY|WORLD PORT}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |Virtual pet toy connectivity
|[https://sakurawars.fandom.com/wiki/Pocket_Sakura Pocket Sakura]||{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|[[bulba:Pokémon_Pikachu_2_GS#Interactions_with_Generation_II|Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS]]||{{Na}}
|{{Na}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|rowspan="2" |Misc.
|colspan="2" |[[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|Cartridge hot swapping]] It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.
|{{Ya}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|-
|colspan="2" |[http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting Cartridge tilting] Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.<ref name="Tilt" group="N3">{{YouTubePlaylist|PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d|Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist}}</ref>
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|{{Dunno}}
|}
<references group=N3 />

===Infrared===
The Game Boy Color had an infrared transmitter and receiver. Generation II Pokémon games made use of this feature through Mystery Gift. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe could send high scores to another cartridge. GBE+ had [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art4.html basic IR emulation] back in July 2016 but it then only worked with Pokémon games. Now, as of [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art11.html April 2018], it has full IR emulation for most IR-enabled games (Hudson Soft's HuC-1's IR capabilities need to be emulated for Japanese ''Pokémon TCG'').

*[[List of games that support IR#GameBoy Color Emulation]].

===Game Boy Camera===
The Game Boy Camera is an official Nintendo accessory for the Game Boy and was released in 1998. Users can take pictures and modify them with stickers and frames, as well as play several included minigames. In addition to the original model, there was a US-exclusive Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time edition that included different stamps.

The first emulator to have some capability of emulating the Game Boy Camera was a modified version of an old emulator called Hash. This version, named Hashcam, can still be found on the author's website. While there were some efforts to run the Game Boy Camera ROM in BGB unofficially, the author didn't show much interest in it. However, it is fully emulated with webcam support in a lesser-known emulator called GiiBiiAdvance.

As of version 0.7.0, or any dev builds post 0.6.0, mGBA can emulate this accessory by either using the PC's webcam or sending a BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or other image format to the game, as if it was coming from the camera itself.<ref name="mGBA_Cam">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mGBA_emu/status/890954205472501762|title=Game Boy Camera in mGBA dev builds|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2017-07-28}}</ref> The camera is also functional on the 3DS port. To enable the PC webcam, go to <code>Game Boy</code> under <code>settings</code> and switch the <code>camera driver</code> to <code>Qt Multimedia</code>, or by editing <code>qt.ini</code> and setting <code>cameraDriver=1</code> under <code>[General]</code>.

===Game Boy Printer===
Game Boy Printer is a thermal printer accessory released by Nintendo in 1998 used in conjunction with the Game Boy Camera and also used to prints images from compatible GB games such as ''Pokémon Gold and Silver'', ''Pokémon Crystal'', ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe'', ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX''.

[[VisualBoy Advance]] (including its forks), [[GBE+]] and [[mGBA]] have Game Boy Printer support that turn the signals into a bitmap form of the image.

====Game Boy Printer Color====
'''Game Boy Printer Color''' alternatively known as '''Pocket Printer Color''' is an unreleased successor to the Game Boy Printer. See [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Game_Boy_Printer_Color here]. It would have connected to the Nintendo 64DD via ''Mario Artist: Paint Studio'' using the 64GB Cable and possibly an MBC4 GB Printer Cartridge.

===Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)===
Two Game Boy Color games featured a built-in tilt sensor: Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble and Command Master. These games cannot be played without support for this feature. [[VisualBoy Advance|VBA]] and [[KiGB]] have a "Motion Sensor" option to map four directional keys to emulate the cartridge tilting, but the controls aren't analog. [[BGB]] can emulate the tilting features with the use of the mouse. [[SameBoy]] allows to use the mouse, as well as a joystick, and on the Cocoa frontend, is supporting controller's motion controls. [[mGBA]] supports controller's motion controls and allows to assign stic's X an Y axes. Hiyoko, the official GBC emulator for [[Nintendo Switch Online]], emulates motion controls for Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble by translating gyroscope input either from the console itself (when playing in portable mode) or from a detached Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller (when playing in docked mode).

*[[List of games that support tracked motion controllers#GameBoy Color Emulation]]

===Rumble===
A good number of cartridges came with a built-in rumble that required an AAA battery to power, such as ''Pokémon Pinball'', but the feature is optional. So far, only [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA-GX]] emulates rumble in these games, including games that have their rumble feature dummied out (one being ''Tarzan'').

===Alleyway Controller===
It's another unreleased accesory, the unknown device which is speculated to be a Vaus-like Paddle controller for ''Alleyway'' which still retains in-game code for communicating with it.

===Multiplayer===
* '''Link Cable:''' [[BGB]], [[KiGB]], some versions of [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[TGB Dual|TGB-Dual]] supports link cable. It can also be used for Netplay on the corresponding [[RetroArch]] core. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiplayer_Game_Boy_games#Two-player_games_via_the_Game_Link_Cable Two-player games via the Game Link Cable list].
* '''4-Player Adapter:''' Currently only [[GBE+]] and DoubleCherryGB supports it.
* '''Faceball 2000 16-Player Link Cable:''' There is a 16-Player adapter as well, but it went unreleased outside of unused code in some games, but it is emulated by ''DoubleCherryGB'' emulator and allows to play Faceball 2000 in local splitscreen and via netplay.
* '''Multiplayer Hacks:''' DoubleCherryGB emulates virtual link-cable devices that allow Tetris Battle Royal and Kwirk Multiplayer up to 16 players on local splitscreen and via netplay.

===Online features===
====Mobile Game Boy Adapter====
There is a Japan-only accessory that communicates with Mobile Golf and Japanese Pokémon Crystal. It was bundled with Mobile Trainer cartridge which allowed the player to use e-mail as well as browse Nintendo's website. It saw use on some Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, but support was limited to Japan, and the servers went offline by 2002.

It is possible to partially emulate its feature for Pokémon Crystal by [http://forums.glitchcity.info/index.php?topic=7509.0 using BGB's scripting capability], and GBE+ can at least reach the title screen of Mobile Trainer and made [https://www.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/9141oy/making_progress_with_gb_mobile_adapter_emulation/ some progress in July 2018], but otherwise, no emulators (except for a recently leaked at time of writing internal emulator) properly support this accessory.

====Hudsonsoft GB Kiss Link IR modem====
This accessory both allowed IR communications between 2 gameboys before the Game Boy Color existed with its IR port and with a modem, it allowed users to download exclusive content by them from Hudsonsoft's website. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art38.html supports this]. Resources about this super obscure accessory include [http://nectaris.tg-16.com/GB-KISS-LINK-FAQ-hudson-gameboy-nectaris.html this] and {{YouTubeVideo|uOuJ0EcA8IQ|this}}.

====GB Memory Cartridge====
The Game Boy Memory Cartridge, also referred to as the GB Memory Cartridge is an official Nintendo flash cartridge Game Pak for the Game Boy or Game Boy Color. As with most Game Boy games, a Game Boy Advance or Game Boy Advance SP can also be used to run the cartridge and play the game(s) inside.

The cartridges were designed for the Japan-only [[Early online services#Nintendo Power .28SNES .2F Game_Boy.29|Nintendo Power cartridge service]] and come with special sticker spaces for the player to make note of the games they installed onto the cartridge. The Super Famicom Memory Cassettes were released for the same service.

See [[Early online services#Nintendo Power .28SNES .2F Game_Boy.29]] page and [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Game_Boy_Memory_Cartridge niwanetwork's dedicated page] for more information.

===Accessories===
There are [[wikipedia:Game Boy accessories#Game Boy|a few accessories that the Game Boy and Game Boy Color]] had. Due to their very small and game-specific use, most emulators don't bother with them at all, save for GBE+.

* '''Game Boy Pocket Sonar:''' Japan only cartridge released by Bandai. It is a sonar-enabled device used for fishing with a fishing game included. Only GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art13.html supports] this feature. A similar cartridge was released for the WonderSwan (still unemulated).
* '''Barcode Boy:''' An obscure Japan-only barcode-scanning device released by Namcot (then-Namco's consumer division) in 1992. A total of 4 games were released to utilize this accessory. KiGB and GEST claim support for this device, but they only feed random data to Game Boy until the game accepts it as a valid barcode. GBE+ has [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art7.html proper emulation] with the ability to read barcodes from binary files. DoubleCherryGB also has full support. All barcodes are hardcode. After each scan the next barcode is loaded.
* '''Barcode Taisen Bardigun:''' Another Japan-only barcode-scanning device with the dedicated game. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art6.html supports this accessory].
* '''Sakura Taisen TV Adapter/Barcode Scanner:''' Unreleased hardware {{YouTubeVideo|ilaJUOr8Knk|which connects to the GBC link port and is used to scan barcodes shown on TV by the Dreamcast Sakura Taisen game in order to unlock extra content in the GBC Sakura Taisen game}}, where support is still out there hidden in game's code.
* '''Sewing Machines:''' There is link cable support the compatible sewing machines of 3 models:

** '''Singer IZEK-1500''': Released for Singer's 150th anniversary. Has a compartment near the back to hold the Link Cable. Nearly identical to the Jaguar JN-100 in all physical aspects. Unlike the JN-2000, the IZEK 1500 lacks a connection for an embroidery arm. The power cable is also detachable.
** '''Jaguar JN-100''': Nearly identical to the Singer IZEK-1500 in all physical aspects. Unlike the JN-2000, the JN-100 lacks a connection for an embroidery arm. The power cable is built-in.
** '''Jaguar JN-2000''': Different body style from the JN-100 or IZEK-1500. Very similar to the '''Jaguar SP-3000 series''' or the '''Singer CE-200'''. Link Cable is not inside a compartment. It sits as part of a slot where the Game Boy is supposed to rest. Power cable is built-in. Comes with an embroidery arm, the '''EM-2000'''.

Each model is compatible with the single-prong version '''YC-485''' foot controller. The IZEK was unique in that it came bundled with a specially coloured Game Boy and a cartridge for interfacing with the machine.<ref name="IZEK_1">{{YouTubeVideoTime|AlhJKMXU7tg|325|Game Boy Part 2 - Did You Know Gaming? Feat. Jake of Vsauce3}}</ref><ref name="IZEK_2">{{YouTubeVideo|K-Epj2_eJdA|IZEK Digital Sewing Machine - Gameboy Color Controller (Game Boy Color) Review}}</ref> Their support has been added in a GBE+ release.<ref>[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art22.html Edge of Emulation: Game Boy Sewing Machines]</ref>
* '''Suzuki Pocket Dash Diagnostic System''' and '''Aprilia DITECH Interface''': A series of diagnostic cartridges used for Suzuki and Aprilia scooters respectively, developed by Orbital Technologies in the early 2000s. Both were used to interface with a supported motorcycle's engine control unit (ECU) in a similar manner to OBD tools for automobiles. The diagnostic cartridges were only made available for use by motorcycle dealerships and were not licensed by Nintendo. No dump of either cartridge exists as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:Gbc over saturation2.png|thumb|right|350px|Comparison of saturation levels in [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[Gambatte]].]]
The Game Boy Color's screen is under-saturated. Game developers often work around this by using brighter colors knowing it'll be compensated for on hardware. This does not translate well in emulation, because standard LCD screens don't account for this sort of issue. Many emulators attempt to combat this issue with options that adjust accordingly; if not directly, then [[Shaders_and_Filters#Image_Adjustment|shader functionality]] may be implemented.

This issue also affects [[Game Boy Advance emulators#Oversaturation|Game Boy Advance emulation]].

====Emulator options====
'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders, you will find three customizable '''Desaturation''' parameters.

'''VBA-M:''' Under Options > Game Boy, you will find the '''GB color option'''. The recent nightly builds also include the '''LCD Filter''' option.

For more information about Game Boy hardware and reverse engineering; 
* meganesu: [https://meganesu.github.io/generate-gb-opcodes/ Game Boy CPU Instructions]
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ Game Boy Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: {{YouTubeVideo|zQE1K074v3s|How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy}}, {{YouTubeVideo|FzPTK91EJY8|Learn to code and write games on the Nintendo Game Boy}}, {{YouTubeVideo|I1cUIGHZLGA|Secrets of the Nintendo Game Boy Boot Logo}}, {{YouTubeVideo|gYQMdox5gzI|How Cartridges worked on the Nintendo Game Boy}}
* kOOPa and nocash: [https://problemkaputt.de/pandocs.htm Pan Docs]
* [https://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki] – Information about the Game Boy

==See also==
* [[Emulators on GB/GBC]]

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy| ]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color| ]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]

Game Boy Advance emulators

2025-08-07T02:16:13Z

MysticChromium: /* ARM */ Fix John GBA placeholder row from previous edit; please preview changes before saving them.

{{Infobox system
| title = Game Boy Advance
| logo_size = 250px
| image = gbagba.png
| image_size = 250px
| caption = Indigo Game Boy Advance
| aka = CN: iQue Game Boy Advance
| developer = [[Nintendo|Nintendo R&D]]
| manufacturer = [[Nintendo]]
| family = Game Boy
| type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
| price = {{Inflation|USD|99.99|2001}}
| generation = [[:Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles|Sixth]]
| release date =
JP: March 21, 2001 
NA: June 11, 2001 
PAL: June 22, 2001
| discontinued = Yes
| units sold = 81.51 million
| media =
Game Boy Game Pak 
Game Boy Color Game Pak 
Game Boy Advance Game Pak
| soc = Nintendo CPU AGB
| cpu = ARM7TDMI @ 16.78 MHz Sharp SM83 @ 4 / 8 MHz
| memory = 288 KB RAM, 98 KB VRAM
| display = Reflective TFT LCD, 240 × 160 px, 61.2 mm × 40.8 mm (2.41 in × 1.61 in)
| dimensions = 82 mm × 144.5 mm × 24.5 mm (3.23 in × 5.69 in × 0.96 in)
| power = 2 × AA batteries
| topgame = ''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Sapphire'' (16.22 million units)
| compatibility =
[[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy]] 
[[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy Color]]
| predecessor = [[Game Boy Color]]
| successor = [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]]
| related =
Game Boy Advance SP 
Game Boy Micro
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy Advance|Emulators on GBA}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game_Boy_Advance|Game Boy Advance]]''' (often shortened to GBA) is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on the 21st of March 2001, in North America on the 11th of June and in Australia and Europe on the 22nd of June and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|99.99|2001}}. It has a ARM7TDMI CPU at 16.78 MHz and a Zilog Z80 CPU at 8 MHz and 4 MHz. It has 288 KB of RAM and 96 KB of VRAM.

The GBA is one of the few cases of emulation being available prior to the release of the console due to the existence of tech demos. Due to the console's relative simplicity and the low system requirements for emulation, several emulation options capable of running commercial games were available early in the console's lifespan. Emulation has only continued to advance since then, with modern offerings being highly accurate and playable on many devices.

==Emulators==
===x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Hardware features and peripherals]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift confirming the libretro core is tracking the master branch], However, even though it's updated frequently, some [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|hardware features]] are exclusive to the standalone version. Therefore, using the standalone version is recommended.</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Mesen|Mesen]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[NanoBoyAdvance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/workflows/build/master Dev builds] [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/releases {{NanoBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases/ {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master <abbr title="Latest development build version">git Artifacts</abbr>] [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://ares-emu.net/compatibility/nintendo-game-boy-advance?status=-1|2284|2921}} ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_m/ vbam_libretro] <abbr title="VBA Next is a Game Boy Advance emulator based on VBA-M 2011 with backported patches for performance and compatibility improvements.">[https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ vba_next_libretro]</abbr>
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core'''s'''] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases 2.1.11]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBAHawk]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/alyosha-tas/GBAHawk/releases 2.2.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (mGBA 0.10.0)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [https://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[https://problemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[MAME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref> [https://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||[https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mess.php?software_list_name=gba&compatibility= ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/ gpSP_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Mednafen]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/beetle_gba/ mednafen_gba_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[{{MednafenURL|releases/}} {{MednafenVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://hades-emu.org Hades]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/hades-emu/Hades/releases/tag/v1.0.0 {{HadesVer}}] [https://nightly.link/hades-emu/Hades/workflows/build/master Nightly builds] [https://github.com/hades-emu/hades git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/higan-emu/higan/releases/tag/v110 {{higanVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|agbemu
|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/burhanr13/agbemu/releases 1.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|iDeaS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20150311100053/https://ciacin.site90.com/ideas.php {{iDeaSVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA VGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA/#Downloads {{VGBAVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Meteor
|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/blastrock/meteor {{MeteorVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|BoyCottAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://boycottadvance.emuunlim.org/Downloads.htm {{BoyCottAdvanceVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|PlayBoy Advance
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|[https://www.zophar.net/macintosh/gba/playboy-advance.html {{PlayBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GameBeanAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/bmchtech/GameBeanAdvance git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Hardware features and peripherals]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Linux|Pandora}}
|[https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android unofficial Android version] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N>Libretro core is active; unofficial standalone port for Android is not.</ref> ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://www.explusalpha.com/contents/gba-emu GBA.emu] (VBA-M 2.1.4 based)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
|[https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha/releases/tag/Pre-release Pre-release] [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbaEmu 1.5.82][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/75 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Linux|Pandora}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Pandora}} {{Icon|Didj|Symbian}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://repo.openpandora.org/?page=detail&app=package.gpsp.notaz 0.9.2.8 Pandora] [https://github.com/Summeli/gpSP4Cute Symbian]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gpsp>libretro core-only.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://pixelrespawn.com/ Linkboy]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pixelrespawn.linkboy 2.2.3] [https://apps.apple.com/app/linking-boy/id6695762604 AppStore]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBA
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details/John_GBA?id=com.johnemulators.johngba 2.13]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}}||{{R}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Pizza Boy A Pro
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.dbtecno.pizzaboygbapro&hl=en_US 2.16.2]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}}||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://sites.google.com/site/fastemulator/ My Boy!]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gba 2.0.8]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by Linkboy.</ref>
|-
|agbemu
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/burhanr13/agbemu/releases 1.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|VGBAnext
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.emu {{VGBANextVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hydra.noods 0.1] [https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://forums.windowscentral.com/app-spotlight/252987-trio-nintendo-emulators-vba8-vgbc8-snes8x.html VBA10]
|align=left|{{Icon|W10P}}
|[https://forum.xda-developers.com/windows-10-mobile/windows-10-mobile-apps-and-games/app-vba10-emulator-t3588704 1.22] [https://emulator.games/emulators/gameboy-advance/vba10/ Alt]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20190801135245/http://allaboutwindowsphone.com/software/content/VBA8_1.php VBA8]
|align=left|{{Icon|W8P}}
|[https://www.appx4fun.com/xap/15223/ 2.27]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA_J2ME
|align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
|[https://oldfag.top/downloads/?act=view&id=168 1.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA Emulator (Rekkuzan)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Rekkuzan.UnityBoyAdvance 0.1.13]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Manic EMU]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/manic-emu-game-emulator/id6743335790 {{Manic EMUVer}}][https://github.com/LeeAoshuang/ManicEmu/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{TBD}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Hardware features and peripherals]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|Switch}} {{Icon|3DS|PSV}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://mgba.io/downloads.html#homebrew {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Sloop)
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|N/A
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|Only for selected titles]] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ VBA Next]
|align=left|{{Icon|NGC|Wii|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PS4}} {{Icon|Vita}} {{Icon|Xbox|Xbox360}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC|PSP}} {{Icon|PS2|NGC|Wii}} {{Icon|3DS|Vita}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [[GpSP#PSP_Version|TempGBA4PSP]]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gpsp></ref> ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm open_agb_firm]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm/releases 2024-07-30]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|8.10
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||[[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_2|Only for selected titles (3DS)]] [[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_3|Only for selected titles (Wii U)]] ROM injection is possible with both consoles with relatively high compatibility. ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Game_Boy_Interface Game Boy Interface]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest main] [https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest-extra extra]
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware (Requires Game Boy Player hardware) ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}<ref group=N name=gbinterface>Multiple versions available. Pick the version that fits best with your specific setup.</ref>
|-
|Game Boy Player
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware Limited to a filtered, 480i output with a slight amount of input lag ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gameboyplayer>Game Boy Interface is recommended instead</ref>
|-
|ReGBA
|Align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1332 v1.45.5 revision 3]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Enhanced_mGBA emGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/mgba/latest git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA GX]]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://github.com/dborth/vbagx/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBARunner3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner3 git]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Red}} Source available ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gbarunner3>Recommended on DS</ref>
|-
|DSTWO
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|N/A
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Uses SOC of flashcart itself for emulation||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}}||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Gbaemu4DS
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|[https://ichfly.github.io/gbaemu4DS Alpha 2 fix 4][https://github.com/ichfly/gbaemu4DS git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[GBARunner2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner2/releases/tag/v20200812-131430_6e4ce45 2020/08/12]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[gpSP|UO gpSP Kai]] (UO gpSP改)
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|3.4 test 4 build 230
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita|WiiU}} {{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git] (Switch/Vita/WiiU) [https://github.com/Xiro28/NooDS_PSP git] (PSP port)
|{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

==Comparisons==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
;[[mGBA]]:Free and open-source Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator developed by endrift. Written from scratch, it aims for speed, [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]], and portability. Yet, it is the most complete GBA emulation effort with [[#Enhancements|enhancements]] and [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|feature support]], passing the older project VBA and its forks. It is also available as a libretro core for RetroArch. As of 0.9.0, mGBA with a stripped-down GUI has been integrated into Dolphin for games supporting [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|connectivity features]].

;[[NanoBoyAdvance]]:Highly [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]]<ref>[https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md mGBA suite comparison]</ref> Game Boy Advance emulator. It aims for [[Emulation Accuracy|cycle-accurate]] emulation when possible (CPU, DMA, timers, PPU and Game Pak prefetch), while also offering enhancements such as improved audio quality. Very high compatibility, including games that require emulation of [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md#Game-compatibility peculiar hardware edge-cases]. Unfortunately, following the release of the next major update, the developer "[https://github.com/fleroviux fleroviux]" will step down from actively developing the project.[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1auz9c9/nanoboyadvance_180_is_released_plus_announcement/]

;[[GBAHawk]]:A fork of the BizHawk emulator focusing on console verification of Gameboy Advance TASes and hardware research.[https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/GBA_Tests]

;[[VisualBoy Advance|Visual Boy Advance (VBA)]]:The original GBA emulator. Discovered to have an <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability detailed below.

:;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|Visual Boy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:A fork with additional minor improvements. It is behind in terms of [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]] compared to mGBA or other recommended GBA emulators, but is still useful for its robust debugging features and sound interpolation that reduces hissing.

::;VBA-Next:A [[RetroArch]] fork from an older revision of VBA-M with added speedhacks and tweaks, making it useful for lower-end devices. A bit less accurate in some respects, but fixes a few games such as Advance Wars 2.

;[[SkyEmu]]:Low-level Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator. Its primary focus is to provide a [https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/ybejxv/skyemu_v2_release/itutt2h/ good user experience] through a good tradeoffs mixture [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]]<ref>[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu#accuracycompatibility SkyEmu: Accuracy and Compatibility], [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/blob/dev/docs/Accuracy.md SkyEmu: Accuracy on Difficult to Emulate Games].</ref>, performance, features, and usability. Capable of full instruction pipeline, prefetch emulation, and per pixel PPU Implementation capable of both scan line and mid-scan line effects.

;[[higan]] / [[ares]]:[[Emulation Accuracy|Accuracy]] wise, it is behind compared to NanoBoyAdvance and SkyEmu (and maybe mGBA), but it has dot-based instead of scanline-based renderer and does a better job compared to VBA-M. It is also behind in terms of compatibility compared to mGBA, NanoBoyAdvance, and SkyEmu, but Ares stands out being a [[Multi-system_emulators|multi-system emulator]] and supports some useful [[#Enhancements|enhancements]], like shaders/filters and simple debug features.

;[[Mesen]]: It has potential to be the best GBA debugger in the future. placeholder text

;[[MAME]]:Has a <code>gba</code> driver markup as working, but both graphics and sound are [https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/dettaglio_mame.php?game_name=gba "imperfect"] as of version 0.271.

;[[gpSP]]:Originally made for the PSP, its last official version was 0.91. There are, however, two forks of interest: [https://dl.qj.net/psp/emulators/gpsp-mod-20090720.html gpSPmod] and [https://filetrip.net/psp-downloads/homebrew/download-gpsp-j-12-06-16-f29570.htmlgpSP-J gpSP-J]. gpSP-J has superior compatibility, while gpSPmod has more options for customization (full screen, cheats, etc.) Both are superior to Kai. TempGBA is another good fork. For other platforms, there is a libretro port of gpSP with fast x86 and ARM dynarecs. While it is behind the best GBA emulators in terms of accuracy, its great performance makes it a viable option for old/underpowered machines or for using extreme fast-forward in games.

;Pizza Boy A:Likely due to the [[Yuzu#Lawsuit|yuzu situation]], the project was pulled from the Play Store by its developer after seven years of development and was presumed dead in 2024[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1b97uus/emulator_pizza_boy_for_gba_and_gbc_removed_from/][https://old.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnAndroid/comments/1ba5h5g/pizzaboy_emulator_is_gone/][https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/7/24093867/another-emulator-is-shutting-down]. However, in April, the project was renamed and development has resumed[https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/23/24138403/speaking-of-turning-your-phone-into-a-nintendo-emulator][https://gbatemp.net/threads/pizza-boy-a-basic-emulator-back-into-google-play-store-free-and-without-ads.654652/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1cbp2fx/pizza_boy_is_back/].

; [[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Sloop)
* GBA support was added to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack in February 2023, alongside GB games exclusive to the normal tier;
* Users are [[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|limited to the selection of games]] Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Can support Local Play with other Switch Online users (up to 4 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* [https://twitter.com/LuigiBlood/status/1624005571815899136 Accurate enough] at the point of being able to pass any of the ''AGB Test Cartridge'' (v10) tests without a single failure;
* Video filters can be applied;
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Allows rumble support for games that had such a function back when played in a Game Boy Player (''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'', ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'')
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''NOTE:''' There's a ''huge'' <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability affecting VBA and most of its forks, except for VBA-M. The function for adding GameShark codes ("Import > GameShark code file") doesn't check if the file's size is within 1024 kilobits, meaning cheat code files from dubious sources can be engineered with malware in mind. There is good news; VBA-M still doesn't do a sanity check for those files, but it just crashes instead of letting the code wreak havoc. So, depending on your use case, avoid using:
# Cheat code files bigger than 1024 KB that you got online from untrustworthy sources.
# The import code files feature.
# The old emulator altogether, and settle for other options like mGBA or VBA-M. All of them support the same SRAM save data the cartridge uses.

'''List of recommended GBA emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in the above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

==Enhancements==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan=2 style="width:50%" | Name
! mGBA
! Mesen
! NanoBoyAdvance
! SkyEmu
! ares
! GBE+
! VBA-M
!GBAHawk
! BizHawk
! No$GBA
|-
| rowspan="2" |Controls
|[[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|{{~}}<ref name="lrExclusive" group="N2" />
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
|[https://docs.retroachievements.org/general/tutorials/turbo-button.html Turbo button]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| rowspan="4" |Graphics
| Remove sprite limit The GBA has hardware support for up to 128 sprites.[https://www.vg-resource.com/thread-28888.html] – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some flickering seen in games at times, and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|{{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/3186 *]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/967 *]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| [[Resolution|Resizable internal resolution]]
| colspan="10" |For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more visible.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Sprite_Replacement_.282D.29|Sprite replacement]]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|Widescreen hack]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |Performance
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal frame rate hack]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2833 *]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/65j3c3/can_a_emulated_game_run_better_then_the_actual/dgau7ck/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1jp70fe/gb_enhanced_v19_release_dmggbcgbapok%C3%A9mon_mini/ml30fq0/]
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="6" |Post-processing
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering anti-aliasing]] (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]] (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader chain]]
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="lrExclusive"></ref>
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/pull/1397 *]
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="lrExclusive"></ref>
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="11" |Quality of life
|Automatic updater
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|cheat manager]]
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [https://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan="10" |Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|patch manager]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Command line options
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
|Pause/resume emulation
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|-
| Per-game profiles
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth Stealth] Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, it still requires necessary [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system.
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs#Game_Boy_Advance_.2F_Nintendo_DS_.2F_Nintendo_3DS|Streamable compression format]]
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|-
| rowspan="5" |[https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
|Fast-forward/Turbo speed
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|{{✓}}<ref name="ExStandalone" group="N2">Exclusive to standalone version.</ref>
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|-
|[https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|{{?}}[https://forums.mgba.io/archive/index.php?thread-4910.html]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|-
|Rewind
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|-
|Save states
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|-
| rowspan="6" |Misc.
| AI service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan="10" |Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|{{✓}}[https://mgba.io/2021/03/28/mgba-0.9.0/#more-debugging-improvements *]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan="10" |Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| [https://github.com/ipatix/gba-hq-mixer High quality audio mixer] HQ audio mixer for games which use Nintendo's MusicPlayer2000 sound engine
|{{~}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| [[Netplay]] You can use either yuzu/Ryujinx for playing GBA games online via netplay. This enhancement shouldn't be confused with GBA connectivity features emulation.
|[https://mgba.io/faq.html#glossary WIP]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[RetroAchievements]]
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="lrExclusive">Exclusive to libretro core. There is also a [https://retroachievements.org/download.php#ravba modified version of VBA-M] for RetroAchievement support. [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2232 Feature request: RetroAchievements integration in mGBA standalone].</ref>
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{~}} [[RetroAchievements#Emulators_planned_for_RetroAchievements|WIP]]
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1djp8ro/ares_v139_release/l9ckjp2/ roadmap]
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="lrExclusive"></ref>
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}[https://retroachievements.org/download.php#bizhawk *]
|{{✗}}
|}
<references group=N2/>

==Hardware features and peripherals==
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
:''[https://maru-chang.com/hard/agb/english.htm maru-chang.com - hardware]''
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan="4" style="width:50%" | Name
! mGBA
! Mesen
! NanoBoyAdvance
! SkyEmu
! ares
! GBE+
! VBA-M
!GBAHawk
! BizHawk
! No$GBA
|-
| rowspan="4" |Cartridge features
| colspan="3" |[[#Real-time_clock|Real-time clock]]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}[https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2/blob/master/Core/GBA/Cart/GbaRtc.cpp *]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}[https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/blob/master/ares/gba/cartridge/rtc.cpp *]<ref name="RTC-GBA" group="N3">Though there is code that shows RTC support, ares currently does not emulating the Pokémon and Boktai games correctly.</ref>
|{{✓}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}[https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/blob/master/src/BizHawk.Emulation.Cores/Consoles/Nintendo/GBA/MGBAHawk.cs *]
|{{✓}}[https://problemkaputt.de/gbanew.htm *]
|-
| colspan="3" |Rumble
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="3" |[[#Inputs|Solar sensor]]
|{{~}}<ref name="manual-switch" group="N3">Only the Nintendo Switch port allows use of the Switch's light sensor.</ref>
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N3" />
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N3" />
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N3">Only manual configuration. No automatic detection via light sensor/camera input/weather forecast/GPS location/other.</ref>
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N3" />
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N3" />
|-
| colspan="3" |[[List_of_games_that_support_tracked_motion_controllers#Game_Boy_Advance_Emulation|Tilt sensor]]
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{✓}}<ref name="RetroArch" group="N3">Motion Control support present on RetroArch VBA-M core.</ref>
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="3" |Hardware features
| colspan="3" |[[#GB.2FGBC_backward_compatibility_emulation.2FEnhanced_Mode|Game Boy (Color) backwards compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode]]
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}[https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=21831.0 *]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="3" |Game Boy Player Rumble Different from cartridge rumble. Very few games utilize this feature such as ''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'', ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'', and ''Drill Dozer''.
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="3" |[https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/#operating-system System BIOS]
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|-
| rowspan="21" |Peripherals
| rowspan="4" |[[#Connectivity|Connectivity]]
| colspan="2" |[[#GameCube Connectivity|GameCube connectivity]]
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="N3">Does not work on libretro core. Feature Requests: [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/114 GBA Game Link Support], [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/87 e-Reader support] for for VBA-M libretro core.</ref>
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/vvdqyk/release_of_skyemu_10/ifjfj7a/ *]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="N3" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Wikipedia:Game_Link_Cable#Third_generation|Link Cable]]
|[[#GBA_Multi_Pak_Link_Multiplayer_.281.7E4GBA.29|Multi-Pak]]
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="N3" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/15pvssg/the_skyemu_v3_gbgba_and_newly_nds_emulator_is_now/jw1785m/ WIP]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|[https://squallsnake.com/blog-gba-single-pak-multiplayer-game-list/ Single-Pak]
|{{✓}}<ref name="libretro" group="N3" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/15pvssg/the_skyemu_v3_gbgba_and_newly_nds_emulator_is_now/jw1785m/ WIP]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/831 *]
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[#Connectivity|Wireless Adapter]]
|{{✗}} [https://mgba.io/timeline.html#IN+THE+FUTURE *]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators|e-Reader]]
| colspan="2" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader + GBA Game]]
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="N3" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref name="e-Reader-GBAGame" group="N3" />
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref name="e-Reader-GBAGame" group="N3">Incomplete: this emulator will not recognize the games they're connected to. Normally, after choosing "Connection/to Game Boy Advance", the e-Reader should have "(Game Name) Game Data" preloaded in its internal EEPROM memory and appearing in a tiny black box on-screen, but this can't happen in either No$GBA, VBA-M, or VBA e-Reader mods. Without this step done, scanning e-Cards will just yield an error message. e-Reader/GBA game pack emulation in this emulator can be still reached by ripping a save game from real e-Reader hardware, with this step already done. Using this save with the e-Reader BIOS, it's possible to connect to the GBA game pack, and scan e-Cards… though it's a very less-than-ideal solution and there are only pre-baked e-Reader save files for Super Mario Advance 4 (U), Pokémon Emerald (J), LeafGreen (J) and FireRed (J)."</ref>
|-
| colspan="2" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader + NGC Game]]
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="N3" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|Standalone]]
|{{~}}<ref name="libretro" group="N3" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|-
| colspan="3" |[[#Game_Boy_Advance_Video|Game Boy Advance Video]]
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| rowspan="13" |[[#Special_hardware|Special hardware]]
| colspan="2" |Agatsuma's TV Tuner
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art37.html][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1jp70fe/gb_enhanced_v19_release_dmggbcgbapok%C3%A9mon_mini/]
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |AGS-006 family Play-Yan Play-Yan Micro Nintendo MP3 Player
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art32.html][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html]
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Battle Chip Gate
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Campho Advance
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art36.html]
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |GBKISS LINK
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art38.html]
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Glucoboy
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art33.html *]
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Jukebox
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art31.html *]
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Multi Plust On System
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Soul Doll Adapter
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Turbo File Advance
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |Virtureal Racing System
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art24.html *]
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |Misc.
| colspan="3" |[[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|Cartridge hot swapping]] It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="3" |[https://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting Cartridge tilting] Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.<ref name="Tilt" group="N3">{{YouTubePlaylist|PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d|Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist}}</ref>
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|}
<references group=N3/>

===GB/GBC backward compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode===
Game Boy Advance is backwards compatible with GB/GBC, resulting in some [https://cheapergamer.co.uk/gba-enhanced-gbc-games/ GB/GBC games enhanced if you play on GBA]. Having said that, this shouldn't be confused with [[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulation]] or [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Super Game Boy 1/2]]. Some of the multicore emulators support both GB/GBC and GBA emulation; however, they don't have support for "backwards compatibility/GBA mode" emulation.

===Real-time clock===
A few cartridges use a battery-backed real-time clock that keeps track of time even when the cartridge is separate from the GBA, permitting in-game events that activate on certain times of day. Paradoxially, while almost no games support this feature, three of the few that do are the ''extremely'' popular Pokémon games, making this feature highly requested.

Games that use the real-time clock include:
* Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald
** Manages the growth of berries
** Resets NPCs that give berries daily
** Resets the daily Lottery
** Permits evolution of Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon
** Changes the tide of Shoal Cave, which changes its item and Pokémon selection based on tide
** Re-rolls the possibility of whether Mirage Island appears
* Boktai 1/2/3
** Manages the growth of solar fruit
** Activates sunrise, which grants Morning Dew and the Astro Battery when looking at the top of the Solar Tree
** Changes the lighting of the outside environment, including shadows, which are necessary in successfully passing the Forest of Delusion
** Activates sunset, which reactivates the Gun Del Sol after an Overheat
* Rockman EXE 4.5 Real Operation
* Sennen Kazoku
** Makes the game bootable, since the game prevents progress if the clock cannot run
** Tracks time passing while generations of families develops (the main gameplay)

===Game Boy Advance Video===
:''See also: [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Video|Game Boy Advance Video]] on Wikipedia''
GBA Videos were officially released cartridges with movies/shows on them for viewing on GBA hardware. Most recommended GBA emulators should be able to play this type of cartridge if its 32MB, although {{YouTubeVideoTime|o9XmB43bN5w|540|not all of it supports 64MB ones}}.
*[https://old.reddit.com/r/Gameboy/comments/byos8r/watching_gameboy_advance_video_on_a_gamecube/ Game Boy Player is not compatible with this feature]
*mGBA support both 32MB and 64MB video cartridges.
:See [[Home_Media_Player#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation pieces of software.
:See [[Ripping_games|Dumping/ripping]].

===Connectivity===
{{Main|Netplay#Playing Local Multiplayer over Internet}}
====GBA Multi Pak Link Multiplayer (1~4GBA)====
;VBA-M: This doesn't work with old VBA versions.
:Disable "Pause when Inactive," configure all four Joypads each with their own button layout, enable "Link, Enable GBA Link." Now open VBA-M again as many times needed for each player, and have them each use their separate Joypad configuration. Each player will have a separate SRAM save file.
;VBA Link + e-Reader:Useful if you want to use the Pokémon Battle-eCards. Downloads and instructions reside [https://projectpokemon.org/forums/showthread.php?42433-RELEASE-VBA-LINK-E-READER here].
;mGBA:Select "New multiplayer window" from the menu. As you load your ROMs into each window, "Player [X] of [Y]" will appear across the title bar. This can be done for up to four players. However, multiple instances of the same ROM will share a save file.
;No$GBA:Set the number of Emulated Game Boys in the Emulation setting to be 2 or more, and the Link Gamepaks Options to Gamepak in all GBAs.

'''Note''': A purple end in GBA means player 1, while a gray end in GBA means P2, P3, or P4. Daisy-chaining up to three cables will set up the additional P3 and P4 by connecting the purple end to a purple midsection.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agblink.pdf</ref>

====GBA Wireless Multiplayer====
The [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter|wireless adapter]] has the ability to connect five players<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbwireless_trilingual.pdf</ref> to each other and includes its own software to download a subset of another player's game that runs when no cartridge is inserted. ''Pokémon Fire Red'' and ''Leaf Green'' came bundled with this accessory, but it can also work with ''Pokémon Emerald'' and the ''Classic NES Series''.

The libretro core of [[gpSP]] has successfully emulated the wireless adapter<ref>https://www.davidgf.net/2024/01/13/gba-wireless-adapter/</ref>. [[GBE+]](in v1.6) and VBA-M partially implemented the support of this add-on, though it's still a work-in-progress, and can only access menus. Support of this add-on is currently on [[mGBA]]'s roadmap.

====GameCube Connectivity====
[https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Boy_Advance_to_Nintendo_GameCube_Link_Cable#List_of_Supported_Games The Game Boy Advance can also connect to the GameCube].<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbgcncable.pdf</ref> e-Reader functionality with GC games has now been emulated thanks to mGBA. [[Dolphin]] supports connectivity through rudimentary joybus emulation made in parallel with VBA-M. Because this emulator has fallen behind, the feature was recently added to [[mGBA]], a more accurate emulator. They showcased early higan support in a video, but nothing has been released as yet.

=====Dolphin/mGBA or VBA-M=====
:''Requires mGBA 0.9.0 or newer or VBA-M r947 or newer.''

* Reduce your volume. You won't want it to be high, especially with headphones.
* Open Dolphin and mGBA/VBA-M. Make sure neither is blocked by your firmware.
* In Dolphin, launch the game and navigate to the area where you're asked to connect the GBA. Then, under the controller options, assign the GameCube controllers as "GBA" for whichever you need.
* If you're using mGBA, open the File menu, and click Connect to Dolphin.
* In the dialog box that appears, press Connect. mGBA will boot up the GBA BIOS if no rom has been selected.
* If you're using VBA-M, uncheck Pause When Inactive in Options > Emulator. Then, under Options > Link > Joybus Options, make sure the "Enable Joybus Connection" is on and set "IP/Hostname" to use default settings, that is <code>127.0.0.1</code> or <code>localhost</code>.
* Dolphin will freeze.
* Open the GBA BIOS in VBA-M as if it were a regular GBA ROM. The regular splash screen will stutter a bit.
* In either emulator, Dolphin should recognize the Joybus Link by then, and the GC game will detect that a GBA was connected.
* To connect other units, open another emulator instance and repeat its process.

Notable games that work:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Four_Swords_Adventures The Legend of Zelda Four Swords Adventures]: Both two modes are available for the US/PAL version work. The third Japan-only Navi Trackers mode works as well.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Final_Fantasy_Crystal_Chronicles Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Billy_Hatcher_and_the_Giant_Egg Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]: You can download games to your GBA. Amusingly, a RAM dump from VBA-M can be opened as a functional GBA ROM.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Kururin_Squash! Kururin Squash!]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Sonic_Adventure_2:_Battle Sonic Adventure 2: Battle] (buggy)

Notable games that don't:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Mr_Driller:_Drill_Land Mr. Driller: Drill Land]
*lots more

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Games_with_GameCube-GBA_connectivity See all games with GC-GBA connectivity]

===e-Reader===
:''Main page: [[GBA e-Reader emulators]]''
This device can read content off e-Card paper stripes either as standalone content, or additional content to GBA/GC games. Can be thought of as DLC.

===Inputs===
;Solar Sensor
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, No$GBA 2.6 onwards, and My Boy!:
* mGBA: In the shortcut editor, shortcuts can be configured to raise/lower the solar level incrementally or to set any particular brightness level. The Nintendo Switch port of mGBA also allows use of the Switch's light sensor.
* VBA-M: This emulator uses the keys of the lateral motion controls to change the Solar Sensor levels. You can find those keys and modify them in Options → Input → Configure… → "Special" tab.
* No$GBA: Under '''Options/Emulation Setup''', you can find the Solar Sensor Level option. You're given the choice between only three brightness levels though: Darkness, 100 Watts, and Bright Sunlight.
* My Boy!: This emulator uses a button combination or the device's light sensor to check the brightness level. You can change this under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Solar Emulation By" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA: Uses the device's light sensor to check the brightness level.

2. ROM Patches: Fixes applied directly to the ROM by various scene release groups to make it compatible with any emulator/flashcard, making the in-game brightness level controllable with L+Left/Right. It is argued this makes for a better experience actually, but sadly not all releases are covered.
* '''Boktai 1:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1567 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1145 US], <s>EU</s>.
* '''Boktai 2:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1567 JP], <s>US</s>, [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1992 EU].
* '''Boktai 3:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=2048 JP Fix].
* Combinations of Boktai 4 JP with earlier solar sensors to get solar sensor bonuses aren't emulated yet in any DS emulator.

;Motion Control
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, My Boy! and Pizza Boy:
* mGBA includes full motion control support using the motion sensor present in controllers like DualShock 4, DualSense and Switch Pro Controller.
* VBA '''doesn't''' emulate this feature, and its "Motion Control" option (with keys mapped to each tilt direction) covers the GBC title Kirby Tilt'n Tumble.
* VBA-M core on RetroArch includes motion control support by using a controller stick (left or right)
* My Boy! uses the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature. You can change the sensitivity under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Motion sensitivity" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA also used the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature for games like WarioWare: Twisted and Yoshi's Universal Gravitation.

2. ROM Patches: Fixes applied directly to the ROM (with the Lunar IPS utility, or at runtime using mGBA or VBA-M and naming them the same as the ROM in the same directory) by various scene release groups to make it compatible with any emulator/flashcard. D-Pad controls substituting motion controls don't work as well here as they tilt it "too much" at times to be very playable.
* Yoshi Topsy Turvy/Universal Gravitation: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1799 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1947 EU], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=2001 US]
* WarioWare Twisted! (Patch: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1682 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1979 US])

;Rumble Feature
There are various rumble features found in GBA/GBC cards:
* '''GBC Rumble:''' GBC games which came on special cartridges with additional hardware for the rumble feature. It was actually used by dozens of releases, and some games like Tarzan 2 GBC were programmed to have rumble support but shipped on regular cartridges. Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only), which also covers the dummied-out rumble games. Not emulated anywhere else.
* '''GBA Gyro Rumble:''' WarioWare Twisted was shipped on a cart with rumble support. It would rumble when you tilt to one "extreme." Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds,
* '''GBA Variable Rumble:''' Drill Dozer has rumble support, with variable force and speed depending on the rock type you drill through in-game. Partially emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds.
* '''Game Boy Player Rumble:''' Many regular GBA games, shipped on regular cartridges, enable rumble during gameplay when played on GB Player hardware (which is essentially GBA hardware). These include Super Mario Advance 4, Summon Night Hajimari no Ishi, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Shikakui Atama wo Marukusuru Advance (both releases), Pokémon Pinball, and Drill Dozer which disables its original cartridge rumble scheme and enables this one instead. None of the emulators support this, though it is being under development for the mGBA emulator.

===Special hardware===
Emulation of these is spotty, apart from GBE+, which supports almost all GBA peripherals.

;Turbo File Advance
The Turbo File Advance was a peripheral for the GBA which allowed certain games to write data to it, acting as an external memory card. Developed by Sammy Corporation, it was compatible with only 2 games, RPG Tsukuru Advance and Derby Stallion Advance.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
The Power Antenna & Bug Sensor were small plastic peripherals that interfaced with the GBA's serial port and contained LEDs that flashed in response to certain events within Keitai Denjuu Telefang 2, the only supported GBA game.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
As the GBA didn't have native infrared connectivity, Nintendo released an official IR adapter called the AGB-006 to restore this functionality. However, it only saw use in Cyber Drive Zoids: Kiju no Senshi Hyuu to control specific Zoid toy models.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Figurine Readers
Some GBA games/series had figurine reader add-ons, essentially precursors to the likes of Skylanders and Amiibo.
* '''Soul Doll Adapter''' (Legendz: Island of Ordeal/Sign of Nekuromu)
* '''Multi Plust On System''' (Bouken Yuuki Pluster World: Plust Gate/EX/Pluston GP)
GBE+ has support for both the Soul Doll Adapter and Multi Plust On System, while mGBA supports the Soul Doll Adapter.

;Battle Chip Gate
A peripheral device by Capcom and Takara compatible with ''Mega Man Battle Network 4'' (Japanese edition). It can be connected to the Game Boy Advance and allow the player to transmit real-life toy Battle Chips to the NetNavis in the game. It is also compatible with toy Advanced PETs and ''Rockman.EXE 4.5 Real Operation''. It can also unlock minigames in ''Mega Man Zero 3''.

[[mGBA]] and [[GBE+]] support this add-on.

;Glucoboy
An obscure medical peripheral designed to monitor a child's blood glucose levels and reward them for keeping tabs on their condition. [https://assemblergames.com/threads/glucoboy-for-gameboy-is-this-the-rarest-game-accessory-for-gameboy-advance.41853/page-2 Bayer Healthcare destroyed all unsold stock] making it hard to find. It is emulated in GBE+ since version 1.8.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:1406913527173-1-.png|400px|thumb|right|'''Left:''' The default game. '''Right:''' The "Game Boy Colors" mode on [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]].]]
The screen on the original Game Boy Advance is not backlit and can be hard to see in some conditions. To compensate, game developers often used oversaturated colors by default so that the result would look normal on hardware. On standard computer screens, saturation is not an issue, so this can look jarring and undesirable for gameplay. Some games made after 2003 may have also taken the Game Boy Advance SP <abbr title="AGS-001">model</abbr> into account, since its screen was actually <abbr title="A newer model, AGS-101, was released in 2005 that was actually backlit">frontlit</abbr>. For everything else though, emudevs have given some solutions:

====Emulator Options====
'''No$GBA:''' Under "Emulation Options," select "GBA Mode". There are four modes.

* '''GBA (no backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''GBA SP (backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''Nintendo DS in GBA mode:''' Some desaturation
* '''VGA Mode (poppy bright):''' No desaturation

'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders > Load New Shader, select "gba-color.shader"

'''VBA-M:''' (nightly only): Under Options > Game Boy Advance, you will find the option, '''LCD Filter'''.

'''higan:''' Under Settings > Video Filter, you will find the "Color Emulation" checkbox.

* '''Color Emulation off:''' No desaturation
* '''Color Emulation on:''' Gamma correction and adjusted color range.
'''NanoBoyAdvance''': Enabled by default. Under Config > Video > Color Correction > GBA

'''SkyEmu''': Color Correction is set by default to 1.00 force in this emulator, and there are 2 types of desaturation methods. The first one is named SkyEmu and is selected by default, and the other one is named Higan and, as its name suggests, is based on higan's color correction. Change the desaturation type by pressing the ≡ button, then select GBA Color Correction Type. You can also change the intensity of the desaturation: slide the slider to 0.00 to brighten the screen a tad bit.

====Shaders====
Cg [[Shaders and Filters|shaders]] can be used in [[OpenEmu]] or [[RetroArch]] that adjust the colors to those of a real GBA screen, as well as other screen types. These are available in GLSL<ref name="GLSL">https://github.com/libretro/glsl-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for OpenGL, and Slang<ref name="Slang">https://github.com/libretro/slang-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for Vulkan.

For GBA, there is <code>gba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/gba-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profile of a GBA screen under an external light source more accurately than VBA-M or No$GBA color options. If you prefer the darker color options that those emulators have, then use <code>vba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/vba-color.cg</ref> instead.

There is also <code>nds-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/nds-color.cg</ref> and <code>psp-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/psp-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profiles of the original Nintendo DS frontlit screen and the PSP-1000/PSP-2000 backlit screen, respectively.

For Game Boy Advance shader presets, see the "Shader Presets" page;
{{Main|Shader_Presets}}

===Horrible Sound Quality===
As a handheld rushed to the market (because of the WonderSwan Color competition), the Game Boy Advance had some cut corners. The sound hardware was affected the hardest: while it could play Game Boy Color sound in addition to samples and sequenced music like what would be heard on the SNES, the actual playback quality is awful compared to the sound samples stored internally in the ROM.

There were [https://www.romhacking.net/utilities/881/ tools] made to extract the internal high-quality music (as midi files plus a sound font, to be played on foobar2000); however, interest remains limited in implementing its playback in real-time on emulators. It's worth noting that NanoBoyAdvance includes an high quality audio mixer and there's a very experimental feature exists on [[mGBA]] (nightly versions) under Enhancements as "XQ GBA Audio", but it's very buggy and still limited to games using the standard sound engine, the so-called "Sappy" engine, which is still a big part of the GBA's software library.

===High Resolution Affine Transformation Graphical Effects===
Similar to the scaling effects used on the Super NES known commonly as "Mode 7" graphics, the Game Boy Advance has affine transformation effects for some backgrounds and individual sprites that can be done in hardware. Due to the GBA's lower resolution, some detail may be lost.

The [[mGBA]] emulator added an Enhancements menu where you can change the resolution of those graphical effects, for a smoother effect. The graphical render engine will need to be OpenGL for those to take effect. It won't work on games where those effects are done in software instead of the hardware scaling features (like the 3D environment in Asterix & Obelix XXL)

===Save formats===
Originally, when saves were implemented, nobody settled on a format, so the Visual Boy Advance devs made their own. Because other emulators often went with raw data, having to exchange different saves caused problems. The original Visual Boy Advance tries to figure out which format a given save is but often fails at it. By explicitly telling the emulator to read it as a specific type using a file called <code>vba-over.ini</code>, VBA complies. VBA-M includes this config file by default, but older revisions like VBA 1.7.2 and VBALink don't.

The VBA-Next and VBA-M cores in Libretro have the file baked into the binary so that it can load raw .sav files. However, they convert the format to its own derivative at exactly 136 KB every time, with save type info contained within the file. This completely avoids the previous issues at the cost of incompatibility with standalone VBA and most others.

To solve this incompatibility, Libretro devs created a
[https://github.com/libretro/vba-next/blob/master/libretro/gbaconv/gbaconv.c command-line tool] to convert .srm save files made from these cores to raw .sav save data for other emulators. It takes standard input (i.e., drag and drop the .srm onto the executable) and outputs accordingly. It can also be done in reverse. A [https://thysbelon.github.io/gbaconv-web/ website version of this tool can be found here].

For more information about Game Boy Advance hardware and reverse engineering; 
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/ Game Boy Advance Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: {{YouTubeVideo|R43k-p9XdIk|The Story of Quake on the Game Boy Advance}}, {{YouTubeVideo|_Qqg4VCZ0k8|How the Game Boy Advance knew it was running a Game Boy Game}}, {{YouTubeVideo|_GVSLcqGP7g|Tomb Raider on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance is incredible}}, {{YouTubeVideo|mpNWEbZdXNw|How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance}}
* martin korth: [https://problemkaputt.de/gbatek-contents.htm gbatek]
* [https://akkera102.sakura.ne.jp/gbadev/ akkera102.sakura gbadev (Japanese)]
* [https://gbadev.net/gbadoc/ gbadev - gbadoc]
* [https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/GBA_Development/Resources WikiBooks - GBA Development Resources]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:ARM-based consoles]]
[[Category:consoles]]
[[Category:Backward-compatible consoles]]
[[Category:Discontinued handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles]]

Game Boy Advance emulators

2025-07-15T03:41:35Z

MysticChromium: /* ARM */ typo fix

{{Infobox system
| title = Game Boy Advance
| logo_size = 250px
| image = gbagba.png
| image_size = 250px
| caption = Indigo Game Boy Advance
| aka = CN: iQue Game Boy Advance
| developer = [[Nintendo|Nintendo R&D]]
| manufacturer = [[Nintendo]]
| family = Game Boy
| type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
| price = {{Inflation|USD|99.99|2001}}
| generation = [[:Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles|Sixth]]
| release date =
JP: March 21, 2001 
NA: June 11, 2001 
PAL: June 22, 2001
| discontinued = Yes
| units sold = 81.51 million
| media =
Game Boy Game Pak 
Game Boy Color Game Pak 
Game Boy Advance Game Pak
| soc = Nintendo CPU AGB
| cpu = ARM7TDMI @ 16.78 MHz Sharp SM83 @ 4 / 8 MHz
| memory = 288 KB RAM, 98 KB VRAM
| display = Reflective TFT LCD, 240 × 160 px, 61.2 mm × 40.8 mm (2.41 in × 1.61 in)
| dimensions = 82 mm × 144.5 mm × 24.5 mm (3.23 in × 5.69 in × 0.96 in)
| power = 2 × AA batteries
| topgame = ''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Sapphire'' (16.22 million units)
| compatibility =
[[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy]] 
[[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy Color]]
| predecessor = Game Boy Color
| successor = [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]]
| related =
Game Boy Advance SP 
Game Boy Micro
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy Advance|Emulators on GBA}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game_Boy_Advance|Game Boy Advance]]''' (often shortened to GBA) is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on the 21st of March 2001, in North America on the 11th of June and in Australia and Europe on the 22nd of June and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|99.99|2001}}. It has a ARM7TDMI CPU at 16.78 MHz and a Zilog Z80 CPU at 8 MHz and 4 MHz. It has 288 KB of RAM and 96 KB of VRAM.

The GBA is one of the few cases of emulation being available prior to the release of the console due to the existence of tech demos. Due to the console's relative simplicity and the low system requirements for emulation, several emulation options capable of running commercial games were available early in the console's lifespan. Emulation has only continued to advance since then, with modern offerings being highly accurate and playable on many devices.

==Emulators==
===x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift confirming the libretro core is tracking the master branch], However, even though it's updated frequently, some [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|hardware features]] are exclusive to the standalone version. Therefore, using the standalone version is recommended.</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Mesen|Mesen]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[NanoBoyAdvance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/workflows/build/master Dev builds] [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/releases {{NanoBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases/ {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master <abbr title="Latest development build version">git Artifacts</abbr>] [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://ares-emu.net/compatibility/nintendo-game-boy-advance?status=-1|2284|2921}} ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_m/ vbam_libretro] <abbr title="VBA Next is a Game Boy Advance emulator based on VBA-M 2011 with backported patches for performance and compatibility improvements.">[https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ vba_next_libretro]</abbr>
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core'''s'''] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases 2.1.11]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBAHawk]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/alyosha-tas/GBAHawk/releases 2.2.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (mGBA 0.10.0)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [https://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[https://problemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[MAME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref> [https://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||[https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mess.php?software_list_name=gba&compatibility= ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/ gpSP_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Mednafen]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/beetle_gba/ mednafen_gba_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[{{MednafenURL|releases/}} {{MednafenVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://hades-emu.org Hades]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/hades-emu/Hades/releases/tag/v1.0.0 {{HadesVer}}] [https://nightly.link/hades-emu/Hades/workflows/build/master Nightly builds] [https://github.com/hades-emu/hades git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/higan-emu/higan/releases/tag/v110 {{higanVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|agbemu
|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/burhanr13/agbemu/releases 1.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|iDeaS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20150311100053/https://ciacin.site90.com/ideas.php {{iDeaSVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA VGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA/#Downloads {{VGBAVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Meteor
|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/blastrock/meteor {{MeteorVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|BoyCottAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://boycottadvance.emuunlim.org/Downloads.htm {{BoyCottAdvanceVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|PlayBoy Advance
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|[https://www.zophar.net/macintosh/gba/playboy-advance.html {{PlayBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GameBeanAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/bmchtech/GameBeanAdvance git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Linux|Pandora}}
|[https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android unofficial Android version] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N>Libretro core is active; unofficial standalone port for Android is not.</ref> ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://www.explusalpha.com/contents/gba-emu GBA.emu] (VBA-M 2.1.4 based)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
|[https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha/releases/tag/Pre-release Pre-release] [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbaEmu 1.5.82][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/75 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Linux|Pandora}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Pandora}} {{Icon|Didj|Symbian}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://repo.openpandora.org/?page=detail&app=package.gpsp.notaz 0.9.2.8 Pandora] [https://github.com/Summeli/gpSP4Cute Symbian]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gpsp>libretro core-only.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://pixelrespawn.com/ Linkboy]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pixelrespawn.linkboy 2.2.3] [https://apps.apple.com/app/linking-boy/id6695762604 AppStore]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Pizza Boy A Pro
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.dbtecno.pizzaboygbapro&hl=en_US 2.16.2]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}}||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://sites.google.com/site/fastemulator/ My Boy!]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gba 2.0.8]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by Linkboy.</ref>
|-
|agbemu
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/burhanr13/agbemu/releases 1.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|VGBAnext
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.emu {{VGBANextVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hydra.noods 0.1] [https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://forums.windowscentral.com/app-spotlight/252987-trio-nintendo-emulators-vba8-vgbc8-snes8x.html VBA10]
|align=left|{{Icon|W10P}}
|[https://forum.xda-developers.com/windows-10-mobile/windows-10-mobile-apps-and-games/app-vba10-emulator-t3588704 1.22] [https://emulator.games/emulators/gameboy-advance/vba10/ Alt]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20190801135245/http://allaboutwindowsphone.com/software/content/VBA8_1.php VBA8]
|align=left|{{Icon|W8P}}
|[https://www.appx4fun.com/xap/15223/ 2.27]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA_J2ME
|align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
|[https://oldfag.top/downloads/?act=view&id=168 1.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA Emulator (Rekkuzan)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Rekkuzan.UnityBoyAdvance 0.1.13]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Manic EMU]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/manic-emu-game-emulator/id6743335790 {{Manic EMUVer}}][https://github.com/LeeAoshuang/ManicEmu/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{TBD}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|Switch}} {{Icon|3DS|PSV}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://mgba.io/downloads.html#homebrew {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Sloop)
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|N/A
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|Only for selected titles]] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ VBA Next]
|align=left|{{Icon|NGC|Wii|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PS4}} {{Icon|Vita}} {{Icon|Xbox|Xbox360}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC|PSP}} {{Icon|PS2|NGC|Wii}} {{Icon|3DS|Vita}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [[GpSP#PSP_Version|TempGBA4PSP]]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gpsp></ref> ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm open_agb_firm]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm/releases 2024-07-30]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|8.10
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||[[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_2|Only for selected titles (3DS)]] [[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_3|Only for selected titles (Wii U)]] ROM injection is possible with both consoles with relatively high compatibility. ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Game_Boy_Interface Game Boy Interface]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest main] [https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest-extra extra]
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware (Requires Game Boy Player hardware) ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}<ref group=N name=gbinterface>Multiple versions available. Pick the version that fits best with your specific setup.</ref>
|-
|Game Boy Player
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware Limited to a filtered, 480i output with a slight amount of input lag ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gameboyplayer>Game Boy Interface is recommended instead</ref>
|-
|ReGBA
|Align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1332 v1.45.5 revision 3]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Enhanced_mGBA emGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/mgba/latest git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA GX]]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://github.com/dborth/vbagx/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBARunner3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner3 git]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Red}} Source available ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gbarunner3>Recommended on DS</ref>
|-
|DSTWO
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|N/A
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Uses SOC of flashcart itself for emulation||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}}||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Gbaemu4DS
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|[https://ichfly.github.io/gbaemu4DS Alpha 2 fix 4][https://github.com/ichfly/gbaemu4DS git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[GBARunner2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner2/releases/tag/v20200812-131430_6e4ce45 2020/08/12]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[gpSP|UO gpSP Kai]] (UO gpSP改)
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|3.4 test 4 build 230
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita|WiiU}} {{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git] (Switch/Vita/WiiU) [https://github.com/Xiro28/NooDS_PSP git] (PSP port)
|{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

==Comparisons==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
;[[mGBA]]:Free and open-source Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator developed by endrift. Written from scratch, it aims for speed, [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]], and portability. Yet, it is the most complete GBA emulation effort with [[#Enhancements|enhancements]] and [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|feature support]], passing the older project VBA and its forks. It is also available as a libretro core for RetroArch. As of 0.9.0, mGBA with a stripped-down GUI has been integrated into Dolphin for games supporting [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|connectivity features]].

;[[NanoBoyAdvance]]:Highly [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]]<ref>[https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md mGBA suite comparison]</ref> Game Boy Advance emulator. It aims for [[Emulation Accuracy|cycle-accurate]] emulation when possible (CPU, DMA, timers, PPU and Game Pak prefetch), while also offering enhancements such as improved audio quality. Very high compatibility, including games that require emulation of [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md#Game-compatibility peculiar hardware edge-cases]. Unfortunately, following the release of the next major update, the developer "[https://github.com/fleroviux fleroviux]" will step down from actively developing the project.[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1auz9c9/nanoboyadvance_180_is_released_plus_announcement/]

;[[GBAHawk]]:A fork of the BizHawk emulator focusing on console verification of Gameboy Advance TASes and hardware research.[https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/GBA_Tests]

;[[VisualBoy Advance|Visual Boy Advance (VBA)]]:The original GBA emulator. Discovered to have an <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability detailed below.

:;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|Visual Boy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:A fork with additional minor improvements. It is behind in terms of [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]] compared to mGBA or other recommended GBA emulators, but is still useful for its robust debugging features and sound interpolation that reduces hissing.

::;VBA-Next:A [[RetroArch]] fork from an older revision of VBA-M with added speedhacks and tweaks, making it useful for lower-end devices. A bit less accurate in some respects, but fixes a few games such as Advance Wars 2.

;[[SkyEmu]]:Low-level Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator. Its primary focus is to provide a [https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/ybejxv/skyemu_v2_release/itutt2h/ good user experience] through a good tradeoffs mixture [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]]<ref>[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu#accuracycompatibility SkyEmu: Accuracy and Compatibility], [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/blob/dev/docs/Accuracy.md SkyEmu: Accuracy on Difficult to Emulate Games].</ref>, performance, features, and usability. Capable of full instruction pipeline, prefetch emulation, and per pixel PPU Implementation capable of both scan line and mid-scan line effects.

;[[higan]] / [[ares]]:[[Emulation Accuracy|Accuracy]] wise, it is behind compared to NanoBoyAdvance and SkyEmu (and maybe mGBA), but it has dot-based instead of scanline-based renderer and does a better job compared to VBA-M. It is also behind in terms of compatibility compared to mGBA, NanoBoyAdvance, and SkyEmu, but Ares stands out being a [[Multi-system_emulators|multi-system emulator]] and supports some useful [[#Enhancements|enhancements]], like shaders/filters and simple debug features.

;[[Mesen]]: It has potential to be the best GBA debugger in the future. placeholder text

;[[MAME]]:Has a <code>gba</code> driver markup as working, but both graphics and sound are [https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/dettaglio_mame.php?game_name=gba "imperfect"] as of version 0.271.

;[[gpSP]]:Originally made for the PSP, its last official version was 0.91. There are, however, two forks of interest: [https://dl.qj.net/psp/emulators/gpsp-mod-20090720.html gpSPmod] and [https://filetrip.net/psp-downloads/homebrew/download-gpsp-j-12-06-16-f29570.htmlgpSP-J gpSP-J]. gpSP-J has superior compatibility, while gpSPmod has more options for customization (full screen, cheats, etc.) Both are superior to Kai. TempGBA is another good fork. For other platforms, there is a libretro port of gpSP with fast x86 and ARM dynarecs. While it is behind the best GBA emulators in terms of accuracy, its great performance makes it a viable option for old/underpowered machines or for using extreme fast-forward in games.

;Pizza Boy A:Likely due to the [[Yuzu#Lawsuit|yuzu situation]], the project was pulled from the Play Store by its developer after seven years of development and was presumed dead in 2024[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1b97uus/emulator_pizza_boy_for_gba_and_gbc_removed_from/][https://old.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnAndroid/comments/1ba5h5g/pizzaboy_emulator_is_gone/][https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/7/24093867/another-emulator-is-shutting-down]. However, in April, the project was renamed and development has resumed[https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/23/24138403/speaking-of-turning-your-phone-into-a-nintendo-emulator][https://gbatemp.net/threads/pizza-boy-a-basic-emulator-back-into-google-play-store-free-and-without-ads.654652/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1cbp2fx/pizza_boy_is_back/].

; [[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Sloop)
* GBA support was added to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack in February 2023, alongside GB games exclusive to the normal tier;
* Users are [[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|limited to the selection of games]] Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Can support Local Play with other Switch Online users (up to 4 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* [https://twitter.com/LuigiBlood/status/1624005571815899136 Accurate enough] at the point of being able to pass any of the ''AGB Test Cartridge'' (v10) tests without a single failure;
* Video filters can be applied;
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Allows rumble support for games that had such a function back when played in a Game Boy Player (''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'', ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'')
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''NOTE:''' There's a ''huge'' <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability affecting VBA and most of its forks, except for VBA-M. The function for adding GameShark codes ("Import > Gameshark code file") doesn't check if the file's size is within 1024 kilobits, meaning cheat code files from dubious sources can be engineered with malware in mind. There is good news; VBA-M still doesn't do a sanity check for those files, but it just crashes instead of letting the code wreak havoc. So, depending on your use case, avoid using:
# Cheat code files bigger than 1024 KB that you got online from untrustworthy sources.
# The import code files feature.
# The old emulator altogether, and settle for other options like mGBA or VBA-M. All of them support the same SRAM save data the cartridge uses.

'''List of recommended GBA emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in the above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! No$GBA
! SkyEmu
! NanoBoyAdvance
! Mesen
! Game Boy Player
! Virtual Console
! BizHawk
! ares
! GBE+
! gpSP
! Pizza Boy GBA (Pro)
! MAME
! Nintendo Switch Online (Sloop)
|-
| rowspan=4 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| colspan=14 | For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more visible.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Sprite_Replacement_.282D.29|Sprite Replacement]]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| Remove sprite limit The GBA has hardware support for up to 128 sprites.[https://www.vg-resource.com/thread-28888.html] – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some flickering seen in games at times, and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|{{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/3186 *]
|{{?}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/967 *]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|Widescreen Hack]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2833 *]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/65j3c3/can_a_emulated_game_run_better_then_the_actual/dgau7ck/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1jp70fe/gb_enhanced_v19_release_dmggbcgbapok%C3%A9mon_mini/ml30fq0/]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/8nw23h/gba_emulator_w_overclock_support/e02nnn6/ *]
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal Framerate Hack]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|
|{{✗}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]] (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]] (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|
|-
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/pull/1397 *]
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|{{✓}}<ref group=N3 name=ExStandalone>Exclusive to standalone version.</ref>
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}[https://docs.mamedev.org/plugins/inputmacro.html *]
|{{✗}}
|-
| Rewind
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|-
| Savestates
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
| {{?}}[https://forums.mgba.io/archive/index.php?thread-4910.html]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | Controls
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{?}}
|
|
|{{✗}}
|-
| [https://docs.retroachievements.org/general/tutorials/turbo-button.html Turbo button]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=11 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [https://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan=14 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs#Game_Boy_Advance_.2F_Nintendo_DS_.2F_Nintendo_3DS|Streamable compression format]]
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|
|-
| Command Line Options
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|-
|Automatic Updater
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth Stealth] Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, it still requires necessary [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system.
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=6 | Misc
| [[Netplay|Netplay]] You can use either yuzu/Ryujinx for playing GBA games online via netplay. This enhancement shouldn't be confused with GBA connectivity features emulation.
|[https://mgba.io/faq.html#glossary WIP]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/game-boy-advance-nintendo-switch-online-switch/ *]
|-
| [https://github.com/ipatix/gba-hq-mixer High Quality Audio Mixer] HQ audio mixer for games which use Nintendo's MusicPlayer2000 sound engine
|{{~}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|
|{{?}}
|
|
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=15 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=15 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| [[RetroAchievements]]
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive>Exclusive to libretro core. There is also a [https://retroachievements.org/download.php#ravba modified version of VBA-M] for RetroAchievement support. [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2232 Feature request: RetroAchievements integration in mGBA standalone].</ref>
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|{{✗}}
|{{~}} [[RetroAchievements#Emulators_planned_for_RetroAchievements|WIP]]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://retroachievements.org/download.php#bizhawk *]
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1djp8ro/ares_v139_release/l9ckjp2/ roadmap]
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]
|{{✓}}[https://mgba.io/2021/03/28/mgba-0.9.0/#more-debugging-improvements *]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
:''[https://maru-chang.com/hard/agb/english.htm maru-chang.com - hardware]''
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan=2 | Name
! ares
! BizHawk
! GBE+
! gpSP
! Mesen
! mGBA
! NanoBoyAdvance
! No$GBA
! Pizza Boy A Pro
! SkyEmu
! VBA-M [[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA_Link_e-Reader|VBA 1.73 Mod]]
|-
| colspan="2" |[[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref name="Tilt" group="N2">{{YouTubePlaylist|PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d|Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist}}</ref>
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| rowspan="5" |[[#Connectivity|<abbr title="There are five different kinds of connectivity, support varying by game.">Connectivity</abbr>]]
|[[#GameCube Connectivity|<abbr title="The Nintendo GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable (model DOL-011) is a link cable that links the GameCube to the Game Boy Advance, the Game Boy Advance SP, the e-Reader, or even a second GameCube via the Game Boy Player. The Game Boy Micro is not compatible due to its different connector. The Wii, however, is compatible with the cable due to the Wii's backwards compatibility with GameCube games and controllers.">GameCube communication</abbr>]]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/vvdqyk/release_of_skyemu_10/ifjfj7a/ *]
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Game_Link_Cable#Third_generation|<abbr title="The third generation started with the release of the Game Boy Advance which was released alongside its own link cable called the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable (model AGB-005). It features yet another new type of link cable port which is used on the Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP and Game Boy Player. The e-Reader also uses the third generation link cable port, but since it is incompatible with Game Boy/Color games, it is not backwards compatible with the second generation Game Link Cable. Another option is Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter (model AGB-015) for Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, and Game Boy Player.">Link Cable</abbr>]]
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/15pvssg/the_skyemu_v3_gbgba_and_newly_nds_emulator_is_now/jw1785m/ WIP]
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|-
|[[#GBA_Multi_Pak_Link_Multiplayer_.281.7E4GBA.29|Multi Pak]]
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
|{{✓}}
|-
|[https://squallsnake.com/blog-gba-single-pak-multiplayer-game-list/ Single Pak]
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro">Does not work on libretro core. Feature Requests: [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/114 GBA Game Link Support], [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/87 e-Reader support] for for VBA-M libretro core.</ref>
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/831 *]
|-
|[[#Connectivity|Wireless]]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}
|{{✓}}[https://www.davidgf.net/2024/01/13/gba-wireless-adapter/ *]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}} [https://mgba.io/timeline.html#IN+THE+FUTURE *]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators|e-Reader]]
| [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader Alone]]
|{{?}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{~}}
|-
| [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader/GBA Game]]
|{{?}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="e-Reader-GBAGame"></ref>
|{{?}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="e-Reader-GBAGame">incomplete: this emulator will not recognize the games they're connected to. Normally, after choosing "Connection/to Game Boy Advance", the e-Reader should have "(Game Name) Game Data" preloaded in its internal EEPROM memory and appearing in a tiny black box on-screen, but this can't happen in either No$GBA, VBA-M, or VBA e-Reader mods. Without this step done, scanning e-Cards will just yield an error message. e-Reader/GBA game pack emulation in this emulator can be still reached by ripping a save game from real e-Reader hardware, with this step already done. Using this save with the e-Reader BIOS, it's possible to connect to the GBA game pack, and scan e-Cards… though it's a very less-than-ideal solution and there are only pre-baked e-Reader save files for Super Mario Advance 4 (U), Pokémon Emerald (J), LeafGreen (J) and FireRed (J)."</ref>
|-
| [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader/GCN Game]]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan=2 | [[#Game_Boy_Advance_Video|Game Boy Advance Video]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[#GB.2FGBC_backward_compatibility_emulation.2FEnhanced_Mode|GB/GBC backwards compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}[https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=21831.0 *]
|-
| colspan="2" | [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/#operating-system GBA BIOS]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
| rowspan="3" |Inputs
|[[List_of_games_that_support_tracked_motion_controllers#Game_Boy_Advance_Emulation|Motion Control]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{✓}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="RetroArch">Motion Control support present on RetroArch VBA-M core.</ref>
|-
|Rumble Feature
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{✓}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
|[[#Inputs|Solar Sensor]]
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
|{{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{~}}<ref name="manual-switch" group="N2">Only the Nintendo Switch port allows use of the Switch's light sensor.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2">Only manual configuration. No automatic detection via light sensor/camera input/weather forecast/GPS location/other.</ref>
|-
| rowspan="13" |[[#Special_hardware|Special hardware]]
|Agatsuma's TV Tuner
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art37.html][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1jp70fe/gb_enhanced_v19_release_dmggbcgbapok%C3%A9mon_mini/]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|AGS-006 family Play-Yan Play-Yan Micro Nintendo MP3 Player
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art32.html][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Battle Chip Gate
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Campho Advance
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art36.html]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|GBKISS LINK
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art38.html]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Glucoboy
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art33.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Jukebox
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art31.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Multi Plust On System
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Soul Doll Adapter
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Turbo File Advance
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Virtureal Racing System
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art24.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|}
<references group=N2/>

===GB/GBC backward compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode===
Game Boy Advance is backwards compatible with GB/GBC, resulting in some [https://cheapergamer.co.uk/gba-enhanced-gbc-games/ GB/GBC games enhanced if you play on GBA]. Having said that, this shouldn't be confused with [[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulation]] or [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Super Game Boy 1/2]]. Some of the multicore emulators support both GB/GBC and GBA emulation; however, they don't have support for "backwards compatibility/GBA mode" emulation.

===Game Boy Advance Video===
:''See also: [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Video|Game Boy Advance Video]] on Wikipedia''
GBA Videos were officially released cartridges with movies/shows on them for viewing on GBA hardware. Most recommended GBA emulators should be able to play this type of cartridge if its 32MB, although {{YouTubeVideoTime|o9XmB43bN5w|540|not all of it supports 64MB ones}}.
*[https://old.reddit.com/r/Gameboy/comments/byos8r/watching_gameboy_advance_video_on_a_gamecube/ Game Boy Player is not compatible with this feature]
*mGBA support both 32MB and 64MB video cartridges.
:See [[Home_Media_Player#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation pieces of software.
:See [[Ripping_games|Dumping/ripping]].

===Connectivity===
{{Main|Netplay#Playing Local Multiplayer over Internet}}
====GBA Multi Pak Link Multiplayer (1~4GBA)====
;VBA-M: This doesn't work with old VBA versions.
:Disable "Pause when Inactive," configure all four Joypads each with their own button layout, enable "Link, Enable GBA Link." Now open VBA-M again as many times needed for each player, and have them each use their separate Joypad configuration. Each player will have a separate SRAM save file.
;VBA Link + e-Reader:Useful if you want to use the Pokémon Battle-eCards. Downloads and instructions reside [https://projectpokemon.org/forums/showthread.php?42433-RELEASE-VBA-LINK-E-READER here].
;mGBA:Select "New multiplayer window" from the menu. As you load your ROMs into each window, "Player [X] of [Y]" will appear across the title bar. This can be done for up to four players. However, multiple instances of the same ROM will share a save file.
;No$GBA:Set the number of Emulated Game Boys in the Emulation setting to be 2 or more, and the Link Gamepaks Options to Gamepak in all GBAs.

'''Note''': A purple end in GBA means player 1, while a gray end in GBA means P2, P3, or P4. Daisy-chaining up to three cables will set up the additional P3 and P4 by connecting the purple end to a purple midsection.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agblink.pdf</ref>

====GBA Wireless Multiplayer====
The [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter|wireless adapter]] has the ability to connect five players<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbwireless_trilingual.pdf</ref> to each other and includes its own software to download a subset of another player's game that runs when no cartridge is inserted. ''Pokémon Fire Red'' and ''Leaf Green'' came bundled with this accessory, but it can also work with ''Pokémon Emerald'' and the ''Classic NES Series''.

The libretro core of [[gpSP]] has successfully emulated the wireless adapter<ref>https://www.davidgf.net/2024/01/13/gba-wireless-adapter/</ref>. [[GBE+]](in v1.6) and VBA-M partially implemented the support of this add-on, though it's still a work-in-progress, and can only access menus. Support of this add-on is currently on [[mGBA]]'s roadmap.

====GameCube Connectivity====
[https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Boy_Advance_to_Nintendo_GameCube_Link_Cable#List_of_Supported_Games The Game Boy Advance can also connect to the GameCube].<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbgcncable.pdf</ref> e-Reader functionality with GC games has now been emulated thanks to mGBA. [[Dolphin]] supports connectivity through rudimentary joybus emulation made in parallel with VBA-M. Because this emulator has fallen behind, the feature was recently added to [[mGBA]], a more accurate emulator. They showcased early higan support in a video, but nothing has been released as yet.

=====Dolphin/mGBA or VBA-M=====
:''Requires mGBA 0.9.0 or newer or VBA-M r947 or newer.''

* Reduce your volume. You won't want it to be high, especially with headphones.
* Open Dolphin and mGBA/VBA-M. Make sure neither is blocked by your firmware.
* In Dolphin, launch the game and navigate to the area where you're asked to connect the GBA. Then, under the controller options, assign the GameCube controllers as "GBA" for whichever you need.
* If you're using mGBA, open the File menu, and click Connect to Dolphin.
* In the dialog box that appears, press Connect. mGBA will boot up the GBA BIOS if no rom has been selected.
* If you're using VBA-M, uncheck Pause When Inactive in Options > Emulator. Then, under Options > Link > Joybus Options, make sure the "Enable Joybus Connection" is on and set "IP/Hostname" to use default settings, that is <code>127.0.0.1</code> or <code>localhost</code>.
* Dolphin will freeze.
* Open the GBA BIOS in VBA-M as if it were a regular GBA ROM. The regular splash screen will stutter a bit.
* In either emulator, Dolphin should recognize the Joybus Link by then, and the GC game will detect that a GBA was connected.
* To connect other units, open another emulator instance and repeat its process.

Notable games that work:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Four_Swords_Adventures The Legend of Zelda Four Swords Adventures]: Both two modes are available for the US/PAL version work. The third Japan-only Navi Trackers mode works as well.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Final_Fantasy_Crystal_Chronicles Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Billy_Hatcher_and_the_Giant_Egg Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]: You can download games to your GBA. Amusingly, a RAM dump from VBA-M can be opened as a functional GBA ROM.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Kururin_Squash! Kururin Squash!]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Sonic_Adventure_2:_Battle Sonic Adventure 2: Battle] (buggy)

Notable games that don't:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Mr_Driller:_Drill_Land Mr. Driller: Drill Land]
*lots more

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Games_with_GameCube-GBA_connectivity See all games with GC-GBA connectivity]

===e-Reader===
:''Main page: [[GBA e-Reader emulators]]''
This device can read content off e-Card paper stripes either as standalone content, or additional content to GBA/GC games. Can be thought of as DLC.

===Inputs===
;Solar Sensor
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, No$GBA 2.6 onwards, and My Boy!:
* mGBA: In the shortcut editor, shortcuts can be configured to raise/lower the solar level incrementally or to set any particular brightness level. The Nintendo Switch port of mGBA also allows use of the Switch's light sensor.
* VBA-M: This emulator uses the keys of the lateral motion controls to change the Solar Sensor levels. You can find those keys and modify them in Options → Input → Configure… → "Special" tab.
* No$GBA: Under '''Options/Emulation Setup''', you can find the Solar Sensor Level option. You're given the choice between only three brightness levels though: Darkness, 100 Watts, and Bright Sunlight.
* My Boy!: This emulator uses a button combination or the device's light sensor to check the brightness level. You can change this under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Solar Emulation By" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA: Uses the device's light sensor to check the brightness level.

2. ROM Patches: Fixes applied directly to the ROM by various scene release groups to make it compatible with any emulator/flashcard, making the in-game brightness level controllable with L+Left/Right. It is argued this makes for a better experience actually, but sadly not all releases are covered.
* '''Boktai 1:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1567 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1145 US], <s>EU</s>.
* '''Boktai 2:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1567 JP], <s>US</s>, [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1992 EU].
* '''Boktai 3:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=2048 JP Fix].
* Combinations of Boktai 4 JP with earlier solar sensors to get solar sensor bonuses aren't emulated yet in any DS emulator.

;Motion Control
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, My Boy! and Pizza Boy:
* mGBA includes full motion control support using the motion sensor present in controllers like DualShock 4, DualSense and Switch Pro Controller.
* VBA '''doesn't''' emulate this feature, and its "Motion Control" option (with keys mapped to each tilt direction) covers the GBC title Kirby Tilt'n Tumble.
* VBA-M core on RetroArch includes motion control support by using a controller stick (left or right)
* My Boy! uses the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature. You can change the sensitivity under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Motion sensitivity" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA also used the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature for games like WarioWare: Twisted and Yoshi's Universal Gravitation.

2. ROM Patches: Fixes applied directly to the ROM (with the Lunar IPS utility, or at runtime using mGBA or VBA-M and naming them the same as the ROM in the same directory) by various scene release groups to make it compatible with any emulator/flashcard. D-Pad controls substituting motion controls don't work as well here as they tilt it "too much" at times to be very playable.
* Yoshi Topsy Turvy/Universal Gravitation: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1799 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1947 EU], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=2001 US]
* WarioWare Twisted! (Patch: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1682 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1979 US])

;Rumble Feature
There are various rumble features found in GBA/GBC cards:
* '''GBC Rumble:''' GBC games which came on special cartridges with additional hardware for the rumble feature. It was actually used by dozens of releases, and some games like Tarzan 2 GBC were programmed to have rumble support but shipped on regular cartridges. Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only), which also covers the dummied-out rumble games. Not emulated anywhere else.
* '''GBA Gyro Rumble:''' WarioWare Twisted was shipped on a cart with rumble support. It would rumble when you tilt to one "extreme." Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds,
* '''GBA Variable Rumble:''' Drill Dozer has rumble support, with variable force and speed depending on the rock type you drill through in-game. Partially emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds.
* '''Game Boy Player Rumble:''' Many regular GBA games, shipped on regular cartridges, enable rumble during gameplay when played on GB Player hardware (which is essentially GBA hardware). These include Super Mario Advance 4, Summon Night Hajimari no Ishi, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Shikakui Atama wo Marukusuru Advance (both releases), Pokémon Pinball, and Drill Dozer which disables its original cartridge rumble scheme and enables this one instead. None of the emulators support this, though it is being under development for the mGBA emulator.

===Special hardware===
Emulation of these is spotty, apart from GBE+, which supports almost all GBA peripherals.

;Turbo File Advance
The Turbo File Advance was a peripheral for the GBA which allowed certain games to write data to it, acting as an external memory card. Developed by Sammy Corporation, it was compatible with only 2 games, RPG Tsukuru Advance and Derby Stallion Advance.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
The Power Antenna & Bug Sensor were small plastic peripherals that interfaced with the GBA's serial port and contained LEDs that flashed in response to certain events within Keitai Denjuu Telefang 2, the only supported GBA game.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
As the GBA didn't have native infrared connectivity, Nintendo released an official IR adapter called the AGB-006 to restore this functionality. However, it only saw use in Cyber Drive Zoids: Kiju no Senshi Hyuu to control specific Zoid toy models.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Figurine Readers
Some GBA games/series had figurine reader add-ons, essentially precursors to the likes of Skylanders and Amiibo.
* '''Soul Doll Adapter''' (Legendz: Island of Ordeal/Sign of Nekuromu)
* '''Multi Plust On System''' (Bouken Yuuki Pluster World: Plust Gate/EX/Pluston GP)
GBE+ has support for both the Soul Doll Adapter and Multi Plust On System, while mGBA supports the Soul Doll Adapter.

;Battle Chip Gate
A peripheral device by Capcom and Takara compatible with ''Mega Man Battle Network 4'' (Japanese edition). It can be connected to the Game Boy Advance and allow the player to transmit real-life toy Battle Chips to the NetNavis in the game. It is also compatible with toy Advanced PETs and ''Rockman.EXE 4.5 Real Operation''. It can also unlock minigames in ''Mega Man Zero 3''.

[[mGBA]] and [[GBE+]] support this add-on.

;Glucoboy
An obscure medical peripheral designed to monitor a child's blood glucose levels and reward them for keeping tabs on their condition. [https://assemblergames.com/threads/glucoboy-for-gameboy-is-this-the-rarest-game-accessory-for-gameboy-advance.41853/page-2 Bayer Healthcare destroyed all unsold stock] making it hard to find. It is emulated in GBE+ since version 1.8.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:1406913527173-1-.png|400px|thumb|right|'''Left:''' The default game. '''Right:''' The "Game Boy Colors" mode on [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]].]]
The screen on the original Game Boy Advance is not backlit and can be hard to see in some conditions. To compensate, game developers often used oversaturated colors by default so that the result would look normal on hardware. On standard computer screens, saturation is not an issue, so this can look jarring and undesirable for gameplay. Some games made after 2003 may have also taken the Game Boy Advance SP <abbr title="AGS-001">model</abbr> into account, since its screen was actually <abbr title="A newer model, AGS-101, was released in 2005 that was actually backlit">frontlit</abbr>. For everything else though, emudevs have given some solutions:

====Emulator Options====
'''No$GBA:''' Under "Emulation Options," select "GBA Mode". There are four modes.

* '''GBA (no backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''GBA SP (backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''Nintendo DS in GBA mode:''' Some desaturation
* '''VGA Mode (poppy bright):''' No desaturation

'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders > Load New Shader, select "gba-color.shader"

'''VBA-M:''' (nightly only): Under Options > Game Boy Advance, you will find the option, '''LCD Filter'''.

'''higan:''' Under Settings > Video Filter, you will find the "Color Emulation" checkbox.

* '''Color Emulation off:''' No desaturation
* '''Color Emulation on:''' Gamma correction and adjusted color range.
'''NanoBoyAdvance''': Enabled by default. Under Config > Video > Color Correction > GBA

'''SkyEmu''': Color Correction is set by default to 1.00 force in this emulator, and there are 2 types of desaturation methods. The first one is named SkyEmu and is selected by default, and the other one is named Higan and, as its name suggests, is based on higan's color correction. Change the desaturation type by pressing the ≡ button, then select GBA Color Correction Type. You can also change the intensity of the desaturation: slide the slider to 0.00 to brighten the screen a tad bit.

====Shaders====
Cg [[Shaders and Filters|shaders]] can be used in [[OpenEmu]] or [[RetroArch]] that adjust the colors to those of a real GBA screen, as well as other screen types. These are available in GLSL<ref name="GLSL">https://github.com/libretro/glsl-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for OpenGL, and Slang<ref name="Slang">https://github.com/libretro/slang-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for Vulkan.

For GBA, there is <code>gba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/gba-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profile of a GBA screen under an external light source more accurately than VBA-M or No$GBA color options. If you prefer the darker color options that those emulators have, then use <code>vba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/vba-color.cg</ref> instead.

There is also <code>nds-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/nds-color.cg</ref> and <code>psp-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/psp-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profiles of the original Nintendo DS frontlit screen and the PSP-1000/PSP-2000 backlit screen, respectively.

For Game Boy Advance shader presets, see the "Shader Presets" page;
{{Main|Shader_Presets}}

===Horrible Sound Quality===
As a handheld rushed to the market (because of the WonderSwan Color competition), the Game Boy Advance had some cut corners. The sound hardware was affected the hardest: while it could play Game Boy Color sound in addition to samples and sequenced music like what would be heard on the SNES, the actual playback quality is awful compared to the sound samples stored internally in the ROM.

There were [https://www.romhacking.net/utilities/881/ tools] made to extract the internal high-quality music (as midi files plus a sound font, to be played on foobar2000); however, interest remains limited in implementing its playback in real-time on emulators. It's worth noting that NanoBoyAdvance includes an high quality audio mixer and there's a very experimental feature exists on [[mGBA]] (nightly versions) under Enhancements as "XQ GBA Audio", but it's very buggy and still limited to games using the standard sound engine, the so-called "Sappy" engine, which is still a big part of the GBA's software library.

===High Resolution Affine Transformation Graphical Effects===
Similar to the scaling effects used on the Super NES known commonly as "Mode 7" graphics, the Game Boy Advance has affine transformation effects for some backgrounds and individual sprites that can be done in hardware. Due to the GBA's lower resolution, some detail may be lost.

The [[mGBA]] emulator added an Enhancements menu where you can change the resolution of those graphical effects, for a smoother effect. The graphical render engine will need to be OpenGL for those to take effect. It won't work on games where those effects are done in software instead of the hardware scaling features (like the 3D environment in Asterix & Obelix XXL)

===Save formats===
Originally, when saves were implemented, nobody settled on a format, so the Visual Boy Advance devs made their own. Because other emulators often went with raw data, having to exchange different saves caused problems. The original Visual Boy Advance tries to figure out which format a given save is but often fails at it. By explicitly telling the emulator to read it as a specific type using a file called <code>vba-over.ini</code>, VBA complies. VBA-M includes this config file by default, but older revisions like VBA 1.7.2 and VBALink don't.

The VBA-Next and VBA-M cores in Libretro have the file baked into the binary so that it can load raw .sav files. However, they convert the format to its own derivative at exactly 136 KB every time, with save type info contained within the file. This completely avoids the previous issues at the cost of incompatibility with standalone VBA and most others.

To solve this incompatibility, Libretro devs created a
[https://github.com/libretro/vba-next/blob/master/libretro/gbaconv/gbaconv.c command-line tool] to convert .srm save files made from these cores to raw .sav save data for other emulators. It takes standard input (i.e., drag and drop the .srm onto the executable) and outputs accordingly. It can also be done in reverse. A [https://thysbelon.github.io/gbaconv-web/ website version of this tool can be found here].

For more information about Game Boy Advance hardware and reverse engineering; 
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/ Game Boy Advance Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: {{YouTubeVideo|R43k-p9XdIk|The Story of Quake on the Game Boy Advance}}, {{YouTubeVideo|_Qqg4VCZ0k8|How the Game Boy Advance knew it was running a Game Boy Game}}, {{YouTubeVideo|_GVSLcqGP7g|Tomb Raider on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance is incredible}}, {{YouTubeVideo|mpNWEbZdXNw|How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance}}
* martin korth: [https://problemkaputt.de/gbatek-contents.htm gbatek]
* [https://akkera102.sakura.ne.jp/gbadev/ akkera102.sakura gbadev (Japanese)]
* [https://gbadev.net/gbadoc/ gbadev - gbadoc]
* [https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/GBA_Development/Resources WikiBooks - GBA Development Resources]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:ARM-based consoles]]
[[Category:consoles]]
[[Category:Backward-compatible consoles]]
[[Category:Discontinued handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles]]

Game Boy Advance emulators

2025-07-15T03:39:33Z

MysticChromium: /* ARM */ Update My Boy! row

{{Infobox system
| title = Game Boy Advance
| logo_size = 250px
| image = gbagba.png
| image_size = 250px
| caption = Indigo Game Boy Advance
| aka = CN: iQue Game Boy Advance
| developer = [[Nintendo|Nintendo R&D]]
| manufacturer = [[Nintendo]]
| family = Game Boy
| type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
| price = {{Inflation|USD|99.99|2001}}
| generation = [[:Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles|Sixth]]
| release date =
JP: March 21, 2001 
NA: June 11, 2001 
PAL: June 22, 2001
| discontinued = Yes
| units sold = 81.51 million
| media =
Game Boy Game Pak 
Game Boy Color Game Pak 
Game Boy Advance Game Pak
| soc = Nintendo CPU AGB
| cpu = ARM7TDMI @ 16.78 MHz Sharp SM83 @ 4 / 8 MHz
| memory = 288 KB RAM, 98 KB VRAM
| display = Reflective TFT LCD, 240 × 160 px, 61.2 mm × 40.8 mm (2.41 in × 1.61 in)
| dimensions = 82 mm × 144.5 mm × 24.5 mm (3.23 in × 5.69 in × 0.96 in)
| power = 2 × AA batteries
| topgame = ''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Sapphire'' (16.22 million units)
| compatibility =
[[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy]] 
[[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy Color]]
| predecessor = Game Boy Color
| successor = [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]]
| related =
Game Boy Advance SP 
Game Boy Micro
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy Advance|Emulators on GBA}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game_Boy_Advance|Game Boy Advance]]''' (often shortened to GBA) is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on the 21st of March 2001, in North America on the 11th of June and in Australia and Europe on the 22nd of June and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|99.99|2001}}. It has a ARM7TDMI CPU at 16.78 MHz and a Zilog Z80 CPU at 8 MHz and 4 MHz. It has 288 KB of RAM and 96 KB of VRAM.

The GBA is one of the few cases of emulation being available prior to the release of the console due to the existence of tech demos. Due to the console's relative simplicity and the low system requirements for emulation, several emulation options capable of running commercial games were available early in the console's lifespan. Emulation has only continued to advance since then, with modern offerings being highly accurate and playable on many devices.

==Emulators==
===x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift confirming the libretro core is tracking the master branch], However, even though it's updated frequently, some [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|hardware features]] are exclusive to the standalone version. Therefore, using the standalone version is recommended.</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Mesen|Mesen]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[NanoBoyAdvance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/workflows/build/master Dev builds] [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/releases {{NanoBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases/ {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master <abbr title="Latest development build version">git Artifacts</abbr>] [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://ares-emu.net/compatibility/nintendo-game-boy-advance?status=-1|2284|2921}} ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_m/ vbam_libretro] <abbr title="VBA Next is a Game Boy Advance emulator based on VBA-M 2011 with backported patches for performance and compatibility improvements.">[https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ vba_next_libretro]</abbr>
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core'''s'''] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases 2.1.11]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBAHawk]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/alyosha-tas/GBAHawk/releases 2.2.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (mGBA 0.10.0)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [https://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[https://problemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[MAME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref> [https://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||[https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mess.php?software_list_name=gba&compatibility= ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/ gpSP_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Mednafen]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/beetle_gba/ mednafen_gba_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[{{MednafenURL|releases/}} {{MednafenVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://hades-emu.org Hades]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/hades-emu/Hades/releases/tag/v1.0.0 {{HadesVer}}] [https://nightly.link/hades-emu/Hades/workflows/build/master Nightly builds] [https://github.com/hades-emu/hades git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/higan-emu/higan/releases/tag/v110 {{higanVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|agbemu
|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/burhanr13/agbemu/releases 1.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|iDeaS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20150311100053/https://ciacin.site90.com/ideas.php {{iDeaSVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA VGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA/#Downloads {{VGBAVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Meteor
|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/blastrock/meteor {{MeteorVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|BoyCottAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://boycottadvance.emuunlim.org/Downloads.htm {{BoyCottAdvanceVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|PlayBoy Advance
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|[https://www.zophar.net/macintosh/gba/playboy-advance.html {{PlayBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GameBeanAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/bmchtech/GameBeanAdvance git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Linux|Pandora}}
|[https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android unofficial Android version] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N>Libretro core is active; unofficial standalone port for Android is not.</ref> ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://www.explusalpha.com/contents/gba-emu GBA.emu] (VBA-M 2.1.4 based)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
|[https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha/releases/tag/Pre-release Pre-release] [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbaEmu 1.5.82][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/75 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Linux|Pandora}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Pandora}} {{Icon|Didj|Symbian}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://repo.openpandora.org/?page=detail&app=package.gpsp.notaz 0.9.2.8 Pandora] [https://github.com/Summeli/gpSP4Cute Symbian]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gpsp>libretro core-only.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://pixelrespawn.com/ Linkboy]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pixelrespawn.linkboy 2.2.3] [https://apps.apple.com/app/linking-boy/id6695762604 AppStore]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Pizza Boy A Pro
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.dbtecno.pizzaboygbapro&hl=en_US 2.16.2]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}}||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://sites.google.com/site/fastemulator/ My Boy!]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gba 2.0.8]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superceded by Linkboy.</ref>
|-
|agbemu
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/burhanr13/agbemu/releases 1.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|VGBAnext
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.emu {{VGBANextVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hydra.noods 0.1] [https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://forums.windowscentral.com/app-spotlight/252987-trio-nintendo-emulators-vba8-vgbc8-snes8x.html VBA10]
|align=left|{{Icon|W10P}}
|[https://forum.xda-developers.com/windows-10-mobile/windows-10-mobile-apps-and-games/app-vba10-emulator-t3588704 1.22] [https://emulator.games/emulators/gameboy-advance/vba10/ Alt]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20190801135245/http://allaboutwindowsphone.com/software/content/VBA8_1.php VBA8]
|align=left|{{Icon|W8P}}
|[https://www.appx4fun.com/xap/15223/ 2.27]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA_J2ME
|align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
|[https://oldfag.top/downloads/?act=view&id=168 1.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA Emulator (Rekkuzan)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Rekkuzan.UnityBoyAdvance 0.1.13]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Manic EMU]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/manic-emu-game-emulator/id6743335790 {{Manic EMUVer}}][https://github.com/LeeAoshuang/ManicEmu/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{TBD}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|Switch}} {{Icon|3DS|PSV}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://mgba.io/downloads.html#homebrew {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/MGBA ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Sloop)
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|N/A
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|Only for selected titles]] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ VBA Next]
|align=left|{{Icon|NGC|Wii|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PS4}} {{Icon|Vita}} {{Icon|Xbox|Xbox360}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC|PSP}} {{Icon|PS2|NGC|Wii}} {{Icon|3DS|Vita}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [[GpSP#PSP_Version|TempGBA4PSP]]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gpsp></ref> ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm open_agb_firm]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm/releases 2024-07-30]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|8.10
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||[[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_2|Only for selected titles (3DS)]] [[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_3|Only for selected titles (Wii U)]] ROM injection is possible with both consoles with relatively high compatibility. ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Game_Boy_Interface Game Boy Interface]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest main] [https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest-extra extra]
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware (Requires Game Boy Player hardware) ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}<ref group=N name=gbinterface>Multiple versions available. Pick the version that fits best with your specific setup.</ref>
|-
|Game Boy Player
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware Limited to a filtered, 480i output with a slight amount of input lag ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gameboyplayer>Game Boy Interface is recommended instead</ref>
|-
|ReGBA
|Align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1332 v1.45.5 revision 3]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Enhanced_mGBA emGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/mgba/latest git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA GX]]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://github.com/dborth/vbagx/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBARunner3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner3 git]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Red}} Source available ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gbarunner3>Recommended on DS</ref>
|-
|DSTWO
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|N/A
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Uses SOC of flashcart itself for emulation||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}}||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Gbaemu4DS
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|[https://ichfly.github.io/gbaemu4DS Alpha 2 fix 4][https://github.com/ichfly/gbaemu4DS git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[GBARunner2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner2/releases/tag/v20200812-131430_6e4ce45 2020/08/12]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[gpSP|UO gpSP Kai]] (UO gpSP改)
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|3.4 test 4 build 230
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita|WiiU}} {{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git] (Switch/Vita/WiiU) [https://github.com/Xiro28/NooDS_PSP git] (PSP port)
|{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

==Comparisons==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
;[[mGBA]]:Free and open-source Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator developed by endrift. Written from scratch, it aims for speed, [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]], and portability. Yet, it is the most complete GBA emulation effort with [[#Enhancements|enhancements]] and [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|feature support]], passing the older project VBA and its forks. It is also available as a libretro core for RetroArch. As of 0.9.0, mGBA with a stripped-down GUI has been integrated into Dolphin for games supporting [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|connectivity features]].

;[[NanoBoyAdvance]]:Highly [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]]<ref>[https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md mGBA suite comparison]</ref> Game Boy Advance emulator. It aims for [[Emulation Accuracy|cycle-accurate]] emulation when possible (CPU, DMA, timers, PPU and Game Pak prefetch), while also offering enhancements such as improved audio quality. Very high compatibility, including games that require emulation of [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md#Game-compatibility peculiar hardware edge-cases]. Unfortunately, following the release of the next major update, the developer "[https://github.com/fleroviux fleroviux]" will step down from actively developing the project.[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1auz9c9/nanoboyadvance_180_is_released_plus_announcement/]

;[[GBAHawk]]:A fork of the BizHawk emulator focusing on console verification of Gameboy Advance TASes and hardware research.[https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/GBA_Tests]

;[[VisualBoy Advance|Visual Boy Advance (VBA)]]:The original GBA emulator. Discovered to have an <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability detailed below.

:;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|Visual Boy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:A fork with additional minor improvements. It is behind in terms of [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]] compared to mGBA or other recommended GBA emulators, but is still useful for its robust debugging features and sound interpolation that reduces hissing.

::;VBA-Next:A [[RetroArch]] fork from an older revision of VBA-M with added speedhacks and tweaks, making it useful for lower-end devices. A bit less accurate in some respects, but fixes a few games such as Advance Wars 2.

;[[SkyEmu]]:Low-level Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator. Its primary focus is to provide a [https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/ybejxv/skyemu_v2_release/itutt2h/ good user experience] through a good tradeoffs mixture [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]]<ref>[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu#accuracycompatibility SkyEmu: Accuracy and Compatibility], [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/blob/dev/docs/Accuracy.md SkyEmu: Accuracy on Difficult to Emulate Games].</ref>, performance, features, and usability. Capable of full instruction pipeline, prefetch emulation, and per pixel PPU Implementation capable of both scan line and mid-scan line effects.

;[[higan]] / [[ares]]:[[Emulation Accuracy|Accuracy]] wise, it is behind compared to NanoBoyAdvance and SkyEmu (and maybe mGBA), but it has dot-based instead of scanline-based renderer and does a better job compared to VBA-M. It is also behind in terms of compatibility compared to mGBA, NanoBoyAdvance, and SkyEmu, but Ares stands out being a [[Multi-system_emulators|multi-system emulator]] and supports some useful [[#Enhancements|enhancements]], like shaders/filters and simple debug features.

;[[Mesen]]: It has potential to be the best GBA debugger in the future. placeholder text

;[[MAME]]:Has a <code>gba</code> driver markup as working, but both graphics and sound are [https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/dettaglio_mame.php?game_name=gba "imperfect"] as of version 0.271.

;[[gpSP]]:Originally made for the PSP, its last official version was 0.91. There are, however, two forks of interest: [https://dl.qj.net/psp/emulators/gpsp-mod-20090720.html gpSPmod] and [https://filetrip.net/psp-downloads/homebrew/download-gpsp-j-12-06-16-f29570.htmlgpSP-J gpSP-J]. gpSP-J has superior compatibility, while gpSPmod has more options for customization (full screen, cheats, etc.) Both are superior to Kai. TempGBA is another good fork. For other platforms, there is a libretro port of gpSP with fast x86 and ARM dynarecs. While it is behind the best GBA emulators in terms of accuracy, its great performance makes it a viable option for old/underpowered machines or for using extreme fast-forward in games.

;Pizza Boy A:Likely due to the [[Yuzu#Lawsuit|yuzu situation]], the project was pulled from the Play Store by its developer after seven years of development and was presumed dead in 2024[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1b97uus/emulator_pizza_boy_for_gba_and_gbc_removed_from/][https://old.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnAndroid/comments/1ba5h5g/pizzaboy_emulator_is_gone/][https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/7/24093867/another-emulator-is-shutting-down]. However, in April, the project was renamed and development has resumed[https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/23/24138403/speaking-of-turning-your-phone-into-a-nintendo-emulator][https://gbatemp.net/threads/pizza-boy-a-basic-emulator-back-into-google-play-store-free-and-without-ads.654652/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1cbp2fx/pizza_boy_is_back/].

; [[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Sloop)
* GBA support was added to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack in February 2023, alongside GB games exclusive to the normal tier;
* Users are [[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|limited to the selection of games]] Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Can support Local Play with other Switch Online users (up to 4 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* [https://twitter.com/LuigiBlood/status/1624005571815899136 Accurate enough] at the point of being able to pass any of the ''AGB Test Cartridge'' (v10) tests without a single failure;
* Video filters can be applied;
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Allows rumble support for games that had such a function back when played in a Game Boy Player (''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'', ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'')
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''NOTE:''' There's a ''huge'' <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability affecting VBA and most of its forks, except for VBA-M. The function for adding GameShark codes ("Import > Gameshark code file") doesn't check if the file's size is within 1024 kilobits, meaning cheat code files from dubious sources can be engineered with malware in mind. There is good news; VBA-M still doesn't do a sanity check for those files, but it just crashes instead of letting the code wreak havoc. So, depending on your use case, avoid using:
# Cheat code files bigger than 1024 KB that you got online from untrustworthy sources.
# The import code files feature.
# The old emulator altogether, and settle for other options like mGBA or VBA-M. All of them support the same SRAM save data the cartridge uses.

'''List of recommended GBA emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in the above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! No$GBA
! SkyEmu
! NanoBoyAdvance
! Mesen
! Game Boy Player
! Virtual Console
! BizHawk
! ares
! GBE+
! gpSP
! Pizza Boy GBA (Pro)
! MAME
! Nintendo Switch Online (Sloop)
|-
| rowspan=4 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| colspan=14 | For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more visible.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Sprite_Replacement_.282D.29|Sprite Replacement]]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| Remove sprite limit The GBA has hardware support for up to 128 sprites.[https://www.vg-resource.com/thread-28888.html] – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some flickering seen in games at times, and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|{{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/3186 *]
|{{?}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/967 *]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|Widescreen Hack]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2833 *]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/65j3c3/can_a_emulated_game_run_better_then_the_actual/dgau7ck/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1jp70fe/gb_enhanced_v19_release_dmggbcgbapok%C3%A9mon_mini/ml30fq0/]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/8nw23h/gba_emulator_w_overclock_support/e02nnn6/ *]
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal Framerate Hack]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|
|{{✗}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]] (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]] (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|
|-
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/pull/1397 *]
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|{{✓}}<ref group=N3 name=ExStandalone>Exclusive to standalone version.</ref>
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}[https://docs.mamedev.org/plugins/inputmacro.html *]
|{{✗}}
|-
| Rewind
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|-
| Savestates
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
| {{?}}[https://forums.mgba.io/archive/index.php?thread-4910.html]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | Controls
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{?}}
|
|
|{{✗}}
|-
| [https://docs.retroachievements.org/general/tutorials/turbo-button.html Turbo button]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=11 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [https://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan=14 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs#Game_Boy_Advance_.2F_Nintendo_DS_.2F_Nintendo_3DS|Streamable compression format]]
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|
|-
| Command Line Options
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|-
|Automatic Updater
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth Stealth] Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, it still requires necessary [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system.
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=6 | Misc
| [[Netplay|Netplay]] You can use either yuzu/Ryujinx for playing GBA games online via netplay. This enhancement shouldn't be confused with GBA connectivity features emulation.
|[https://mgba.io/faq.html#glossary WIP]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/game-boy-advance-nintendo-switch-online-switch/ *]
|-
| [https://github.com/ipatix/gba-hq-mixer High Quality Audio Mixer] HQ audio mixer for games which use Nintendo's MusicPlayer2000 sound engine
|{{~}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|
|{{?}}
|
|
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=15 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=15 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| [[RetroAchievements]]
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive>Exclusive to libretro core. There is also a [https://retroachievements.org/download.php#ravba modified version of VBA-M] for RetroAchievement support. [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2232 Feature request: RetroAchievements integration in mGBA standalone].</ref>
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|{{✗}}
|{{~}} [[RetroAchievements#Emulators_planned_for_RetroAchievements|WIP]]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://retroachievements.org/download.php#bizhawk *]
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1djp8ro/ares_v139_release/l9ckjp2/ roadmap]
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]
|{{✓}}[https://mgba.io/2021/03/28/mgba-0.9.0/#more-debugging-improvements *]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
:''[https://maru-chang.com/hard/agb/english.htm maru-chang.com - hardware]''
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan=2 | Name
! ares
! BizHawk
! GBE+
! gpSP
! Mesen
! mGBA
! NanoBoyAdvance
! No$GBA
! Pizza Boy A Pro
! SkyEmu
! VBA-M [[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA_Link_e-Reader|VBA 1.73 Mod]]
|-
| colspan="2" |[[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref name="Tilt" group="N2">{{YouTubePlaylist|PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d|Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist}}</ref>
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| rowspan="5" |[[#Connectivity|<abbr title="There are five different kinds of connectivity, support varying by game.">Connectivity</abbr>]]
|[[#GameCube Connectivity|<abbr title="The Nintendo GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable (model DOL-011) is a link cable that links the GameCube to the Game Boy Advance, the Game Boy Advance SP, the e-Reader, or even a second GameCube via the Game Boy Player. The Game Boy Micro is not compatible due to its different connector. The Wii, however, is compatible with the cable due to the Wii's backwards compatibility with GameCube games and controllers.">GameCube communication</abbr>]]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/vvdqyk/release_of_skyemu_10/ifjfj7a/ *]
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Game_Link_Cable#Third_generation|<abbr title="The third generation started with the release of the Game Boy Advance which was released alongside its own link cable called the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable (model AGB-005). It features yet another new type of link cable port which is used on the Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP and Game Boy Player. The e-Reader also uses the third generation link cable port, but since it is incompatible with Game Boy/Color games, it is not backwards compatible with the second generation Game Link Cable. Another option is Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter (model AGB-015) for Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, and Game Boy Player.">Link Cable</abbr>]]
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/15pvssg/the_skyemu_v3_gbgba_and_newly_nds_emulator_is_now/jw1785m/ WIP]
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|-
|[[#GBA_Multi_Pak_Link_Multiplayer_.281.7E4GBA.29|Multi Pak]]
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
|{{✓}}
|-
|[https://squallsnake.com/blog-gba-single-pak-multiplayer-game-list/ Single Pak]
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro">Does not work on libretro core. Feature Requests: [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/114 GBA Game Link Support], [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/87 e-Reader support] for for VBA-M libretro core.</ref>
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/831 *]
|-
|[[#Connectivity|Wireless]]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}
|{{✓}}[https://www.davidgf.net/2024/01/13/gba-wireless-adapter/ *]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}} [https://mgba.io/timeline.html#IN+THE+FUTURE *]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators|e-Reader]]
| [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader Alone]]
|{{?}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{~}}
|-
| [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader/GBA Game]]
|{{?}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="e-Reader-GBAGame"></ref>
|{{?}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="e-Reader-GBAGame">incomplete: this emulator will not recognize the games they're connected to. Normally, after choosing "Connection/to Game Boy Advance", the e-Reader should have "(Game Name) Game Data" preloaded in its internal EEPROM memory and appearing in a tiny black box on-screen, but this can't happen in either No$GBA, VBA-M, or VBA e-Reader mods. Without this step done, scanning e-Cards will just yield an error message. e-Reader/GBA game pack emulation in this emulator can be still reached by ripping a save game from real e-Reader hardware, with this step already done. Using this save with the e-Reader BIOS, it's possible to connect to the GBA game pack, and scan e-Cards… though it's a very less-than-ideal solution and there are only pre-baked e-Reader save files for Super Mario Advance 4 (U), Pokémon Emerald (J), LeafGreen (J) and FireRed (J)."</ref>
|-
| [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader/GCN Game]]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan=2 | [[#Game_Boy_Advance_Video|Game Boy Advance Video]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[#GB.2FGBC_backward_compatibility_emulation.2FEnhanced_Mode|GB/GBC backwards compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}[https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=21831.0 *]
|-
| colspan="2" | [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/#operating-system GBA BIOS]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
| rowspan="3" |Inputs
|[[List_of_games_that_support_tracked_motion_controllers#Game_Boy_Advance_Emulation|Motion Control]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{✓}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="RetroArch">Motion Control support present on RetroArch VBA-M core.</ref>
|-
|Rumble Feature
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{✓}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
|{{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
|[[#Inputs|Solar Sensor]]
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
|{{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{~}}<ref name="manual-switch" group="N2">Only the Nintendo Switch port allows use of the Switch's light sensor.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2">Only manual configuration. No automatic detection via light sensor/camera input/weather forecast/GPS location/other.</ref>
|-
| rowspan="13" |[[#Special_hardware|Special hardware]]
|Agatsuma's TV Tuner
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art37.html][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1jp70fe/gb_enhanced_v19_release_dmggbcgbapok%C3%A9mon_mini/]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|AGS-006 family Play-Yan Play-Yan Micro Nintendo MP3 Player
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art32.html][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Battle Chip Gate
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Campho Advance
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art36.html]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|GBKISS LINK
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art38.html]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Glucoboy
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art33.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Jukebox
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art31.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Multi Plust On System
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Soul Doll Adapter
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Turbo File Advance
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Virtureal Racing System
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art24.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|}
<references group=N2/>

===GB/GBC backward compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode===
Game Boy Advance is backwards compatible with GB/GBC, resulting in some [https://cheapergamer.co.uk/gba-enhanced-gbc-games/ GB/GBC games enhanced if you play on GBA]. Having said that, this shouldn't be confused with [[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulation]] or [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Super Game Boy 1/2]]. Some of the multicore emulators support both GB/GBC and GBA emulation; however, they don't have support for "backwards compatibility/GBA mode" emulation.

===Game Boy Advance Video===
:''See also: [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Video|Game Boy Advance Video]] on Wikipedia''
GBA Videos were officially released cartridges with movies/shows on them for viewing on GBA hardware. Most recommended GBA emulators should be able to play this type of cartridge if its 32MB, although {{YouTubeVideoTime|o9XmB43bN5w|540|not all of it supports 64MB ones}}.
*[https://old.reddit.com/r/Gameboy/comments/byos8r/watching_gameboy_advance_video_on_a_gamecube/ Game Boy Player is not compatible with this feature]
*mGBA support both 32MB and 64MB video cartridges.
:See [[Home_Media_Player#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation pieces of software.
:See [[Ripping_games|Dumping/ripping]].

===Connectivity===
{{Main|Netplay#Playing Local Multiplayer over Internet}}
====GBA Multi Pak Link Multiplayer (1~4GBA)====
;VBA-M: This doesn't work with old VBA versions.
:Disable "Pause when Inactive," configure all four Joypads each with their own button layout, enable "Link, Enable GBA Link." Now open VBA-M again as many times needed for each player, and have them each use their separate Joypad configuration. Each player will have a separate SRAM save file.
;VBA Link + e-Reader:Useful if you want to use the Pokémon Battle-eCards. Downloads and instructions reside [https://projectpokemon.org/forums/showthread.php?42433-RELEASE-VBA-LINK-E-READER here].
;mGBA:Select "New multiplayer window" from the menu. As you load your ROMs into each window, "Player [X] of [Y]" will appear across the title bar. This can be done for up to four players. However, multiple instances of the same ROM will share a save file.
;No$GBA:Set the number of Emulated Game Boys in the Emulation setting to be 2 or more, and the Link Gamepaks Options to Gamepak in all GBAs.

'''Note''': A purple end in GBA means player 1, while a gray end in GBA means P2, P3, or P4. Daisy-chaining up to three cables will set up the additional P3 and P4 by connecting the purple end to a purple midsection.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agblink.pdf</ref>

====GBA Wireless Multiplayer====
The [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter|wireless adapter]] has the ability to connect five players<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbwireless_trilingual.pdf</ref> to each other and includes its own software to download a subset of another player's game that runs when no cartridge is inserted. ''Pokémon Fire Red'' and ''Leaf Green'' came bundled with this accessory, but it can also work with ''Pokémon Emerald'' and the ''Classic NES Series''.

The libretro core of [[gpSP]] has successfully emulated the wireless adapter<ref>https://www.davidgf.net/2024/01/13/gba-wireless-adapter/</ref>. [[GBE+]](in v1.6) and VBA-M partially implemented the support of this add-on, though it's still a work-in-progress, and can only access menus. Support of this add-on is currently on [[mGBA]]'s roadmap.

====GameCube Connectivity====
[https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Boy_Advance_to_Nintendo_GameCube_Link_Cable#List_of_Supported_Games The Game Boy Advance can also connect to the GameCube].<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbgcncable.pdf</ref> e-Reader functionality with GC games has now been emulated thanks to mGBA. [[Dolphin]] supports connectivity through rudimentary joybus emulation made in parallel with VBA-M. Because this emulator has fallen behind, the feature was recently added to [[mGBA]], a more accurate emulator. They showcased early higan support in a video, but nothing has been released as yet.

=====Dolphin/mGBA or VBA-M=====
:''Requires mGBA 0.9.0 or newer or VBA-M r947 or newer.''

* Reduce your volume. You won't want it to be high, especially with headphones.
* Open Dolphin and mGBA/VBA-M. Make sure neither is blocked by your firmware.
* In Dolphin, launch the game and navigate to the area where you're asked to connect the GBA. Then, under the controller options, assign the GameCube controllers as "GBA" for whichever you need.
* If you're using mGBA, open the File menu, and click Connect to Dolphin.
* In the dialog box that appears, press Connect. mGBA will boot up the GBA BIOS if no rom has been selected.
* If you're using VBA-M, uncheck Pause When Inactive in Options > Emulator. Then, under Options > Link > Joybus Options, make sure the "Enable Joybus Connection" is on and set "IP/Hostname" to use default settings, that is <code>127.0.0.1</code> or <code>localhost</code>.
* Dolphin will freeze.
* Open the GBA BIOS in VBA-M as if it were a regular GBA ROM. The regular splash screen will stutter a bit.
* In either emulator, Dolphin should recognize the Joybus Link by then, and the GC game will detect that a GBA was connected.
* To connect other units, open another emulator instance and repeat its process.

Notable games that work:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Four_Swords_Adventures The Legend of Zelda Four Swords Adventures]: Both two modes are available for the US/PAL version work. The third Japan-only Navi Trackers mode works as well.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Final_Fantasy_Crystal_Chronicles Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Billy_Hatcher_and_the_Giant_Egg Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]: You can download games to your GBA. Amusingly, a RAM dump from VBA-M can be opened as a functional GBA ROM.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Kururin_Squash! Kururin Squash!]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Sonic_Adventure_2:_Battle Sonic Adventure 2: Battle] (buggy)

Notable games that don't:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Mr_Driller:_Drill_Land Mr. Driller: Drill Land]
*lots more

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Games_with_GameCube-GBA_connectivity See all games with GC-GBA connectivity]

===e-Reader===
:''Main page: [[GBA e-Reader emulators]]''
This device can read content off e-Card paper stripes either as standalone content, or additional content to GBA/GC games. Can be thought of as DLC.

===Inputs===
;Solar Sensor
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, No$GBA 2.6 onwards, and My Boy!:
* mGBA: In the shortcut editor, shortcuts can be configured to raise/lower the solar level incrementally or to set any particular brightness level. The Nintendo Switch port of mGBA also allows use of the Switch's light sensor.
* VBA-M: This emulator uses the keys of the lateral motion controls to change the Solar Sensor levels. You can find those keys and modify them in Options → Input → Configure… → "Special" tab.
* No$GBA: Under '''Options/Emulation Setup''', you can find the Solar Sensor Level option. You're given the choice between only three brightness levels though: Darkness, 100 Watts, and Bright Sunlight.
* My Boy!: This emulator uses a button combination or the device's light sensor to check the brightness level. You can change this under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Solar Emulation By" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA: Uses the device's light sensor to check the brightness level.

2. ROM Patches: Fixes applied directly to the ROM by various scene release groups to make it compatible with any emulator/flashcard, making the in-game brightness level controllable with L+Left/Right. It is argued this makes for a better experience actually, but sadly not all releases are covered.
* '''Boktai 1:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1567 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1145 US], <s>EU</s>.
* '''Boktai 2:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1567 JP], <s>US</s>, [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1992 EU].
* '''Boktai 3:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=2048 JP Fix].
* Combinations of Boktai 4 JP with earlier solar sensors to get solar sensor bonuses aren't emulated yet in any DS emulator.

;Motion Control
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, My Boy! and Pizza Boy:
* mGBA includes full motion control support using the motion sensor present in controllers like DualShock 4, DualSense and Switch Pro Controller.
* VBA '''doesn't''' emulate this feature, and its "Motion Control" option (with keys mapped to each tilt direction) covers the GBC title Kirby Tilt'n Tumble.
* VBA-M core on RetroArch includes motion control support by using a controller stick (left or right)
* My Boy! uses the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature. You can change the sensitivity under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Motion sensitivity" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA also used the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature for games like WarioWare: Twisted and Yoshi's Universal Gravitation.

2. ROM Patches: Fixes applied directly to the ROM (with the Lunar IPS utility, or at runtime using mGBA or VBA-M and naming them the same as the ROM in the same directory) by various scene release groups to make it compatible with any emulator/flashcard. D-Pad controls substituting motion controls don't work as well here as they tilt it "too much" at times to be very playable.
* Yoshi Topsy Turvy/Universal Gravitation: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1799 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1947 EU], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=2001 US]
* WarioWare Twisted! (Patch: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1682 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1979 US])

;Rumble Feature
There are various rumble features found in GBA/GBC cards:
* '''GBC Rumble:''' GBC games which came on special cartridges with additional hardware for the rumble feature. It was actually used by dozens of releases, and some games like Tarzan 2 GBC were programmed to have rumble support but shipped on regular cartridges. Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only), which also covers the dummied-out rumble games. Not emulated anywhere else.
* '''GBA Gyro Rumble:''' WarioWare Twisted was shipped on a cart with rumble support. It would rumble when you tilt to one "extreme." Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds,
* '''GBA Variable Rumble:''' Drill Dozer has rumble support, with variable force and speed depending on the rock type you drill through in-game. Partially emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds.
* '''Game Boy Player Rumble:''' Many regular GBA games, shipped on regular cartridges, enable rumble during gameplay when played on GB Player hardware (which is essentially GBA hardware). These include Super Mario Advance 4, Summon Night Hajimari no Ishi, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Shikakui Atama wo Marukusuru Advance (both releases), Pokémon Pinball, and Drill Dozer which disables its original cartridge rumble scheme and enables this one instead. None of the emulators support this, though it is being under development for the mGBA emulator.

===Special hardware===
Emulation of these is spotty, apart from GBE+, which supports almost all GBA peripherals.

;Turbo File Advance
The Turbo File Advance was a peripheral for the GBA which allowed certain games to write data to it, acting as an external memory card. Developed by Sammy Corporation, it was compatible with only 2 games, RPG Tsukuru Advance and Derby Stallion Advance.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
The Power Antenna & Bug Sensor were small plastic peripherals that interfaced with the GBA's serial port and contained LEDs that flashed in response to certain events within Keitai Denjuu Telefang 2, the only supported GBA game.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
As the GBA didn't have native infrared connectivity, Nintendo released an official IR adapter called the AGB-006 to restore this functionality. However, it only saw use in Cyber Drive Zoids: Kiju no Senshi Hyuu to control specific Zoid toy models.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Figurine Readers
Some GBA games/series had figurine reader add-ons, essentially precursors to the likes of Skylanders and Amiibo.
* '''Soul Doll Adapter''' (Legendz: Island of Ordeal/Sign of Nekuromu)
* '''Multi Plust On System''' (Bouken Yuuki Pluster World: Plust Gate/EX/Pluston GP)
GBE+ has support for both the Soul Doll Adapter and Multi Plust On System, while mGBA supports the Soul Doll Adapter.

;Battle Chip Gate
A peripheral device by Capcom and Takara compatible with ''Mega Man Battle Network 4'' (Japanese edition). It can be connected to the Game Boy Advance and allow the player to transmit real-life toy Battle Chips to the NetNavis in the game. It is also compatible with toy Advanced PETs and ''Rockman.EXE 4.5 Real Operation''. It can also unlock minigames in ''Mega Man Zero 3''.

[[mGBA]] and [[GBE+]] support this add-on.

;Glucoboy
An obscure medical peripheral designed to monitor a child's blood glucose levels and reward them for keeping tabs on their condition. [https://assemblergames.com/threads/glucoboy-for-gameboy-is-this-the-rarest-game-accessory-for-gameboy-advance.41853/page-2 Bayer Healthcare destroyed all unsold stock] making it hard to find. It is emulated in GBE+ since version 1.8.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:1406913527173-1-.png|400px|thumb|right|'''Left:''' The default game. '''Right:''' The "Game Boy Colors" mode on [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]].]]
The screen on the original Game Boy Advance is not backlit and can be hard to see in some conditions. To compensate, game developers often used oversaturated colors by default so that the result would look normal on hardware. On standard computer screens, saturation is not an issue, so this can look jarring and undesirable for gameplay. Some games made after 2003 may have also taken the Game Boy Advance SP <abbr title="AGS-001">model</abbr> into account, since its screen was actually <abbr title="A newer model, AGS-101, was released in 2005 that was actually backlit">frontlit</abbr>. For everything else though, emudevs have given some solutions:

====Emulator Options====
'''No$GBA:''' Under "Emulation Options," select "GBA Mode". There are four modes.

* '''GBA (no backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''GBA SP (backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''Nintendo DS in GBA mode:''' Some desaturation
* '''VGA Mode (poppy bright):''' No desaturation

'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders > Load New Shader, select "gba-color.shader"

'''VBA-M:''' (nightly only): Under Options > Game Boy Advance, you will find the option, '''LCD Filter'''.

'''higan:''' Under Settings > Video Filter, you will find the "Color Emulation" checkbox.

* '''Color Emulation off:''' No desaturation
* '''Color Emulation on:''' Gamma correction and adjusted color range.
'''NanoBoyAdvance''': Enabled by default. Under Config > Video > Color Correction > GBA

'''SkyEmu''': Color Correction is set by default to 1.00 force in this emulator, and there are 2 types of desaturation methods. The first one is named SkyEmu and is selected by default, and the other one is named Higan and, as its name suggests, is based on higan's color correction. Change the desaturation type by pressing the ≡ button, then select GBA Color Correction Type. You can also change the intensity of the desaturation: slide the slider to 0.00 to brighten the screen a tad bit.

====Shaders====
Cg [[Shaders and Filters|shaders]] can be used in [[OpenEmu]] or [[RetroArch]] that adjust the colors to those of a real GBA screen, as well as other screen types. These are available in GLSL<ref name="GLSL">https://github.com/libretro/glsl-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for OpenGL, and Slang<ref name="Slang">https://github.com/libretro/slang-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for Vulkan.

For GBA, there is <code>gba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/gba-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profile of a GBA screen under an external light source more accurately than VBA-M or No$GBA color options. If you prefer the darker color options that those emulators have, then use <code>vba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/vba-color.cg</ref> instead.

There is also <code>nds-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/nds-color.cg</ref> and <code>psp-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/psp-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profiles of the original Nintendo DS frontlit screen and the PSP-1000/PSP-2000 backlit screen, respectively.

For Game Boy Advance shader presets, see the "Shader Presets" page;
{{Main|Shader_Presets}}

===Horrible Sound Quality===
As a handheld rushed to the market (because of the WonderSwan Color competition), the Game Boy Advance had some cut corners. The sound hardware was affected the hardest: while it could play Game Boy Color sound in addition to samples and sequenced music like what would be heard on the SNES, the actual playback quality is awful compared to the sound samples stored internally in the ROM.

There were [https://www.romhacking.net/utilities/881/ tools] made to extract the internal high-quality music (as midi files plus a sound font, to be played on foobar2000); however, interest remains limited in implementing its playback in real-time on emulators. It's worth noting that NanoBoyAdvance includes an high quality audio mixer and there's a very experimental feature exists on [[mGBA]] (nightly versions) under Enhancements as "XQ GBA Audio", but it's very buggy and still limited to games using the standard sound engine, the so-called "Sappy" engine, which is still a big part of the GBA's software library.

===High Resolution Affine Transformation Graphical Effects===
Similar to the scaling effects used on the Super NES known commonly as "Mode 7" graphics, the Game Boy Advance has affine transformation effects for some backgrounds and individual sprites that can be done in hardware. Due to the GBA's lower resolution, some detail may be lost.

The [[mGBA]] emulator added an Enhancements menu where you can change the resolution of those graphical effects, for a smoother effect. The graphical render engine will need to be OpenGL for those to take effect. It won't work on games where those effects are done in software instead of the hardware scaling features (like the 3D environment in Asterix & Obelix XXL)

===Save formats===
Originally, when saves were implemented, nobody settled on a format, so the Visual Boy Advance devs made their own. Because other emulators often went with raw data, having to exchange different saves caused problems. The original Visual Boy Advance tries to figure out which format a given save is but often fails at it. By explicitly telling the emulator to read it as a specific type using a file called <code>vba-over.ini</code>, VBA complies. VBA-M includes this config file by default, but older revisions like VBA 1.7.2 and VBALink don't.

The VBA-Next and VBA-M cores in Libretro have the file baked into the binary so that it can load raw .sav files. However, they convert the format to its own derivative at exactly 136 KB every time, with save type info contained within the file. This completely avoids the previous issues at the cost of incompatibility with standalone VBA and most others.

To solve this incompatibility, Libretro devs created a
[https://github.com/libretro/vba-next/blob/master/libretro/gbaconv/gbaconv.c command-line tool] to convert .srm save files made from these cores to raw .sav save data for other emulators. It takes standard input (i.e., drag and drop the .srm onto the executable) and outputs accordingly. It can also be done in reverse. A [https://thysbelon.github.io/gbaconv-web/ website version of this tool can be found here].

For more information about Game Boy Advance hardware and reverse engineering; 
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/ Game Boy Advance Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: {{YouTubeVideo|R43k-p9XdIk|The Story of Quake on the Game Boy Advance}}, {{YouTubeVideo|_Qqg4VCZ0k8|How the Game Boy Advance knew it was running a Game Boy Game}}, {{YouTubeVideo|_GVSLcqGP7g|Tomb Raider on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance is incredible}}, {{YouTubeVideo|mpNWEbZdXNw|How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance}}
* martin korth: [https://problemkaputt.de/gbatek-contents.htm gbatek]
* [https://akkera102.sakura.ne.jp/gbadev/ akkera102.sakura gbadev (Japanese)]
* [https://gbadev.net/gbadoc/ gbadev - gbadoc]
* [https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/GBA_Development/Resources WikiBooks - GBA Development Resources]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:ARM-based consoles]]
[[Category:consoles]]
[[Category:Backward-compatible consoles]]
[[Category:Discontinued handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles]]

Preservation projects

2025-04-07T17:39:49Z

MysticChromium: /* Preservation projects */ BlueMaxima's Flashpoint has working builds for Linux (x86 only) and macOS

{{WIP}}
<blockquote>
"...So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay."
- Robert Frost (1874-1963)</blockquote>
Over the years, technology has been rapidly evolving. Things that were once considered "new" or "innovating" can quickly become "old" or "outdated" over time. These changes can happen in a lot of ways, but overall as time goes on all things are at risk of disappearing someday. While it may seem like an impossible (and sometimes pointless) task, that hasn't stopped many people from taking it upon themselves to preserve what others would consider to be not as important. While there are many aspects with respect to preservation in general, emulation plays a key role in preserving software by documenting and allowing old programs to run on modern devices (because what's the point of archiving a bunch of old games if you have no way of playing them!). Because emulation is often associated with preservation, this page is meant to highlight some other projects that have similar goals relating to video games and technology, some of which can even be used in conjunction with emulation.

<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
|'''Our mission is to preserve video games. If you are an EU citizen you can help us in our mission by signing the Stop Killing Games EU initiative! Please [https://eci.ec.europa.eu/045/public/ Sign Now]'''.
|-
|See [https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/2024/12/02/dolphin-progress-report-release-2412/#whats-up-with-the-blue-banner this page] for more information.
|}
</div>

==Preservation projects==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
! scope="col"|Preserves the following software
|-
|[https://www.retro-exo.com/exodos_M.html eXoDOS]
|Windows ||6.0 ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|DOS games
|-
|[http://www.totaldoscollection.org/ Total DOS Collection]
|Online ||22 ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|DOS games
|-
|[https://www.goodolddays.net The Good Old Days]
|Online || ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Floppy disc games
|-
|[https://www.betaarchive.com BetaArchive]
|Online || ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Alphas and betas of different software including games (to download their files, a user must contribute something they don't have to their database), as well as abandonware
|-
|[https://www.retro-exo.com/win3x_M.html eXoWin3x]
|Windows ||2.0 ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Windows 3x games
|-
|[https://www.retro-exo.com/rlp_M.html Retro Learning Pack]
|Windows || ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|MS-DOS & Windows 3.1 educational software
|-
|[https://www.retro-exo.com/scummvm_M.html eXoScummVM]
|Windows || ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|ScummVM games
|-
|[https://www.retro-exo.com/appleIIGS_M.html eXoAppleIIGS]
|Windows ||1.0 ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Apple IIGS games & apps
|-
|[[Flashpoint]]
|Windows Linux (x86) macOS ||{{FlashpointVer}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Flash and other web games
|-
|[https://bluemaxima.org/instance_archive/ instance_archive();]
|Windows ||15/10/2021 ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|GameMaker games
|-
|[[Kahvibreak]]
|Windows Linux ||{{Kahvibreak}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|[[Cellphone_emulators#Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME)|J2ME]] games
|-
|[https://pleasuredome.github.io/pleasuredome/ Pleasuredome]
|Windows ||{{MAMEVer}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|MAME & Non-MAME romsets
|-
|[https://amigan.yatho.com Emerson Arcadia 2001 Central]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Signetics 2650-based machines
(Interton VC 4000, Elektor TV Games Computer, etc.)
|-
|[https://www.intvfunhouse.com INTV Funhouse]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Intellivision fun facts, tips & pics!
|-
|[https://myrient.erista.me Myrient]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|A reenvisioning of video game preservation
|-
|[https://www.gametdb.com/ GameTDB]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Box art for GCN, NDS, 3DS, Wii, Wii U, and PS3
|-
|[https://hshop.erista.me hShop]
|3DS ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|The ultimate 3DS content website, shouldn't be confused with revival projects
|-
|[https://ghosteshop.com/ Ghost eShop]
|3DS ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|The ultimate 3DS content website, shouldn't be confused with revival projects
|-
|[https://archive.sudomemo.net/ Flipnote Archive]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|[[Wikipedia:Flipnote_Studio#Flipnote_Hatena|Nintendo's Flipnote Hatena]] Only for archiving of Flipnote animations posted to Flipnote Hatena before it closed, shouldn't be confused with revival projects
|-
|[https://archiverse.guide/faq Archiverse]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|[[Wikipedia:Miiverse|Nintendo's Miiverse]] Only for archiving of Miiverse data before it closed, shouldn't be confused with revival projects
|-
|[https://oscwii.org/ Open Shop Channel]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Homebrew apps library for the Wii
|-
|[https://mariocube.xyz/ MarioCube]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Rare files for Wii/GCN, WiiWare/Virtual Console WADs from Wii Shop Channel and more
|-
|[http://www.no-intro.org/ No-Intro]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Database of checksums for cartridge-based games
|-
|[http://redump.org/ Redump]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Database of checksums for disc-based games
|-
|[https://www.tosecdev.org/ TOSEC]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Database of checksums for disc and cartridge-based games
|-
|[https://hiddenpalace.org/ Hidden Palace]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Video game development media (such as prototypes, hardware, source code, artwork, and more)
|-
|[https://tcrf.net/The_Cutting_Room_Floor The Cutting Room Floor]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Dedicated to unearthing and researching unused and cut content from video games, from debug menus to unused music, graphics, enemies, or levels, many games have content never meant to be seen by anybody but the developers or even meant for everybody, but cut due to time/budget constraints
|-
|[https://lostmediawiki.com/ LostMediaWiki]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Pieces of lost or hard to find media (whether it be video, audio or otherwise)
|-
|[https://discord.gg/bYVJ8AEgVq Rchive]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Downloadable Roblox games from 2006-2017
|-
|[https://discord.gg/EZVZPJhdVz The Roblox Lost Media Project]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Pieces of lost or hard to find media relating to Roblox (whether it be video, audio or otherwise)
|-
|[https://valvearchive.com/ Valve Archive]
|Online ||N/A ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|Pieces of lost or hard to find media relating to Valve (whether it be video, audio or otherwise)
|}
</div>

==Revival Projects==
As the internet has become more readily available over time, a lot of companies have experimented with adding online services to their products (see [[Early online services]]). However, because of how dependent these features can be on a single company or server they are at high risk of disappearing once the service gets shut down. [[#Private Game Servers]], especially for MMOs are at risk as the entirety of the game is based on playing online. If the game has no way of allowing the user to host their own private server then once the service ends, so does the game. This will especially be a problem in the future as more and more games are becoming more dependent on online services. Other than MMOs, private game server revive projects (or server emulators) particularly important for preserving online experiences in AAA games where big publishers are already notorious for using intrusive [[Copy_protection|copy protection]], acquiring IPs and developers and then turning them to zombies, instead of using or turning their games to P2P-based online infastructure they are shutting down their own custom/private servers. Revival projects ensure these kind of online experiences, aren't lost to history. Depending on interest and importance, there has been a surprising amount of fans who have come together to keep a service and/or game experience alive.

===Private Platform Servers===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col" colspan=2|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Official Servers/Active
! scope="col"|'''Revived?'''
! scope="col"|'''Revive Group(s)/Communities'''
! scope="col"|'''Revived Platform(s)'''
|-
|colspan=2 | Steam's online features
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Mac}}
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|[https://gitlab.com/Mr_Goldberg/goldberg_emulator Goldberg Emulator] [[#LAN_Tunneling_Programs|(uses multiplayer over LAN)]]
|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Games_for_Windows_–_Live|Games for Windows – Live]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} As of 2023, users are unable to login to Games for Windows Live through the GFWL Marketplace. The in-game overlay, however, still works fully on all games already owned either digitally or retail, with long login times ranging from 1-5 minutes.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Games_for_Windows_%E2%80%93_Live#History]
|WIP
|[https://gitlab.com/GlitchyScripts/xlivelessness XLiveLessNess]
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Xbox Live#Xbox 360|Game Room]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360}}
|{{✗}} Game Room was removed from digital storefronts with servers for the game being shut down on October 31, 2017. Offline modes are still playable though if you have the service installed with DLCs.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
| colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Game_Center|Game Center]] Achievements, Challenges, Leaderboards etc.
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
| colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Google_Play_Games|Google Play Games]] [[Wikipedia:Google_Play_Services|Google Play Services]] Achievements, Challenges, Leaderboards etc.
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
| colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Ovi_(Nokia)|Ovi]] Sync, Store etc.
|align=left|{{Icon|Symbian}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
| colspan=2 | [[wikipedia:N-Gage_(service)|N-Gage (service)]] [[Early_online_services#Arena_.28N-Gage.29|N-Gage Arena]] Sync, matchmaking, social features etc.
|align=left|[[N-Gage]]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection#WiiConnect24|WiiConnect24]] and [[Wikipedia:WiiConnect24#Channels|channels]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii}}
|{{✗}} On June 27, 2013, WiiConnect24 service features were globally terminated. On January 30, 2019, Nintendo shut down the Wii Shop Channel and removed all WiiWare, Virtual Console games, and other Wii Channels from sale or initial download.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.wiilink24.com/ WiiLink24] (formerly [https://rc24.xyz/ RiiConnect24]) [https://github.com/WiiMart WiiMart]
|{{Icon|Wii}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Flipnote_Studio|Flipnote Hatena]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|Web}}
|{{✗}} An online service, titled Flipnote Hatena, allowed users to share Flipnote animations from Flipnote Studio with others online through an online platform. It was shut down on May 31, 2013.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.sudomemo.net/ Sudomemo]
|{{Icon|NDS|3DS|Web}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Nintendo_eShop|Nintendo eShop]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU|Switch|Switch2}}
|{{~}} The ability to purchase, download, and play new content on the Nintendo eShop for the Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS was discontinued for the rest of the world on March 27, 2023. Servers only active for Switch platform at the moment, and it will be active for Switch 2 as well.[https://www.theverge.com/news/641966/nintendo-eshop-smooth-switch-2]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Nintendo_Zone|Nintendo Zone]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|{{~}} This application has been discontinued worldwide, but all other Nintendo Zone functionality remains.
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/MegaPika/SatellaZone SatellaZone]
|{{Icon|3DS}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|Wii}}
|{{✗}} On May 20, 2014, at 7:30 PM PT, Nintendo ended the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service.
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiimmfi.de/stat?m=25 Wiimmfi] [https://github.com/barronwaffles/dwc_network_server_emulator AltWFC (Open Source)] [https://wfc.wiilink24.com/online WiiLink WFC (WIP)] [https://kaeru.world/projects/wfc Kaeru WFC]
|{{Icon|NDS|Wii}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Flipnote_Studio_3D#Online_services|Flipnote Gallery: World]] for [[Wikipedia:Flipnote_Studio_3D|Flipnote Studio 3D]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://gallery.kaeru.world/setup kaeru gallery] [https://kaeru.world/kw/setup kaeru]
|{{Icon|3DS}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Early_online_services#GameSpy|GameSpy]]
|align=left|Various
|{{✗}} It was shut down on [[Wikipedia:GameSpy|May 31, 2014]].
|{{✓}}
|[http://beta.openspy.net/ OpenSpy]
|Various
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Nintendo Network]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|{{✗}} On October 4, 2023, Nintendo announced the discontinuation of the service by early April 2024. It was shut down on April 9, 2024.
|WIP
|[https://gbatemp.net/threads/wip-pretendo-custom-wiiu-servers.495597/ Pretendo]
|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Miitomo|Miitomo]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|Android|}}
|{{✗}} It was ultimately discontinued on May 9, 2018.
|{{✓}}
|[https://kaeru.world/projects/kaerutomo Kaerutomo]
|{{Icon|iOS|Android}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Miiverse|Miiverse Network]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|{{✗}} Discontinued on November 8, 2017.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/Rverse_3DS rverse][https://sites.google.com/site/mvclonapedia/articles/clones/juxt Juxtaposition (Pretendo)]
|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Nintendo Switch Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Switch2}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20201103044650/https://raptor.network/ Raptor Network] (Offline)
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:PlayOnline|PlayOnline]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360|PS2}}
|{{~}} The termination date for Final Fantasy XI and PlayOnline on PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 was March 2016, with only the PC version of Final Fantasy XI still supported.
|WIP?[https://youtu.be/BFNT8NUcxC8][https://old.reddit.com/r/ffxi/comments/17xm241/do_you_think_a_ffxi_ps2_private_server_will_ever/]
|?
|?
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:PlayStation_Broadband_Navigator|PlayStation Broadband Navigator]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} Service for PlayStation 2‘s Broadband Navigator [https://www.gematsu.com/2016/03/ps2-broadband-navigator-end-service-march-31 end in Japan on March 31 2016], Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia announced.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[PlayStation Network]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|PS4|PS5}}{{Icon|PSP|Vita}}
|{{✓}}
|WIP
|[[PlayStation_Network#PlayStation_3|RPCN]] (P2P match-making) [https://psrewired.com/ PS Rewired] [https://discord.gg/kS9CJhjq9C PS3 REBORN] [https://github.com/PSOnlineReturnalGaming PSORG Revival] [https://github.com/hashsploit/clank clank] [https://github.com/Jump-Suit/hyenas hyenas]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[PlayStation_Network#PlayStation_Home|Playstation Home]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}}
|WIP
|[https://web.destinationhome.live/ Destination Home]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[PlayStation_Network#Life_with_PlayStation|Life with PlayStation]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[PlayStation Mobile]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Vita}}
|{{✗}} The service completely shutting down on September 10, 2015. Games were available to devices via the PlayStation Store.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[PlayStation_Network|PlayStation Now]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS4|PS5|Windows}}
|{{~}} With the expansion of the PlayStation Plus service to offer additional tiers in May–June 2022, the standalone PlayStation Now subscription was shut down, but its services were incorporated into the PlayStation Plus Premium tier.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[wikipedia:Room_for_PlayStation_Portable|PlayStation Room]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:SpotPass_and_StreetPass|SpotPass/StreetPass]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|{{✗}} On October 4, 2023, Nintendo announced the SpotPass service would be discontinued by April 2024. It was later revealed that it would shut down on April 8, 2024, at 4 pm PDT.
|WIP<ref>[https://pretendo.network/blog/5-19-24#streetpass-relay Pretendo project #streetpass-relay]. There is also a dedicated preservation project for this called "[https://spotpassarchive.github.io/ SpotPass Archive]".</ref>
|[https://pretendo.network Pretendo]
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[VTech Learning Lodge]]
|align=left|?
|?
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Early_online_services#Wireplay|Wireplay]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✗}} The service endured for a time but was finally [[Wikipedia:Wireplay|shut down in 2014]].
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Xbox_Live|Xbox Live/Xbox network]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|360|XB1|SXS}}
|{{~}} Xbox Live for the original Xbox was discontinued by Microsoft on April 15, 2010. On July 29, 2024, Xbox will stop supporting the ability to purchase new games, DLC, and other entertainment content from the Xbox 360 Store on the console and the Xbox 360 Marketplace.
|WIP
|[[Xbox_Live|Insignia]] [[Xbox_Live|Xenia WebServices]] (P2P match-making)
|{{Icon|Xbox|360}}
|-
|rowspan=4| Clients
|[[Wikipedia:YouTube|YouTube]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✓}} Latest clients online, but older clients offline
|{{✓}}
|TubeFixer (iOS) yt2009 (Web API), [https://www.mediafire.com/folder/ufbdncy1h6tve/YT2009-PATCHED Android]) [https://forum.spacehey.com/topic?id=90895 more]
|
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Instagram|Instagram]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✓}} Newer clients online, but older clients offline
|{{~}}
|LegacyIGN DialedUp Lunar
|
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Twitter|X/Twitter]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✓}} API 2.0 and partial 1.1 API online, but older APIs offline
|{{~}}
|[https://docs.owler.cloud Owler] (2007 Twitter clone with v1.0 API replication, meaning all clients up to late 2012 work with patches)
|
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Facebook|Facebook]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✓}} Facebook has a surprisingly good compatibility with apps as old as 2012 still working.
|{{~}}
|[https://spiritaccount.net Spirit Account] (Facebook replacement for deactivated FB apps and discontinued FB web games. It provides a basic recreation of the [https://developers.facebook.com/docs/graph-api/ Facebook Graph API] and supports iOS, Android, and all of the Facebook SDK(s) with patches. Currently it has no support for social posts)
|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Windows|Web}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Netflix|Netflix]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web|Android|iOS}}{{Icon|PS2|Wii||3DS|PS3|360}}{{Icon|PSV|PS4|XB1|PS5|SXS}} and [[Smart_TV_emulators|smart TVs]]
|{{~}} PS2, Wii and 3DS versions became defunct. PS3 version is unknown.
|{{?}}
|
|
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Early_online_services#Xfire|Xfire]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web|Windows}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.xf1re.com/ xf1re]
|{{Icon|Web|Windows}}
|}
</div>

===Private Game Servers===
Strictly, a private server is any machine or virtual machine used as a server that is privately administrated. Colloquially the term is nearly-exclusively used to refer to independently operated, unofficial servers for video games. These shouldn't be confused with [[Netplay#LAN_tunneling_programs|LAN tunneling (LAN multiplayer over internet)]] and offline multiplayer gaming over LAN/local connection. [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|P2P infrastructure]] based games are included for informational purposes regarding their availability, even if the primary focus might be on the private servers. While some games listed below use [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|peer-to-peer]] (P2P) infrastructure, they might have private servers for authentication phase and just because a game has a dedicated private server for online feature support doesn't mean it has matchmaking capable. There are various online features for games such as: Leaderboards, User Generated Content, Clans etc. Some games might only support some of the [[#Private_Platform_Servers|platform service]] functionalities such as [https://x.com/Insignia_Live/status/1551570707754078208 Live Aware] from Xbox Live. (e.g. Red Dead Revolver, Neighbours from Hell etc.)

Remember, for online feature supported games that do not supports online matchmaking or lacking revived private servers, LAN multiplayer can still be an option if the game supports it. You can use [[Netplay#LAN_tunneling_programs|LAN tunneling]] software to play with your friends over the internet. If none of these available consider local co-op option if the game supports it, especially with [[Netplay#Streaming_programs|streaming software]] for playing with your friends over the internet.

;[[Talk:Preservation_projects#Adding_new_titles_to_private_game_servers_section|Take a look at this]] before adding a game to this list.

<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s) (Only online feature supported ones)
! scope="col"|Official Servers/Active
! scope="col"|'''Revived?'''
! scope="col"|'''Revive Group/Community'''
! scope="col"|'''Revived Platform(s)'''
|- id="#"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''#''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:2006_FIFA_World_Cup_(video_game)|2006 FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup: Germany 2006]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|PSP|Xbox|Windows|360}}
|{{✗}} Servers down.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:2010_FIFA_World_Cup_South_Africa_(video_game)|2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} Servers down.[https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/985986-2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/62201175]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:4x4_Evo#Multiplayer|4x4 Evolution]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Dreamcast}}
|{{✗}} Servers shut down on July 16th, 2011. The Dreamcast version of the game will support up to four players online and the PC and Mac versions will allow up to eight players over Internet or LAN connections. The game will use GameSpy's "peer to peer" technology to support Internet multiplayer options between all of the platforms.[https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/31/4x4-evolution-announced]
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/4x4-evolution/ DreamcastLive]
|{{Icon|Dreamcast}}
|- id="A"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''A''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Aion_(video_game)|Aion Aion: The Tower of Eternity]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|[https://goldaion.com/ GoldAion]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Allods_Online|Allods Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|[https://forum.ragezone.com/threads/allods-online-1-1-02-0-server-client.1222905/ ?]
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Alien_Swarm|Alien Swarm]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|[https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Alien_Swarm_Dedicated_Server Various]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Anthem_(video_game)|Anthem]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✓}} BioWare announced on February 24, 2021, that they were discontinuing any future work on Anthem, though will continue to support the live servers for the immediate future, while the developers on the game would be transitioned to Mass Effect and Dragon Age titles. Bloomberg reported that this decision partially led EA and BioWare to cancel the multiplayer elements that had been planned in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, instead focusing that game as a single-player experience.[https://www.ea.com/games/anthem/live-status]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:APB:_All_Points_Bulletin|APB: All Points Bulletin APB: Reloaded]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:ArcheAge|ArcheAge ArcheAge: Unchained]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{~}} The game was released in Korea on January 15, 2013, and in Europe and North America on September 16, 2014. ArcheAge: Unchained was announced in August 2019 and launched on Steam and Glyph on October 15, 2019 and got merged with the base game in November 2023 with all the characters and items transferred. On April 25, 2024, Kakao Games announced that Archeage servers in North America and Europe would close effective June 27, 2024.[https://www.reddit.com/r/archeage/comments/1ccpkun/archage_naeu_closing_effective_june_27_2024/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.aa-classic.com/Main_Page ArcheAge Classic Server]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:ATV_Offroad_Fury:_Blazin'_Trails|ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LRa0uC0LePZF_szr4hQQ4PiC2nbTig0Il_2t8vHQx7k/edit?gid=0#gid=0 PSORG]
|{{Icon|PSP}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Aura_Kingdom|Aura Kingdom]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|[https://aurakingdom.to/ AuraKingdom.to]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[https://avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Legends_of_the_Arena Avatar: Legends of the Arena]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Servers closed in 2013.
|WIP
|[https://discord.com/channels/334781049106333696/334781049106333696 LegendsOfTheArena Discord channel]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|- id="B"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''B''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Batman:_Arkham_Origins|Batman: Arkham Origins]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} On December 4, 2016, the online services for Arkham Origins were officially retired. Despite this, the servers remained available for PC and Playstation. As of January 2021, it appears that you can no longer find matches on PC or Playstation matchmaking.[https://arkhamcity.fandom.com/wiki/Batman:_Arkham_Origins_Multiplayer][https://youtu.be/gYyjl3TmaME?t=951]
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/KiwifruitDev/arkham-revived Arkham: Revived]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_1942|Battlefield 1942]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Mac}}
|{{✗}} Battlefield 1942's master server [https://old.reddit.com/r/Battlefield/comments/sysany/battlefield_1942_master_server_list_offline/ shutdown in 2014].
|{{✓}}
|[http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/bfield1942 OpenSpy]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_2|Battlefield 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} On June 30, 2014, the multiplayer master server was shut down [https://web.archive.org/web/20201118162916/https://www.ea.com/service-updates alongside other GameSpy-powered titles].
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.bf2hub.com/home/index.php BF2Hub] [http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/battlefield2 OpenSpy]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_2142|Battlefield 2142]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Mac}}
|{{✗}} In July 2014, all online components (including Singleplayer) of the game were deactivated following the shutdown of GameSpy.
|{{✓}}
|[https://battlefield2142.co/ BF2142 Reclamation] [http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/stella OpenSpy]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_2:_Modern_Combat|Battlefield 2: Modern Combat]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox|360}}
|{{✗}} Multiplayer on Xbox was shut down on April 15, 2010. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180320091311/https://www.ea.com/service-updates/2014 All Xbox, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 2 servers are offline].
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]](PS2) Unknown(Xbox 360)(WIP)<ref name=BF2MC>Right now we have the game server for BF2MC for the PS2 and XBOX, but the XBOX 360 is missing. But only PS2 game servers are online, recommended to join [https://bf2mc.com/ BF2MC] community. The XBOX is missing because we need help integration with the xbox live services/[https://insignia.live/#games Insignia] project.[https://discord.com/channels/308194948048486401/1173434194525950062/1259497028979789885] Members of the [https://discord.gg/battlefield-modding-581583269615894578 Battlefield modding-Frostbite 1] discord channel are working on revive server for Xbox 360 version of Battlefield 2: Modern Combat title.</ref> Insignia(Xbox)(WIP)<ref name=BF2MC></ref>
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_1943|Battlefield 1943]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|XB1|SXS}}
|{{✗}} Servers for Battlefield 1943 [https://www.ea.com/games/battlefield/legacy-sunset will be shut down on December 8, 2023].
|WIP
|[https://github.com/valters-tomsons/arcadia arcadia]<ref name=Frostbite1>Members of the [https://discord.gg/battlefield-modding-581583269615894578 Battlefield modding-Frostbite 1] discord channel are working on keeping of Battlefield 1943 and Battlefield Bad Company titles [https://old.reddit.com/r/Battlefield1943/comments/14ba41x/bf1943_servers_are_shutting_down_is_there_any/jswxq7e/ alive]. There is a separate project for emulating EA Plasma backend services/Battlefield games built on the Frostbite 1.x engine, called [https://github.com/valters-tomsons/arcadia arcadia project] but it is in work-in-progress stage. Another project, [https://github.com/wildmaster84/SimpleSocket/tree/bf1943 SimpleSocket's bf1943 branch] will contain the code for the Battlefield EU server.[https://discord.com/channels/308194948048486401/1173434194525950062/1261172014056472637] Also there is a project called "BF_MasterServer" (fork of NFSC_MasterServer) for EA theater/plasma/messager backend. Lastly, [https://github.com/BattleDash/FrostbiteServer FrostbiteServer] project for being built specifically for STAR WARS Battlefront II, but there is a potential that it can be somewhat adapted to other games running on the engine in the future.</ref>
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_3|Battlefield 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}}
|{{~}} Servers for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 will be shutdown on November 7th 2024.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h] On Windows servers are still active.[https://www.reddit.com/r/battlefield3/comments/yl8hcx/is_bf3_still_active_on_pc/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://veniceunleashed.net/ Venice Unleashed]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[https://battlefield.fandom.com/wiki/Battlefield_3:_Aftershock Battlefield 3: Aftershock]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|{{✗}} It was released for free on the US App Store and was later pulled from the App Store with servers shut down on March 31, 2012 due to negative reception.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_4|Battlefield 4]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows|PS4|XB1}}
|{{~}} Servers for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 will be shutdown on November 7th 2024.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h] On Windows servers are still active.
|{{✓}}
|[https://warsaw.gg/ Warsaw Revamped]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_Hardline|Battlefield Hardline]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows|PS4|XB1}}
|{{~}} Servers for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 will be shutdown on November 7th 2024.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h] On Windows servers are still active.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_Vietnam|Battlefield Vietnam]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} On June 30, 2014, the multiplayer master server was shut down [https://web.archive.org/web/20201118162916/https://www.ea.com/service-updates alongside other GameSpy-powered titles].
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.gameranger.com/games/ GameRanger] [http://beta.openspy.net/en/server-list/bfvietnam OpenSpy]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_Bad_Company|Battlefield Bad Company]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|XB1|SXS}}
|{{✗}} Servers for Battlefield Bad Company [https://www.ea.com/games/battlefield/legacy-sunset will be shut down on December 8, 2023].
|WIP
|[https://github.com/valters-tomsons/arcadia arcadia]<ref name=Frostbite1></ref>
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_Bad_Company 2|Battlefield Bad Company 2]] [[Wikipedia:Battlefield:_Bad_Company_2#Vietnam|Battlefield Bad Company 2: Vietnam]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|XB1|SXS}}
|{{✗}} Servers for Battlefield Bad Company 2 [https://www.ea.com/games/battlefield/legacy-sunset will be shut down on December 8, 2023].
|{{✓}}
|[https://veniceunleashed.net/project-rome Project Rome] [https://github.com/Tratos/BFBC2_MasterServer Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Master Server Emulator]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_Heroes|Battlefield Heroes]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} [https://www.ea.com/news/update-on-a-few-of-our-free-to-play-pc-games Went offline on 14 July 2015], alongside fellow EA free-to-play titles Battlefield Play4Free, Need for Speed: World, and FIFA World.
|{{✓}}
|[https://risinghub.net/ Rising Hub] [https://phoenixheroes.net/ Phoenix Heroes]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlefield_Play4Free|Battlefield Play4Free]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} [https://www.ea.com/news/update-on-a-few-of-our-free-to-play-pc-games Went offline on 14 July 2015], alongside fellow EA free-to-play titles Battlefield Heroes, Need for Speed: World, and FIFA World.
|{{✓}}
|[https://phoenixplay4free.net/ Phoenix Play4Free]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlestations:_Midway#Multiplayer|Battlestations: Midway]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|360}}
|{{~}} Since December 2012 GameSpy closed down all their support for Battlestations: Midway. Players trying to play the Multiplayer (powered by GameSpy) are getting only error messages. Xbox 360 version multiplayer playable.[https://youtu.be/r3gzMArDDdA?t=624]
|{{✓}}
|[http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/bsmidwaypc OpenSpy] (PC) [https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](needs testing)
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Battlestations:_Pacific#Multiplayer|Battlestations: Pacific]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|360}}
|{{~}} Windows version used GFWL.[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Battlestations:_Pacific] Xbox 360 version multiplayer playable.[https://youtu.be/r3gzMArDDdA?t=664]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Black_Desert_Online|Black Desert Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|XB1|PS4}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Blade_%26_Soul|Blade & Soul]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|[https://discord.com/invite/dr7Z64r78V BNSPVP]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Blur_(video_game)|Blur]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Reports of PC server closure appeared since 2013.
|{{✓}}
|[https://amax-emu.com/ Amax Emu] [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Blur#Special_Notes Amax Emu] (RPCS3)
|{{Icon|PS3|Windows}}

|-
|[[Wikipedia:Brothers_in_Arms:_Hell's_Highway|Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Both PC and home console versions servers depends on GameSpy so it went offline.
|{{✓}}
|[http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/birhhpc OpenSpy] (PC)<ref name=BiA>Recommended to join Brothers in Arms series [https://discord.com/channels/717843402401513502/719349149044310087/865905902246821908 dedicated discord channel] for multiplayer events.</ref> [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Brothers_in_Arms:_Hell%27s_Highway#Patches OpenSpy] (RPCS3)
|{{Icon|PS3|Windows}}

|-
|[[Wikipedia:Brothers_in_Arms:_Earned_in_Blood|Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Xbox|PS2}}
|{{✗}} GameSpy.
|{{✓}}
|[http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/birhhpc OpenSpy] (PC)<ref name=BiA></ref> [https://insignia.live/games/5553005a Insignia] (Xbox)
|{{Icon|Windows|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Brothers_in_Arms:_Road_to_Hill_30|Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Xbox|PS2}}
|{{✗}} The online multiplayer aspect was shut down forever so your only choice now its using revive servers or [[Netplay#LAN_tunneling_programs|LAN tunneling options]].
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/5553003c Insignia]<ref name=BiA></ref>
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Burnout_Paradise|Burnout Paradise]] Burnout Paradise Remastered
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}}{{Icon|PS4|XB1|Switch}}
|{{~}} The online service for the original version of the game was permanently discontinued in August 2019. The remastered version for Nintendo Switch with refreshed online servers was released on 19 June 2020.
|WIP?
|[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1173434194525950062/1259141824476352593/image.png?ex=668a9ab4&is=66894934&hm=39cefe8f8f74458c172dbf28a84a50bbce7dc1fcb70bccb8e9aeca7b64201b85& ?]
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Burnout_Revenge|Burnout Revenge]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|PS2}}{{Icon|360}}
|{{✗}} The online servers for Burnout Revenge were shut down for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox on September 1, 2007. The Xbox 360 servers were shut down on October 24, 2012.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|- id="C"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''C''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Calling_All_Cars!|Calling All Cars!]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} The servers for Calling All Cars! [https://web.archive.org/web/20110524161254/http://uk.playstation.com/ps2/support/games/detail/item97821/Support-for-online-game-features/ were taken offline in January 2010].
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.psone.online/home PSONE]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Call_of_Duty_(video_game)|Call of Duty]] Call of Duty: Classic
|align=left|{{Icon|360|PS3|Windows|macOS}}
|{{✓}} Game online infastructure is [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|P2P-based]] so it's playable.
|{{✓}}
|[https://cod.pm/ COD.PM] [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Call_of_Duty_Classic#Netplay_testing RPCN] (RPCS3) [http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/callofduty OpenSpy] (PC)
|{{Icon|Windows|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Call_of_Duty:_Finest_Hour|Call of Duty: Finest Hour]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} The servers for Call of Duty Finest Hour on the PlayStation 2 have just been discontinued by GameSpy.[https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/11any9/call_of_duty_finest_hour_ps2_servers_are_dead/]
|{{✓}}
|[http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/ps2-dns/callofdutyps2 OpenSpy] (PS2) [[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]] (PS2) [https://insignia.live/games/4156002a Insignia]
|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Call_of_Duty_2|Call of Duty 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|360|Windows|MacOS}}
|{{✓}} Game online infastructure is [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|P2P-based]] on Xbox 360[https://old.reddit.com/r/PS3/comments/17q06jx/are_there_games_whose_multiplayer_is_still_active/] and PC so it's playable.
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices] [http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/callofduty2 OpenSpy] (PC)
|{{Icon|Windows|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Call_of_Duty_2:_Big_Red_One|Call of Duty 2: Big Red One]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} The servers for Call of Duty 2: Big Red One on the PlayStation 2 have just been discontinued by GameSpy.
|{{✓}}
|[http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/ps2-dns/codbigredps2 OpenSpy] (PS2) [[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]] (PS2) [https://insignia.live/games/41560051 Insignia]
|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Call_of_Duty_3|Call of Duty 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{~}} Game online infastructure is [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|P2P-based]] on seventh-gen home consoles[https://old.reddit.com/r/PS3/comments/17q06jx/are_there_games_whose_multiplayer_is_still_active/] so it's playable, but it needs custom server for authentication process[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Call_of_Duty_3#Netplay_testing]. For sixth-gen home console versions you need to use revive projects.
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia) [[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]] [https://insignia.live/games/4156005d Insignia]
|{{Icon|360|PS2|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Call_of_Duty_4:_Modern_Warfare|Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare]] Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Reflex Edition
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows|MacOS|Wii}}
|{{~}} Home console versions multiplayer servers still active today. Steam/1.8 version needs [https://cod4x.ovh/ CoD4X] to join most of the dedicated servers. If you have physical copy and updated to 1.7 version you can still join some of the compatible vanilla dedicated servers. You need gecko code to play on Wii[https://old.reddit.com/r/WiiHacks/comments/hqn182/call_of_duty_multiplayer_error_23400_fix/] but servers down[https://discord.com/channels/609222104801607753/730631232546799617] and because the game uses different servers, WFC revival projects are incompatible.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.gameranger.com/games/ GameRanger] [https://cod4x.ovh/ CoD4X] ''CoD Nintendo''<ref name=CoDNintendo>Join the "[https://discord.com/channels/609222104801607753/730631232546799617 CoD Nintendo]" discord group to stay up-to-date on news about Call of Duty revival projects for the Wii or DS version.</ref> [https://github.com/Demonware-Custom-Server/demonware-cod4 demonware-cod4] (WIP?)
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Call_of_Duty:_World_at_War|Call of Duty: World at War]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows|Wii}}
|{{~}} Home console versions still have multiplayer enabled. For physical Windows or Steam version if you have already a profile registered with keys you can still join dedicated servers using master server list but if you try to register a new profile there is no way to play multiplayer anymore due to physical Windows copies and steam versions ran out of keys so you need to use revive projects. You need gecko code to play on Wii[https://old.reddit.com/r/WiiHacks/comments/hqn182/call_of_duty_multiplayer_error_23400_fix/] but servers down[https://discord.com/channels/609222104801607753/730631232546799617] and because the game uses different servers, WFC revival projects are incompatible.
|{{✓}}
|[https://plutonium.pw/docs/install/ Plutonium] ''CoD Nintendo''<ref name=CoDNintendo></ref>
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Call_of_Duty:_Modern_Warfare_2|Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}} {{Icon|XB1}}
|{{✓}} Vanilla servers are still up.
|{{✓}}
|[https://xlabs-mirror.github.io/support_iw4x_client IW4x] [https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)
|{{Icon|Windows|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Call_of_Duty:_Black_Ops|Call of Duty: Black Ops]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Wii|Windows}}{{Icon|NDS}}
|{{~}} DS and Wii servers down and because the game uses different servers, WFC revival projects are incompatible. Servers on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 are still up.
|{{✓}}
|[https://plutonium.pw/docs/install/#t5-black-ops-1 plutonium] ''CoD Nintendo''<ref name=CoDNintendo></ref>
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Call_of_Juarez:_Bound_in_Blood|Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}}
|{{~}} The servers were [https://www.truetrophies.com/n9637/servers-shut-down-for-five-ubisoft-titles-in-september-update shutdown in September 2016]. However according to [https://old.reddit.com/r/xbox360/comments/uy0n5x/does_anyone_know_if_the_servers_for_call_of/ia1e86a/ recent Reddit user report] "ranked matches" still works.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.gameranger.com/games/ GameRanger]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:CityVille|CityVille]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✗}} CityVille was [https://www.valuewalk.com/zynga-closing-down-cityville-april/ shut down on April 30, 2015].
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Champions_Online|Champions Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Chromehounds|Chromehounds]]
|align=left|{{Icon|360}}
|{{✗}} The game's online servers were shut down in January 2010.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:ChuChu_Rocket!|ChuChu Rocket!]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC}}
|{{✗}} Sega's online services have long shut down.
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/chuchu-rocket/ DreamcastLive] [https://github.com/TheArcadeStriker/flycast-wiki/wiki/DCNet#currently-supported-games DCnet]
|{{Icon|DC}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Maid_Marian_Entertainment|Club Marian]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{?}} [https://www.maidmarian.com/ClubMarianLanding.htm Official Website] is still up.
|{{~}}
|[[Flashpoint]]
|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Club_Penguin|Club Penguin]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✗}} On January 30, 2017, it was announced that the game would be discontinued on March 29, 2017, later shut down its servers on March 30, 2017, at 12:01 AM PDT.
|{{✓}}
|[https://newcp.net/ New Club Penguin]
|{{Icon|Windows|Mac|Linux}} HTML5 version is currently WIP.
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Colin_McRae_Rally_04|Colin McRae Rally 04]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} Windows version uses GameSpy.
|{{✓}}
|[http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/cmr4pc OpenSpy] [https://insignia.live/games/434d0010 Insignia]
|{{Icon|Windows|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Colin_McRae_Rally_2005|Colin McRae Rally 2005]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} Windows and PS2 version uses GameSpy.
|{{✓}}
|[http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/ps2-dns/cmr5ps2 OpenSpy] (PS2) [[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]] (PS2) [http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/cmr5pc OpenSpy] (PC) [https://insignia.live/games/434d002b Insignia]
|{{Icon|Windows|PS2|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Command_%26_Conquer:_Red_Alert_2|Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}} In 2005, control of online play for Red Alert 2 and a number of older C&C games was [[Wikipedia:Command_%26_Conquer:_Red_Alert_2#Multiplayer|passed over from EA to XWIS]], a community-run server.
|{{✓}}
|[https://cncnet.org/red-alert-2 CnCNet]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Crash_Bandicoot:_On_the_Run!|Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|{{✗}} Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! was shut down on February 16, 2023
|{{✓}}
|[https://discord.gg/qhKmwecZRd Crash on the Run Preservation Project]
|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:The_Crew_(video_game)|The Crew]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS4|XB1}}{{Icon|360}}
|{{✗}} On December 14, 2023, Ubisoft announced that the servers will shut down after March 31, 2024, so the game is unplayable from now on.
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/The_Crew/comments/1bsdnji/a_server_emulator_for_the_crew_1_is_being_worked/ WIP]
|The Crew Unlimited
|N/A
|- id="D"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''D''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Dante's_Inferno_(video_game)#Trials_of_St._Lucia|Dante's Inferno (Trials of St. Lucia DLC)]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} The servers for Dante's Inferno were shut down.[https://answers.ea.com/t5/EA-Services-General-Questions/Unable-to-connect-to-server-for-Trials-of-St-Lucia-on-Dante-s/m-p/13298370]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Dead_Space_2|Dead Space 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} Electronic Arts is [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-will-shut-down-online-servers-for-these-12-games-by-the-end-of-the-year/1100-6516676/ shutting down the online servers for a number of older titles] including Dead Space 2 multiplayer by the end of the 2023.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[https://segaretro.org/Dee_Dee_Planet Dee Dee Planet]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC}}
|{{✗}} Sega's online services have long shut down.
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/dee-dee-planet/ DreamcastLive] [https://github.com/TheArcadeStriker/flycast-wiki/wiki/DCNet#currently-supported-games DCnet]
|{{Icon|DC}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Defiance_(video_game)#Server_closure|Defiance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} Official game servers, community forums, and social media outlets were shut down by owning company Gamigo on April 29, 2021.
|WIP
|[https://github.com/Decencies/defiance-server defiance-server]
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Delta_Force:_Xtreme_2|Delta Force: Xtreme 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{?}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.bcuveterans.co.uk/ BCU Veterans]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Demon's_Souls|Demon's Souls]] (2009)
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} On February 28, 2018, the servers for Demon’s Souls will be shut down. The game will remain fully playable, but online functionality such as in-game messaging, player death locations, and World Tendency features will stop working.[https://atlus.com/fond-farewell-demons-souls-servers/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://thearchstones.com/ The Archstones]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Destiny_(video_game)|Destiny]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}} {{Icon|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✓}} See [https://help.bungie.net/hc/en-us/articles/360049497531 this page] for PS3 and Xbox 360, [https://help.bungie.net/hc/en-us/articles/360049201951-Legacy-Support-for-Destiny-1-Activities this page] for PS4 and Xbox One.
|WIP
|[https://discord.com/invite/BFnbm2jyCD V4NGUARD]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Devil's_Third#Development|Devil's Third Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} In January 2017, Nexon announced that the free-to-play Devil's Third Online for Windows will be discontinued on March 29, 2017 at 11:00 am JST, only 9 months after the game's initial release. The Windows version was never released outside Japan.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:DJ_Hero|DJ Hero]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Wii}}
|{{~}} Only Xbox 360 servers are still up.[https://www.reddit.com/r/DjHero/comments/1e49gx2/comment/ldxlz3x/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button]
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=DJ_Hero#Netplay_testing Warehouse] (RPCN)
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:DJ_Hero_2|DJ Hero 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Wii}}
|{{?}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=DJ_Hero#Netplay_testing Warehouse] (RPCN)
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Diablo_III:_Reaper_of_Souls|Diablo III: Reaper of Souls]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Mac}} {{Icon||PS3|PS4}} {{Icon|360|XB1|SXS}} {{Icon|Switch}}
|{{✓}}
|WIP
|[https://github.com/blizzless/blizzless-diiis DiIiS Project]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[https://dragon-quest.org/wiki/Dragon_Quest_X Dragon Quest X: Mezameshi Itsutsu no Shuzoku Online]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|3DS|Windows|PS4|Switch|Android}}
|{{~}} The Wii version was discontinued on November 15th, 2017. The Wii U and 3DS versions were discontinued on March 20th, 2024. A completely offline version of the game that features the first and second versions of the game, with the latter as paid DLC, was released in Japan on September 15, 2022 and in Eastern Asia on May 28, 2024 with Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese translations.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Drift_City|Drift City]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{~}} On February 22, 2016, GamesCampus announced that the Drift City USA servers would close.On March 21, 2016, the USA server was shut down, although the Korean server is still playable. On April 2, 2021, Arario announced that the Drift City Evolution server would be closing. On May 1, 2021, the Japanese server closed and the only remaining official server is the Korean server, hosted by Masangsoft. 
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.driftcity.gg/ Drift City Remastered]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Driveclub|Driveclub]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS4}}
|{{✗}} The online servers for Driveclub were shut down on 31 March 2020.
|WIP
|[https://www.reddit.com/r/Driveclub/comments/18fdf8h/driveclub_rewritten_coming_soon/ Driveclub Rewritten]
|N/A
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20090613035445/http://fantasytennis.en.alaplaya.net/ Fantasy Tennis Fantasy Tennis 2]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20130730103813/http://fantasytennis.en.alaplaya.net/teasers/43931-ft-is-leaving-alaplaya Alaplaya shut down Fantasy Tennis/Fantasy Tennis 2 on February 8th 2013]. 
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.jftse.com/ JFTSE]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Dragalia_Lost|Dragalia Lost]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|{{✗}} Service for Dragalia Lost ended on November 29, 2022, at 10 PM PT.[https://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/z8k0pq/dragalia_lost_has_officially_ended_service/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://dawnshard.co.uk/ Dawnshard] [https://orchis.cherrymint.live/ Orchis]
|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Dragon's_Dogma_Online|Dragon's Dogma Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|PS4}}
|{{✗}} As of 2019, the servers have been shut down.
|{{✓}}
|[https://discord.com/invite/cgzks3X5VK DDON]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Dungeons_%26_Dragons_Online|Dungeons & Dragons Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS}}
|{{✓}} 
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|- id="E"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''E''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:EA_Sports_MMA|EA Sports MMA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} Servers shut down on April 13, 2012.[https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/960523-ea-sports-mma/62297998][https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:EA_Sports_UFC|EA Sports UFC]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✗}} As of December 2, 2019, the EA SPORTS UFC servers will be retired.[https://www.trueachievements.com/n39157/ea-sports-ufc-servers-closing]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:EA_Sports_UFC_2|EA Sports UFC 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✗}} Servers shut down on February 6, 2023.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Dust_514|Dust 514 EVE: Dust 514]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} The game was shut down on May 30, 2016.
|WIP[https://www.reddit.com/r/dust514/comments/sn1jt8/any_kind_of_revival_project_or_a_place_to_get_the/][https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Dust_514#Netplay_testing]
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/dust514/comments/1cs0iy9/dustmu_a_dust_514_server_emulator_wip_details_in/ N/A]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:The_Elder_Scrolls_Online|Elder Scrolls Online, The]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|PS4|PS5|XB1|SXS}}
|{{✓}} 
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Empire:_Total_War|Empire: Total War]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Linux}}
|{{✓}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?341061-DarthMod-Empire-Multiplayer-Steam-Group DarthMod Empire]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:ESPN_College_Hoops|ESPN College Hoops]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/53450024 Insignia]
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:ESPN_Major_League_Baseball_(video_game)|ESPN Major League Baseball]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/53450028 Insignia]
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:ESPN_NBA_Basketball_(video_game)|ESPN NBA Basketball NBA 2K4]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/53450023 Insignia] (NTSC)[https://insignia.live/games/5345002e Insignia] (PAL)
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:ESPN_NBA_2K5|ESPN NBA 2K5]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:ESPN_NFL_Football|ESPN NFL Football]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/53450022 Insignia] (NTSC)[https://insignia.live/games/5345002c Insignia] (PAL)
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:ESPN_NHL_Hockey|ESPN NHL Hockey]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/53450026 Insignia] (NTSC)[https://insignia.live/games/5345002d Insignia] (PAL)
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:EverQuest_Online_Adventures|EverQuest Online Adventures EverQuest Online Adventures: Frontiers]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} Shut down on March 29, 2012, after nine years of operation.
|{{✓}}
|[https://sandstorm.kiekko.tv/ Sandstorm]<ref>[https://discord.com/channels/467090401581334528/654777094076760065 EQOA Revival discord channel]</ref>
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Evolve_(video_game)|Evolve]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✗}} The game had briefly transitioned to become a free-to-play title known as Evolve Stage 2 before 2K Games shut down the game's dedicated servers in September 2018. 
|WIP
|[https://discord.com/invite/RcYd2JnkbB Evolve Reunited 2.0 Discord Server]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:E.X._Troopers|E.X. Troopers]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}<ref>3DS version of E.X. Troopers only supports local multiplayer.</ref>
|{{?}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=E.X._Troopers#Netplay_testing RPCN]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|- id="F"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''F''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:F-Zero_99|F-Zero 99]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|{{✓}} In a similar vein to Pac-Man 99, Super Mario Bros. 35, and Tetris 99 the game takes the gameplay of classic title and re-contextualizes it as a multiplayer battle royale.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Far_Cry_(video_game)|Far Cry]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Multiplayer online functionality dropped by Ubisoft in August 2015.[https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/help/purchases-and-rewards/article/decommissioning-of-online-services-for-older-legacy-ubisoft-games-a-m/000064576]
|{{✓}}
|[https://farcrylraddon.de/ LRv3]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Far_Cry_2|Far Cry 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}} {{Icon|XB1|SXS}}
|{{~}} The online functions for PC version [https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/article/multiplayer-and-online-services-availability-in-ubisoft-games/000064576 ended in June 2021] when Ubisoft closed down servers for its older titles. Xbox servers down in late-2023 according to [https://old.reddit.com/r/farcry/comments/12ljaec/farcry2_multiplayer_still_up_in_2023_xbox/k3z47fg/ recent user reports on reddit].
|{{✓}}
|[https://fc2mp.com/ fc2mp] [https://discord.com/invite/qe5495xEYn PS3 Reborn]<ref name=PS3Reborn>PS3 Reborn revive project for the time being only able to work on games that ran on [https://voiceactorsplacesmediaandmore.fandom.com/wiki/Demonware#Products Demonware matchmaking].</ref>
|{{Icon|Windows|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Fat_Princess|Fat Princess]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✓}} P2P?
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Fat_Princess#Netplay_testing RPCN]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Fat_Princess|Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|{{✓}} [https://www.reddit.com/r/vita/comments/t2l5mv/fat_princess_psp_servers_are_still_up/]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_Football_2005|FIFA 05 FIFA 2005]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox|Windows}}
|{{✗}} EA have announced the impending closure of their online servers for a long list of their old sports games.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_06|FIFA 06 FIFA 06: Road to FIFA World Cup]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|PSP|Xbox|Windows|360}}
|{{✗}} EA have announced the impending closure of their online servers for a long list of their old sports games.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_07|FIFA 07]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|PSP|Xbox|Windows|360}}
|{{✗}} EA have announced the impending closure of their online servers for a long list of their old sports games.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_08|FIFA 08]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|PS2|PSP|Wii|Windows|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} EA have announced the impending closure of their online servers for a long list of their old sports games. The servers will be shut down on February 8th, 2011.[https://www.trueachievements.com/forum/viewthread.aspx?tid=356645][https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h] NDS and Wii versions online multiplayer was supported? until the discontinuation of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in May 2014.
|WIP?
|[https://wiimmfi.de/stat?m=25 Wimmfi] (NDS)
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_09|FIFA 09]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|PS2|PSP|Wii|Windows|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} On February 8, 2011, online trophies (including the Ultimate Team DLC) will become unavailable since EA will be shutting those servers down.[https://www.playstationtrophies.org/news/news-2573-ea-server-shutdown-notifcation-fifa-09.html][https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h] NDS and Wii versions online multiplayer was supported? until the discontinuation of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in May 2014.
|WIP?
|[https://wiimmfi.de/stat?m=25 Wimmfi] (NDS)
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_10|FIFA 10]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|PSP|Wii|Windows|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} Servers down in December 6th, 2011.[https://www.techkings.org/threads/fifa-10-servers-shutting-down.30758/] Wii version online multiplayer was supported? until the discontinuation of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in May 2014.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_11|FIFA 11]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Wii|Windows|macOS|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} In January, 2013, EA switch off the servers that power the online portions of a raft of its games, including FIFA 11.[https://www.eurogamer.net/ea-to-switch-off-fifa-11-servers-this-month] Wii version online multiplayer was supported? until the discontinuation of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in May 2014.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_12|FIFA 12]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Windows|PS3|360|PSV}}
|{{✗}} Servers down in February, 2014.[https://www.reddit.com/r/EASportsFC/comments/1vv2dv/fifa_12_ea_shutting_down_servers_how_can_they_get/]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_13|FIFA 13]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Windows|PS3|360|WiiU}}{{Icon|PSV}}
|{{✗}} Servers down in July, 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/EASportsFC/comments/6kisul/fifa_13_servers_shutting_down/]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_14|FIFA 14]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Windows|PS3|360|PSV|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✗}} Servers down in October, 2017.[https://answers.ea.com/t5/Other-FIFA-Games/Are-fifa-14-servers-still-up/m-p/6547431]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_15|FIFA 15]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|360|PS4|XB1|PSV}}
|{{✗}} Servers down in September, 2021.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_16|FIFA 16]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|360|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✗}} EA announced FIFA 16~17 online servers for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Playstation 4 and PC are scheduled to be discontinued in February, 2023.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_17|FIFA 17]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|360|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✗}} EA announced FIFA 16~17 online servers for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Playstation 4 and PC are scheduled to be discontinued in February, 2023.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_18|FIFA 18]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Switch|PS3|360|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✗}} EA announced FIFA 18~21 online servers for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are scheduled to be discontinued on Monday, November 6, 2023.[https://www.sportbible.com/football/gaming/ea-sports-fc/fifa-18-fifa-19-fifa-20-fifa-21-006633-20231106]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_19|FIFA 19]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Switch|PS3|360|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✗}} EA announced FIFA 18~21 online servers for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are scheduled to be discontinued on Monday, November 6, 2023.[https://www.sportbible.com/football/gaming/ea-sports-fc/fifa-18-fifa-19-fifa-20-fifa-21-006633-20231106]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_20|FIFA 20]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Switch|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✗}} EA announced FIFA 18~21 online servers for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are scheduled to be discontinued on Monday, November 6, 2023.[https://www.sportbible.com/football/gaming/ea-sports-fc/fifa-18-fifa-19-fifa-20-fifa-21-006633-20231106]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_21|FIFA 21]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Switch|PS4|XB1|PS5|SXS}}
|{{✗}} EA announced FIFA 18~21 online servers for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are scheduled to be discontinued on Monday, November 6, 2023.[https://www.sportbible.com/football/gaming/ea-sports-fc/fifa-18-fifa-19-fifa-20-fifa-21-006633-20231106]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FIFA_22|FIFA 22]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Switch|PS4|XB1|PS5|SXS}}
|{{✗}} FIFA 22 online services and features will be retired on November 4, 2024. Also for EA Play members, EA removing FIFA 22 from The Play List on June 30, 2024.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Fight_Night_Round_2|Fight Night Round 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} EA have announced the impending closure of their online servers for a long list of their old sports games.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Fight_Night_Round_3|Fight Night Round 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|PSP|Xbox|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} EA have announced the impending closure of their online servers for a long list of their old sports games.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Fight_Night_Round_4|Fight Night Round 4]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} EA have announced the impending closure of their online servers for a long list of their old sports games.[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-is-closing-the-servers-for-fight-night-round-4/1100-6472100/][https://web.archive.org/web/20240607205316/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/a-h]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Fight_Night_Champion|Fight Night Champion]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{?}} 
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Final_Fantasy_XI|Final Fantasy XI Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS2|360}}
|{{~}} The game was the first MMORPG to offer cross-platform play between PlayStation 2 and PC. It was later released for the Xbox 360 in April 2006. All versions of the game require a monthly subscription to play. Final Fantasy XI became the final active server on the PlayStation 2 online service. Support for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 versions was ultimately ended on March 31, 2016, leaving only the PC platform playable. In May 2022 rumors had circulated that FFXI may soon be shutting down. Yoji Fujito released a statement noting that this was not the case and users should not worry about the services being shut down any time soon.
|{{~}}
|'''[https://www.reddit.com/r/ffxi/comments/17xm241/comment/kqbzxj0/ N/A] (PS2/Xbox 360)''' [https://www.reddit.com/r/FFXIPrivateServers/ Various] (PC)
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Final_Fantasy_XIV|Final Fantasy XIV]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|macOS}} {{Icon|PS4|PS5}} {{Icon|SXS}}
|{{~}} Square Enix President Yoichi Wada announced that a new team, led by Yoshida, would assume control and address the game's flaws. The new team both continued to develop and improve the original version, and secretly worked on a completely new replacement. This new game, codenamed "Version 2.0", used a new engine, improved server infrastructure, and revamped gameplay, interface, and story. The original version shut down in November 2012, followed by an alpha test for Version 2.0.[https://youtu.be/trIiUXdEyo0] Servers for PlayStation 3 release were closed on June 16, 2017.
|WIP
|[https://github.com/SapphireServer/Sapphire Sapphire] (for version 3.3) [http://ffxivclassic.fragmenterworks.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Project Meteor] (for version 1.23)
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:FishVille|FishVille]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✗}} The game was [https://money.cnn.com/2012/12/31/technology/social/zynga-games/ discontinued on December 5, 2012].
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[https://fish-with-attitude.fandom.com/wiki/Fish_With_Attitude_Wiki Fish with Attitude]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|{{✗}} The game was discontinued on the 31st of December 2017.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Flatout_2|Flatout 2/Ultimate Carnage]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360|PS2}}
|{{~}} Flatout 2 servers were down. However FlatOut Ultimate Carnage multiplayer still works in 2022 and will likely work forever since it uses P2P for connecting/hosting servers. Also GFWL has merged with Xbox Live and still works with FlatOut Ultimate Carnage.<ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/patientgamers/comments/t9wam9/just_beat_flatout_2_this_game_deserves_more/i9ysml7/ NiteVelocity1's comment about FlatOut Ultimate Carnage multiplayer]</ref>
|{{✓}} for Flatout 2
|[http://beta.openspy.net/en/supported-games OpenSpy]
|{{Icon|Windows|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Fracture_(video_game)|Fracture]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{?}} 
|?
||[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices?](Untested) [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Fracture#Netplay_testing RPCN?](Untested)
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Free_Realms|Free Realms]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Mac|PS3}}
|{{✗}} The game's servers were shut down on March 31, 2014 in a closure of three other SOE MMOs that year.
|WIP<ref>Join https://discord.gg/freerealms and then follow the instructions in the #about section.</ref>
|[https://www.frsunrise.com/ Free Realms Sunrise] [https://github.com/Open-Source-Free-Realms/OpenSourceFreeRealms OSFR]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|- id="G"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''G''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Gears_of_War|Gears of War]] [[Wikipedia:Gears_of_War:_Ultimate_Edition|Gears of War: Ultimate Edition]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360|XB1|SXS}}
|{{✓}} [https://www.reddit.com/r/xbox360/comments/157jjlm/gears_of_war_13_multiplayer_servers_have_been/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)
|{{Icon|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Gran_Turismo_4#Online_version|Gran Turismo 4 Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} [https://www.gamesradar.com/gran-turismo-4-online-mode-dropped/]
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]]
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Gran_Turismo_5#Online_play|Gran Turismo 5]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} All online activity closed on May 20, 2014.[https://web.archive.org/web/20150223231306/http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/26/5245972/sony-pulling-online-support-for-gran-turismo-5-resistance-games-in]
|{{~}}
|[https://nenkai.github.io/gt-modding-hub/ps3/other/custom_server/ Grimoire] ([https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Gran_Turismo_5#Netplay_testing RPCN])
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Gran_Turismo_6|Gran Turismo 6]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} The online servers for Gran Turismo 6 (including [https://www.gran-turismo.com/us/gt6/manual/#!/coursemaker/application01 GT6 Track Path Editor]) were active until March 28, 2018.[https://www.gran-turismo.com/us/news/00_5985704.html][http://www.vgchartz.com/article/270946/gran-turismo-6-online-services-shutting-down-on-march-28/]
|{{~}}
|[https://nenkai.github.io/gt-modding-hub/ps3/other/custom_server/ Grimoire] ([https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Gran_Turismo_6#Netplay_testing RPCN])
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Gran_Turismo_Sport|Gran Turismo Sport]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS4}}
|{{✗}} Online services were shut down on January 31, 2024 with all DLCs delisted on December 1, 2023.[https://www.reddit.com/r/granturismo/comments/181jpej/gran_turismo_sport_servers_shutting_down_january/]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Grand_Theft_Auto_IV|Grand Theft Auto IV]] GTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City GTA IV: Complete Edition
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows|XB1|SXS}}
|{{~}} Multiplayer was removed from the "Complete Edition" version when Microsoft ended its Games for Windows Live support. Unpatched/previous versions and home console versions still have multiplayer enabled. Although on Windows you need a valid GFWL key. Otherwise you need revival projects to play multiplayer.
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)(partial) [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Grand_Theft_Auto_IV#Netplay_testing RPCN] (RPCS3)(partial) [https://gtaconnected.com/downloads/ GTA Connected]<ref name=GTAIVGuide>See [https://gillian-guide.github.io/multiplayer/ Gillian Guide for GTA IV multiplayer on PC].</ref> [https://happinessmp.net/wait/index.html HappinessMP]<ref name=GTAIVGuide></ref>
|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Grand_Theft_Auto_V|Grand Theft Auto V]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}} {{Icon|Windows|PS4|XB1}} {{Icon|SXS|PS5}}
|{{~}} Seventh-gen home console versions of GTA Online were shut down on December 16th, 2021. As well as GTA Online, services for LA Noire and Max Payne 3 are shutting down on seventh-gen consoles. The eighth and ninth-generation home consoles and Windows are now the only platforms the game can be played on.
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)(partial) [https://discord.com/channels/1099740222226432101/1099743307057332244 3TA Online] [https://discord.gg/refive RE: V]
|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Guild_Wars|Guild Wars]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|[https://github.com/entice entice] &Dagger;
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock#Multiplayer|Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Wii}}
|{{~}} Neversoft Guitar Hero Titles uses Xbox Live Servers, till this day it still does work on Xbox 360.[https://discord.com/channels/308194948048486401/1173434194525950062/1247606167304147037] PS3 and Wii placeholder text
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Guitar Hero Live|Guitar Hero Live]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|WiiU|PS4|XB1|iOS}}
|{{✗}} GHTV game mode's servers were [https://support.activision.com/articles/guitar-hero-live-ghtv-sunset shut down on December 1, 2018], making over 500 streamable songs no longer playable in Guitar Hero Live. Wii U's Nintendo Network online service shut down on April 8, 2024, making GHTV Reloaded inaccessible on Wii U until Pretendo supports third-party game servers.<ref>@GHTVReloaded on X (formerly Twitter) [https://twitter.com/TheGHNerd/status/1777105503090553156 announcing Wii U's Nintendo Network and confirmation for Pretendo support]. However, according to [https://discord.com/channels/758530768640802826/1220547149293551626/1220547149293551626 Nathan3197 on the GHTV Reloaded Discord], 3rd party game servers like GHTV Reloaded for Wii U won't be supported until Pretendo finishes building tools and API for third party use.</ref>
|{{✓}}
|[https://twitter.com/ghtvreloaded GHTV Reloaded]
|{{Icon|PS3|WiiU|iOS}}
|-
|[https://gunbros.fandom.com/wiki/Gun_Bros Gun Bros]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|Android|WinMobile|Facebook}}
|{{✗}} Before servers shut down, players could fight with two players online via GameSpy (shut down) and Game Center (shut down).
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Guns_of_Icarus_Online|Guns of Icarus Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|PS4}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}<ref>Recommended to join [https://discord.gg/gunsoficarus gunsoficarus discord channel] community.</ref>
|N/A
|N/A
|- id="H"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''H''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Halo_2|<abbr title="Shouldn't be confused with 'Halo: The Master Chief Collection', The Original Xbox version of Halo 2 are backwards compatible on the Xbox 360 but they won't work on the Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S.">Halo 2</abbr>]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|Windows}}{{Icon|360}}
|{{✗}} Xbox version servers down due to Xbox Live for the original Xbox was discontinued by Microsoft on April 15, 2010. PC/'''Vista''' version servers down in July 2015.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.halo2.online/home/ Project Cartographer] [https://insignia.live/halo2 Insignia]
|{{Icon|Windows|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Halo_3|<abbr title="Shouldn't be confused with 'Halo: The Master Chief Collection', it's backwards compatible with Fission which is a Microsoft's official emulator.">Halo 3</abbr>]]
|align=left|{{Icon|360|XB1|SXS}}
|{{✗}} [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/as-halo-3-xbox-360-servers-are-turned-off-forever-fans-share-tributes-to-bungies-classic/1100-6499618/ January 13, 2022 marks the server shutdown date] for Halo 3 and other classic Halo games.
|WIP
|[https://github.com/craftycodie/Sunrise-Halo3-WebServices Sunrise]
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Halo_3:_ODST|<abbr title="Shouldn't be confused with 'Halo: The Master Chief Collection', it's backwards compatible with Fission which is a Microsoft's official emulator.">Halo 3: ODST</abbr>]]
|align=left|{{Icon|360|XB1|SXS}}
|{{✗}} [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/as-halo-3-xbox-360-servers-are-turned-off-forever-fans-share-tributes-to-bungies-classic/1100-6499618/ January 13, 2022 marks the server shutdown date] for Halo 3 and other classic Halo games.
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)
|{{Icon|360}}
|-
|[https://happyaquarium.fandom.com/wiki/Happy_Aquarium_Wiki Happy Aquarium]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web|iOS|Android}}
|{{✗}} 101XP shut down this game June the 15th in 2021. Unfortunately, you can no longer play Happy Aquarium.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[https://delistedgames.com/happy-dungeons/ Happy Dungeons]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✗}} Happy Dungeons is shutting down on 12 June 2019.[https://www.reddit.com/r/xboxone/comments/9fg7i9/happy_dungeons_is_shutting_down_on_12_june_2019/]<ref>Recommended to join [https://discord.gg/TPZKcpY unofficial Happy Dungeons discord group].</ref>
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Happy_Wars|Happy Wars]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360}}{{Icon|XB1|SXS}}
|{{~}} Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows servers shut down on December 17, 2018. The Xbox One and Xbox Series home console versions is now the only platform the game can be played on.
|WIP
|[https://discord.gg/hQ67tjbS HW Revival Discord channel]
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Haze_(video_game)|Haze]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} Servers have been shutdown.[https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/927750-playstation-3/66497552]
|{{✓}}
|[https://discord.com/invite/qe5495xEYn PS3 Reborn]<ref name=PS3Reborn></ref>
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Hero_Online|Hero Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|W9x|Windows}}
|{{✓}} 
|{{?}}
|N/A
|N/A
|- id="J"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''J''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Journey_(2012_video_game)|Journey]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|PS4|Windows|iOS}}
|{{✓}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Journey#Netplay_testing RPCN] (RPCS3)
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Joint_Operations:_Typhoon_Rising|Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.gameranger.com/games/ GameRanger]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Juiced_(video_game)|Juiced]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} GameSpy.
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]] [http://beta.openspy.net/en/supported-games OpenSpy]
|{{Icon|Windows|PS2}}
|- id="K"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''K''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Knight_Online|Knight Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Kiekko.tk|Kiekko.tk]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|N/A
|N/A
|- id="L"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''L''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:The_Last_of_Us|Last of Us, The]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|PS4}}
|{{~}} Naughty Dog made the decision to shut down the PS3 multiplayer servers in 2019. Still playable on PS4 version though.
|WIP
|[https://youtu.be/WtAaN6Py7ak The Last of Us: Reloaded]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:LittleBigPlanet_(2008_video_game)|LittleBigPlanet]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} Online functionality was discontinued on 13 September 2021, alongside services for LittleBigPlanet 2, LittleBigPlanet PS Vita, and the PlayStation 3 version of LittleBigPlanet 3 (the PS4 version in 2024)
|WIP
|[https://github.com/LBPUnion/ProjectLighthouse/ Project Lighthouse]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:LittleBigPlanet_2|LittleBigPlanet 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} Online functionality was discontinued on 13 September 2021, alongside services for LittleBigPlanet 2, LittleBigPlanet PS Vita, and the PlayStation 3 version of LittleBigPlanet 3 (the PS4 version in 2024)
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=LittleBigPlanet_2#Netplay_testing RPCN]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:LittleBigPlanet_3|LittleBigPlanet 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|PS4}}
|{{✗}} Online functionality was discontinued on 13 September 2021, alongside services for LittleBigPlanet 2, LittleBigPlanet PS Vita, and the PlayStation 3 version of LittleBigPlanet 3 (the PS4 version in 2024)
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=LittleBigPlanet_3#Netplay_testing RPCN]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:LittleBigPlanet_PS_Vita|LittleBigPlanet PS Vita]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSV}}
|{{✗}} The online servers for the game have been permanently shut down in March 2021 due to attacks on the server suffered during the prior year.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Live_for_Speed|Live for Speed]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}} [https://www.lfs.net/online/activity Servers].
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.lfs.net/hosting Various] [https://en.lfsmanual.net/wiki/Hosting Dedicated] (no longer available)
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online|Lord of the Rings Online, The]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS}}
|{{✓}} 
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:The_Lord_of_the_Rings:_Conquest|Lord of the Rings: Conquest, The]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} On March 16, 2010, just over a year after the game's release, the online multiplayer modes of Conquest were shut down by publisher Electronic Arts.
|{{✓}}
|[https://mordorwi.de/ MordorWide]
|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Lost_Ark_(video_game)|Lost Ark]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|- id="M"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''M''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Mario_Kart_7|Mario Kart 7]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|{{✗}} On October 4, 2023, Nintendo announced the discontinuation of the service by early April 2024. It was shut down on April 9, 2024.
|{{✓}}
|[https://ctgp-7.github.io/ CTGP-7 Network] [https://pretendo.network/progress Pretendo Network (WIP)]
|{{Icon|3DS}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Mario_Kart_Wii|Mario Kart Wii]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii}}
|{{✗}} Online multiplayer was supported until the discontinuation of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in May 2014.
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiimmfi.de/stat?m=25 Wiimmfi] [https://wfc.wiilink24.com/online/RMCE01 WiiLink WFC]
|{{Icon|Wii}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Mass_Effect_3|Mass Effect 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows|WiiU}}
|{{?}} 
|{{~}}
|[https://github.com/PrivateServerEmulator/ME3PSE ME3PSE]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:The_Matrix_Online|Matrix Online, The]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} SOE shut down operation of the game on July 31, 2009.
|{{✓}}
|[https://mxoemu.info/ MxoEmu]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Max_Payne_3|Max Payne 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows|macOS}}
|{{~}} The online multiplayer mode and Social Club support for the game were discontinued in September 2021. As well as Max Payne 3, services for LA Noire and GTA Online are shutting down on seventh-gen consoles. But servers for PC is still active.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Medal_of_Honor:_Pacific_Assault|Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Gamespy.
|{{✓}}
|[http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/mohpa OpenSpy]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Medal_of_Honor:_Rising_Sun|Medal of Honor: Rising Sun]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} It features multiplayer capabilities, which is terminated as of 2007.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240622050804/https://www.ea.com/legal/service-updates/i-q]
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]] [https://github.com/Project-Backstab/MOHRS-Matchmaker/ Medal of Honor - Rising Sun Matchmaker server]
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Mercenaries_2:_World_in_Flames|Mercenaries 2: World in Flames]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}}
|{{✗}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20240622050804/https://www.ea.com/legal/service-updates/i-q]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Metal_Gear_Solid_3:_Snake_Eater#Subsistence|Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence]] (incl. Metal Gear Online)
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} The official servers for the '''original Metal Gear Online''' were shutdown in 2007.[https://metalgear.fandom.com/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid_3:_Subsistence]
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]]
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Metal_Gear_Online|Metal Gear Online Metal Gear Online 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} Metal Gear Online's North American and European servers were shut down on June 12, 2012.
|{{✓}}
|[https://savemgo.com/ SaveMGO]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[https://thevideogamedatabase.fandom.com/wiki/MUD:_FIM_Motocross_World_Championship MUD: FIM Motocross World Championship]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360|PS3|PSV}}
|{{✗}} The game requires Gamespy servers on PC for online play and servers were permantly turned off 31st May 2014. Console versions servers might be unstable and unreliable?[https://www.trueachievements.com/a163155/multiplayer-maniac-achievement]
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Xbox_emulators#Windows_Media_Center_Extender|Microsoft Windows Media Center Extender for Xbox]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} Servers down due to Xbox Live for the original Xbox was discontinued by Microsoft on April 15, 2010.
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/58580007 Insignia]
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Midnight_Club:_Los_Angeles#Multiplayer|Midnight Club: Los Angeles Midnight Club: L.A. Remix]]
|align=left|{{Icon|360|PS3}}
|{{~}} Rate My Ride servers have been shut down since 2014[https://www.reddit.com/r/midnightclub/comments/183bvfj/comment/kansihd/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button] but online infastructure is [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|P2P-based]] on Xbox 360[https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/939534-midnight-club-los-angeles/48970754] (and PSP?) so it's still playable. PS3 version uses GameSpy so it's completely offline.
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia) [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Midnight_Club:_Los_Angeles#Netplay_testing OpenSpy](PS3)
|{{Icon|360|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Midtown_Madness_3|Midtown Madness 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/4d53002a Insignia]
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Minecraft|Minecraft]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|Android|PSV|360|PS3|WiiU}} {{Icon|Switch|Windows|macOS|Linux|PS4|XB1}}
|{{~}} PS3 and Xbox 360 versions online infastructure is probably [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|P2P-based]] so it's playable. Other versions are unknown.
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Minecraft#Netplay_testing RPCN](RPCS3) [https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)(WIP?) [https://pretendo.network/ Pretendo Network](WIP but funcional already)
|{{Icon|PS3|WiiU}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Maid_Marian_Entertainment|Moon Base]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{?}} [https://www.maidmarian.com/MOONBASE.htm Official Website] is still up.
|{{~}}
|[[Flashpoint]]
|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:ModNation_Racers#Closure_of_online_servers|ModNation Racers]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} On April 12, 2018, it was announced that Sony Interactive Entertainment would cease all online function for the game on July 10, 2018. This, along with a few other PlayStation titles such as CounterSpy, LittleBigPlanet Karting, and Gravity Rush 2, would all have their online functionality removed. On May 3, 2018, it was announced that the online services deadline would be extended to October 10 because of the reaction by some players.
|{{✓}}
|[https://derole.co.uk/modnation/ ModNation Racers Revival]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[wikipedia:Monaco_Grand_Prix:_Racing_Simulation_2|Monaco Racing Simulation 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC}}
|{{✗}} Sega's online services have long shut down.
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/monaco-grand-prix-online/ DreamcastLive] [https://github.com/TheArcadeStriker/flycast-wiki/wiki/DCNet#currently-supported-games DCnet]
|{{Icon|DC}}
|-
|[[wikipedia:Monster_Hunter_Frontier_Z|Monster Hunter Frontier Online]] Monster Hunter Frontier Z
|align=left|{{Icon|360|Windows}}
|{{✗}} All Monster Hunter Frontier online services ended on December 18, 2019.
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/ZeruLight/Erupe Erupe Server Emulator] [https://www.reddit.com/r/MHF/comments/130lzqe/frontier_public_server_list/ Various]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[wikipedia:Monster_Hunter_Frontier_G|Monster Hunter Frontier G]]
|align=left|{{Icon|360|Windows|PS3|WiiU|Vita}}
|{{✗}} The game's service was shut down in December 2019. 
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/ZeruLight/Erupe Erupe Server Emulator] [https://www.reddit.com/r/MHF/comments/130lzqe/frontier_public_server_list/ Various]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:MotoGP_'06|MotoGP '06]]
|align=left|{{Icon|360}}
|{{?}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)
|{{Icon|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:MotoGP_'07|MotoGP '07]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360}}
|{{?}} Windows version uses GameSpy so it's offline. Xbox 360 version is unknown...
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia) [https://youtu.be/YC7oyuT8cKg OpenSpy]
|{{Icon|360|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Motor_City_Online|Motor City Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Servers for MCO have been shut down on August 29, 2003[https://nfs.fandom.com/wiki/Motor_City_Online/Patch_History] However [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Motor_City_Online#Issues_fixed there is a way to play offline mode].
|N/A
|N/A[https://old.reddit.com/r/MotorCityGameMemories/]
|N/A
|- id="N"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''N''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:NASCAR_Thunder_2004#Game_modes|NASCAR Thunder 2004]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Windows version uses GameSpy.[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/NASCAR_Thunder_2004#Multiplayer_types]
|[https://youtu.be/iOmxWrjXlDg WIP]<ref>There is no revive online multiplayer option for NASCAR Thunder 2004 but you can use [[Netplay#LAN_tunneling_programs|LAN tunneling]] solutions on both PlayStation 2 and Windows version.</ref>
|[https://discord.gg/dKhRsJCB NASCAR Thunder: 2004 Revival]
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Natural_Selection_(video_game)|Natural Selection]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}} On January 22, 2014 Unknown Worlds released the source code for download on a GitHub repository under GPLv3.<ref>Recommended to join Natural Selection 1 [https://discord.com/invite/ZUSSBUA dedicated discord channel] for multiplayer events.</ref>
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/ENSL/NaturalLauncher/releases NaturalLauncher]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Natural_Selection_2|Natural Selection 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|{{✓}} Natural Selection 2 Servers are mostly community hosted.[https://naturalselection.fandom.com/wiki/Server_(Natural_Selection_2)] [https://ns2servers.pw/ List of NS2 Servers]
|{{✓}}
|[https://naturalselection.fandom.com/wiki/Dedicated_Server Various]
|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:NBA_(2005_video_game)|NBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|{{?}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LRa0uC0LePZF_szr4hQQ4PiC2nbTig0Il_2t8vHQx7k/edit?gid=0#gid=0 PS Rewired]
|{{Icon|PSP}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:NBA_2K14|NBA 2K14]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}} {{Icon|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✗}} On March 31, 2K Sports deactivated servers for all editions of NBA 2K14. In response to vehement user outrage over the servers' shutdowns and the loss of career progress, 2K Sports has restored the NBA 2K14 servers for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One editions, and promised that all games in the future will get at least 18 to 27 months of online support.[https://www.reddit.com/r/PS4/comments/31nri3/nba_2k14_server_shutdown_ends_players_career_modes/]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:NBA_Live_2003|NBA Live 2003]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Online servers have been shut down.[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/NBA_Live_2003#Multiplayer_types]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:NBA_Live_2005|NBA Live 2005]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Online servers have been shut down.[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/NBA_Live_2005#Multiplayer_types]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:NBA_Live_06|NBA Live 06]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|PSP|Xbox|Windows|360}}
|{{✗}} Online servers have been shut down.[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/NBA_Live_06#Multiplayer_types][https://web.archive.org/web/20240622050804/https://www.ea.com/legal/service-updates/i-q]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:NBA_Live_07|NBA Live 07]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|PSP|Xbox|Windows|360}}
|{{✗}} Online servers have been shut down.[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/NBA_Live_07#Multiplayer_types][https://web.archive.org/web/20240622050804/https://www.ea.com/legal/service-updates/i-q]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Need_for_Speed:_Carbon|Need for Speed: Carbon]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360|PS3}}
|{{✗}} Online services for NFS Carbon have been shut down on September 1, 2021. Although there is a work-in-progress unofficial mod called "NFSCO", which will bring online play back.
|WIP
|[https://nfsco.club/ NFSCO] [https://github.com/xan1242/NFSC_MasterServer NFS Carbon FESL Server Emulator]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Need_for_Speed:_Most_Wanted_(2005_video_game)|Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005)]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360}} {{Icon|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} The online multiplayer lobby was shut down on August 1, 2011. Although it is still possible to play the game in multiplayer, but through an unofficial mod called "Most Wanted Online".
|{{✓}}
|[https://nfsmwo.com/ Most Wanted Online]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Need_for_Speed:_Underground|Need for Speed: Underground]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20240622050804/https://www.ea.com/legal/service-updates/i-q]
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]]
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Need_for_Speed:_Underground_2|Need for Speed: Underground 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20240622050804/https://www.ea.com/legal/service-updates/i-q]
|{{✓}}
|[https://discord.gg/B229me5V6W NFSOR]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Need_for_Speed:_World|Need for Speed: World]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} [https://www.ea.com/news/update-on-a-few-of-our-free-to-play-pc-games Went offline on 14 July 2015], alongside fellow EA free-to-play titles Battlefield Heroes, Battlefield Play4Free, and FIFA World.
|{{✓}}
|[https://soapboxrace.world/ SoapBox Raceworld] [https://nightriderz.world/ nightriderz]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Neverwinter_(video_game)|Neverwinter]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS4|XB1}}
|{{✓}} 
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|- id="O"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''O''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:OGame|OGame]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{~}} Servers up but there is no official way to play the older version.
|WIP
|[https://github.com/ogamespec/ogame-opensource ogame-opensource] (v0.84 version with old design)
|{{Icon|Web}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Operation_Flashpoint:_Cold_War_Crisis|Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis]] ARMA: Cold War Assault Operation Flashpoint: Elite
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} On June 30, 2014, the multiplayer master server for PC was shut down alongside other GameSpy-powered titles. Also for Xbox version servers down due to Xbox Live for the original Xbox was discontinued by Microsoft on April 15, 2010.
|{{✓}}
|[https://steamcommunity.com/app/65790/discussions/0/135510194254518507/ OFPMonitor] [https://insignia.live/games/434d005a Insignia]
|{{Icon|Windows|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Order_%26_Chaos_Online|Order & Chaos Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|Android|WinMobile|LinuxARM}} {{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} The game was permanently closed by Gameloft on 16 February 2023 on all platforms.
|WIP
|[https://discord.com/invite/sEh4vNcwt6 Order & Chaos Revival Discord Server]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Overlord_II|Overlord II]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|{{✗}} Multiplayer servers are down.[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Overlord_II#Multiplayer_types][https://www.playstationtrophies.org/forum/topic/162396-servers-closed-warning/][https://www.xboxachievements.com/forum/topic/357753-shutdown-servers-xbox-360xbox-onewpw8gfwl/?do=findComment&comment=5154706]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Overwatch_(video_game)|Overwatch]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS4|XB1|Windows|Switch}}
|{{✗}} Servers are shut down on 3th October 2022.
|WIP
|[https://discord.gg/T5RncE2RkN Plasmawatch Discord Server]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|- id="P"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''P''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Pain_(video_game)|Pain]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} On November 26, 2013, the game's online features were disabled.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.psone.online/home PSONE] ([https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Pain#Netplay_testing RPCS3])
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:PangYa|PangYa]] [[Wikipedia:PangYa#PangYa_M|PangYa M]] (Android and iOS)<ref>[[Wikipedia:PangYa#PangYa:_Fantasy_Golf|PangYa: Fantasy_Golf]] (PSP) version lack of online play, only supports eight players link up locally in Ad-hoc mode.[https://www.pocketgamer.com/pangya-fantasy-golf/pangya-fantasy-golf/]</ref>
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|{{~}} On December 12, 2016, PangYa's servers in North America shut down, along with its website and forums. The Korean servers were closed on August 29, 2016, and the Japanese servers, operated by Gamepot, were closed on November 10, 2017. The Thai servers, operated by Ini3 Digital, remained open until 30th April, 2024. It was the last official server of Pangya, operating for 19 years. On December 30, 2019, it was announced on the official Facebook page that PangYa '''M''' would close on February 7, 2020. However, NCSOFT has launched Pangya M, a redevelopment version of PangYa Mobile on July 3, 2020. Planned to release as a cross-platform game between the mobile version and PC version in NCSoft Purple platform.
|{{✓}}
|[https://pangya.community/t/list-of-pangya-servers/21 Various]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Pac-Man_99|Pac-Man 99]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|{{✗}} The game was discontinued on October 8, 2023, though the game will remain playable offline for those who have purchased the "Unlock Mode" or "Unlock All" DLCs before they were delisted the month prior.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[wikipedia:PBA_Tour_Bowling_2001|PBA Tour Bowling 2001]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC}}
|{{✗}} Sega's online services have long shut down.
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/pba-tour-bowling-2001/ DreamcastLive] [https://github.com/TheArcadeStriker/flycast-wiki/wiki/DCNet#currently-supported-games DCnet]
|{{Icon|DC}}
|-
|[https://phantasystar.fandom.com/wiki/Phantasy_Star_Online:_Blue_Burst Phantasy Star Online Blue Burst]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Game is no longer supported by Sega and the Sega servers.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.phantasystaronline.net/ Ultima] [https://ephinea.pioneer2.net/ Ephinea] [https://playpso.net/ Destiny]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Phantasy_Star_Online|Phantasy Star Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Dreamcast|GameCube|Xbox|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Sega decommissioned the last official servers in 2010.
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/phantasy-star-online/ DreamcastLive] [https://insignia.live/games/4d53004a Insignia] [https://schtserv.com/ Schthack PSO] [https://sylverant.net/connecting-to-sylverant/ Sylverant]
|{{Icon|Dreamcast|GameCube|Xbox|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Phantasy_Star_Universe|Phantasy Star Universe]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|360|Windows}}
|{{✗}} On September 27, 2012, a piece of all GUARDIANS' hearts was finally ripped away as SEGA officially closed all service for Phantasy Star Universe.
|{{✓}}
|[https://psu-clementine.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Clementine]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[wikipedia:Planet_Ring_(video_game)#Planet_Ring|Planet Ring]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC}}
|{{✗}} Sega's online services have long shut down.
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/planet-ring/ DreamcastLive] [https://github.com/TheArcadeStriker/flycast-wiki/wiki/DCNet#currently-supported-games DCnet]
|{{Icon|DC}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:PlanetSide_(video_game)|PlanetSide]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} On July 1, 2016, at 4:00pm PT, Planetside servers [https://www.planetside2.com/news/planetside-closure went offline permanently].
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.psforever.net/ PSForever]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[https://pocketlegends.fandom.com/wiki/Pocket_Legends_Wiki Pocket Legends]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Web}}
|{{✓}} 
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[wikipedia:POD_2|POD: Speedzone]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC}}
|{{✗}} Sega's online services have long shut down.
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/pod-speedzone/ DreamcastLive] [https://github.com/TheArcadeStriker/flycast-wiki/wiki/DCNet#currently-supported-games DCnet]
|{{Icon|DC}}
|-
|[https://pokemoncrater.fandom.com/wiki/Pokemon_Crater_Wiki Pokemon Crater]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✗}} Pokemon Crater game from http://pokemonium.com site is no longer available.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.pokemonbattlearena.net/members/ Pokemon Battle Arena]
|{{Icon|Web}}
|-
|[https://remywiki.com/CS_pnm_Puzzle_Dama Pop'n Music Puzzle-dama Online]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} Online service ended on March 31st, 2005.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Pro_Evolution_Soccer_5|Pro Evolution Soccer 5]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox|Windows}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/4b4e0030 Insignia](Xemu) [https://github.com/juce/fiveserver fiveserver server emulator](Windows) [[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]](PCSX2)
|{{Icon|Windows|360|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Pro_Evolution_Soccer_6|Pro Evolution Soccer 6 Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Windows|360}}
|{{?}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia) [https://github.com/juce/fiveserver fiveserver server emulator](Windows) [[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]](PCSX2)
|{{Icon|Windows|360|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Pro_Evolution_Soccer_2008|Pro Evolution Soccer 2008]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Wii|NDS|PS3|Windows|360}}
|{{~}} NDS and Wii versions online multiplayer was supported? until the discontinuation of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in May 2014. Xbox 360 version is peer-to-peer based so probably it's still playable, other versions are unknown...
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)
|{{Icon|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Pro_Evolution_Soccer_2011|Pro Evolution Soccer 2011]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Wii|PS3|Windows|360}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://wfc.wiilink24.com/online/winelev11wii WiiLink WFC]
|{{Icon|Wii}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Pro_Evolution_Soccer_2012|Pro Evolution Soccer 2012]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Wii|3DS|PS3|Windows|360}}
|{{✗}} [https://www.truetrophies.com/n317/pes-2012-servers-to-close]
|{{✓}}
|[https://wfc.wiilink24.com/online/winelev12wii WiiLink WFC]
|{{Icon|Wii}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Pro_Evolution_Soccer_2014|Pro Evolution Soccer 2014]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|Windows|360}}
|{{✗}} On August 11, 2015, Konami announced that the game servers for the game would be shut down on the following November 17 due to the company focusing on newer games.[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/server-shutdown-for-pes-2014-coming-soon/1100-6429647/]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|- id="R"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''R''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Ragnarok_Online|Ragnarok Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{~}} The official Ragnarok Online servers underwent massive game system changes in 2010, which has been titled "Renewal", which revamped game mechanics, changed the behavior and interaction of stats, gears, and modifiers in the stat system, changed the way and amount of character experience, and introduced the 3rd Job Classes. There are various other changes that come with "Renewal", including interface and hotkey alterations, as well as skill changes. On May 25, 2018 (the date of implementation of European General Data Protection Regulation rules), the servers of Ragnarok Online and Ragnarok Online 2 were shut down in most of Europe, excluding CIS countries. The Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines (MSP) servers of Ragnarok Online were shut down on November 28, 2021.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.reddit.com/r/RagnarokOnline/comments/187xb36/monthly_ragnarok_server_listings_new_or_returning/ Various]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Ragnarok_Online_2:_Legend_of_the_Second|Ragnarok Online 2: Legend of the Second]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{~}} By December 2013, Gravity was taking Ragnarok Online 2 offline in Korea because of lack of players, but the developer hinted that the game could return in the future. The shutdown did not affect the NA, EU or SEA versions of the game. Asiasoft/Playpark shut down SEA server in October 2014, but characters from SEA server were transferred to NA server and continued their progress. European servers of Ragnarok Online and Ragnarok Online 2 were shut down in most of Europe on May 25, 2018, excluding CIS countries.
|{{?}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Ratchet_%26_Clank:_Size_Matters|Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|{{✗}} [https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/gameservers/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LRa0uC0LePZF_szr4hQQ4PiC2nbTig0Il_2t8vHQx7k/edit?gid=0#gid=0 PS Rewired]
|{{Icon|PSP}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Red_Dead_Redemption|Red Dead Redemption]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}<ref>Red Dead Redemption for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 has no multiplayer content available.</ref>
|{{✓}} Xbox 360 and PS3 multiplayer still works and will likely work forever since it uses P2P for connecting/hosting servers.
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Red_Dead_Redemption#Netplay_testing RPCN] (RPCS3) [https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)
|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Resident_Evil_5|Resident Evil 5]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows|PS4|XB1|Switch}}
|{{✓}} Game is peer-to-peer based (on most versions?), not server-based. You don't use a third-party server to play coop - you connect to your friend directly via SteamAPIs (SteamWorks) for Windows version, so for as long as Steam is fine - coop in RE5 will be fine on Windows too.[https://steamcommunity.com/app/21690/discussions/0/3469487093562481870/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia) [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=RPCN_Compatibility_List RPCN](RPCS3)
|{{Icon|360|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Resident_Evil_6|Resident Evil 6]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows|PS4|XB1|Switch}}
|{{✓}} Servers are still up for Switch, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One versions. Game is peer-to-peer based (on most versions?), not server-based. You don't use a third-party server to play coop - you connect to your friend directly via SteamAPIs (SteamWorks) for Windows version, so for as long as Steam is fine - coop in RE6 will be fine on Windows too.[https://www.reddit.com/r/residentevil/comments/v25ap3/re_6_servers/][https://youtu.be/X2MIYZtE_w0][https://steamcommunity.com/app/221040/discussions/0/3113648183783710252/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia) [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=RPCN_Compatibility_List RPCN](RPCS3)(WIP?)
|{{Icon|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Resident_Evil:_Operation_Raccoon_City|Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}}
|{{~}} P2P on console? PC version is unknown.[https://steamcommunity.com/app/209100/discussions/0/1869497470713601441/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia) [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=RPCN_Compatibility_List RPCN](RPCS3)
|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Resident_Evil_Outbreak|Resident Evil Outbreak]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]]
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Resident_Evil_Outbreak:_File_2|Resident Evil Outbreak: File 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]]
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Resistance:_Fall_of_Man|Resistance: Fall of Man]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} The game, along with its sequels Resistance 2 and Resistance 3, shut down its online servers on April 8, 2014. Digital versions of the first two games were released after the servers' closure in Europe.
|{{✓}}
|[https://psrewired.com/servers/20174 PS Rewired] ([https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Resistance:_Fall_of_Man#Netplay_IP/Host_Switches/DNS RPCS3])
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Resistance_2|Resistance 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} The game, along with its predecessor and sequel, had its online servers shut down on April 8, 2014. Digital versions of the first two games were released after the servers' closure, exclusively in Europe. 
|WIP
|[https://github.com/PSOnlineReturnalGaming PSORG]
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Resistance_3|Resistance 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} The game, along with its predecessor and sequel, had its online servers shut down on April 8, 2014. Digital versions of the first two games were released after the servers' closure, exclusively in Europe. 
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[https://respawnables.fandom.com/wiki/The_Respawnables Respawnables, The]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|Android}}
|{{✗}} On January 13th, 2022, Multiplayer is shutdown, the game will no longer recognize Wi-Fi.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Rock_Band_2|Rock Band 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii|PS3|360}}
|{{?}} Game has online multiplayer and co-op support, but current server status is unknown though it is known that uses their own servers.[https://discord.com/channels/308194948048486401/1173434194525950062/1247606230932000809]
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/ihatecompvir/GoCentral GoCentral]
|{{Icon|Wii|PS3|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Rock_Band_3|Rock Band 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii|PS3|360}}
|{{?}} Game has online multiplayer and co-op support, but current server status is unknown though it is known that uses their own servers.[https://discord.com/channels/308194948048486401/1173434194525950062/1247606230932000809]
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/ihatecompvir/GoCentral GoCentral]
|{{Icon|Wii|PS3|360}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20090715084011/http://rockfree.acclaim.com/index.jsp RockFree]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✗}} [https://www.gamedeveloper.com/pc/acclaim-shuts-down-games-after-playdom-transition Acclaim shut down its client-based online games in August 2010] including titles like 9Dragons and Chronicles of Spellborn. However, the company's Flash-based games including Kogamu and RockFree was ported to Facebook Games platform before being discontinued.<ref>[[Wikipedia:Acclaim_Games#Games|Wikipedia: Acclaim Games]]</ref>
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:R.U.S.E.|R.U.S.E.]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Mac|360|PS3}}
|{{✗}} You will be unable to play multiplayer, link Ubisoft accounts in-game or use online features. ([https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/decommissioning-of-online-services-for-older-ubisoft-games-january-2024/000105788 Ubisoft decommissioning the online services for older games]).
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Runes_of_Magic|Runes of Magic]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.romdestan.com/home RoMDestan] [https://chroniclesofarcadia.com/ Chronicles of Arcadia]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Rusty_Hearts|Rusty Hearts]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} On 29 July 2014, Perfect World Entertainment announced the sunsetting of Rusty Hearts. The servers have been shut down since 15 September 2014.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.rustyrevolution.org/ Rusty Hearts: Revolution]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|- id="S"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''S''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Sacred_(video_game)|Sacred]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Official multiplayer servers were shut down as Ascaron Entertainment went bankrupt and ultimately ceased to exist. Community matchmaking server software was created in the 2020s, but the original instance is currently down.
|{{~}}
|[https://github.com/Alby1987/SacredAncariaConnection Sacred Ancaria Connection]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Saints_Row_(2006_video_game)|Saints Row]] (2006)
|align=left|{{Icon|360}}
|{{~}} Clan/gang servers down. But ranked, casual and coop are up.
|[https://forums.saintsrow.net/t/update-on-xenia-netplay-progress-and-future-plans/71 WIP]
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices]
|{{Icon|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Second_Life|Second Life]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS}}
|{{✓}} 
|?
|?
|?
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Sega_Rally_3|Sega Rally Online Arcade Sega Rally 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{?}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia) [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=SEGA_Rally_Online_Arcade#Netplay_testing RPCN] (RPCS3)
|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|-
|[https://tetris.wiki/Sega_Tetris Sega Tetris]
|align=left|{{Icon|Dreamcast}}
|{{✗}} As of November 30, 2002, servers are no longer supported.[https://web.archive.org/web/20040511014546fw_/http://www.segawow.com/tetris/main.html]
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/sega-tetris DreamcastLive]
|{{Icon|Dreamcast}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Shaun_White_Snowboarding|Shaun White Snowboarding]]
|align=left|{{Icon|360|PS3|Windows}}
|{{✗}} Online servers were shut down.[https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/decommissioning-of-online-services-for-older-legacy-ubisoft-games-n-to-z/000105855]
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Shaun_White_Snowboarding#Netplay_testing PS3 Reborn] [https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices]
|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Silkroad_Online|Silkroad Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|[https://playorigin.com/ Origin Online]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:SimCity_(2013_video_game)|SimCity]] (2013)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS}}
|{{✓}}[https://answers.ea.com/t5/Other-SimCity-Games/Are-the-simcity-2013-servers-closed/m-p/9348573]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:SimCity_2000_Network_Edition#SimCity_2000_Network_Edition|SimCity 2000 Network Edition]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows9x}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}[https://simcity.fandom.com/wiki/SimCity_2000:_Network_Edition#Playing_online]
|[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/668-simcity-2000-network-edition-launcher/ Nightfire Launcher]
|{{Icon|Windows9x}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:The_Simpsons:_Tapped_Out|The Simpsons: Tapped Out]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|{{✗}} On September 26, 2024, Electronic Arts announced that Tapped Out would be delisted from the App Store and Google Play on October 31, 2024, while users who have the app downloaded would be able to continue playing the game until January 24, 2025, after which the game would be permanently discontinued.
|{{~}}
|[https://teamtsto.org TeamTSTO] [https://www.change.org/p/save-the-simpsons-tapped-out-from-termination petition]
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Skate_(2007_video_game)|Skate]]
|align=left|{{Icon|360|PS3}}
|{{✗}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20140413140356/http://www.gamertagradio.com/new/2011/07/ea-games-shuts-down-online-multiplayer-servers-skate-battlefield-2-medal-of-honor-more/ The multiplayer of the game was shut down in July 2011].
|{{✗}}
|[https://hallofmeat.net/ Hall of Meat] &Dagger;
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Skate_2|Skate 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|360|PS3}}
|{{✗}} [https://kotaku.com/skate-2-multiplayer-killed-just-as-its-coming-back-1848062914 The multiplayer of the game was shut down].
|{{✗}}
|[https://hallofmeat.net/ Hall of Meat] &Dagger;
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Skate_3|Skate 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|360|PS3}}
|{{✓}} [https://old.reddit.com/r/skate3/comments/11a3y49/is_skate_3_still_playable_with_friends_online_in/ Servers still active].
|{{✗}}
|[https://hallofmeat.net/ Hall of Meat] &Dagger;
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Star_Legends:_The_Blackstar_Chronicles|Star Legends]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Web}}
|{{✓}} 
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Super_Mario_Bros._35|Super Mario Bros. 35]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|{{✗}} Its servers were shut down on April 1, 2021, following the official end of the anniversary.
|{{✓}}
|[https://smb35server.com/ SMB35]
|{{Icon|Switch}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Super_Mario_Maker|Super Mario Maker]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|{{✗}} On November 25, 2020, Nintendo formally announced that course upload support and the bookmark portal site would be discontinued on March 31, 2021. Sale of the game on the Wii U's Nintendo eShop would be discontinued on January 12, 2021. The remaining online services for the game, such as playing existing levels already uploaded to the server, was discontinued on April 9, 2024.
|WIP
|[https://pretendo.network/progress Pretendo]
|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:The_Sims_Online|Sims Online, The]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} EA announced that the game would shut down all activity on August 1, 2008.
|{{✓}}
|[http://simnationserver.com/en/ SimNation] [http://freeso.org/ FreeSO]‡
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:The_Sims_Bustin'_Out#Online_features|Sims Bustin' Out, The]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} The PlayStation version of Bustin' Out featured a free online play mode titled "Online Weekend". This mode allowed players to participate in both freeplay and storymode with each other and chat using the [[PlayStation_2_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|USB keyboard on the PlayStation 2]]. The server for the game shut down on August 1, 2008, the same day The Sims Online was shut down.
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]]
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|-
|[[wikipedia:Starlancer|Starlancer]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC}}
|{{✗}} Sega's online services have long shut down.
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/starlancer/ DreamcastLive] [https://github.com/TheArcadeStriker/flycast-wiki/wiki/DCNet#currently-supported-games DCnet]
|{{Icon|DC}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Syndicate_(2012_video_game)|Syndicate (2012)]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|Windows}}
|{{✗}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20230507095916/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/r-z]
|{{~}}
|[https://github.com/kadrim/Syndicate2012PSE Syndicate2012PSE]
|{{Icon|360|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Syphon_Filter:_Dark_Mirror#Multiplayer|Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|{{✗}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20240711040809/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/gameservers/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LRa0uC0LePZF_szr4hQQ4PiC2nbTig0Il_2t8vHQx7k/edit?gid=0#gid=0 PSORG]
|{{Icon|PSP}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Syphon_Filter:_The_Omega_Strain|Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20240711040809/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/gameservers/]
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|SOCOM Community]]
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|- id="T"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''T''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Team_Fortress_2|Team Fortress 2]] [[Wikipedia:The_Orange_Box|The Orange Box]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360|PS3|}} {{Icon|macOS|Linux}}
|{{~}} Servers for TF2 on the PS3 went offline permanently on March 28, but while the PS3 version is no longer it seems the servers for the Xbox 360 version are still running because it's P2P-based. The game continues to receive official Valve server support as of January 2024 for PC, in addition to new content being released on a seasonal basis in the form of submissions made through the Steam Workshop. In June 2011, the game became free-to-play, with revenue derived from microtransactions for in-game cosmetics. A 'drop system' was also added and refined, allowing free-to-play users to periodically receive in-game equipment and items. Discontent
with recent updates has driven some players back to the original/vanilla,'''[https://youtu.be/w1W5DU4zmAA]''' '''pre'''-free-to-play version of Team Fortress 2. This has led them to explore options like the [https://tf2classic.com/ Team Fortress 2 Classic] mod or console versions of the game.
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=The_Orange_Box#Netplay_testing RPCN](RPCS3)(Partially)
|{{Icon|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Tekken_5:_Dark_Resurrection|Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|PSP}}<ref>Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection PSP version Infastructure system only for upload and download content.[https://www.jnlgame.com/cdn/shop/products/73860_back.jpg?v=1691339439&width=5760]</ref>
|{{✗}} [https://www.reddit.com/r/Tekken/comments/5jtyd6/seems_like_the_online_service_of_tekken_5_dark/]
|WIP
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Tekken_5_Dark_Resurrection#Netplay_testing RPCN](RPCS3)
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Tekken_6|Tekken 6]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{✓}} [https://www.reddit.com/r/Tekken/comments/1208c3z/any_of_you_still_play_tekken_6_on_the_ps3_i/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Tekken_6#Netplay_testing RPCN](RPCS3) [https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)
|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Tekken_Revolution|Tekken Revolution]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} The game ceased operations on March 20, 2017.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Tekken_Tag_Tournament_2|Tekken Tag Tournament 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360|WiiU}}
|{{✓}} [https://www.reddit.com/r/Tekken/comments/uiey1u/tekken_tag_tournament_2_online_still_working/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices](Xenia)(WIP)[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Tekken_Tag_Tournament_2#Netplay_testing RPCN](RPCS3)
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Tetris_99|Tetris 99]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|{{✓}} In a similar vein to Pac-Man 99, Super Mario Bros. 35, and F-Zero 99 the game takes the gameplay of classic title and re-contextualizes it as a multiplayer.
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:TERA_(video_game)|TERA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}} {{Icon|PS4|PS5}} {{Icon|XB1|SXS}}
|{{~}} On 20 April 2022, Gameforge announced that Bluehole had decided to cease work on TERA and that Gameforge would shut down the game's servers for PC on 30 June 2022. There are no plans to shut down the console servers.
|{{✓}}
|[https://terastarscape.com/ TERA Starscape]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Test_Drive_Unlimited|Test Drive Unlimited]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360|PS2}}
|{{~}} TDU1 server has been [https://www.facebook.com/343556031504/posts/the-tdu1-server-has-been-shut-down-we-thank-you-for-playing-and-encourage-you-to/10151187078811505/?locale=en_US&_fb_noscript=1 shut down in September 2012]. PS2 version shut down in 2009. Multiplayer matches are still working in the Xbox 360 version, according to TrueAchievements.
|{{✓}}
|[https://turboduck.net/forums/topic/30648-test-drive-unlimited-project-paradise-v003a-public-beta-available/#comments Project Paradise] [https://turboduck.net/forums/topic/35843-released-test-drive-unlimited-platinum-v121/ TDU: Platinum] [https://discord.com/invite/jUjr8EDde3 project ps2 paradise] ([https://old.reddit.com/r/PS2IsAwesome/comments/16i3qvr/the_servers_for_test_drive_unlimited_are/ WIP])
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Test_Drive_Unlimited_2|Test Drive Unlimited 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360|PS3}}
|{{✗}} The game's online servers [https://steamcommunity.com/games/9930/announcements/detail/2747653527490928535 went offline in November 2018], disabling online multiplayer and the TDU2: Casino Online expansion.
|{{✓}}
|[https://project-paradise2.de/ Project Paradise 2] [https://www.tduworld.com/ TDU World] [https://tduniverse.org/ TDUniverse]
|{{Icon|Windows|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:The_Club_(video_game)#Multiplayer|The Club]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360|PS3}}
|{{Unknown}} [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/The_Club#Network] placeholder text.
|{{✓}}
|[https://discord.gg/wVgXAmM6 PS3 Reborn]<ref name=PS3Reborn></ref>
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Titanfall_Online|Titanfall Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} The game was cancelled and servers shutdown in 2018.</ref>
|WIP
|[https://www.reddit.com/r/titanfall/comments/13j55ch/any_updates_on_the_titanfall_online_revival/ TFO:R]
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:TOCA_Race_Driver|TOCA Race Driver]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} 
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/434d000e Insignia]
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:TOCA_Race_Driver_2|TOCA Race Driver 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} PC and PS2 versions uses GameSpy.
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/434d0011 Insignia] [[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]] [http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/racedriver2 OpenSpy]
|{{Icon|Xbox|PS2|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:TOCA_Race_Driver_3|TOCA Race Driver 3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|PS2|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} PC and PS2 versions uses GameSpy.
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]] [http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/racedriver3pc OpenSpy](PC) [http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/ps2-dns/rdriver3ps2 OpenSpy](PS2) [https://www.gameranger.com/games/mac/ GameRanger](macOS)
|{{Icon|PS2|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Tomb_Raider_(2013_video_game)|Tomb Raider (2013)]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|360}}
|{{✓}} Game online infastructure is [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|P2P-based]][https://old.reddit.com/r/TombRaider/comments/16s0pes/does_anybody_know_how_or_why_the_multiplayer_for/].<ref>Recommended to join [https://discord.com/channels/406262717951901696/926559657252749332 Tomb Raider discord server multiplayer subchannel] for multiplayer events.</ref>
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Tom_Clancy's_Ghost_Recon_Advanced_Warfighter_2|Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360|PS3}}
|{{~}} Game online infastructure is [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|P2P-based]] on Xbox 360[https://www.reddit.com/r/GhostRecon/comments/nx0k24/are_graw_and_graw_2_servers_still_up_for_360/] so it's playable. On PC and PS3 it's uses GameSpy so it's offline[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Tom_Clancy's_Ghost_Recon_Advanced_Warfighter_2#Network][https://www.reddit.com/r/PS3/comments/17wkh0j/ghost_recon_advanced_warfighter_2_custom_servers/].
|{{✓}}
|[https://discord.gg/qe5495xEYn PS3 Reborn]<ref name=PS3Reborn></ref> ([https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Tom_Clancy%27s_Ghost_Recon:_Advanced_Warfighter_2#Netplay_testing RPCS3]) [http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/generic/greconawf2 OpenSpy]
|{{Icon|Windows|PS3}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Tony_Hawk's_American_Wasteland|Tony Hawk's American Wasteland]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}{{Icon|PS2|Xbox}}{{Icon|Windows|360}}
|{{~}} Only the Xbox 360 versions servers still up.[https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/928296-tony-hawks-american-wasteland/80769701]
|{{✓}}
|[https://rethawed.com/ reTHAWed] (PC) [[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]] (PS2) [https://insignia.live/games/41560049 Insignia]
|{{Icon|Windows|Xbox|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Toontown_Online|Toontown Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Mac}}
|{{✗}} Various servers hosting Toontown Online were shut down throughout the game’s tenure, with the US servers and the game itself closing in September 2013.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.toontownrewritten.com/play Toontown Rewritten]
|{{Icon|Windows|Mac|Linux}}
|-
|[https://segaretro.org/Toy_Racer Toy Racer]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC}}
|{{✗}} Sega's online services have long shut down.
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/toy-racer/ DreamcastLive] [https://github.com/TheArcadeStriker/flycast-wiki/wiki/DCNet#currently-supported-games DCnet]
|{{Icon|DC}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Travian|Travian]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Trials_Evolution|Trials Evolution]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|360}}
|{{~}} Trials Evolution shutting down in January 2024.
|{{✗}}
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quR918x-xQQ N/A]
|N/A
|-
|[https://twistedmetal.fandom.com/wiki/Twisted_Metal:_Black_Online Twisted Metal: Black Online]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20240711040809/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/gameservers/]
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|TMBOSVR]]
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Twisted_Metal:_Head-On|Twisted Metal: Head-On]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|{{✗}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20240711040809/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/gameservers/]
|{{✓}}
|[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LRa0uC0LePZF_szr4hQQ4PiC2nbTig0Il_2t8vHQx7k/edit?gid=0#gid=0 PSORG]
|{{Icon|PSP}}
|- id="U"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''U''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:UEFA_Champions_League_video_games#EA_Sports_(2004–2007,_2018–present)|UEFA Champions League 2004–2005]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|Xbox|Windows}}
|{{✗}} EA have announced the impending closure of their online servers for a long list of their old sports games.[https://web.archive.org/web/20230507095916/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/r-z]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:UEFA_Champions_League_2006–2007_(video_game)|UEFA Champions League 2006–2007]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2|PSP|Windows|360}}
|{{✗}} EA have announced the impending closure of their online servers for a long list of their old sports games.[https://web.archive.org/web/20230507095916/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/r-z]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:UEFA_Euro_2008_(video_game)|UEFA Euro 2008]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} EA have announced the impending closure of their online servers for a long list of their old sports games.[https://web.archive.org/web/20230507095916/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/r-z]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:UFC_2009_Undisputed|UFC Undisputed 2009]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{✓}} Both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game utilize a [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|Peer-to-Peer]] online infrastructure, which allows continued online play[https://forum.psnprofiles.com/topic/94760-online-still-work/]. However, similar to Call of Duty 3 situation on seventh-gen home consoles, it appears to require a custom server for authentication[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=UFC_2009_Undisputed#Netplay_testing][https://discord.com/channels/308194948048486401/1173434194525950062/1212793084916535336].
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices] [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=UFC_2009_Undisputed#Netplay_testing RPCN?](Untested)
|{{Icon|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:UFC_Undisputed_2010|UFC Undisputed 2010]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{✗}} Servers down.[https://www.xboxachievements.com/forum/topic/381699-servers-are-shut-down/]
|{{?}}
|[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=UFC_Undisputed_2010#Special_Notes OpenSpy (RPCS3)]<ref>There is a [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=UFC_Undisputed_2010#Special_Notes OpenSpy Online canary patch for UFC Undisputed 2010 using with RPCS3] but it's untested at the moment.</ref>
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Ultima_Online|Ultima Online]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|{{✓}} The release of Kingdom Reborn in 2007 brought a new game engine with upgraded visuals. In preparation for the launch of the Stygian Abyss expansion, support for the existing client was discontinued to optimize the patching procedure. As a replacement, a revised rendition of the Kingdom Reborn client emerged, rebranded as the "Enhanced Client." This revamped version was unveiled as an open beta in July 2009, coinciding with the release of Stygian Abyss. The "Enhanced Client" is a blend of some of the 3D models and UI from Kingdom Reborn and the 2D art used in the Classic Client. The Enhanced Client and the Classic Client are the two official clients as of 2024.
|{{✓}}
|Various[https://www.reddit.com/r/ultimaonline/comments/um29u0/server_list_2022/][https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultima_Online#Community]
|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|- id="V"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''V''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Vindictus|Vindictus]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✓}} Vindictus was originally released in South Korea on January 21, 2010. From 2011 to 2015 the game was also released in Europe, Australia, and other parts of Asia, although some of those regional versions have since been shut down, or merged with the North American server.
|{{✓}}
|[https://windictus.net/ Windictus]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|- id="W"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''W''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Warhawk_(2007_video_game)|Warhawk]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}
|{{✗}} Sony [https://web.archive.org/web/20181123120525/https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/legal/gameservers/ shut down Warhawk's online servers on January 31, 2019], providing notice by email to PlayStation Network members.
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.psone.online/home PSONE]
|{{Icon|PS3}}
|-
|[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/War_Inc._Battlezone War Inc. Battlezone]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|{{✗}} In 2014, game servers down.[https://steamcommunity.com/app/107900/discussions/0/540744474963115539/]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:World_of_Warcraft|World of Warcraft World of Warcraft Classic]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|[https://www.reddit.com/r/wowservers/comments/qax2qf/world_of_warcraft_private_server_list/ Various]
|{{Icon|Windows}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Worms_World_Party|Worms World Party]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Dreamcast}}
|{{✗}} Sega's online services have long shut down.
|{{✓}}
|[https://dreamcastlive.net/worms-world-party/ DreamcastLive] [https://github.com/TheArcadeStriker/flycast-wiki/wiki/DCNet#currently-supported-games DCnet]
|{{Icon|DC}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:WWE_SmackDown!_vs._Raw|WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|{{✗}} GameSpy.
|{{✓}}
|[[Early_online_services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|PS2Online]] [http://beta.openspy.net/en/howto/ps2-dns/smackdnps2r OpenSpy]
|{{Icon|PS2}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:WWE_SmackDown_vs._Raw_2007|WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}{{Icon|360}}
|{{~}} Game online infastructure is [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|P2P-based]] on Xbox 360 so it's playable[https://youtu.be/RF1bLBTRJ_4], but it probably needs custom server for authentication process.PSP and PS2 status is unknown, placeholder text.<ref>[[PlayStation_Portable_emulators#Connectivity|Local multiplayer using AdHoc and tunneling on PSP]] is possible though.</ref>
|WIP?
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices]
|N/A
|-
|[[Wikipedia:WWE_SmackDown_vs._Raw_2010|WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{~}} Online infastructure is [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|P2P-based]] on Xbox 360 so it's still playable. Other versions are unknown...
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices]
|{{Icon|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:WWE_SmackDown_vs._Raw_2011|WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}{{Icon|PS3|360}}
|{{~}} Online infastructure is [[Wikipedia:Peer-to-peer|P2P-based]] on Xbox 360 so it's still playable. Other versions are unknown...
|{{✓}}
|[https://github.com/AdrianCassar/xenia-canary/wiki/Netplay-Compatibility Xenia WebServices]
|{{Icon|360}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Whacked!|Whacked!]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} Servers down due to Xbox Live for the original Xbox was discontinued by Microsoft on April 15, 2010.
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/4d530027 Insignia]
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:WWE_WrestleMania_21_(video_game)|WWE WrestleMania 21]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} Servers down due to Xbox Live for the original Xbox was discontinued by Microsoft on April 15, 2010.
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/54510024 Insignia]
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|- id="X"
| colspan="6" style="background: #ECECEC;"| '''X''' {{IndexComp}}
|-
|[[Xbox_emulators#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Xbox Live Arcade]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} Servers down due to Xbox Live for the original Xbox was discontinued by Microsoft on April 15, 2010.
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/4d5300c8 Insignia]
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[https://lutris.net/games/zunou-taisen-live/ Xbox LIVE Starter Kit Disc - Zunou Taisen Live]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} Servers down due to Xbox Live for the original Xbox was discontinued by Microsoft on April 15, 2010.
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/584c000b Insignia]
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Xbox_Music_Mixer|Xbox Music Mixer]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} Servers down due to Xbox Live for the original Xbox was discontinued by Microsoft on April 15, 2010.
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/4d53005a Insignia]
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20041204165721/http://www.xbox.com/ja-JP/videochat/default.htm Xbox Video Chat]
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|{{✗}} Servers down due to Xbox Live for the original Xbox was discontinued by Microsoft on April 15, 2010.
|{{✓}}
|[https://insignia.live/games/4d53007c Insignia]
|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|}
</div>

==LAN Tunneling Programs==
{{main|Netplay#LAN tunneling programs}}

==Proxy Projects for Retro Web Browsing==
These kind of projects usually retrieves pages from the [https://web.archive.org/ Internet Archive Wayback Machine] or [https://www.oocities.org/ OoCities] and delivers them in their original form, without toolbars, scripts and other extraneous content that may confuse retro web browsers.<ref>https://github.com/richardg867/WaybackProxy#waybackproxy</ref> These are quite useful especially for retro web browsing with [[POS_(Pong_Consoles)_CPUs_and_Other_Chips#x86_CPUs|DOS-based, Windows 1.0x/2x/3x series]], [[Windows_95/98/ME_emulators|Windows 9x series]], [[Windows_2000/XP/Vista_emulators|Windows NT series]] and [[MacOS|MacOS]] emulators and [[Hypervisors]] or even [https://youtu.be/ngbO68CKO7k web browsers on old home consoles]. Otherwise you can still use pure HTML websites on the internet such as; [https://dreampipe.net/ DreamPipe], [http://thebaratusii.com/ thebaratusii], [http://toastytech.com/ toastytech], [http://blueosmuseum.com/ TheBlueOSMuseum], [http://luxuryaerozona.net/ LuxuryAerozona], [http://dreamproject98.com/ DreamProject Legacy],[http://dosboxdmclub.razorback95.com/ DOSBox Deathmatch Club], [https://guidebookgallery.org/ GuidebookGallery], [https://www.mdgx.com/ MDGx], [http://ctyme.com/rbrown.htm Ralf Brown's Interrupt List], [http://doom2.net/ Doom2.net], [http://www.dvd3000.ca/ PowerDVD3000].

<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|Recommended
|-
|[https://protoweb.org ProtoWeb]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|[https://github.com/richardg867/WaybackProxy WaybackProxy]
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|}
</div>

==See also==
* [[Copy protection]]
* [[Legal Status of Emulation]]
* [[Broadcast and Cable Communication Systems]]
* [[Endangered list]]
---
* [[Netplay|Emulation General: Netplay]]
* [[Early online services]]
* [[Nintendo Network]]
* [[Nintendo Switch Online]]
* [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
* [[PlayStation Mobile]]
* [[PlayStation Network]]
* [[Xbox network|Xbox Network / Xbox Live]]

==External links==
* [https://www.stopkillinggames.com/ StopKillingGames.com]
* [https://www.doesitplay.org/ DoesItPlay.org]
* [https://delistedgames.com/ DelistedGames.com]
* Some of the [https://store.steampowered.com/curators/topcurators/? Steam curators] such as [https://store.steampowered.com/curator/10576967-Cut-Content-Police/ Cut-Content Police] or [https://store.steampowered.com/curator/31857481-Games-at-risk-of-removal/ Games at risk of removal] lists censored games, games at risk of removal or other aspects that harm the preservation.
* [https://old.reddit.com/r/ReverseEngineering/comments/1uognx/how_do_modders_revive_online_features_in_old/ "How do communities revive online features in old games without the server files?"] (Useful if you want to learn basics about reverse engineering the private servers.)
* Mystic - [https://youtu.be/6uFn8rzku1I?t=219 Reverse Engineer Introduction - PSOne Group], [https://youtu.be/bUBDrc58oTQ?t=620 Reverse Engineer Introduction - SaveMGO Group], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBd1P7vpvfc PlayStation Home PS3 Is Back Online in 2023], [https://youtu.be/bUBDrc58oTQ PS3 Online in 2024: Who's Still Playing and Why?]
* RPCS3 YouTube - [https://youtu.be/Xz7azMWM6bk Play PS3 Games Online on PC via RPCN]
* Rocket Sloth: [https://youtu.be/bCDjNPfpUlc GameSpy: the company that killed off hundreds of games in a single day]
* [https://www.youtube.com/@ClassicPCgames-Shauneyboy/videos ClassicPCgames] - YouTube channel dedicated to revive servers for old classic PC games.
* [https://www.youtube.com/@MAWK3/videos MAWK3] - YouTube channel dedicated to revive servers for old home console games.
* Reddit: [https://old.reddit.com/r/OnlinePreservation/ r/OnlinePreservation/]

{{NEL}}
[[Category:Miscellaneous Emulation Categories|*]]
[[Category:Miscellaneous Software Categories|*]]
[[Category:Preservation|*]]
[[Category:Online Services|#]]

Nintendo DS emulators

2025-04-04T17:12:33Z

MysticChromium: melonDS mobile version update

{{Infobox system
|title = Nintendo DS
|image= DSlitewhite.png
|caption= A white Nintendo DS Lite
| developer = [[Nintendo]]
| manufacturer = Foxconn
| family = Nintendo DS
| type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
| price = {{Inflation|USD|149.99|2004}}
| generation = [[:Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles|Seventh]]
| release date =
NA: November 21, 2004 
JP: December 2, 2004 
AU: February 24, 2005 
EU: March 11, 2005
| discontinued = Yes
| unitssold = 154.02 million worldwide (as of June 30, 2016)
| media = Nintendo DS Game Card Game Boy Advance Game Pak
| cpu = 67 MHz ARM946E-S 33 MHz ARM7TDMI
| memory = 4 MB RAM
| storage = Cartridge save 256 KB flash memory
| display = Two 3" TFT LCDs, 256 × 192 pixels
| connectivity = Wi-Fi (802.11, WEP)
| service = [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
| topgame = ''New Super Mario Bros.'', 30.80 million
| compatibility = Game Boy Advance
| predecessor = [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
| successor = [[Nintendo 3DS emulators|Nintendo 3DS]]
| related = Nintendo DS Lite 
Nintendo DSi 
Nintendo DSi XL
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

{{for|emulators that run on the Nintendo DS|Emulators on DS}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo DS|Nintendo DS]]''' (NDS) is a handheld console produced by Nintendo and released on November 21, 2004, and had 2 ARM CPUs (ARM9 and ARM7) with 4 MB of RAM and was priced at {{Inflation|USD|149.99|2004}}. The main selling point was the use of dual screens for gameplay, with one being a touchscreen. It is the only console to have come close to the [[PlayStation 2 emulators|PlayStation 2]] in lifetime sales (154.02 million units), as a result of attracting many casual players, and even non-gamers, into the gaming community.

;Remember, certain titles such as [[Wikipedia:Category:Nintendo_DSi_games|DSi retail]] and [[Wikipedia:List_of_DSiWare_games_and_applications|DSiWare]] games are exclusive to the DSi. Make sure your chosen emulator [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|supports these variations (see "DSi exclusive features" section)]] if you want to play them.

==Emulators==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|'''[[#Nintendo DSi|DSi]]'''
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
!colspan="10"|x86
|-
|[[melonDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|Dev Builds<ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-windows/master/melonDS-windows-x86_64.zip Windows], [https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-ubuntu/master/melonDS-ubuntu-x86_64.zip Ubuntu], [https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-macos-universal/master/macOS-universal.zip macOS-universal]</ref> [https://melonds.kuribo64.net/downloads.php {{MelonDSVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ ''libretro core'']<ref group=N name=melonDSRA>Similar to Dolphin, PPSSPP and Citra libretro cores, [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds melonDS DS] libretro core or the standalone version of melonDS is highly recommended over the melonDS libretro core because it is two versions out of date (still on 0.9.3), and the generation 5 Pokémon are broken. If you turn on C-Gear, after a few minutes you will be unable to save. [https://github.com/libretro/melonDS/issues/179#issuecomment-1407488464 '''You also can't use any wifi features'''] or do in game trades either or the game will freeze.</ref>
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/forum.php?id=3 ?] ([https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues .]) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|melonDS DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com libretro core] [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds git]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://desmume.org/download/ {{DeSmuMEVer}}/Nightly] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://forums.desmume.org/viewforum.php?id=6 ?] ([https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/issues .]) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (melonDS)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [https://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[https://problemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[mGBA#medusa|mGBA/medusa]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://mgba.io/downloads.html#medusa alpha 2]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) || {{~}}<ref name="medusa suspended"/>||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[https://corgids.wordpress.com/ CorgiDS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/CorgiDS/releases git] [https://www.emucr.com/search/label/CorgiDS SVN]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}}<ref>https://corgids.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/extended-break/</ref> ||{{✗}}
|-
|ndsemu
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/rasky/ndsemu git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20110225190819/http://https://com/ NeonDS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20100925152735/http://nehttps://m/system/files/NeonDS_0.2.1.zip 0.2.1]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|dasShiny
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/Cydrak/dasShiny git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[http://ds-duos.blhttps://com/ DuoS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://www.emulatorhttps://om/download.php/emulators/nds/duos/DuoS.zip 8/25/2012 Beta]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Ensata]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://www.mediafire.comhttps://0odmalrndt9m7a/Ensata+v1.4d.rar 1.4d]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20111130005614/https://ideasemu.biz/ iDeaS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://www.emulator-zone.com/https://mulators/nds/ideas/ideas1040.7z 1.0.4.0]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|dust
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Mac|Web}}
|[https://github.com/kelpsyberry/dust git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
!colspan="10"|ARM
|-
|melonDS DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|tvOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com libretro core] [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds git]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[DraStic]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pandora|Pyra}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dsemu.drastic&hl=en_US&gl=US {{DraSticVer}}](link is broken) [https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/32 0.1 Pyra]
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[https://pandorawiki.org/DraStic_Compatibility_List 68% 49 out of 73 reported titles (Pandora) ] [https://xdaforums.com/t/drastic-ds-updated-to-v2-1-5-1a-xplay-compatibility-list-over-100-games-playable.2396919/ 88% 127 out of 145 reported titles (Android) ] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}<ref>https://gbatemp.net/threads/drastic-ds-emulator-on-android-is-now-free-to-download-will-be-taken-down-soon.650119/</ref> ||{{~}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/desmume/ DeSmuME_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[melonDS]] (unofficial) [https://docs.libretro.com/library/melonds/ melonds_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/rafaelvcaetano/melonDS-android git] [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.magnum.melonds 1.10.0] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=melonDSRA></ref>
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPL3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}} (WIP)
|-
|[[Delta]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688 AppStore] [https://github.com/rileytestut/Delta git]
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}})||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hydra.noods 0.1] [https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[https://inds.nerd.net/ iNDS] (nds4ios-derived) (DeSmuME-based)
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/iNDS-Team/iNDS/releases git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|nds4ios
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[http://https://.angelxwind.net/i/?page/downloads SVN]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[http://jefhttps://blog/nds4droid/ nds4droid] (DeSmuME-based)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/jquesnelle/nds4droid git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
!colspan="10"|Console
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|WiiU}}
|
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_3|Only for selected titles]] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/desmume/ DeSmuME_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|PS4}} {{Icon|Vita}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/ 0.9.13]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[melonDS]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/melonds/ melonds_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita}} {{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=melonDSRA></ref> [https://github.com/rsduck/melonDS/releases git] (Switch) [https://github.com/Rinnegatamante/melonDS-Vita git](Vita Port) [https://github.com/DanielSant0s/melonDS-PS2 git] (PS2 Port) 
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}} (WIP)
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita|WiiU}} {{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git] (Switch/Vita/WiiU) [https://github.com/Xiro28/NooDS_PSP git] (PSP port)
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}} (WIP)
|-
|[[DeSmuME PSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/590011753849421846/870274164748079104/desmume_psp_4.zip V4][https://github.com/Xiro28/DesmumePSPExperimental Experimental]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||[[DeSmuME PSP|26% 16 out of 63 reported titles ]] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|DesmumeX
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|[https://www.1emulation.com/forums/topic/35774-desmumex-v087-new-update 0.87]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Desmume Wii
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii}}
|[https://code.google.com/archive/p/desmumewii/downloads r185]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME PSP|DSonPSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://wololo.net/downloads/index.php/download/1235 0.7]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} (POC) ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

==Native==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|'''[[#Nintendo DSi|DSi]]'''
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|DS Mode
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|
|{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||[https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Nintendo-3DS-Family/Nintendo-3DS/Backwards-Compatible/Backwards-Compatible-115074.html 99%]<ref group=N>Games with GBA Slot are incompatible. See [[#Hardware features and peripherals|Hardware features and peripherals]].</ref> ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|}
<references group=N />

==Comparisons==
;[[melonDS]]
:Unlike DeSmuME, melonDS has some DSi support. In terms of being user-friendly, options in melonDS are more simplified. Has similar DS game compatibility as DeSmuME. Both can run games at a higher internal resolution (sharper 3D objects) and can open ROMs inside a compressed archive (ZIP, RAR, 7Z etc.). Both can display the two screens in a variety of ways, but melonDS has a hybrid mode. [https://i.imgur.com/S73Eb4m.jpg (Example)] While the developers of No$GBA had documented the Wi-Fi capabilities first, melonDS is the first and only emulator that has gotten as far as it has, and it has been found to work reasonably well with a handful of games. Switching to OpenGL in core options may give a performance boost, with 1.0 RC version OpenGL compute shader renderer introduced[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=216] similar to [[High/Low_level_emulation#Future_outlook|other compute shader renderers]]. In May 2023, it was confirmed that there are plans for high-level emulation of Arm7 on MelonDS. The project is codenamed MelonHLE.
:;melonDS DS
::An enhanced remake of the melonDS libretro that prioritizes standalone parity, reliability, and usability. Features included in this remake that were not available in the melonDS libretro core include full Wi-Fi support (Kaeru WFC, AltWFC, Wiimmfi), firmware overrides (name, color, birthday, etc.), homebrew save data support, screen rotation in the core settings (as the screen rotation feature in RetroArch's Video settings did not rotate touch inputs for melonDS and DeSmuME and can distort the screen), additional screen layout options, directly boot Nintendo DSi titles (excluding DSiWare, which must be installed to the DSi NAND), RetroAchievements support for DSi(Ware) games, battery support, and selectable NAND and firmware images. However, some melonDS libretro core features aren't yet presented in this remake, such as local wireless connection, GDB Stub Support, DSi Camera support, and OpenGL compute shader renderer, but some are planned to be implemented. With that stated, this remake is not a perfect replacement for the melonDS libretro core but has its uses that the original core and the DeSmuME libretro core lack.

;[[DeSmuME]]
:DeSmuME has gained significant improvements since 2018; new features include less CPU/GPU resource usage and high-resolution 3D rendering, and Wi-Fi emulation has been reintroduced in the latest builds. v0.9.13 from May 2022 is the first "Stable" build in over 7 years and is highly recommended over all previous builds (though dev builds are also generally very usable). [[OpenEmu]] uses a shallow fork of the v0.9.11 build and should be avoided as well.

;[[DraStic]]
:A (currently) closed-source emulator for [[Android emulators|Android]] devices that can run games at a decent speed even on potato phones. It is on par with (or in some cases better than) DeSmuME, and emulating it through BlueStacks on PC may actually be a viable and fast alternative aside from a slight input delay. Some rumors have spread around that the developers deliberately put in issues to mess with unofficial copies, though this is considered unsubstantiated. At the very least, you shouldn't expect any support from Exophase and company if you use an unofficial copy. It is available on the Raspberry Pi and Odroid via RetroPie, and runs relatively well[https://youtu.be/715kg1-hmxA]. As of March 5, 2024, due to yuzu lawsuits mainly focused on the Zelda franchise, the creator made it free and plans on open-sourcing the code.

;[[No$|No$GBA]]
:Focuses on speed, and has major compatibility issues and glitches as a result. Because it was initially a GBA emulator, the DS' 3D features are still very poorly handled. '''It is a good option for low-end machines, but don't expect a lot of games to run perfectly'''. A fan program, No$Zoomer, was released for version 2.6, which increases compatibility and options, as well as the titular zooming and resizing abilities. The biggest addition is noise cancellation which clears up static No$GBA makes with its 3D rendering. It doesn't change accuracy though. No$Zoomer never rebased to newer No$GBA versions, and it looks like it was abandoned, so it likely never will. In v2.8, No$GBA became the first emulator to support DSi games, which has been their most notable feature. Only use No$GBA for DSi games that don't work on other emulators, debugging (if you've taken up ROM hacking for DS games or homebrew development), if you value speed above everything, if you're using a potato PC, or just as a last resort.

;[[BizHawk]]
:Uses melonDS 0.9.5 core for Nintendo DS and DSi emulation, mGBA or VBA-Next cores for Game Boy Advance emulation

;[[Delta]]
:An open-source [[Multi-system_emulators|multi-system emulator]] for iOS with the ability to emulate many consoles and handhelds, including the DS. Since version 1.3, Delta Emulator allows you to emulate Nintendo DS with a DeSmuME or melonDS (0.9.1)[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=199] core. You will need to have DS BIOS or DSi BIOS to play DS/DSi games in Delta using the melonDS core. It also allows you to boot into DS/DSi home screen and functions similarly to melonDS.

;[[mGBA#medusa|mGBA/medusa]]
:[[mGBA]] developer endrift is also creating a DS emulator, but it is very much a [https://mgba.io/timeline.html#IN+THE+FUTURE work-in-progress] and isn't nearly as far as melonDS in terms of the capabilities it's covered. As of March 2018, medusa's development is "suspended until further notice".<ref name="medusa suspended">https://mgba.io/2018/03/09/holy-grail-bugs-revisited/#postscript-a-several-month-late-explanation</ref>

;iDeaS
:An abandoned and experimental DS emulator that uses a plug-in system, it is very slow and buggy but has partially gotten some features working, like the camera and slide accessories.
;[[Ensata]]: Nintendo's official DS emulator that was leaked to the public. It is not very usable or compatible, but it can run a few games.

'''Comparisons of several Nintendo DS emulators:'''
* [https://emucross.com/the-next-generation-of-ds-emulators/ Looking Toward the Next Generation of DS Emulators] (By [[Dolphin]] tester, [https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/authors/JMC47/ JMC47], AKA Justin M. Chadwick. 5 June 2017. Tested emulators: melonDS (0.2 and 0.3), medusa (Alpha 2) & GBE+ (1.1) compared to the mature DeSmuME.)

===High resolution===
;[[melonDS]]
:Has an OpenGL renderer with upscaling as of version 0.8.<ref name="melondsopengl">http://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=90</ref> The renderer is much faster than DeSmuME's and supports increasing the internal resolution up to 16x native resolution. More features, such as texture filtering, are planned.

;DeSmuME X432R
:A fork of DeSmuME that has graphical enhancements, such as an option to increase internal resolution and use MSAA. The devs of DeSmuME have now included an option for increased internal resolution (see below), making X432R outdated. See the [[DeSmuME]] page for more details.

;[[DeSmuME]] ([[libretro]])
:Also has the option to increase internal resolution since the [https://github.com/libretro/desmume/commit/5e430dfbc22f9d54c77f291304a38352ee1e5a63 8/8/15 git commit]. It requires a very high-end CPU to run at a reasonable framerate.
;DraStic:Has released a beta version supporting double the original resolution.
;Virtual Console (Wii U):Has a configuration file with support for x2 internal resolution without any significant performance hit (as well as a brightness setting). However, there is no legit way to enable it without a homebrew-enabled console.

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! melonDS
! melonDS DS
! DESmuME
! Bizhawk
! No$GBA
! GBE+
! SkyEmu
! mGBA/medusa
|-
| rowspan=5 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Nintendo_DS|Widescreen hack]] Widescreen is possible thanks to specific codes made by the community for a lot of DS games.
| {{✓}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/395 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Texture_Replacement_.283D.29|Texture packs]]
| {{✗}}([https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=182 WIP])
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Pre-rendering AA (MSAA, SSAA)
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}} (MSAA)
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Super-resolution techniques ([https://github.com/NVIDIA/DLSS/blob/main/doc/DLSS_Programming_Guide_Release.pdf DLSS], [https://github.com/intel/xess/?tab=readme-ov-file XeSS] and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 2+]])
| colspan=8 | Requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors, so it is quite challenging and unlikely to be possible soon. Besides any GPU that can use DLSS can run these emulators at 4K native with ease anyway.
|-
| rowspan=3 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
| {{~}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?pid=2574#2574 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal Framerate Hack]]
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies] ([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-G], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation XeSS-FG] and [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on-amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF])
| colspan=8 | Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be possible soon however post-processing techniques such as [[Wikipedia:Motion_interpolation|motion interpolation]] is quite possible. [[Input_lag|Input latency]] will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique used, it is recommended to use '''after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack"'''. While '''AFMF''' or '''LSFG''' could be used with melonDS or De
SmuME?, please be aware some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.
|-
| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]] (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
| {{~}}<ref group=N3>Only possible with software renderer.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}<abbr title="Supports MSAA but there is no post-rendering AA technique supported.">*</abbr>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]] (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA>Only possible with libretro core. [https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/1146 GitHub Issue page for adding RetroAchievements to the melonDS standalone version]. But DSi RetroAchievement are [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#nintendo not supported].</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
| [https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/pull/1671 WIP]
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|-
| Rewind
| {{✗}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?pid=5060 *]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| Savestates
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3>Save states not available for Nintendo DSi(Ware) titles in MelonDS DS.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/463 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | Controls
| [[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse Injector Compatible]]
| {{~}}
| {{~}}[https://github.com/makidoll/melonPrimeDS?tab=readme-ov-file#melonprimeds *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=8 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
|
|
|
|
|-
| Command Line Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=7 | Misc
| [[Netplay#Other|Netplay]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA></ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=8 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| RetroAchievements [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=18 DS], [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=78 DSi]
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=noDSiRA>Nintendo DS RetroAchievements is exclusive in libretro cores and the unofficial melonDS Android port. DSi games aren't supported in these emulators/cores for RetroAchievements.</ref>
| {{✓}}<ref group=N3 name=DSiRA>DSi RetroAchievements is supported in [https://twitter.com/RetroCheevos/status/1647525064667955201?cxt=HHwWgoCw4afUl90tAAAA BizHawk's MelonDS core] and the MelonDS DS libretro core.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
| {{✓}}<ref group=N3 name=noDSiRA />
| {{✗}}
|
|
|
|-
| Free Look Free Look is an enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| [https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/9lwy0r/desmume_begins_to_implement_a_freelook_feature/ WIP]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/249 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|-
| Multiple screens
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan="3" | Name
! melonDS
! melonDS DS
! DeSmuME
!Bizhawk
! No$GBA
! GBE+
|-
| colspan="3" |[[#Backwards_compatibility_for_Game_Boy_Advance.2FGBA_Mode|Backwards compatibility for Game Boy Advance/GBA Mode]]
| {{✗}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?id=1229 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | Bayer DIDGIT
| colspan="2" | Communication
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Emulation
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="3" | [[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| colspan="3" | [http://www.https://ghtyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref group="N2" name="Tilt">[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist] [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/925329-nintendo-ds/71009293 DS example]</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan="5" |[[#Connectivity|Connectivity]]
| colspan="2" | [[#DS Download Play|DS Download Play]]
| {{~}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[#DS/Wii connectivity|DS/Wii connectivity]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/1000 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[#GBA/DS connectivity|GBA/DS connectivity]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{~}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[#Local wireless communication|Local wireless communication]]
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[#Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
|-
| rowspan="4" |Controllers
| colspan="2" | Guitar Hero pad
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS">If this [https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/pull/719 Pull request] gets merged ([https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/pull/2101 Rumble pak PR merged]), we could see Slot 2 peripherals supported on MelonDS.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Nintendo Wireless Keyboard
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Piano for Easy Piano
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS" />
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Taito paddle controller
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS" />
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="3" |DS Menu
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan="7" | DSi-exclusive features
| rowspan="3" | [[#DSi Game formats|DSi Game formats]]
|DSi (digital) & DSiWare
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|DSi (enhanced)
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|DSi (exclusive)
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | DSi Inputs
|Microphone
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="DSmic">melonDS and melonDS DS support microphone in external microphone, blow, noise, and (for melonDS) WAV file.</ref>
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="DSmic" />
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group="N2" name="nocash-whitenoise"></ref>
| {{✗}}
|-
|Solar Sensor
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2">Only manual configuration. No automatic detection.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |DSi Menu
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" |DSi SD Card
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="6" |Inputs
| colspan="2" | DS camera
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2">melonDS supports outer and inner cameras in Physical Camera mode and as Image File.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group="N2">DS camera is supported but DSi camera is not yet supported in melonDS DS.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group="N2" name="nocash-whitenoise">no$gba supports whitenoise for the camera and microphone.</ref>
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[List_of_games_that_support_Pressure-Sensitive_Face_Buttons#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Pressure-sensitivity for touchscreen]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Rumble Pak
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS" />
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Slide controller
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS" />
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="SlideControllerDeSmuME"> There is an open [https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/pull/737 pull request] that implements support for this add-on.</ref>
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[List_of_games_that_support_tracked_motion_controllers#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Tilt sensor]]
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS" />
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[List_of_games_that_support_touchscreen#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Touchscreen]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| colspan="3" | Inrou-Kun pedometer
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{TBD}}
|{{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art26.html *]
|-
| colspan="3" | iQue DS region lock
| {{~}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="3" | Magic Reader
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{TBD}}
|{{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art23.html *]
|-
| rowspan="2" | [https://dmitry.gr/?r=05.Projects&proj=28.%20pokewalker PokéWalker]
| colspan="2" | [[List_of_games_that_support_IR#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Communication]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Emulation[https://github.com/UnrealPowerz/powar *]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/UnrealPowerz/powar/issues/2 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="3" | Sega Card Reader
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="CardReaderDeSmuME">Supported in the latest nightly builds, on Windows only.</ref>
|{{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art21.html *]
|-
| colspan="3" | Thrustmaster Ubisoft pedometer
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{TBD}}
|{{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art26.html *]
|}
<references group=N2/>
===Connectivity===
The DS offers five types of connections:
* '''Local wireless communications''' - ''(Multiple cartridges)''
* '''DS Download Play''' - ''(Single cartridge)''
* '''Wi-Fi Connection''' - ''(Online multiplayer)''
* '''DS/Wii connectivity'''
* '''GBA/DS connectivity'''

The major challenge with emulating multiplayer functionalities is timing inaccuracies, which have made many projects, such as DeSmuME, not want to implement them. So far, the only emulator to actually make any progress is melonDS, but even that is still under development.

====Local wireless communication====
Players who have a copy of the same game can link together using the DS's wireless signals (given that the game offers this feature).

melonDS supports wireless communication with several games, including ''New Super Mario Bros.'' and the ''Pokémon'' games, but you need to have either multiple instances opened, which can slow down overall performance, or connect multiple computers via LAN. No$GBA can connect but fails before the actual connection is finished.

====DS Download Play====
This feature allows players with a DS and only one copy of a game to play together (Single-Card Play). This way, not everyone needs a copy of a game. The player with the physical cartridge will host the game while the other players connect using a "downloaded" version received from the host. Normally they're either simple mini-games, stripped-down demos of the main game, or a limited version of multiplayer. In most cases, it is better to use multi-cart instead. However, some games, like ''Mario Party DS'', require Download Play to use its multiplayer.

Download Play is supported by melonDS. Like with local multiplayer, it is very hit-and-miss, but unlocking the framerate helps. melonDS will often fail during the download process, but some games actually go as far as booting and sometimes in-game as well.

====Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection====
{{Main|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection}}

====DS/Wii connectivity====
Uses wireless communication on the DS to connect to the Wii. The idea is parallel to the GBA Link Cable for the GameCube, and just like the Link Cable, [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Wii-to-DS_connectivity only a handful of games actually have this feature]. Some notable examples include:

* ''Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time'' - which is essentially the same as the DS port but can connect with other DSes with the game.
* ''Pokémon Battle Revolution'' - in which players could transfer their Pokémon from the Generation IV main series games and use the DS as a controller.
* ''Animal Crossing: City Folk'' - in which data could be transferred between the DS version (''Animal Crossing: Wild World''), and the ''Nintendo Channel'' on the Wii, where players could download demos of DS games to their console using Download Play (basically the same idea as the Download Station kiosk).

So far, no emulator has been able to emulate this feature, nor have attempted to. If this were ever going to be emulated, it would require work on both ends.

====GBA/DS connectivity====
Inserting a GBA cartridge in the Slot-2 of the Nintendo DS while a game is running can unlock various gameplay features for [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Nintendo_DS_games_with_GBA_connectivity several DS games].

It is unknown if No$GBA supports this, but it can be done in DeSmuME by going to Config > Slot 2 (GBA Slot) and selecting GBA Cartridge. Select the GBA ROM file, and make sure its <code>.sav</code> file is in the same folder. You may need to reset the game for it to take effect.
As of version 0.9, [https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=110 melonDS supports GBA connectivity] ([https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds?tab=readme-ov-file#game-boy-advance-connectivity melonDS DS libretro core support guide]) and even added support for the solar sensor on GBA Boktai cartridges used in Boktai DS (Lunar Knight), something DeSmuME has yet to support. Either drag and drop the GBA ROM onto the program before starting or open the file before loading the NDS file.

===Backwards compatibility for Game Boy Advance/GBA Mode===
The Nintendo DS is backward compatible with Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridges. Shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators|Game Boy Advance emulation]] or [[#Connectivity|GBA/DS connectivity]]. None of the emulators supports this feature currently.

===Accessories===
:''[[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_DS_accessories|Wikipedia - List of Nintendo DS accessories]]''
;Guitar Hero pad: Used in the "Guitar Hero: On Tour" series (required) and Band Hero DS. Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Piano for Easy Piano: Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Taito paddle controller: Compatible with Arkanoid, Space Invaders Extreme, Space Invaders Extreme 2, and Space Bust-a-Move. Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Tilt sensor: Used in "Tony Hawk's Motion/Hue's Pixel Painter." No emulators support this add-on yet. (Slot 2)
;Pressure-sensitive touchscreen: Used in "Harvest Moon DS," "Colors!", "Metroid Prime: Hunters," "Okamiden" and "Rhythm Heaven." No emulators support this feature yet (can work with analog triggers or DualShock 2/3 pressure-sensitive face buttons).
;Rumble pack: Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2). Requires compatible Joystick.
;Slide controller: Required by "Slide Adventure Mag Kid." No emulators support this add-on at the moment. There is an [https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/pull/737 open PR] for DeSmuME that implements this add-on.
;Nintendo Wireless Keyboard: Bundled with "Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure" (JP/EU/AU). The game refuses to boot without a keyboard, but it can be run on emulators with an anti-piracy fix and another DeSmuME-specific save bug fix. There is also [http://pokemonlog.com/pokemon-fuligin-download-rom/ a pre-patched ROM.] While it is playable using the on-screen keyboard on the lower screen, the keyboard isn't emulated. There is [https://github.com/AnimeCommander/Learn.With.Pokemon-Typing-Adventure.lua/blob/master/Pok%C3%A9mon%20Typing%20DS%20Keyboard%20Script.lua a Lua script] that permits using the actual keyboard by mapping presses of the actual keyboard to taps of the virtual Touch Screen. However, you will need to blank out all the control/hotkey bindings of DeSmuME if you're going to play this game, because some of the keyboard keys also activate some controls; otherwise, pressing the Q key would also pause the game, given one example. A recommendation would be to have a separate copy of 32-bit DeSMuMe, which purpose is playing *only* this game. In that copy, place the patched ROM, the Lua script, and a 32-bit version of [https://sourceforge.net/projects/luabinaries/files/5.1.5/Windows%20Libraries/Dynamic/ lua51.dll.] (The platform used in building the <code>.dll</code> shouldn't matter.) Even then, not only is the emulated workaround a little slow, but saving is still broken. Use savestates instead.
;DS camera: Accessory bundled with the Japan-only Face Training (European localization for Christmas 2007 was canceled, and it was released as a retail DSi game in 2010 using the internal camera rather than the original accessory). Not to be confused with the built-in DSi camera. No emulators exist for it at all.
;Bayer DIDGIT: A glucose meter for diabetic children with a game called ''Knock 'Em Downs: World's Fair'' that rewards them for checking their blood sugar levels regularly. The game has been dumped, but no support for the glucose meter peripheral exists as of the time of this writing; it may, however, be possible to add reward points through Action Replay codes, not to mention that the game will still function without the glucose meter attachment anyway (albeit with reduced functionality, of course).

===iQue DS region lock===
iQue is Nintendo's Chinese subsidiary (previously a partnership between them and Wei Yen until 2013), so when they released the DS with a few localized games, their ROMs had special flags set in them to check if the hardware that ran the cartridge was iQue's or Nintendo's as a sort of region lock. Nintendo's own hardware would fail this check, throwing an "Only for iQue DS" error in white text on a black background. No other DS games have this mechanism, not even for Korean releases. This region lock is bypassed by the 3DS for these DS games, even though 3DS games have their own region lock. It is weird.

Emulators differ in their behavior to this region lock. No$GBA crashes, while DeSmuME can load them. However, for melonDS, you need a [[Emulator Files|Firmware Dump]] from an iQue DS; otherwise, it will replicate the region lock.

The only way the ROM will accept other hardware (and thus emulators) is with a hack involving a simple byte change. Use a hex editor to change the byte located at <code>0x1D</code> from value <code>80</code> to <code>00</code>.

===Other issues===
Certain games, such as American Girl titles (e.g., ''Julie Finds a Way'' and ''Kit Mystery Challenge''), suffer from severe flickering issues which keep those games from being playable on most emulators. [[DraStic]] was the first emulator able to run the two games properly, and while DeSmuME r5043 had an initial fix that worked around the glitch, it was removed in later revisions as it broke compatibility with ''Pokémon SoulSilver'', among others; this has since been patched on r5531 once the true nature of the [https://sourceforge.net/p/desmume/bugs/1134/ bug] was better understood. The fix would be later incorporated into other emulators. ''Ultimate Mortal Kombat'' suffers from flickering and slowdown due to the way it loads sprites, though it isn't as serious in DraStic. ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Jedi Alliance'' is an even more egregious example, crashing due to timing differences between actual hardware and an emulated system.

=Nintendo DSi=
{{Infobox console
| title = Nintendo DSi
| image = DSiBlack.png
| caption = A black Nintendo DSi console
| manufacturer = Nintendo
| family = Nintendo DS
| type = Handheld game console
| generation = Seventh
| released = '''Nintendo DSi''': 
JP: November 1, 2008 
AU: April 2, 2009 
EU: April 3, 2009 
NA: April 5, 2009 
'''Nintendo DSi XL''': 
JP: November 21, 2009 
EU: March 5, 2010 
NA: March 28, 2010 
AU: April 15, 2010 
| discontinued = Yes; date undisclosed
| unitsshipped = 41 million (as of September 30, 2014)
| media =
Physical and digital 
Nintendo DS Game Card 
Nintendo DSi Game Card 
Nintendo DSi Shop (digital distribution) 
Secure Digital card (SD card) 
Secure Digital High Capacity card (SDHC card)
| os = Nintendo DSi system software
| memory = 16 MB RAM
| cpu = 133 MHz ARM9 66 MHz ARM7
| storage = 256 MB internal flash memory SD/SDHC card (up to 32 GB) Cartridge save
| connectivity = Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
| onlineservice = Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Nintendo DSi Shop Nintendo Zone
| predecessor = Game Boy Advance
| successor = Nintendo 3DS
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

Released on April 5, 2009, the '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo DSi|Nintendo DSi]]''' added new lighting effects, an inner and outer 0.3 megapixel digital cameras, 16MB of RAM (compared to the previous 4MB of RAM), a faster ARM9 CPU clocked at 133 MHz, and offered downloadable titles called "DSiWare". It costs {{Inflation|USD|169.99|2009}} at launch and later dropped to {{Inflation|USD|149.99|2010}}. The system, however, was region-locked, meaning DSi exclusives from different regions couldn't be used. It also did away with backwards-compatibility by removing Slot-2, which was used to load GBA cartridges and certain accessories (such as the Rumble Pak).

DSi emulation has been pretty neglected due to its small library of exclusive games and lack of DSi-enhanced titles that provide anything major besides camera support. The only thing really notable is DSiWare, which saw several exclusive releases.

No$GBA added support for DSi games of all three formats starting with version 2.8, although some games won't boot and others have graphical glitches. You will need to enable "16MB DSi/retail" under the settings to use it. Compatibility is very iffy due to No$GBA's already poor DS emulation, and the camera is just spoofed as a static image and will cause the emulator to crash whenever used, meaning games that use it may boot, but won't be very playable.

DSi used an encryption system for the game dumps that went on to be enhanced and used for the 3DS. This encryption is checked at start-up, hence why some Nintendo DS emulators don't even manage to boot DSiWare dumps. It's very unlikely DSi-mode emulation is ever going to be implemented in DeSmuME in particular due to various creative differences unique to that project.

As of version 0.9, melonDS has DSi emulation. It can connect to the internet and can play games with WFC online using libslirp or libpcap. It could become the most usable option for DSi emulation soon. Most of it is being done using the documentation that the No$GBA dev has already compiled on the subject<ref>http://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?id=13</ref> ([https://problemkaputt.de/gbatek.htm GBATEK]).

==DSi Game formats==
There are three types of games that uses the DSi hardware enhancements:

;DSi-enhanced retail cartridges: A regular game cartridge that is compatible with the older NDS models, but unlocks more RAM and features when used on the DSi (commonly it is just camera support, but may provide better performance with the extra RAM). Only a [http://www.rfgeneration.com/blogs/pdrydia/DSi-enhanced-titles-an-incomplete-list-1969.php couple of games] had this feature and is similar to how some late Game Boy Color games (mainly the ones made by Capcom or WayForward in the early 2000s) would offer additional feature if played on the Game Boy Advance. These games will still boot on any NDS emulators, but will be detected as if it was on the original DS and will not load any DSi enhancements. DSi-enhanced games will also have an animated icon when displayed in the boot menu of the DSi, and the titleID on the cartridge will say '''TWL''' instead of '''NTR'''.
;DSi-exclusive retail cartridges: Retail cartridges that rely on the DSi hardware features. An error screen will show when attempting to load one of these games on a regular DS console (and by extension, emulators also). These cartridges where white instead of gray and only [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DSi#Software_library five games] were physically released this way, either as launch titles or because they were too big to be sold as DSiWare (see below).
;DSiWare: Downloadable titles only available through the DSi Shop (discontinued as of March 31, 2017). They have a 16MB size limitation due to the small size of the internal NAND and a lot of interesting exclusives for the system were released as DSiWare. The Nintendo 3DS eShop also had some DSiWare for purchase (which used to be the only ''legal'' way of getting them), though it uses a different file packaging format than the DSi. The 3DS itself is also capable of running other DSiWare since the firmware used for backwards-compatibility is the same as the DSi.

All three formats can be converted to <code>.nds</code> format. Compared to regular DS games, DSi games have some additional header information not even correctly dumped in most early sets. Recent sets have since updated to the correct format. DSiWare dumps can exist in both <code>.nds</code> format and <code>.cia</code> format (for installation on a homebrewed 3DS).

Even though it's possible to convert these titles to <code>.nds</code>, when attempting to run these games on a normal emulator, it will either show an error message (when attempting to run a DSi-exclusive title), or will crash on boot-up (when attempting to run DSiWare) due to missing encryption abilities and lack of DSi hardware support. DSi-enhanced games will run as if it was on a regular DS model.

On the DSi/3DS family of handhelds, the first two formats can be played on some select DSi-compatible flashcarts like the discontinued and expensive CycloDS iEvolution flashcard (which won't work on a stock 3DS unless you install custom firmware to whitelist it). As for the third type, some are only available for digital purchase at the 3DS eShop and are installed as apps to the limited TWL NAND. Users with custom firmware can also convert DSiWare to an installable <code>.cia</code> and even dump already installed ones back to <code>.nds</code>. Since both the DSi Shop and 3DS eShop have closed, the only way of getting DSiWare on the original system is by [[Modding Consoles/Flashcarts#Nintendo_DSi|homebrewing]] your DSi and launching the <code>.nds</code> ROM through Unlaunch or [[TWiLight Menu++]].

==DSi Emulation Tutorial==
===BIOS Files===
DSi emulation requires a copy of the lower 32K-halves of the ARM7/ARM9 BIOS files (<code>BIOSDSI7.ROM</code> and <code>BIOSDSI9.ROM</code>), which are different from the regular DS BIOS files and needed for the decryption. melonDS also requires these files along with the regular DS BIOS and the DSi's firmware.bin. These unicorns can be found [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|here]].

It is also advised (but still completely '''optional''') to use a NAND dump for No$GBA to increase compatibility; however, a NAND dump is required to use melonDS.

===No$GBA===
For now, NO$GBA is the most mature DS emulation project that supports the Nintendo DSi. Using the latest debugger version of NO$GBA is recommended.
;Game Loading Methods
:;Simple .nds Loading
:Requirements: These [https://archive.org/details/DSiFirmwareFiles files] with the NO$GBA version overwritten with the latest version.

:DSiWare ROMs preserved online in romsets currently use the nds format, similar to regular Nintendo DS ROMs. If you change Emulation Settings > NDS Mode/Colors > DSi (retail/16MB), you can drag and drop all three types of DSi content on the emulator (or open the ROM), and it will run in DSi Mode.

:However, it is recommended for retail cartridges to be loaded that way with the option "Emulation Settings > Reset/Startup Entry Point" set to "GBA/NDS BIOS." This loading method isn't recommended for DSiWare games because of some bugs introduced and the lack of ability to save altogether. However, if you insist, do set that option "Reset/Startup Entry Point" to "Start Cartridge Directly" at your own risk for any unpleasant aspects of the experience.

:;NAND Loading
:Requirements are the same as [https://archive.org/details/DSiFirmwareFiles above]. If you have a real DSi unit, you can dump its NAND and use it instead of the included DSi-1.mmc file, so that you play that different game selection.

:This option is more authentic to how real hardware works. It has much fewer bugs and a higher compatibility than the Simple nds loading method. DSiWare games were limited to a 128MB internal NAND memory or 40 games in the DSi Home Menu, whichever limitation comes first. The file "DSi-1.mmc" represents the NAND and hosts installed games (that will appear in the DSi Home Menu) and properly working game saves. While the DSi supported SD cards, it didn't allow for game software to be booted from there.

:Make sure to use "Emulation Settings > Reset/Startup Entry Point" at all times. The DSiWare titles that can be booted through this method will appear in the DSi Home Menu as separate slots than the "inserted game cartridge" icon.

:Using Unlauncher, a homebrew exploit, games can be added to the NAND. However, this is an advanced technique, and generally heavily discouraged. Users of this software on real hardware were compelled to use custom firmwares that allowed for using game software from the SD card (normally impossible). This means that to take advantage of this method as an emulation user, you will be stuck with the pre-installed games on the commonly shared BIOS files online.

:;SD Card Loading
:The most recommended method, as per [http://hg101.proboards.com/thread/14716/emulate-dsi-dsiware these] [https://www.ngemu.com/threads/no-gba-3-0-dsiware-compatibility-list-using-the-nand.206911/ tutorials]. This method loads the game from the SD card instead of the NAND, and allows for an easier time adding new games to the emulator.

:Requirements include these files to be placed in the same directory as NO$GBA. Not compatible with the previous methods, and so to be used in a folder with a fresh setup.

:* [https://mega.nz/#!aJAyUQIb!OIOOrA_PMeTizDxnmf-5y5fekLxxZkRZfWGKEvV_Tx0 BIOS Files]: Required for DSi emulation.
:* [https://mega.nz/#!qBY0DAJa!18nfxczgF-JxqyFxSogfej7G23vYSjJnQCIh_tdXUq0 Modified NAND]: Includes Unlauncher (Hold A to boot it, but not needed) and [[TWiLight Menu++]]
:* [https://mega.nz/#!vERGXCwY!GSmvL2PODesi0Vmu-atKPXxxz1UyucHZyH9bXghM0a0 2GB SD Card]: Filename is DSi-1.SD
:* A tool to mount a virtual SD drive, such as [https://www.osforensics.com/tools/mount-disk-images.html OSFMount]. To be used (Open DSi-1.SD > "Mount") with the 2GB SD Card to add new .nds files to it. Remember to disable "Read-Only" and to Dismount before using the emulator again.

:Some issues are still present with this method. Refer to the next section for tips on how to deal with some of them.

===melonDS===
The latest dev builds of melonDS can also boot the DSi Menu and load most DSiWare.
To boot up the DSi Menu, you need specific files which can all be found [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|here]].
==Known Issues==
===No$GBA===
Aside from general emulation problems inherited from the older DS emulation project, there are the following issues:

* ''Microphone doesn't work.'' (DSiWare + any method) No known fix.
* ''Camera doesn't work.'' (DSiWare + any method) Unimplemented. No known fix.
* ''Wi-Fi doesn't work.'' Unimplemented.
* ''Touch Screen issues related to Screen Calibration'' (DSiWare + [[TWiLight Menu++]] or simple nds loading) The fix is to load the original DSi Home Menu first (holding B when resetting the emulator or loading it), then reset to TWiLight Menu++ (not holding any buttons) before loading the desired game.
* ''Can't Save'' (DSiWare + simple nds loading) This method is hardware inaccurate to begin with. For best results, switch to [[TWiLight Menu++]] or Original NAND methods.
===melonDS===
melonDS has poor DSP support. DSiWare has to be launched from the NAND as it can't boot them as .nds.

=References=
<references />

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:ARM-based consoles]]
[[Category:Backward-compatible consoles]]
[[Category:Discontinued handheld consoles]]
[[Category:consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:MAME Driver Status: Preliminary]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS| ]]
[[Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles]]

Nintendo DS emulators

2025-02-07T18:08:36Z

MysticChromium: Fix broken nocash GBA link

{{Infobox console
|title = Nintendo DS
|image= DSlitewhite.png
|caption= A white Nintendo DS Lite
| developer = [[Nintendo]]
| manufacturer = Foxconn
| family = Nintendo DS
| type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
| price = {{Inflation|USD|149.99|2004}}
| generation = [[:Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles|Seventh]]
| release date =
NA: November 21, 2004 
JP: December 2, 2004 
AU: February 24, 2005 
EU: March 11, 2005
| discontinued = Yes
| unitssold = 154.02 million worldwide (as of June 30, 2016)
| media = Nintendo DS Game Card Game Boy Advance Game Pak
| cpu = 67 MHz ARM946E-S 33 MHz ARM7TDMI
| memory = 4 MB RAM
| storage = Cartridge save 256 KB flash memory
| display = Two 3" TFT LCDs, 256 × 192 pixels
| connectivity = Wi-Fi (802.11, WEP)
| service = [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
| topgame = ''New Super Mario Bros.'', 30.80 million
| compatibility = Game Boy Advance
| predecessor = [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
| successor = [[Nintendo 3DS emulators|Nintendo 3DS]]
| related = Nintendo DS Lite 
Nintendo DSi 
Nintendo DSi XL
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

{{for|emulators that run on the Nintendo DS|Emulators on DS}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo DS|Nintendo DS]]''' (NDS) is a handheld console produced by Nintendo and released on November 21, 2004, and had 2 ARM CPUs (ARM9 and ARM7) with 4 MB of RAM and was priced at {{Inflation|USD|149.99|2004}}. The main selling point was the use of dual screens for gameplay, with one being a touchscreen. It is the only console to have come close to the [[PlayStation 2 emulators|PlayStation 2]] in lifetime sales (154.02 million units), as a result of attracting many casual players, and even non-gamers, into the gaming community.

;Remember, certain titles such as [[Wikipedia:Category:Nintendo_DSi_games|DSi retail]] and [[Wikipedia:List_of_DSiWare_games_and_applications|DSiWare]] games are exclusive to the DSi. Make sure your chosen emulator [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|supports these variations (see "DSi exclusive features" section)]] if you want to play them.

==Emulators==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|'''[[#Nintendo DSi|DSi]]'''
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
!colspan="10"|x86
|-
|[[melonDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|Dev Builds<ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-windows/master/melonDS-windows-x86_64.zip Windows], [https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-ubuntu/master/melonDS-ubuntu-x86_64.zip Ubuntu], [https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-macos-universal/master/macOS-universal.zip macOS-universal]</ref> [https://melonds.kuribo64.net/downloads.php {{MelonDSVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ ''libretro core'']<ref group=N name=melonDSRA>Similar to Dolphin, PPSSPP and Citra libretro cores, [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds melonDS DS] libretro core or the standalone version of melonDS is highly recommended over the melonDS libretro core because it is two versions out of date (still on 0.9.3), and the generation 5 Pokémon are broken. If you turn on C-Gear, after a few minutes you will be unable to save. [https://github.com/libretro/melonDS/issues/179#issuecomment-1407488464 '''You also can't use any wifi features'''] or do in game trades either or the game will freeze.</ref>
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/forum.php?id=3 ?] ([https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues .]) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|melonDS DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com libretro core] [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds git]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://desmume.org/download/ {{DeSmuMEVer}}/Nightly] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://forums.desmume.org/viewforum.php?id=6 ?] ([https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/issues .]) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (melonDS)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [https://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[https://problemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[mGBA#medusa|mGBA/medusa]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://mgba.io/downloads.html#medusa alpha 2]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) || {{~}}<ref name="medusa suspended"/>||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[https://corgids.wordpress.com/ CorgiDS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/CorgiDS/releases git] [https://www.emucr.com/search/label/CorgiDS SVN]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}}<ref>https://corgids.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/extended-break/</ref> ||{{✗}}
|-
|ndsemu
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/rasky/ndsemu git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20110225190819/http://https://com/ NeonDS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20100925152735/http://nehttps://m/system/files/NeonDS_0.2.1.zip 0.2.1]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|dasShiny
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/Cydrak/dasShiny git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[http://ds-duos.blhttps://com/ DuoS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://www.emulatorhttps://om/download.php/emulators/nds/duos/DuoS.zip 8/25/2012 Beta]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Ensata]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://www.mediafire.comhttps://0odmalrndt9m7a/Ensata+v1.4d.rar 1.4d]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20111130005614/https://ideasemu.biz/ iDeaS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://www.emulator-zone.com/https://mulators/nds/ideas/ideas1040.7z 1.0.4.0]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|dust
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Mac|Web}}
|[https://github.com/kelpsyberry/dust git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
!colspan="10"|ARM
|-
|melonDS DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|tvOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com libretro core] [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds git]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[DraStic]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pandora|Pyra}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dsemu.drastic&hl=en_US&gl=US {{DraSticVer}}] [https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/32 0.1 Pyra]
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[https://pandorawiki.org/DraStic_Compatibility_List 68% 49 out of 73 reported titles (Pandora) ] [https://xdaforums.com/t/drastic-ds-updated-to-v2-1-5-1a-xplay-compatibility-list-over-100-games-playable.2396919/ 88% 127 out of 145 reported titles (Android) ] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}<ref>https://gbatemp.net/threads/drastic-ds-emulator-on-android-is-now-free-to-download-will-be-taken-down-soon.650119/</ref> ||{{~}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/desmume/ DeSmuME_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[melonDS]] (unofficial) [https://docs.libretro.com/library/melonds/ melonds_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/rafaelvcaetano/melonDS-android git] [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.magnum.melonds 1.9.3] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=melonDSRA></ref>
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPL3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}} (WIP)
|-
|[[Delta]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688 AppStore] [https://github.com/rileytestut/Delta git]
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}})||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hydra.noods 0.1] [https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[https://inds.nerd.net/ iNDS] (nds4ios-derived) (DeSmuME-based)
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/iNDS-Team/iNDS/releases git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|nds4ios
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[http://https://.angelxwind.net/i/?page/downloads SVN]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[http://jefhttps://blog/nds4droid/ nds4droid] (DeSmuME-based)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/jquesnelle/nds4droid git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
!colspan="10"|Console
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|WiiU}}
|
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_3|Only for selected titles]] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/desmume/ DeSmuME_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|PS4}} {{Icon|Vita}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/ 0.9.13]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[melonDS]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/melonds/ melonds_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita}} {{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=melonDSRA></ref> [https://github.com/rsduck/melonDS/releases git] (Switch) [https://github.com/Rinnegatamante/melonDS-Vita git](Vita Port) [https://github.com/DanielSant0s/melonDS-PS2 git] (PS2 Port) 
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}} (WIP)
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita|WiiU}} {{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git] (Switch/Vita/WiiU) [https://github.com/Xiro28/NooDS_PSP git] (PSP port)
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}} (WIP)
|-
|[[DeSmuME PSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/590011753849421846/870274164748079104/desmume_psp_4.zip V4][https://github.com/Xiro28/DesmumePSPExperimental Experimental]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||[[DeSmuME PSP|26% 16 out of 63 reported titles ]] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|DesmumeX
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|[https://www.1emulation.com/forums/topic/35774-desmumex-v087-new-update 0.87]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME PSP|DSonPSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://wololo.net/downloads/index.php/download/1235 0.7]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} (POC) ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

==Comparisons==
;[[melonDS]]
:Unlike DeSmuME, melonDS has some DSi support. In terms of being user-friendly, options in melonDS are more simplified. Has similar DS game compatibility as DeSmuME. Both can run games at a higher internal resolution (sharper 3D objects) and can open ROMs inside a compressed archive (ZIP, RAR, 7Z etc.). Both can display the two screens in a variety of ways, but melonDS has a hybrid mode. [https://i.imgur.com/S73Eb4m.jpg (Example)] While the developers of No$GBA had documented the Wi-Fi capabilities first, melonDS is the first and only emulator that has gotten as far as it has, and it has been found to work reasonably well with a handful of games. Switching to OpenGL in core options may give a performance boost, with 1.0 RC version OpenGL compute shader renderer introduced[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=216] similar to [[High/Low_level_emulation#Future_outlook|other compute shader renderers]]. In May 2023, it was confirmed that there are plans for high-level emulation of Arm7 on MelonDS. The project is codenamed MelonHLE.
:;melonDS DS
::An enhanced remake of the melonDS libretro that prioritizes standalone parity, reliability, and usability. Features included in this remake that were not available in the melonDS libretro core include full Wi-Fi support (Kaeru WFC, AltWFC, Wiimmfi), firmware overrides (name, color, birthday, etc.), homebrew save data support, screen rotation in the core settings (as the screen rotation feature in RetroArch's Video settings did not rotate touch inputs for melonDS and DeSmuME and can distort the screen), additional screen layout options, directly boot Nintendo DSi titles (excluding DSiWare, which must be installed to the DSi NAND), RetroAchievements support for DSi(Ware) games, battery support, and selectable NAND and firmware images. However, some melonDS libretro core features aren't yet presented in this remake, such as local wireless connection, GDB Stub Support, DSi Camera support, and OpenGL compute shader renderer, but some are planned to be implemented. With that stated, this remake is not a perfect replacement for the melonDS libretro core but has its uses that the original core and the DeSmuME libretro core lack.

;[[DeSmuME]]
:DeSmuME has gained significant improvements since 2018; new features include less CPU/GPU resource usage and high-resolution 3D rendering, and Wi-Fi emulation has been reintroduced in the latest builds. v0.9.13 from May 2022 is the first "Stable" build in over 7 years and is highly recommended over all previous builds (though dev builds are also generally very usable). [[OpenEmu]] uses a shallow fork of the v0.9.11 build and should be avoided as well.

;[[DraStic]]
:A (currently) closed-source emulator for [[Android emulators|Android]] devices that can run games at a decent speed even on potato phones. It is on par with (or in some cases better than) DeSmuME, and emulating it through BlueStacks on PC may actually be a viable and fast alternative aside from a slight input delay. Some rumors have spread around that the developers deliberately put in issues to mess with unofficial copies, though this is considered unsubstantiated. At the very least, you shouldn't expect any support from Exophase and company if you use an unofficial copy. It is available on the Raspberry Pi and Odroid via RetroPie, and runs relatively well[https://youtu.be/715kg1-hmxA]. As of March 5, 2024, due to yuzu lawsuits mainly focused on the Zelda franchise, the creator made it free and plans on open-sourcing the code.

;[[No$|No$GBA]]
:Focuses on speed, and has major compatibility issues and glitches as a result. Because it was initially a GBA emulator, the DS' 3D features are still very poorly handled. '''It is a good option for low-end machines, but don't expect a lot of games to run perfectly'''. A fan program, No$Zoomer, was released for version 2.6, which increases compatibility and options, as well as the titular zooming and resizing abilities. The biggest addition is noise cancellation which clears up static No$GBA makes with its 3D rendering. It doesn't change accuracy though. No$Zoomer never rebased to newer No$GBA versions, and it looks like it was abandoned, so it likely never will. In v2.8, No$GBA became the first emulator to support DSi games, which has been their most notable feature. Only use No$GBA for DSi games that don't work on other emulators, debugging (if you've taken up ROM hacking for DS games or homebrew development), if you value speed above everything, if you're using a potato PC, or just as a last resort.

;[[BizHawk]]
:Uses melonDS 0.9.5 core for Nintendo DS and DSi emulation, mGBA or VBA-Next cores for Game Boy Advance emulation

;[[Delta]]
:An open-source [[Multi-system_emulators|multi-system emulator]] for iOS with the ability to emulate many consoles and handhelds, including the DS. Since version 1.3, Delta Emulator allows you to emulate Nintendo DS with a DeSmuME or melonDS (0.9.1)[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=199] core. You will need to have DS BIOS or DSi BIOS to play DS/DSi games in Delta using the melonDS core. It also allows you to boot into DS/DSi home screen and functions similarly to melonDS.

;[[mGBA#medusa|mGBA/medusa]]
:[[mGBA]] developer endrift is also creating a DS emulator, but it is very much a [https://mgba.io/timeline.html#IN+THE+FUTURE work-in-progress] and isn't nearly as far as melonDS in terms of the capabilities it's covered. As of March 2018, medusa's development is "suspended until further notice".<ref name="medusa suspended">https://mgba.io/2018/03/09/holy-grail-bugs-revisited/#postscript-a-several-month-late-explanation</ref>

;iDeaS
:An abandoned and experimental DS emulator that uses a plug-in system, it is very slow and buggy but has partially gotten some features working, like the camera and slide accessories.
;[[Ensata]]: Nintendo's official DS emulator that was leaked to the public. It is not very usable or compatible, but it can run a few games.

'''Comparisons of several Nintendo DS emulators:'''
* [https://emucross.com/the-next-generation-of-ds-emulators/ Looking Toward the Next Generation of DS Emulators] (By [[Dolphin]] tester, [https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/authors/JMC47/ JMC47], AKA Justin M. Chadwick. 5 June 2017. Tested emulators: melonDS (0.2 and 0.3), medusa (Alpha 2) & GBE+ (1.1) compared to the mature DeSmuME.)

===High resolution===
;[[melonDS]]
:Has an OpenGL renderer with upscaling as of version 0.8.<ref name="melondsopengl">http://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=90</ref> The renderer is much faster than DeSmuME's and supports increasing the internal resolution up to 16x native resolution. More features, such as texture filtering, are planned.

;DeSmuME X432R
:A fork of DeSmuME that has graphical enhancements, such as an option to increase internal resolution and use MSAA. The devs of DeSmuME have now included an option for increased internal resolution (see below), making X432R outdated. See the [[DeSmuME]] page for more details.

;[[DeSmuME]] ([[libretro]])
:Also has the option to increase internal resolution since the [https://github.com/libretro/desmume/commit/5e430dfbc22f9d54c77f291304a38352ee1e5a63 8/8/15 git commit]. It requires a very high-end CPU to run at a reasonable framerate.
;DraStic:Has released a beta version supporting double the original resolution.
;Virtual Console (Wii U):Has a configuration file with support for x2 internal resolution without any significant performance hit (as well as a brightness setting). However, there is no legit way to enable it without a homebrew-enabled console.

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! melonDS
! melonDS DS
! DESmuME
! Bizhawk
! No$GBA
! GBE+
! SkyEmu
! mGBA/medusa
|-
| rowspan=5 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Nintendo_DS|Widescreen hack]] Widescreen is possible thanks to specific codes made by the community for a lot of DS games.
| {{✓}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/395 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Texture_Replacement_.283D.29|Texture packs]]
| {{✗}}([https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=182 WIP])
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Pre-rendering AA (MSAA, SSAA)
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}} (MSAA)
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Super-resolution techniques ([https://github.com/NVIDIA/DLSS/blob/main/doc/DLSS_Programming_Guide_Release.pdf DLSS], [https://github.com/intel/xess/?tab=readme-ov-file XeSS] and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 2+]])
| colspan=8 | Requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors, so it is quite challenging and unlikely to be possible soon. Besides any GPU that can use DLSS can run these emulators at 4K native with ease anyway.
|-
| rowspan=3 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
| {{~}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?pid=2574#2574 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal Framerate Hack]]
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies] ([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-G], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation XeSS-FG] and [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on-amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF])
| colspan=8 | Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be possible soon however post-processing techniques such as [[Wikipedia:Motion_interpolation|motion interpolation]] is quite possible. [[Input_lag|Input latency]] will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique used, it is recommended to use '''after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack"'''. While '''AFMF''' or '''LSFG''' could be used with melonDS or De
SmuME?, please be aware some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.
|-
| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]] (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
| {{~}}<ref group=N3>Only possible with software renderer.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}<abbr title="Supports MSAA but there is no post-rendering AA technique supported.">*</abbr>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]] (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA>Only possible with libretro core. [https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/1146 GitHub Issue page for adding RetroAchievements to the melonDS standalone version]. But DSi RetroAchievement are [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#nintendo not supported].</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
| [https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/pull/1671 WIP]
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|-
| Rewind
| {{✗}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?pid=5060 *]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| Savestates
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3>Save states not available for Nintendo DSi(Ware) titles in MelonDS DS.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/463 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | Controls
| [[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse Injector Compatible]]
| {{~}}
| {{~}}[https://github.com/makidoll/melonPrimeDS?tab=readme-ov-file#melonprimeds *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=8 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
|
|
|
|
|-
| Command Line Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=7 | Misc
| [[Netplay#Other|Netplay]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA></ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=8 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| RetroAchievements [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=18 DS], [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=78 DSi]
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=noDSiRA>Nintendo DS RetroAchievements is exclusive in libretro cores and the unofficial melonDS Android port. DSi games aren't supported in these emulators/cores for RetroAchievements.</ref>
| {{✓}}<ref group=N3 name=DSiRA>DSi RetroAchievements is supported in [https://twitter.com/RetroCheevos/status/1647525064667955201?cxt=HHwWgoCw4afUl90tAAAA BizHawk's MelonDS core] and the MelonDS DS libretro core.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
| {{✓}}<ref group=N3 name=noDSiRA />
| {{✗}}
|
|
|
|-
| Free Look Free Look is an enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| [https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/9lwy0r/desmume_begins_to_implement_a_freelook_feature/ WIP]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/249 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|-
| Multiple screens
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! colspan="3" | Name
! melonDS
! melonDS DS
! DeSmuME
!Bizhawk
! No$GBA
! GBE+
|-
| colspan="3" |[[#Backwards_compatibility_for_Game_Boy_Advance.2FGBA_Mode|Backwards compatibility for Game Boy Advance/GBA Mode]]
| {{✗}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?id=1229 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | Bayer DIDGIT
| colspan="2" | Communication
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Emulation
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="3" | [[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| colspan="3" | [http://www.https://ghtyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref group="N2" name="Tilt">[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist] [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/925329-nintendo-ds/71009293 DS example]</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan="5" |[[#Connectivity|Connectivity]]
| colspan="2" | [[#DS Download Play|DS Download Play]]
| {{~}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[#DS/Wii connectivity|DS/Wii connectivity]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/1000 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[#GBA/DS connectivity|GBA/DS connectivity]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{~}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[#Local wireless communication|Local wireless communication]]
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[#Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
|-
| rowspan="4" |Controllers
| colspan="2" | Guitar Hero pad
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS">If this [https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/pull/719 Pull request] gets merged ([https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/pull/2101 Rumble pak PR merged]), we could see Slot 2 peripherals supported on MelonDS.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Nintendo Wireless Keyboard
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Piano for Easy Piano
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS" />
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Taito paddle controller
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS" />
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="3" |DS Menu
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan="7" | DSi-exclusive features
| rowspan="3" | [[#DSi Game formats|DSi Game formats]]
|DSi (digital) & DSiWare
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|DSi (enhanced)
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|DSi (exclusive)
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | DSi Inputs
|Microphone
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="DSmic">melonDS and melonDS DS support microphone in external microphone, blow, noise, and (for melonDS) WAV file.</ref>
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="DSmic" />
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group="N2" name="nocash-whitenoise"></ref>
| {{✗}}
|-
|Solar Sensor
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2">Only manual configuration. No automatic detection.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" |DSi Menu
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" |DSi SD Card
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="6" |Inputs
| colspan="2" | DS camera
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2">melonDS supports outer and inner cameras in Physical Camera mode and as Image File.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group="N2">DS camera is supported but DSi camera is not yet supported in melonDS DS.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group="N2" name="nocash-whitenoise">no$gba supports whitenoise for the camera and microphone.</ref>
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[List_of_games_that_support_Pressure-Sensitive_Face_Buttons#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Pressure-sensitivity for touchscreen]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Rumble Pak
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS" />
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Slide controller
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS" />
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="SlideControllerDeSmuME"> There is an open [https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/pull/737 pull request] that implements support for this add-on.</ref>
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[List_of_games_that_support_tracked_motion_controllers#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Tilt sensor]]
| {{✗}}<ref group="N2" name="Slot2MelonDS" />
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[List_of_games_that_support_touchscreen#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Touchscreen]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| colspan="3" | Inrou-Kun pedometer
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{TBD}}
|{{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art26.html *]
|-
| colspan="3" | iQue DS region lock
| {{~}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="3" | Magic Reader
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{TBD}}
|{{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art23.html *]
|-
| rowspan="2" | [https://dmitry.gr/?r=05.Projects&proj=28.%20pokewalker PokéWalker]
| colspan="2" | [[List_of_games_that_support_IR#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Communication]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="2" | Emulation[https://github.com/UnrealPowerz/powar *]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/UnrealPowerz/powar/issues/2 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| colspan="3" | Sega Card Reader
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="CardReaderDeSmuME">Supported in the latest nightly builds, on Windows only.</ref>
|{{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art21.html *]
|-
| colspan="3" | Thrustmaster Ubisoft pedometer
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{TBD}}
|{{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art26.html *]
|}
<references group=N2/>
===Connectivity===
The DS offers five types of connections:
* '''Local wireless communications''' - ''(Multiple cartridges)''
* '''DS Download Play''' - ''(Single cartridge)''
* '''Wi-Fi Connection''' - ''(Online multiplayer)''
* '''DS/Wii connectivity'''
* '''GBA/DS connectivity'''

The major challenge with emulating multiplayer functionalities is timing inaccuracies, which have made many projects, such as DeSmuME, not want to implement them. So far, the only emulator to actually make any progress is melonDS, but even that is still under development.

====Local wireless communication====
Players who have a copy of the same game can link together using the DS's wireless signals (given that the game offers this feature).

melonDS supports wireless communication with several games, including ''New Super Mario Bros.'' and the ''Pokémon'' games, but you need to have either multiple instances opened, which can slow down overall performance, or connect multiple computers via LAN. No$GBA can connect but fails before the actual connection is finished.

See [[Netplay#LAN tunneling programs]].

====DS Download Play====
This feature allows players with a DS and only one copy of a game to play together. This way, not everyone needs a copy of a game. The player with the physical cartridge will host the game while the other players connect using a "downloaded" version received from the host. Normally they're either simple mini-games, stripped-down demos of the main game, or a limited version of multiplayer. In most cases, it is better to use multi-cart instead. However, some games, like ''Mario Party DS'', require Download Play to use its multiplayer.

Download Play is supported by melonDS. Like with local multiplayer, it is very hit-and-miss, but unlocking the framerate helps. melonDS will often fail during the download process, but some games actually go as far as booting and sometimes in-game as well.

====Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection====
{{Main|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection}}

====DS/Wii connectivity====
Uses wireless communication on the DS to connect to the Wii. The idea is parallel to the GBA Link Cable for the GameCube, and just like the Link Cable, [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Wii-to-DS_connectivity only a handful of games actually have this feature]. Some notable examples include:

* ''Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time'' - which is essentially the same as the DS port but can connect with other DSes with the game.
* ''Pokémon Battle Revolution'' - in which players could transfer their Pokémon from the Generation IV main series games and use the DS as a controller.
* ''Animal Crossing: City Folk'' - in which data could be transferred between the DS version (''Animal Crossing: Wild World''), and the ''Nintendo Channel'' on the Wii, where players could download demos of DS games to their console using Download Play (basically the same idea as the Download Station kiosk).

So far, no emulator has been able to emulate this feature, nor have attempted to. If this were ever going to be emulated, it would require work on both ends.

====GBA/DS connectivity====
Inserting a GBA cartridge in the Slot-2 of the Nintendo DS while a game is running can unlock various gameplay features for [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Nintendo_DS_games_with_GBA_connectivity several DS games].

It is unknown if No$GBA supports this, but it can be done in DeSmuME by going to Config > Slot 2 (GBA Slot) and selecting GBA Cartridge. Select the GBA ROM file, and make sure its <code>.sav</code> file is in the same folder. You may need to reset the game for it to take effect.
As of version 0.9, [https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=110 melonDS supports GBA connectivity] ([https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds?tab=readme-ov-file#game-boy-advance-connectivity melonDS DS libretro core support guide]) and even added support for the solar sensor on GBA Boktai cartridges used in Boktai DS (Lunar Knight), something DeSmuME has yet to support. Either drag and drop the GBA ROM onto the program before starting or open the file before loading the NDS file.

===Backwards compatibility for Game Boy Advance/GBA Mode===
The Nintendo DS is backward compatible with Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridges. Shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators|Game Boy Advance emulation]] or [[#Connectivity|GBA/DS connectivity]]. None of the emulators supports this feature currently.

===Accessories===
:''[[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_DS_accessories|Wikipedia - List of Nintendo DS accessories]]''
;Guitar Hero pad: Used in the "Guitar Hero: On Tour" series (required) and Band Hero DS. Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Piano for Easy Piano: Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Taito paddle controller: Compatible with Arkanoid, Space Invaders Extreme, Space Invaders Extreme 2, and Space Bust-a-Move. Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Tilt sensor: Used in "Tony Hawk's Motion/Hue's Pixel Painter." No emulators support this add-on yet. (Slot 2)
;Pressure-sensitive touchscreen: Used in "Harvest Moon DS," "Colors!", "Metroid Prime: Hunters," "Okamiden" and "Rhythm Heaven." No emulators support this feature yet (can work with analog triggers or DualShock 2/3 pressure-sensitive face buttons).
;Rumble pack: Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2). Requires compatible Joystick.
;Slide controller: Required by "Slide Adventure Mag Kid." No emulators support this add-on at the moment. There is an [https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/pull/737 open PR] for DeSmuME that implements this add-on.
;Nintendo Wireless Keyboard: Bundled with "Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure" (JP/EU/AU). The game refuses to boot without a keyboard, but it can be run on emulators with an anti-piracy fix and another DeSmuME-specific save bug fix. There is also [http://pokemonlog.com/pokemon-fuligin-download-rom/ a pre-patched ROM.] While it is playable using the on-screen keyboard on the lower screen, the keyboard isn't emulated. There is [https://github.com/AnimeCommander/Learn.With.Pokemon-Typing-Adventure.lua/blob/master/Pok%C3%A9mon%20Typing%20DS%20Keyboard%20Script.lua a Lua script] that permits using the actual keyboard by mapping presses of the actual keyboard to taps of the virtual Touch Screen. However, you will need to blank out all the control/hotkey bindings of DeSmuME if you're going to play this game, because some of the keyboard keys also activate some controls; otherwise, pressing the Q key would also pause the game, given one example. A recommendation would be to have a separate copy of 32-bit DeSMuMe, which purpose is playing *only* this game. In that copy, place the patched ROM, the Lua script, and a 32-bit version of [https://sourceforge.net/projects/luabinaries/files/5.1.5/Windows%20Libraries/Dynamic/ lua51.dll.] (The platform used in building the <code>.dll</code> shouldn't matter.) Even then, not only is the emulated workaround a little slow, but saving is still broken. Use savestates instead.
;DS camera: Accessory bundled with the Japan-only Face Training (European localization for Christmas 2007 was canceled, and it was released as a retail DSi game in 2010 using the internal camera rather than the original accessory). Not to be confused with the built-in DSi camera. No emulators exist for it at all.
;Bayer DIDGIT: A glucose meter for diabetic children with a game called ''Knock 'Em Downs: World's Fair'' that rewards them for checking their blood sugar levels regularly. The game has been dumped, but no support for the glucose meter peripheral exists as of the time of this writing; it may, however, be possible to add reward points through Action Replay codes, not to mention that the game will still function without the glucose meter attachment anyway (albeit with reduced functionality, of course).

===iQue DS region lock===
iQue is Nintendo's Chinese subsidiary (previously a partnership between them and Wei Yen until 2013), so when they released the DS with a few localized games, their ROMs had special flags set in them to check if the hardware that ran the cartridge was iQue's or Nintendo's as a sort of region lock. Nintendo's own hardware would fail this check, throwing an "Only for iQue DS" error in white text on a black background. No other DS games have this mechanism, not even for Korean releases. This region lock is bypassed by the 3DS for these DS games, even though 3DS games have their own region lock. It is weird.

Emulators differ in their behavior to this region lock. No$GBA crashes, while DeSmuME can load them. However, for melonDS, you need a [[Emulator Files|Firmware Dump]] from an iQue DS; otherwise, it will replicate the region lock.

The only way the ROM will accept other hardware (and thus emulators) is with a hack involving a simple byte change. Use a hex editor to change the byte located at <code>0x1D</code> from value <code>80</code> to <code>00</code>.

===Other issues===
Certain games, such as American Girl titles (e.g., ''Julie Finds a Way'' and ''Kit Mystery Challenge''), suffer from severe flickering issues which keep those games from being playable on most emulators. [[DraStic]] was the first emulator able to run the two games properly, and while DeSmuME r5043 had an initial fix that worked around the glitch, it was removed in later revisions as it broke compatibility with ''Pokémon SoulSilver'', among others; this has since been patched on r5531 once the true nature of the [https://sourceforge.net/p/desmume/bugs/1134/ bug] was better understood. The fix would be later incorporated into other emulators. ''Ultimate Mortal Kombat'' suffers from flickering and slowdown due to the way it loads sprites, though it isn't as serious in DraStic. ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Jedi Alliance'' is an even more egregious example, crashing due to timing differences between actual hardware and an emulated system.

=Nintendo DSi=
{{Infobox console
| title = Nintendo DSi
| image = DSiBlack.png
| caption = A black Nintendo DSi console
| manufacturer = Nintendo
| family = Nintendo DS
| type = Handheld game console
| generation = Seventh
| released = '''Nintendo DSi''': 
JP: November 1, 2008 
AU: April 2, 2009 
EU: April 3, 2009 
NA: April 5, 2009 
'''Nintendo DSi XL''': 
JP: November 21, 2009 
EU: March 5, 2010 
NA: March 28, 2010 
AU: April 15, 2010 
| discontinued = Yes; date undisclosed
| unitsshipped = 41 million (as of September 30, 2014)
| media =
Physical and digital 
Nintendo DS Game Card 
Nintendo DSi Game Card 
Nintendo DSi Shop (digital distribution) 
Secure Digital card (SD card) 
Secure Digital High Capacity card (SDHC card)
| os = Nintendo DSi system software
| memory = 16 MB RAM
| cpu = 133 MHz ARM9 66 MHz ARM7
| storage = 256 MB internal flash memory SD/SDHC card (up to 32 GB) Cartridge save
| connectivity = Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
| onlineservice = Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Nintendo DSi Shop Nintendo Zone
| predecessor = Game Boy Advance
| successor = Nintendo 3DS
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

Released on April 5, 2009, the '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo DSi|Nintendo DSi]]''' added new lighting effects, an inner and outer 0.3 megapixel digital cameras, 16MB of RAM (compared to the previous 4MB of RAM), a faster ARM9 CPU clocked at 133 MHz, and offered downloadable titles called "DSiWare". It costs {{Inflation|USD|169.99|2009}} at launch and later dropped to {{Inflation|USD|149.99|2010}}. The system, however, was region-locked, meaning DSi exclusives from different regions couldn't be used. It also did away with backwards-compatibility by removing Slot-2, which was used to load GBA cartridges and certain accessories (such as the Rumble Pak).

DSi emulation has been pretty neglected due to its small library of exclusive games and lack of DSi-enhanced titles that provide anything major besides camera support. The only thing really notable is DSiWare, which saw several exclusive releases.

No$GBA added support for DSi games of all three formats starting with version 2.8, although some games won't boot and others have graphical glitches. You will need to enable "16MB DSi/retail" under the settings to use it. Compatibility is very iffy due to No$GBA's already poor DS emulation, and the camera is just spoofed as a static image and will cause the emulator to crash whenever used, meaning games that use it may boot, but won't be very playable.

DSi used an encryption system for the game dumps that went on to be enhanced and used for the 3DS. This encryption is checked at start-up, hence why some Nintendo DS emulators don't even manage to boot DSiWare dumps. It's very unlikely DSi-mode emulation is ever going to be implemented in DeSmuME in particular due to various creative differences unique to that project.

As of version 0.9, melonDS has DSi emulation. It can connect to the internet and can play games with WFC online using libslirp or libpcap. It could become the most usable option for DSi emulation soon. Most of it is being done using the documentation that the No$GBA dev has already compiled on the subject<ref>http://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?id=13</ref> ([https://problemkaputt.de/gbatek.htm GBATEK]).

==DSi Game formats==
There are three types of games that uses the DSi hardware enhancements:

;DSi-enhanced retail cartridges: A regular game cartridge that is compatible with the older NDS models, but unlocks more RAM and features when used on the DSi (commonly it is just camera support, but may provide better performance with the extra RAM). Only a [http://www.rfgeneration.com/blogs/pdrydia/DSi-enhanced-titles-an-incomplete-list-1969.php couple of games] had this feature and is similar to how some late Game Boy Color games (mainly the ones made by Capcom or WayForward in the early 2000s) would offer additional feature if played on the Game Boy Advance. These games will still boot on any NDS emulators, but will be detected as if it was on the original DS and will not load any DSi enhancements. DSi-enhanced games will also have an animated icon when displayed in the boot menu of the DSi, and the titleID on the cartridge will say '''TWL''' instead of '''NTR'''.
;DSi-exclusive retail cartridges: Retail cartridges that rely on the DSi hardware features. An error screen will show when attempting to load one of these games on a regular DS console (and by extension, emulators also). These cartridges where white instead of gray and only [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DSi#Software_library five games] were physically released this way, either as launch titles or because they were too big to be sold as DSiWare (see below).
;DSiWare: Downloadable titles only available through the DSi Shop (discontinued as of March 31, 2017). They have a 16MB size limitation due to the small size of the internal NAND and a lot of interesting exclusives for the system were released as DSiWare. The Nintendo 3DS eShop also had some DSiWare for purchase (which used to be the only ''legal'' way of getting them), though it uses a different file packaging format than the DSi. The 3DS itself is also capable of running other DSiWare since the firmware used for backwards-compatibility is the same as the DSi.

All three formats can be converted to <code>.nds</code> format. Compared to regular DS games, DSi games have some additional header information not even correctly dumped in most early sets. Recent sets have since updated to the correct format. DSiWare dumps can exist in both <code>.nds</code> format and <code>.cia</code> format (for installation on a homebrewed 3DS).

Even though it's possible to convert these titles to <code>.nds</code>, when attempting to run these games on a normal emulator, it will either show an error message (when attempting to run a DSi-exclusive title), or will crash on boot-up (when attempting to run DSiWare) due to missing encryption abilities and lack of DSi hardware support. DSi-enhanced games will run as if it was on a regular DS model.

On the DSi/3DS family of handhelds, the first two formats can be played on some select DSi-compatible flashcarts like the discontinued and expensive CycloDS iEvolution flashcard (which won't work on a stock 3DS unless you install custom firmware to whitelist it). As for the third type, some are only available for digital purchase at the 3DS eShop and are installed as apps to the limited TWL NAND. Users with custom firmware can also convert DSiWare to an installable <code>.cia</code> and even dump already installed ones back to <code>.nds</code>. Since both the DSi Shop and 3DS eShop have closed, the only way of getting DSiWare on the original system is by [[Modding Consoles/Flashcarts#Nintendo_DSi|homebrewing]] your DSi and launching the <code>.nds</code> ROM through Unlaunch or [[TWiLight Menu++]].

==DSi Emulation Tutorial==
===BIOS Files===
DSi emulation requires a copy of the lower 32K-halves of the ARM7/ARM9 BIOS files (<code>BIOSDSI7.ROM</code> and <code>BIOSDSI9.ROM</code>), which are different from the regular DS BIOS files and needed for the decryption. melonDS also requires these files along with the regular DS BIOS and the DSi's firmware.bin. These unicorns can be found [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|here]].

It is also advised (but still completely '''optional''') to use a NAND dump for No$GBA to increase compatibility; however, a NAND dump is required to use melonDS.

===No$GBA===
For now, NO$GBA is the most mature DS emulation project that supports the Nintendo DSi. Using the latest debugger version of NO$GBA is recommended.
;Game Loading Methods
:;Simple .nds Loading
:Requirements: These [https://archive.org/details/DSiFirmwareFiles files] with the NO$GBA version overwritten with the latest version.

:DSiWare ROMs preserved online in romsets currently use the nds format, similar to regular Nintendo DS ROMs. If you change Emulation Settings > NDS Mode/Colors > DSi (retail/16MB), you can drag and drop all three types of DSi content on the emulator (or open the ROM), and it will run in DSi Mode.

:However, it is recommended for retail cartridges to be loaded that way with the option "Emulation Settings > Reset/Startup Entry Point" set to "GBA/NDS BIOS." This loading method isn't recommended for DSiWare games because of some bugs introduced and the lack of ability to save altogether. However, if you insist, do set that option "Reset/Startup Entry Point" to "Start Cartridge Directly" at your own risk for any unpleasant aspects of the experience.

:;NAND Loading
:Requirements are the same as [https://archive.org/details/DSiFirmwareFiles above]. If you have a real DSi unit, you can dump its NAND and use it instead of the included DSi-1.mmc file, so that you play that different game selection.

:This option is more authentic to how real hardware works. It has much fewer bugs and a higher compatibility than the Simple nds loading method. DSiWare games were limited to a 128MB internal NAND memory or 40 games in the DSi Home Menu, whichever limitation comes first. The file "DSi-1.mmc" represents the NAND and hosts installed games (that will appear in the DSi Home Menu) and properly working game saves. While the DSi supported SD cards, it didn't allow for game software to be booted from there.

:Make sure to use "Emulation Settings > Reset/Startup Entry Point" at all times. The DSiWare titles that can be booted through this method will appear in the DSi Home Menu as separate slots than the "inserted game cartridge" icon.

:Using Unlauncher, a homebrew exploit, games can be added to the NAND. However, this is an advanced technique, and generally heavily discouraged. Users of this software on real hardware were compelled to use custom firmwares that allowed for using game software from the SD card (normally impossible). This means that to take advantage of this method as an emulation user, you will be stuck with the pre-installed games on the commonly shared BIOS files online.

:;SD Card Loading
:The most recommended method, as per [http://hg101.proboards.com/thread/14716/emulate-dsi-dsiware these] [https://www.ngemu.com/threads/no-gba-3-0-dsiware-compatibility-list-using-the-nand.206911/ tutorials]. This method loads the game from the SD card instead of the NAND, and allows for an easier time adding new games to the emulator.

:Requirements include these files to be placed in the same directory as NO$GBA. Not compatible with the previous methods, and so to be used in a folder with a fresh setup.

:* [https://mega.nz/#!aJAyUQIb!OIOOrA_PMeTizDxnmf-5y5fekLxxZkRZfWGKEvV_Tx0 BIOS Files]: Required for DSi emulation.
:* [https://mega.nz/#!qBY0DAJa!18nfxczgF-JxqyFxSogfej7G23vYSjJnQCIh_tdXUq0 Modified NAND]: Includes Unlauncher (Hold A to boot it, but not needed) and [[TWiLight Menu++]]
:* [https://mega.nz/#!vERGXCwY!GSmvL2PODesi0Vmu-atKPXxxz1UyucHZyH9bXghM0a0 2GB SD Card]: Filename is DSi-1.SD
:* A tool to mount a virtual SD drive, such as [https://www.osforensics.com/tools/mount-disk-images.html OSFMount]. To be used (Open DSi-1.SD > "Mount") with the 2GB SD Card to add new .nds files to it. Remember to disable "Read-Only" and to Dismount before using the emulator again.

:Some issues are still present with this method. Refer to the next section for tips on how to deal with some of them.

===melonDS===
The latest dev builds of melonDS can also boot the DSi Menu and load most DSiWare.
To boot up the DSi Menu, you need specific files which can all be found [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|here]].
==Known Issues==
===No$GBA===
Aside from general emulation problems inherited from the older DS emulation project, there are the following issues:

* ''Microphone doesn't work.'' (DSiWare + any method) No known fix.
* ''Camera doesn't work.'' (DSiWare + any method) Unimplemented. No known fix.
* ''Wi-Fi doesn't work.'' Unimplemented.
* ''Touch Screen issues related to Screen Calibration'' (DSiWare + [[TWiLight Menu++]] or simple nds loading) The fix is to load the original DSi Home Menu first (holding B when resetting the emulator or loading it), then reset to TWiLight Menu++ (not holding any buttons) before loading the desired game.
* ''Can't Save'' (DSiWare + simple nds loading) This method is hardware inaccurate to begin with. For best results, switch to [[TWiLight Menu++]] or Original NAND methods.
===melonDS===
melonDS has poor DSP support. DSiWare has to be launched from the NAND as it can't boot them as .nds.

=References=
<references />

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:ARM-based consoles]]
[[Category:Backward-compatible consoles]]
[[Category:Discontinued handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:MAME Driver Status: Preliminary]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Nintnedo DS]]
[[Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles]]

Game Boy Advance emulators

2025-01-31T09:40:37Z

MysticChromium: move mGBA back to top of ARM section, update row w/ info

{{Infobox console
| title = Game Boy Advance
| logo_size = 250px
| image = gbagba.png
| image_size = 250px
| caption = Indigo Game Boy Advance
| aka = CN: iQue Game Boy Advance
| developer = [[Nintendo|Nintendo R&D]]
| manufacturer = [[Nintendo]]
| family = Game Boy
| type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
| price = {{Inflation|USD|99.99|2001}}
| generation = [[:Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles|Sixth]]
| release date =
JP: March 21, 2001 
NA: June 11, 2001 
PAL: June 22, 2001
| discontinued = Yes
| units sold = 81.51 million
| media =
Game Boy Game Pak 
Game Boy Color Game Pak 
Game Boy Advance Game Pak
| soc = Nintendo CPU AGB
| cpu = ARM7TDMI @ 16.78 MHz Sharp SM83 @ 4 / 8 MHz
| memory = 288 KB RAM, 98 KB VRAM
| display = Reflective TFT LCD, 240 × 160 px, 61.2 mm × 40.8 mm (2.41 in × 1.61 in)
| dimensions = 82 mm × 144.5 mm × 24.5 mm (3.23 in × 5.69 in × 0.96 in)
| power = 2 × AA batteries
| topgame = ''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Sapphire'' (16.22 million units)
| compatibility =
[[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy]] 
[[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy Color]]
| predecessor = Game Boy Color
| successor = [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]]
| related =
Game Boy Advance SP 
Game Boy Micro
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy Advance|Emulators on GBA}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game_Boy_Advance|Game Boy Advance]]''' (often shortened to GBA) is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on the 21st of March 2001, in North America on the 11th of June and in Australia and Europe on the 22nd of June and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|99.99|2001}}. It has a ARM7TDMI CPU at 16.78 MHz and a Zilog Z80 CPU at 8 MHz and 4 MHz. It has 288 KB of RAM and 96 KB of VRAM.

==Emulators==
===PC / x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift confirming the libretro core is tracking the master branch], However, even though it's updated frequently, some [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|hardware features]] are exclusive to the standalone version. Therefore, using the standalone version is recommended.</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Mesen|Mesen]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[NanoBoyAdvance]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/workflows/build/master Dev builds] [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/releases {{NanoBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases/ {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_m/ vbam_libretro] <abbr title="VBA Next is a Game Boy Advance emulator based on VBA-M 2011 with backported patches for performance and compatibility improvements.">[https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ vba_next_libretro]</abbr>
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core'''s'''] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases 2.1.11]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master <abbr title="Latest development build version">git Artifacts</abbr>] [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[https://problemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}}[https://problemkaputt.de/gbanew.htm *] ||{{~}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (mGBA 0.10.0)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [https://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[MAME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref> [https://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||[https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mess.php?software_list_name=gba&compatibility= ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/ gpSP_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Mednafen]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/beetle_gba/ mednafen_gba_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[{{MednafenURL|releases/}} {{MednafenVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://hades-emu.org Hades]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/hades-emu/Hades/releases/tag/v1.0.0 {{HadesVer}}] [https://nightly.link/hades-emu/Hades/workflows/build/master Nightly builds] [https://github.com/hades-emu/hades git]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/higan-emu/higan/releases/tag/v110 {{higanVer}}]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|iDeaS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20150311100053/https://ciacin.site90.com/ideas.php {{iDeaSVer}}]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA VGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGBA/#Downloads {{VGBAVer}}]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Meteor
|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/blastrock/meteor {{MeteorVer}}]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|BoyCottAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://boycottadvance.emuunlim.org/Downloads.htm {{BoyCottAdvanceVer}}]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|PlayBoy Advance
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|[https://www.zophar.net/macintosh/gba/playboy-advance.html {{PlayBoyAdvanceVer}}]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GameBeanAdvance
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/bmchtech/GameBeanAdvance git]
|{{?}} || || ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===Mobile / ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/mgba/ mGBA_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Linux|Pandora}}
|[https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android unofficial Android version] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N>Libretro core is active; unofficial standalone port for Android is not.</ref> ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://www.explusalpha.com/contents/gba-emu GBA.emu] (VBA-M 2.1.4 based)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
|[https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha/releases/tag/Pre-release Pre-release] [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbaEmu 1.5.82][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/75 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://sites.google.com/site/fastemulator/ My Boy!]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gba 2.0.7]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Linux|Pandora}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|Pizza Boy A Pro
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.dbtecno.pizzaboygbapro&hl=en_US 2.16.2]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}}||{{✓}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|Pandora}} {{Icon|Didj|Symbian}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://repo.openpandora.org/?page=detail&app=package.gpsp.notaz 0.9.2.8 Pandora] [https://github.com/Summeli/gpSP4Cute Symbian]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gpsp>libretro core-only.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
| || || ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|VGBAnext
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.emu {{VGBANextVer}}]
| || || ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hydra.noods 0.1] [https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
| || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://forums.windowscentral.com/app-spotlight/252987-trio-nintendo-emulators-vba8-vgbc8-snes8x.html VBA10]
|align=left|{{Icon|W10P}}
|[https://forum.xda-developers.com/windows-10-mobile/windows-10-mobile-apps-and-games/app-vba10-emulator-t3588704 1.22] [https://emulator.games/emulators/gameboy-advance/vba10/ Alt]
| || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1]
| || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20190801135245/http://allaboutwindowsphone.com/software/content/VBA8_1.php VBA8]
|align=left|{{Icon|W8P}}
|[https://www.appx4fun.com/xap/15223/ 2.27]
| || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA_J2ME
|align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
|[https://oldfag.top/downloads/?act=view&id=168 1.0]
| || || || ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GBA Emulator (Rekkuzan)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Rekkuzan.UnityBoyAdvance 0.1.13]
| || || || ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|Switch}} {{Icon|3DS|PSV}}
|[https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://mgba.io/downloads.html#homebrew {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Sloop)
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|N/A
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|Only for selected titles]] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/vba_next/ VBA Next]
|align=left|{{Icon|NGC|Wii|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PS4}} {{Icon|Vita}} {{Icon|Xbox|Xbox360}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[gpSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|DC|PSP}} {{Icon|PS2|NGC|Wii}} {{Icon|3DS|Vita}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [[GpSP#PSP_Version|TempGBA4PSP]]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gpsp/#compatibility ?] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gpsp></ref> ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm open_agb_firm]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/profi200/open_agb_firm/releases 2024-07-30]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|3DS|WiiU}}
|8.10
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||[[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_2|Only for selected titles (3DS)]] [[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_3|Only for selected titles (Wii U)]] ROM injection is possible with both consoles with relatively high compatibility. ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|Game Boy Player
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware Limited to a filtered, 480i output with a slight amount of input lag ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gameboyplayer>Game Boy Interface is recommended instead</ref>
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Game_Boy_Interface Game Boy Interface]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest main] [https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/gbi/latest-extra extra]
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||Uses real GBA Hardware (Requires Game Boy Player hardware) ||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}<ref group=N name=gbinterface>Multiple versions available. Pick the version that fits best with your specific setup.</ref>
|-
|ReGBA
|Align=left|{{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1332 v1.45.5 revision 3]
|{{?}} || || ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Enhanced_mGBA emGBA]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://files.extremscorner.org/gamecube/apps/mgba/latest git]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA GX]]
|align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
|[https://github.com/dborth/vbagx/releases git]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBARunner3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner3 git]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Red}} Source available ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=gbarunner3>Recommended on DS</ref>
|-
|DSTWO
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|N/A
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Uses SOC of flashcart itself for emulation||{{Red}} {{license|Proprietary}}||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Gbaemu4DS
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
|[https://ichfly.github.io/gbaemu4DS Alpha 2 fix 4][https://github.com/ichfly/gbaemu4DS git]
|{{?}} || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[GBARunner2]]
|align=left|{{Icon|NDS|3DS}}
|[https://github.com/Gericom/GBARunner2/releases/tag/v20200812-131430_6e4ce45 2020/08/12]
|{{?}} ||{{~}} ||Virtual Machine (Hardware) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[gpSP|UO gpSP Kai]] (UO gpSP改)
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|3.4 test 4 build 230
|{{?}} || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita|WiiU}} {{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git] (Switch/Vita/WiiU) [https://github.com/Xiro28/NooDS_PSP git] (PSP port)
|{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

==Comparisons==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
;[[mGBA]]:Free and open-source Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator developed by endrift. Written from scratch, it aims for speed, [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]], and portability. Yet, it is the most complete GBA emulation effort with [[#Enhancements|enhancements]] and [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|feature support]], passing the older project VBA and its forks. It is also available as a libretro core for RetroArch. As of 0.9.0, mGBA with a stripped-down GUI has been integrated into Dolphin for games supporting [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|connectivity features]].

;[[NanoBoyAdvance]]:Highly [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]]<ref>[https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md mGBA suite comparison]</ref> Game Boy Advance emulator. It aims for [[Emulation Accuracy|cycle-accurate]] emulation when possible (CPU, DMA, timers, PPU and Game Pak prefetch), while also offering enhancements such as improved audio quality. Very high compatibility, including games that require emulation of [https://github.com/nba-emu/NanoBoyAdvance/blob/master/docs/ACCURACY.md#Game-compatibility peculiar hardware edge-cases]. Unfortunately, following the release of the next major update, the developer "[https://github.com/fleroviux fleroviux]" will step down from actively developing the project.[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1auz9c9/nanoboyadvance_180_is_released_plus_announcement/]

;[[VisualBoy Advance|Visual Boy Advance (VBA)]]:The original GBA emulator. Discovered to have an <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability detailed below.

:;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|Visual Boy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:A fork with additional minor improvements. It is behind in terms of [[Emulation Accuracy|accuracy]] compared to mGBA or other recommended GBA emulators, but is still useful for its robust debugging features and sound interpolation that reduces hissing.

::;VBA-Next:A [[RetroArch]] fork from an older revision of VBA-M with added speedhacks and tweaks, making it useful for lower-end devices. A bit less accurate in some respects, but fixes a few games such as Advance Wars 2.

;[[SkyEmu]]:Low-level Game Boy/Color and Game Boy Advance emulator. Its primary focus is to provide a [https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/ybejxv/skyemu_v2_release/itutt2h/ good user experience] through a good tradeoffs mixture [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]]<ref>[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu#accuracycompatibility SkyEmu: Accuracy and Compatibility], [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/blob/dev/docs/Accuracy.md SkyEmu: Accuracy on Difficult to Emulate Games].</ref>, performance, features, and usability. Capable of full instruction pipeline, prefetch emulation, and per pixel PPU Implementation capable of both scan line and mid-scan line effects.

;[[higan]] / [[ares]]:[[Emulation Accuracy|Accuracy]] wise, it is behind compared to NanoBoyAdvance and SkyEmu (and maybe mGBA), but it has dot-based instead of scanline-based renderer and does a better job compared to VBA-M. It is also behind in terms of compatibility compared to mGBA, NanoBoyAdvance, and SkyEmu, but Ares stands out being a [[Multi-system_emulators|multi-system emulator]] and supports some useful [[#Enhancements|enhancements]], like shaders/filters and simple debug features.

;[[Mesen]]: It has potential to be the best GBA debugger in the future. placeholder text

;[[MAME]]:Has a <code>gba</code> driver markup as working, but both graphics and sound are [https://adb.arcadeitalia.net/dettaglio_mame.php?game_name=gba "imperfect"] as of version 0.271.

;[[gpSP]]:Originally made for the PSP, its last official version was 0.91. There are, however, two forks of interest: [https://dl.qj.net/psp/emulators/gpsp-mod-20090720.html gpSPmod] and [https://filetrip.net/psp-downloads/homebrew/download-gpsp-j-12-06-16-f29570.htmlgpSP-J gpSP-J]. gpSP-J has superior compatibility, while gpSPmod has more options for customization (full screen, cheats, etc.) Both are superior to Kai. TempGBA is another good fork. For other platforms, there is a libretro port of gpSP with fast x86 and ARM dynarecs. While it is behind the best GBA emulators in terms of accuracy, its great performance makes it a viable option for old/underpowered machines or for using extreme fast-forward in games.

;Pizza Boy A:Likely due to the [[Yuzu#Lawsuit|yuzu situation]], the project was pulled from the Play Store by its developer after seven years of development and was presumed dead in 2024[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1b97uus/emulator_pizza_boy_for_gba_and_gbc_removed_from/][https://old.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnAndroid/comments/1ba5h5g/pizzaboy_emulator_is_gone/][https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/7/24093867/another-emulator-is-shutting-down]. However, in April, the project was renamed and development has resumed[https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/23/24138403/speaking-of-turning-your-phone-into-a-nintendo-emulator][https://gbatemp.net/threads/pizza-boy-a-basic-emulator-back-into-google-play-store-free-and-without-ads.654652/][https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1cbp2fx/pizza_boy_is_back/].

; [[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Sloop)
* GBA support was added to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack in February 2023, alongside GB games exclusive to the normal tier;
* Users are [[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_Switch_Online_games#Game_Boy_Advance|limited to the selection of games]] Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Can support Local Play with other Switch Online users (up to 4 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* [https://twitter.com/LuigiBlood/status/1624005571815899136 Accurate enough] at the point of being able to pass any of the ''AGB Test Cartridge'' (v10) tests without a single failure;
* Video filters can be applied;
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Allows rumble support for games that had such a function back when played in a Game Boy Player (''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'', ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'')
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''NOTE:''' There's a ''huge'' <abbr title="Arbitrary Code Execution">ACE</abbr> vulnerability affecting VBA and most of its forks, except for VBA-M. The function for adding GameShark codes ("Import > Gameshark code file") doesn't check if the file's size is within 1024 kilobits, meaning cheat code files from dubious sources can be engineered with malware in mind. There is good news; VBA-M still doesn't do a sanity check for those files, but it just crashes instead of letting the code wreak havoc. So, depending on your use case, avoid using:
# Cheat code files bigger than 1024 KB that you got online from untrustworthy sources.
# The import code files feature.
# The old emulator altogether, and settle for other options like mGBA or VBA-M. All of them support the same SRAM save data the cartridge uses.

'''List of recommended GBA emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in the above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! No$GBA
! SkyEmu
! NanoBoyAdvance
! Mesen
! Game Boy Player
! Virtual Console
! BizHawk
! ares
! GBE+
! gpSP
! Pizza Boy GBA (Pro)
! MAME
! Nintendo Switch Online (Sloop)
|-
| rowspan=4 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| colspan=14 | For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more visible.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Sprite_Replacement_.282D.29|Sprite Replacement]]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| Remove sprite limit The GBA has hardware support for up to 128 sprites.[https://www.vg-resource.com/thread-28888.html] – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some flickering seen in games at times, and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|{{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/3186 *]
|{{?}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/967 *]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|Widescreen Hack]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2833 *]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/65j3c3/can_a_emulated_game_run_better_then_the_actual/dgau7ck/ *]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/8nw23h/gba_emulator_w_overclock_support/e02nnn6/ *]
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal Framerate Hack]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|
|{{✗}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]] (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]] (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|
|-
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/pull/1397 *]
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|{{✓}}<ref group=N3 name=ExStandalone>Exclusive to standalone version.</ref>
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}[https://docs.mamedev.org/plugins/inputmacro.html *]
|{{✗}}
|-
| Rewind
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|-
| Savestates
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
| {{?}}[https://forums.mgba.io/archive/index.php?thread-4910.html]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Controls
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{?}}
|
|
|{{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=9 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [https://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan=14 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs#Game_Boy_Advance_.2F_Nintendo_DS_.2F_Nintendo_3DS|Streamable compression format]]
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|
|-
| Command Line Options
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|-
| rowspan=6 | Misc
| [[Netplay|Netplay]] You can use either yuzu/Ryujinx for playing GBA games online via netplay. This enhancement shouldn't be confused with GBA connectivity features emulation.
|[https://mgba.io/faq.html#glossary WIP]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/game-boy-advance-nintendo-switch-online-switch/ *]
|-
| [https://github.com/ipatix/gba-hq-mixer High Quality Audio Mixer] HQ audio mixer for games which use Nintendo's MusicPlayer2000 sound engine
|{{~}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|
|{{?}}
|
|
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=15 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=15 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| [https://retroachievements.org/system/5/games RetroAchievements]
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive>Exclusive to libretro core. There is also a [https://retroachievements.org/download.php#ravba modified version of VBA-M] for RetroAchievement support. [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/2232 Feature request: RetroAchievements integration in mGBA standalone].</ref>
|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrExclusive></ref>
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/36 *]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://retroachievements.org/download.php#bizhawk *]
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/1djp8ro/ares_v139_release/l9ckjp2/ roadmap]
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]
|{{✓}}[https://mgba.io/2021/03/28/mgba-0.9.0/#more-debugging-improvements *]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|{{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
:''[https://maru-chang.com/hard/agb/english.htm maru-chang.com - hardware]''
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! mGBA
! Mesen
! NanoBoyAdvance
! SkyEmu
! VBA-M [[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA_Link_e-Reader|VBA 1.73 Mod]]
! ares
! GBE+
! No$GBA
! BizHawk
! gpSP
! MAME
! Pizza Boy A Pro
! Virtual Console
! Nintendo Switch Online (Sloop)
|-
| colspan="2" |[[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[https://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref name="Tilt" group="N2">[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist]</ref>
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| rowspan="5" |[[#Connectivity|<abbr title="There are five different kinds of connectivity, support varying by game.">Connectivity</abbr>]]
|[[#GameCube Connectivity|<abbr title="The Nintendo GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable (model DOL-011) is a link cable that links the GameCube to the Game Boy Advance, the Game Boy Advance SP, the e-Reader, or even a second GameCube via the Game Boy Player. The Game Boy Micro is not compatible due to its different connector. The Wii, however, is compatible with the cable due to the Wii's backwards compatibility with GameCube games and controllers.">GameCube communication</abbr>]]
|{{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/vvdqyk/release_of_skyemu_10/ifjfj7a/ *]
|{{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|[[Wikipedia:Game_Link_Cable#Third_generation|<abbr title="The third generation started with the release of the Game Boy Advance which was released alongside its own link cable called the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable (model AGB-005). It features yet another new type of link cable port which is used on the Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP and Game Boy Player. The e-Reader also uses the third generation link cable port, but since it is incompatible with Game Boy/Color games, it is not backwards compatible with the second generation Game Link Cable. Another option is Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter (model AGB-015) for Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, and Game Boy Player.">Link Cable</abbr>]]
|{{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/15pvssg/the_skyemu_v3_gbgba_and_newly_nds_emulator_is_now/jw1785m/ WIP]
|{{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|[[#GBA_Multi_Pak_Link_Multiplayer_.281.7E4GBA.29|Multi Pak]]
|{{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<abbr title="Pokemon-only">*</abbr>
|{{✗}}
|-
|[https://squallsnake.com/blog-gba-single-pak-multiplayer-game-list/ Single Pak]
|{{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro">Does not work on libretro core. Feature Requests: [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/114 GBA Game Link Support], [https://github.com/libretro/vbam-libretro/issues/87 e-Reader support] for for VBA-M libretro core.</ref>
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
|{{✗}}[https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/issues/831 *]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<abbr title="Pokemon only">*</abbr>
|{{✗}}
|-
|[[#Connectivity|Wireless]]
|{{✗}} [https://mgba.io/timeline.html#IN+THE+FUTURE *]
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}[https://www.davidgf.net/2024/01/13/gba-wireless-adapter/ *]
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators|e-Reader]]
| [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader Alone]]
|{{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{~}}
|{{?}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{✓}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{~}}<abbr title="Wii U only">*</abbr>
|{{✗}}
|-
| [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader/GBA Game]]
|{{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="e-Reader-GBAGame">incomplete: this emulator will not recognize the games they're connected to. Normally, after choosing "Connection/to Game Boy Advance", the e-Reader should have "(Game Name) Game Data" preloaded in its internal EEPROM memory and appearing in a tiny black box on-screen, but this can't happen in either No$GBA, VBA-M, or VBA e-Reader mods. Without this step done, scanning e-Cards will just yield an error message. e-Reader/GBA game pack emulation in this emulator can be still reached by ripping a save game from real e-Reader hardware, with this step already done. Using this save with the e-Reader BIOS, it's possible to connect to the GBA game pack, and scan e-Cards… though it's a very less-than-ideal solution and there are only pre-baked e-Reader save files for Super Mario Advance 4 (U), Pokémon Emerald (J), LeafGreen (J) and FireRed (J)."</ref>
|{{?}}
|{{TBD}}
|{{~}}<ref group="N2" name="e-Reader-GBAGame"></ref>
|{{TBD}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}<abbr title="SMA4 only">*</abbr>
|-
| [[GBA_e-Reader_emulators#Emulators|e-Reader/GCN Game]]
|{{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="libretro" />
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan=2 | [[#Game_Boy_Advance_Video|Game Boy Advance Video]]
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[#GB.2FGBC_backwards_compatibility_emulation.2FEnhanced_Mode|GB/GBC backwards compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode]]
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}[https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=21831.0 *]
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}<abbr title="3DS only">*</abbr>
|{{N}}<abbr title="Plays GB/GBC games through a separate app">*</abbr>
|-
| colspan="2" | [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/#operating-system GBA BIOS]
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
| rowspan="3" |Inputs
|[[List_of_games_that_support_tracked_motion_controllers#Game_Boy_Advance_Emulation|Motion Control]]
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}<ref group="N2" name="RetroArch">Motion Control support present on RetroArch VBA-M core.</ref>
|{{?}}
| {{✓}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
| {{✗}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
|Rumble Feature
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{✓}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus#read-the-manual *]
| {{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
| {{~}}<abbr title="Allows rumble support for games that had such function back when played in a Game Boy Player (Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga)">*</abbr>
|-
|[[#Inputs|Solar Sensor]]
| {{~}}<ref name="manual-switch" group="N2">Only the Nintendo Switch port allows use of the Switch's light sensor.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2">Only manual configuration. No automatic detection via light sensor/camera input/weather forecast/GPS location/other.</ref>
|{{?}}
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
| {{~}}<ref name="manual" group="N2" />
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
| {{✓}}
|{{?}}
|{{?}}
|-
| rowspan="11" |[[#Special_hardware|Special hardware]]
|AGS-006 family Play-Yan Play-Yan Micro Nintendo MP3 Player
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art32.html][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Battle Chip Gate
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Campho Advance
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| WIP[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/141mm66/glucoboy_found_and_dumped/jn0p5jr/][https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art35.html]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Glucoboy
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art33.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Jukebox
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art31.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Multi Plust On System
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Soul Doll Adapter
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Turbo File Advance
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|Virtureal Racing System
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art24.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|}
<references group=N2/>

===GB/GBC backward compatibility emulation/Enhanced Mode===
Game Boy Advance is backwards compatible with GB/GBC, resulting in some [https://cheapergamer.co.uk/gba-enhanced-gbc-games/ GB/GBC games enhanced if you play on GBA]. Having said that, this shouldn't be confused with [[Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulation]] or [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Super Game Boy 1/2]]. Some of the multicore emulators support both GB/GBC and GBA emulation; however, they don't have support for "backwards compatibility/GBA mode" emulation.

===Game Boy Advance Video===
:''See also: [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Video|Game Boy Advance Video]] on Wikipedia''
GBA Videos were officially released cartridges with movies/shows on them for viewing on GBA hardware. Most recommended GBA emulators should be able to play this type of cartridge if its 32MB, although [https://youtu.be/o9XmB43bN5w?t=540 not all of it supports 64MB ones].
*[https://old.reddit.com/r/Gameboy/comments/byos8r/watching_gameboy_advance_video_on_a_gamecube/ Game Boy Player is not compatible with this feature]
*mGBA support both 32MB and 64MB video cartridges.
:See [[Home_Media_Player#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation pieces of software.
:See [[Ripping_games|Dumping/ripping]].

===Connectivity===
====GBA Multi Pak Link Multiplayer (1~4GBA)====
;VBA-M: This doesn't work with old VBA versions.
:Disable "Pause when Inactive," configure all four Joypads each with their own button layout, enable "Link, Enable GBA Link." Now open VBA-M again as many times needed for each player, and have them each use their separate Joypad configuration. Each player will have a separate SRAM save file.
;VBA Link + e-Reader:Useful if you want to use the Pokémon Battle-eCards. Downloads and instructions reside [https://projectpokemon.org/forums/showthread.php?42433-RELEASE-VBA-LINK-E-READER here].
;mGBA:Select "New multiplayer window" from the menu. As you load your ROMs into each window, "Player [X] of [Y]" will appear across the title bar. This can be done for up to four players. However, multiple instances of the same ROM will share a save file.
;No$GBA:Set the number of Emulated Game Boys in the Emulation setting to be 2 or more, and the Link Gamepaks Options to Gamepak in all GBAs.

'''Note''': A purple end in GBA means player 1, while a gray end in GBA means P2, P3, or P4. Daisy-chaining up to three cables will set up the additional P3 and P4 by connecting the purple end to a purple midsection.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agblink.pdf</ref>

====GBA Wireless Multiplayer====
The [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter|wireless adapter]] has the ability to connect five players<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbwireless_trilingual.pdf</ref> to each other and includes its own software to download a subset of another player's game that runs when no cartridge is inserted. ''Pokémon Fire Red'' and ''Leaf Green'' came bundled with this accessory, but it can also work with ''Pokémon Emerald'' and the ''Classic NES Series''.

The libretro core of [[gpSP]] has successfully emulated the wireless adapter<ref>https://www.davidgf.net/2024/01/13/gba-wireless-adapter/</ref>. [[GBE+]](in v1.6) and VBA-M partially implemented the support of this add-on, though it's still a work-in-progress, and can only access menus. Support of this add-on is currently on [[mGBA]]'s roadmap.

====GameCube Connectivity====
[https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Boy_Advance_to_Nintendo_GameCube_Link_Cable#List_of_Supported_Games The Game Boy Advance can also connect to the GameCube].<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/agbgcncable.pdf</ref> e-Reader functionality with GC games has now been emulated thanks to mGBA. [[Dolphin]] supports connectivity through rudimentary joybus emulation made in parallel with VBA-M. Because this emulator has fallen behind, the feature was recently added to [[mGBA]], a more accurate emulator. They showcased early higan support in a video, but nothing has been released as yet.

=====Dolphin/mGBA or VBA-M=====
:''Requires mGBA 0.9.0 or newer or VBA-M r947 or newer.''

* Reduce your volume. You won't want it to be high, especially with headphones.
* Open Dolphin and mGBA/VBA-M. Make sure neither is blocked by your firmware.
* In Dolphin, launch the game and navigate to the area where you're asked to connect the GBA. Then, under the controller options, assign the GameCube controllers as "GBA" for whichever you need.
* If you're using mGBA, open the File menu, and click Connect to Dolphin.
* In the dialog box that appears, press Connect. mGBA will boot up the GBA BIOS if no rom has been selected.
* If you're using VBA-M, uncheck Pause When Inactive in Options > Emulator. Then, under Options > Link > Joybus Options, make sure the "Enable Joybus Connection" is on and set "IP/Hostname" to use default settings, that is <code>127.0.0.1</code> or <code>localhost</code>.
* Dolphin will freeze.
* Open the GBA BIOS in VBA-M as if it were a regular GBA ROM. The regular splash screen will stutter a bit.
* In either emulator, Dolphin should recognize the Joybus Link by then, and the GC game will detect that a GBA was connected.
* To connect other units, open another emulator instance and repeat its process.

Notable games that work:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Four_Swords_Adventures The Legend of Zelda Four Swords Adventures]: Both two modes are available for the US/PAL version work. The third Japan-only Navi Trackers mode works as well.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Final_Fantasy_Crystal_Chronicles Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Billy_Hatcher_and_the_Giant_Egg Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]: You can download games to your GBA. Amusingly, a RAM dump from VBA-M can be opened as a functional GBA ROM.
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Kururin_Squash! Kururin Squash!]
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Sonic_Adventure_2:_Battle Sonic Adventure 2: Battle] (buggy)

Notable games that don't:
*[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Mr_Driller:_Drill_Land Mr. Driller: Drill Land]
*lots more

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Games_with_GameCube-GBA_connectivity See all games with GC-GBA connectivity]

===e-Reader===
:''Main page: [[GBA e-Reader emulators]]''
This device can read content off e-Card paper stripes either as standalone content, or additional content to GBA/GC games. Can be thought of as DLC.

===Inputs===
;Solar Sensor
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, No$GBA 2.6 onwards, and My Boy!:
* mGBA: In the shortcut editor, shortcuts can be configured to raise/lower the solar level incrementally or to set any particular brightness level. The Nintendo Switch port of mGBA also allows use of the Switch's light sensor.
* VBA-M: This emulator uses the keys of the lateral motion controls to change the Solar Sensor levels. You can find those keys and modify them in Options → Input → Configure… → "Special" tab.
* No$GBA: Under '''Options/Emulation Setup''', you can find the Solar Sensor Level option. You're given the choice between only three brightness levels though: Darkness, 100 Watts, and Bright Sunlight.
* My Boy!: This emulator uses a button combination or the device's light sensor to check the brightness level. You can change this under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Solar Emulation By" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA: Uses the device's light sensor to check the brightness level.

2. ROM Patches: Fixes applied directly to the ROM by various scene release groups to make it compatible with any emulator/flashcard, making the in-game brightness level controllable with L+Left/Right. It is argued this makes for a better experience actually, but sadly not all releases are covered.
* '''Boktai 1:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1567 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1145 US], <s>EU</s>.
* '''Boktai 2:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1567 JP], <s>US</s>, [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1992 EU].
* '''Boktai 3:''' [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=2048 JP Fix].
* Combinations of Boktai 4 JP with earlier solar sensors to get solar sensor bonuses aren't emulated yet in any DS emulator.

;Motion Control
1. Emulation: This feature has been emulated in mGBA, VBA-M, My Boy! and Pizza Boy:
* mGBA includes full motion control support using the motion sensor present in controllers like DualShock 4, DualSense and Switch Pro Controller.
* VBA '''doesn't''' emulate this feature, and its "Motion Control" option (with keys mapped to each tilt direction) covers the GBC title Kirby Tilt'n Tumble.
* VBA-M core on RetroArch includes motion control support by using a controller stick (left or right)
* My Boy! uses the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature. You can change the sensitivity under Settings → Input → Cartridge Features → "Motion sensitivity" menu.
* Pizza Boy GBA also used the device's accelerometer to emulate this feature for games like WarioWare: Twisted and Yoshi's Universal Gravitation.

2. ROM Patches: Fixes applied directly to the ROM (with the Lunar IPS utility, or at runtime using mGBA or VBA-M and naming them the same as the ROM in the same directory) by various scene release groups to make it compatible with any emulator/flashcard. D-Pad controls substituting motion controls don't work as well here as they tilt it "too much" at times to be very playable.
* Yoshi Topsy Turvy/Universal Gravitation: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1799 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1947 EU], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=2001 US]
* WarioWare Twisted! (Patch: [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1682 JP], [https://www.advanscene.com/html/Releases/dbreleases.php?id=1979 US])

;Rumble Feature
There are various rumble features found in GBA/GBC cards:
* '''GBC Rumble:''' GBC games which came on special cartridges with additional hardware for the rumble feature. It was actually used by dozens of releases, and some games like Tarzan 2 GBC were programmed to have rumble support but shipped on regular cartridges. Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only), which also covers the dummied-out rumble games. Not emulated anywhere else.
* '''GBA Gyro Rumble:''' WarioWare Twisted was shipped on a cart with rumble support. It would rumble when you tilt to one "extreme." Emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds,
* '''GBA Variable Rumble:''' Drill Dozer has rumble support, with variable force and speed depending on the rock type you drill through in-game. Partially emulated by VBA-M GX (Wii-only, functional), mGBA has this feature, but it is not enabled in current builds.
* '''Game Boy Player Rumble:''' Many regular GBA games, shipped on regular cartridges, enable rumble during gameplay when played on GB Player hardware (which is essentially GBA hardware). These include Super Mario Advance 4, Summon Night Hajimari no Ishi, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Shikakui Atama wo Marukusuru Advance (both releases), Pokémon Pinball, and Drill Dozer which disables its original cartridge rumble scheme and enables this one instead. None of the emulators support this, though it is being under development for the mGBA emulator.

===Special hardware===
Emulation of these is spotty, apart from GBE+, which supports almost all GBA peripherals.

;Turbo File Advance
The Turbo File Advance was a peripheral for the GBA which allowed certain games to write data to it, acting as an external memory card. Developed by Sammy Corporation, it was compatible with only 2 games, RPG Tsukuru Advance and Derby Stallion Advance.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Power Antenna & Bug Sensor
The Power Antenna & Bug Sensor were small plastic peripherals that interfaced with the GBA's serial port and contained LEDs that flashed in response to certain events within Keitai Denjuu Telefang 2, the only supported GBA game.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Official Nintendo Infrared Adapter
As the GBA didn't have native infrared connectivity, Nintendo released an official IR adapter called the AGB-006 to restore this functionality. However, it only saw use in Cyber Drive Zoids: Kiju no Senshi Hyuu to control specific Zoid toy models.

GBE+ supports this add-on.

;Figurine Readers
Some GBA games/series had figurine reader add-ons, essentially precursors to the likes of Skylanders and Amiibo.
* '''Soul Doll Adapter''' (Legendz: Island of Ordeal/Sign of Nekuromu)
* '''Multi Plust On System''' (Bouken Yuuki Pluster World: Plust Gate/EX/Pluston GP)
GBE+ has support for both the Soul Doll Adapter and Multi Plust On System, while mGBA supports the Soul Doll Adapter.

;Battle Chip Gate
A peripheral device by Capcom and Takara compatible with ''Mega Man Battle Network 4'' (Japanese edition). It can be connected to the Game Boy Advance and allow the player to transmit real-life toy Battle Chips to the NetNavis in the game. It is also compatible with toy Advanced PETs and ''Rockman.EXE 4.5 Real Operation''. It can also unlock minigames in ''Mega Man Zero 3''.

[[mGBA]] and [[GBE+]] support this add-on.

;Glucoboy
An obscure medical peripheral designed to monitor a child's blood glucose levels and reward them for keeping tabs on their condition. [https://assemblergames.com/threads/glucoboy-for-gameboy-is-this-the-rarest-game-accessory-for-gameboy-advance.41853/page-2 Bayer Healthcare destroyed all unsold stock] making it hard to find. It is emulated in GBE+ since version 1.8.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:1406913527173-1-.png|400px|thumb|right|'''Left:''' The default game. '''Right:''' The "Game Boy Colors" mode on [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]].]]
The screen on the original Game Boy Advance is not backlit and can be hard to see in some conditions. To compensate, game developers often used oversaturated colors by default so that the result would look normal on hardware. On standard computer screens, saturation is not an issue, so this can look jarring and undesirable for gameplay. Some games made after 2003 may have also taken the Game Boy Advance SP <abbr title="AGS-001">model</abbr> into account, since its screen was actually <abbr title="A newer model, AGS-101, was released in 2005 that was actually backlit">frontlit</abbr>. For everything else though, emudevs have given some solutions:

====Emulator Options====
'''No$GBA:''' Under "Emulation Options," select "GBA Mode". There are four modes.

* '''GBA (no backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''GBA SP (backlight):''' Strong desaturation
* '''Nintendo DS in GBA mode:''' Some desaturation
* '''VGA Mode (poppy bright):''' No desaturation

'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders > Load New Shader, select "gba-color.shader"

'''VBA-M:''' (nightly only): Under Options > Game Boy Advance, you will find the option, '''LCD Filter'''.

'''higan:''' Under Settings > Video Filter, you will find the "Color Emulation" checkbox.

* '''Color Emulation off:''' No desaturation
* '''Color Emulation on:''' Gamma correction and adjusted color range.
'''NanoBoyAdvance''': Enabled by default. Under Config > Video > Color Correction > GBA

'''SkyEmu''': Color Correction is set by default to 1.00 force in this emulator, and there are 2 types of desaturation methods. The first one is named SkyEmu and is selected by default, and the other one is named Higan and, as its name suggests, is based on higan's color correction. Change the desaturation type by pressing the ≡ button, then select GBA Color Correction Type. You can also change the intensity of the desaturation: slide the slider to 0.00 to brighten the screen a tad bit.

====Shaders====
Cg [[Shaders and Filters|shaders]] can be used in [[OpenEmu]] or [[RetroArch]] that adjust the colors to those of a real GBA screen, as well as other screen types. These are available in GLSL<ref name="GLSL">https://github.com/libretro/glsl-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for OpenGL, and Slang<ref name="Slang">https://github.com/libretro/slang-shaders/tree/master/handheld/shaders/color</ref> for Vulkan.

For GBA, there is <code>gba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/gba-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profile of a GBA screen under an external light source more accurately than VBA-M or No$GBA color options. If you prefer the darker color options that those emulators have, then use <code>vba-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/vba-color.cg</ref> instead.

There is also <code>nds-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/nds-color.cg</ref> and <code>psp-color.cg</code><ref>https://github.com/libretro/common-shaders/blob/master/handheld/shaders/color/psp-color.cg</ref>, which simulates the color profiles of the original Nintendo DS frontlit screen and the PSP-1000/PSP-2000 backlit screen, respectively.

For Game Boy Advance shader presets, see the "Shader Presets" page;
{{Main|Shader_Presets}}

===Horrible Sound Quality===
As a handheld rushed to the market (because of the WonderSwan Color competition), the Game Boy Advance had some cut corners. The sound hardware was affected the hardest: while it could play Game Boy Color sound in addition to samples and sequenced music like what would be heard on the SNES, the actual playback quality is awful compared to the sound samples stored internally in the ROM.

There were [https://www.romhacking.net/utilities/881/ tools] made to extract the internal high-quality music (as midi files plus a sound font, to be played on foobar2000); however, interest remains limited in implementing its playback in real-time on emulators. It's worth noting that NanoBoyAdvance includes [https://github.com/ipatix/gba-hq-mixer High Quality Audio Mixer] and there's a very experimental feature exists on [[mGBA]] (nightly versions) under Enhancements as "XQ GBA Audio", but it's very buggy and still limited to games using the standard sound engine, the so-called "Sappy" engine, which is still a big part of the GBA's software library.

===High Resolution Affine Transformation Graphical Effects===
Similar to the scaling effects used on the Super NES known commonly as "Mode 7" graphics, the Game Boy Advance has affine transformation effects for some backgrounds and individual sprites that can be done in hardware. Due to the GBA's lower resolution, some detail may be lost.

The [[mGBA]] emulator added an Enhancements menu where you can change the resolution of those graphical effects, for a smoother effect. The graphical render engine will need to be OpenGL for those to take effect. It won't work on games where those effects are done in software instead of the hardware scaling features (like the 3D environment in Asterix & Obelix XXL)

===Save formats===
Originally, when saves were implemented, nobody settled on a format, so the Visual Boy Advance devs made their own. Because other emulators often went with raw data, having to exchange different saves caused problems. The original Visual Boy Advance tries to figure out which format a given save is but often fails at it. By explicitly telling the emulator to read it as a specific type using a file called <code>vba-over.ini</code>, VBA complies. VBA-M includes this config file by default, but older revisions like VBA 1.7.2 and VBALink don't.

The VBA-Next and VBA-M cores in Libretro have the file baked into the binary so that it can load raw .sav files. However, they convert the format to its own derivative at exactly 136 KB every time, with save type info contained within the file. This completely avoids the previous issues at the cost of incompatibility with standalone VBA and most others.

To solve this incompatibility, Libretro devs created a
[https://github.com/libretro/vba-next/blob/master/libretro/gbaconv/gbaconv.c command-line tool] to convert .srm save files made from these cores to raw .sav save data for other emulators. It takes standard input (i.e., drag and drop the .srm onto the executable) and outputs accordingly. It can also be done in reverse. A [https://thysbelon.github.io/gbaconv-web/ website version of this tool can be found here].

For more information about Game Boy Advance hardware and reverse engineering; 
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy-advance/ Game Boy Advance Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R43k-p9XdIk The Story of Quake on the Game Boy Advance], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qqg4VCZ0k8 How the Game Boy Advance knew it was running a Game Boy Game], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GVSLcqGP7g Tomb Raider on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance is incredible], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpNWEbZdXNw How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance]
* martin korth: [https://problemkaputt.de/gbatek-contents.htm gbatek]
* [https://akkera102.sakura.ne.jp/gbadev/ akkera102.sakura gbadev (Japanese)]
* [https://gbadev.net/gbadoc/ gbadev - gbadoc]
* [https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/GBA_Development/Resources WikiBooks - GBA Development Resources]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:ARM-based consoles]]
[[Category:Backward-compatible consoles]]
[[Category:Discontinued handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles]]

Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators

2025-01-26T18:30:42Z

MysticChromium: /* ARM */

{{Infobox console
|title = Game Boy (Color)
|logo = Game_Boy.png
|image = Game-boy-color.png
|imagecaption = '''Top:''' Original Game Boy '''Bottom:''' Game Boy Color
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]]
|release=1989 (Game Boy) 1998 (Game Boy Color)
|discontinued = 2003
|predecessor = [[Game & Watch]]
|successor= [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}
{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy (Color)|Emulators on GB/GBC}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy|Game Boy]]''' (GB) and '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy Color|Game Boy Color]]''' (GBC) are 8-bit, fourth-generation handheld consoles released by Nintendo on July 31, 1989 and November 18, 1998 respectively and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|89.95|1998}}. The Game Boy has a Sharp LR35902 core CPU at 4.19 MHz. It had a monochrome display that could only show four shades of grey, albeit with a olive green tinge on the original. The Game Boy Color uses the same LR35902 core as the original; while it is clocked at 8.38 MHz, it can be underclocked to 4.19 MHz for backwards-compatibility purposes. It was named such from its color screen, but it also had a larger memory size and a faster CPU. The hardware similarities allow cross-compatibility between the two platforms and they are often treated as one. They would both be succeeded by the backward-compatible [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]].

Nintendo re-released the console as the '''Game Boy Pocket''' in 1996, with a more compact body and a better screen. A front light was added to a special edition of the Pocket in Japan called the '''Game Boy Light''', a feature that wouldn't be seen outside of Japan until the Game Boy Advance SP.

Nintendo released a peripheral for the [[Super Nintendo emulators|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] called [[wikipedia:Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]] in June 1994, which was modeled like a cartridge but included its own cartridge slot for Game Boy/Color games, as well as the hardware needed to translate the games. Many Game Boy/Color emulators offer at least some of the special features it included, such as added borders, colorization, custom button mappings, and other features. It was possible to link, but without the external port, as well as errors in the CPU, it would not be feasible to the end user. These issues would later be corrected in the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.

==Emulators==
Because of how relatively easy popular 8-bit consoles are to emulate, tons of Game Boy emulators exist. For a list of open-source projects, see [https://github.com/search?o=desc&q=gameboy+emulator&s=updated&type=Repositories&utf8=%E2%9C%93 this GitHub query]. For a list of accuracy tests, see [https://daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout/ daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout].

===x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[Super Nintendo emulators#Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
| [[SameBoy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://sameboy.github.io/downloads {{SameBoyVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}}<ref group=N>Video emulation works perfectly, but the sound enhancements are not emulated.</ref> ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bgb.bircd.org/#downloads {{BGBVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [http://emulicious.net Emulicious]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://emulicious.net/downloads {{EmuliciousVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BizHawk]] (BSNES)(Gambatte_Speedrun)(SameBoy)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [http://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gambatte]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://sourceforge.net/projects/gambatte/files/gambatte {{GambatteVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=active>[https://github.com/libretro/gambatte-libretro/tree/master Libretro core] is still active.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Mesen|Mesen]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[GBE+]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[MAME]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref>[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gearboy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc git]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
| GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy {{GameRoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[ares]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift's comment about libretro core]</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [http://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases {{VBAMVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://chillygb.arci.me/ ChillyGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
| [https://github.com/AuroraViola/ChillyGB {{ChillyGBVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [http://hhug.me/ hhugboy]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/tzlion/hhugboy/releases {{hhugboyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/143#issue-1456816849 {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://binji.github.io/binjgb/ binjgb]
| align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
| [https://github.com/binji/binjgb/releases {{binjgbVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Ironboy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/chiplis/ironboy/ git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|PyBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Baekalfen/PyBoy/releases {{PyBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|LGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|KevBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/xkevio/kevboy/releases {{KevBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|jgb
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgb git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|DoubleCherryGB
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/TimOelrichs/doublecherryGB-libretro git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [http://byuu.org/emulation/higan {{higanVer}}] [https://github.com/libretro/higan libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm/ BDM]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
| [https://mattcurrie.com/bdm-demo/ Demo]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB VGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://fms.komkon.org/VGB {{VGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Gamebert
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/robert/gamebert git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Pantheon]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bostjan-grandovec.si/Content/News.htm {{PantheonVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|UGE
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/SuperDisk/hUGETracker/releases {{UGEVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|PDEQ}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[KiGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|DOS}}
| [http://kigb.emuunlim.com/downloads.htm {{KiGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[TGB Dual]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}<ref group=N name=two>On Linux as an SDL port (and the [[libretro]] core is based on this version).</ref>
| [https://github.com/libertyernie/tgbdual_L/releases {{TGBDualVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GiiBiiAdvance
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance/releases git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|MetroBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy/releases {{MetroBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|hdmg
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://git.sr.ht/~sircmpwn/hdmg git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[rew.]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Windows9x}}
|[https://wikiwiki.jp/emulator/rew. rew12stx]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|}
</div>

===ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[SameBoy]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy SameBoy_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sameboy/id6496971295 1.0] (iOS App Store) [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Game Play Color]]
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://github.com/gameplaycolor/gameplaycolor/releases {{GamePlayColorVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://www.explusalpha.com/contents/gbc-emu GBC.emu]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbcEmu {{.emuVer}}][https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha git][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/76 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/releases/tag/v0.41 beta41] (source)
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}}[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android *] ||{{~}}<ref group=N>Must be compiled from source due to binaries going offline and has been surpassed in terms of general use, but is still Recommended for its exceptional [https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/_5D9uMlRlL-DJ_anXEyJHtI3IriwCFVPgg2zgwhkaG-uYwkjYeTqmiuUZwpomTYKsuo=w1024-h768-rw Printer] and [https://youtu.be/ESYolQ761Dw?si=2c-yAHAAcWQSei1a Kirby Camera] support.</ref>
|-
|Pizza Boy C Pro
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.dbtecno.pizzaboypro 6.7.3]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{R}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android 0.3]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1] [https://github.com/CocoaBob/GBA4iOS git] (new fork)
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy 0.2.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://eightbitwonders.gitlab.io/app 8-Bit Wonders]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://f-droid.org/packages/de.rainerhock.eightbitwonders 0.8] (F-Droid)0.8 (Play)0.8 (Amazon)[https://gitlab.com/eightbitwonders/app git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||roadmap
|-
|MeBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
| [http://www.arktos.se/meboy/download.php 1.6][https://github.com/chijure/meboy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://my-oldboy-free-gbc-emulator.en.uptodown.com/android My OldBoy!]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gbc 2.0.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBC
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.johnemulators.johngbc 3.93]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko)
| align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
| N/A
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|Super Game Boy
| align=left|{{Icon|SNES}}
| N/A
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-a-gameboy-emulator-for-ds.343407 GameYob DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
| [https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-3ds-gb-c-emu.372523/ GameYob 3DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| [https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/GameYob_3DS 1.0.8][https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA-M|<abbr title="Modified port of VBA-M. With it you can play GBA/Game Boy Color/Game Boy games on your Wii/GameCube.">VBA GX</abbr>]]
| align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
| [https://github.com/dborth/vbagx#nightly-builds nightly-builds]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|3DS|NX}} {{Icon|Vita|DC}} {{Icon|PSX}} {{Icon|PS2}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|NGC}} {{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|Vita|3DS}}
| [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RIN
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
| [https://github.com/mbarczak/psp_rin git] [https://archive.org/details/rin-rx.-7z RX] [https://archive.org/details/rin_v1.32n1.2.7z 1.32n1.2]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| 8.10
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PSV|3DS}}
| [https://endrift.com/mgba/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/releases git]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|GBEmu
| align=left|{{Icon|VB}}
| [https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/t/entry-game-boy-emulator/ 0.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RealBoy Vita
| align=left|{{Icon|PSV}}
| [https://vitadb.rinnegatamante.it/#/info/167 1.2][https://github.com/xerpi/realboy-vita/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|ShuBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|MD}}
| [http://jiggawatt.org/badc0de/shuboy.htm 1.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|aGBe
| align=left|{{Icon|PSX}}
| [https://sourceforge.net/projects/agbe/files/agbe SF]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Hu-Boy
| align=left|SuperGrafx TurboGrafx-CD TurboDuo
| [https://www.chrismcovell.com/huboy.html V 0.30621]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{X}}
|}
</div>

===Firmware===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|UEFI}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|}
</div>

<references group=N />

==Comparison==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
===Game Boy-only emulators===
;[[SameBoy]]:One of the most [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy emulator currently. The UI is simple and easy to use. It includes open source bootroms, although these can be replaced with real ones. Has debugging features and also emulates Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer.
;[[BGB]]:A closed-source emulator for Windows (and [[Wine]]) with solid Game Boy and Game Boy Color accuracy, as well as near flawless link support. It has a wealth of options for color palettes. Most used for its advanced debugger.
;[[Gambatte]]:Pretty [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] open-source Game Boy/Color emulator. It has a good range of options and features, though not quite as much as some other emulators. The main fork is not in active development, but the libretro core is still active.
;[http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy]:A Windows-only Game Boy/Color emulator based on GEST with a focus on bootleg and unlicensed games. It is capable of detecting and correctly emulating the mapper on a number of games that are otherwise broken on other emulators, but some ROMs require manually selecting the mapper on the Unlicensed Compatibility Mode menu. Besides the usual raw dumps, it also supports the footered [http://hhug.me/gbx GBX] ROM format, which correctly informs the emulator which mapper to run regardless of what the internal headers say.
;GameRoy:A Game Boy emulator, dissasembler and debugger written in Rust. It has high [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]] and accurate clock frequency. It is more suited for debugging uses for now.
;[[TGB Dual]]:An ancient emulator that supports link cable emulation. It also supports [[netplay]], but it requires a VPN. The libretro port supports local multiplayer using player 2's controls.
;[[KiGB]]:An old and obsolete emulator which boasted its accuracy but was proven to be full of game-specific hacks.<ref>https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/238</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Test_ROMs#Emulators_running_on_desktop_computers</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/KiGB</ref> It has a wide selection of features, but other emulators have caught up and are already doing much better.
;[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance GiiBiiAdvance]:Pioneered full GB Camera emulation, including webcam support. Aside from that, it's an unfinished emulator with the basics set up, but its promising future currently on hiatus. It has very [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] timing.
;[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy MetroBoy]:Extremely [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy simulator which being written in a subset of C++ that's designed to to be mechanically translated into Verilog HDL.
;Ironboy:A very recent and promising emulator written in Rust for WebAssembly which is focus only on the original Game Boy (DMG) to [https://github.com/Chiplis/IronBoy#ironboy achieve the highest degree of accuracy]. Unfortunately, it only supports monochrome Game Boy games.
;binjgb:A GB + GBC emulator for both desktop and WebAssembly, developed by Ben "binji" Smith since 2016. Most famously used by McDonald's in 2023 to publish ''Grimace's Birthday'' [https://grimacesbirthday.com/ as a browser game].
;[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko):
* GB support was added to Nintendo Switch Online in February 2023, alongside GBA games exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier;
* Users are limited to the selection of games Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Supports online and Local Play (up to 2 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* Supports tilt controls through gyroscope or normal controllers (e.g.: ''Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble'');
* Supports infrared emulation (e.g.: ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'');
* Palette styles can be applied (original GB, Pocket, and GBC);
* No Super Game Boy features supported (it always runs games in GBC mode);
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''List of recommended GB/GBC emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

===GB/C emulation on GBA emulators===
''This shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|actual backwards compatibility on GBA emulation]].''
;[[mGBA]]:Primarily emulates the [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]] but it also includes GB/C support much like the original system. It's a solid implementation, with most of the library working perfectly.
;[[GBE+]]:An emulator that has a large effort in preserving the functions of a multitude of [[#Game Boy Features|obscure accessories]] that other emulators don't focus on. It can also load custom tiles in games, including colorized tiles for original Game Boy titles.
;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VisualBoy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:Used to be the go-to for Game Boy Advance emulation and even included solid GB/C emulation. It's now behind [[mGBA]] on both fronts.

===[[Multi-system emulators]]===
;[[higan]]/[[ares]]:Because it started out as a [[Super Nintendo emulators|SNES emulator]] (its original name was bsnes), it was the first one that properly emulated all of the [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Super_Game_Boy|Super Game Boy]]'s features, such as SPC sound chip utilization, which requires the SNES and GameBoy to be emulated simultaneously so it's demanding.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/zwq9fu/ares_crossplatform_open_source_multisystem/j1ys10k/</ref>
;[[BizHawk]]:Uses a modified Gambatte core. It provides speedrunning tools.
;[[MAME]]:Has solid Game Boy emulation through its <code>gameboy</code> driver despite the sound being imperfect, as well as slightly worse Game Boy Color compatibility through its <code>gbcolor</code> driver (where both the graphics and sound are imperfect). Despite its setbacks, it aims to feature compatibility with obscure mappers that other emulators usually ignore, like Wisdom Tree games or MMM01 multicarts. Accuracy was improved upon with contributions by Judge_.

==Mappers==
Much like the NES, the Game Boy (and by extension, the Game Boy Color) used '''Memory Bank Controllers''' (MBC) (called MMCs on the NES) and also known informally as '''mappers''', to go beyond the restrictive initial hardware specifications. Nevertheless, Nintendo was much more careful to standardize their specifications to [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Category:Licensed_chips just a small number of possible mappers]. Moreover, Game Boy ROMs now included an official internal header mandated by Nintendo that included the correct MMC type. This meant that for the officially licensed games, these mappers proved to be rarely a problem... with some notable unimplemented exceptions: Net de Get's MBC6 that offered downloadable content off the internet, and the MMM01 footer used for some official multi-cart games, among others.

However, it doesn't get better when it comes to '''unlicensed games''', since they didn't necessarily respect Nintendo's specifications about how a given mapper type should handle its memory and behave in general, and internal headers were often filled with erroneous data to hinder dumping and emulation efforts. Some emulators like MESS/[[MAME]] and [http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy] try to emulate that behavior with various degrees of success ([http://hhug.me/dump/ Compatibility List]). The hhugboy project also proposed a similar solution to iNES for this mapper problem, as the [http://hhug.me/gbx/1.0 gbx ROM format] that appends a footer with extra information needed for some unlicensed games. However, this format, much less unlicensed hardware quirks, isn't widely adopted aside from tentative [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers mGBA support].

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=4 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| colspan=11 | For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more apparent.
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Game_Boy|Widescreen hack]] Possible with technique called [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideGB]] which uses a similar technique as [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideNES]].
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://kemenaran.winosx.com/posts/widegb-now-available-on-windows/ SameBoy WideGB fork] at the moment.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Game_Boy|Sprite Replacement]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [[GBE+]] emulator at the moment.
|-
| Remove sprite limit The Gameboy supports a maximum of 40 sprite objects. – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some of the flickering seen in games at times and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|
| {{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/412 *]
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Rewind
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Savestates
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Post-Processing
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=10 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan=10 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in Game Boy sound player
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| Command Line Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Controls
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | Misc
| [[Netplay#Game_Boy|<abbr title="Should not be confused with GB/GBC Online features or Link cable emulation, see #Hardware features and peripherals section for that.">Netplay</abbr>]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive>Input lag mitigation technique and [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#game-boy-game-boy-color RetroAchievements exclusive to libretro cores]. Also [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy/#features netplay enhancement] exclusive to SameBoy libretro core.</ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/issues/2450 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| RetroAchievements [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=4 Game Boy], [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=6 Game Boy Color]
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}[https://sameboy.github.io/features/#debugging *]
| {{✓}}[https://bgb.bircd.org/manual.html#debugkeys *]
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
{{Cleanup|reason=Unsorted by recommended emulator}}
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=5 | Inputs
| [[#Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)|Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro>Not available on Libretro core.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers>Motion Control does not support controller's gyro. Supports only remapping to mouse/keyboard/gamepad.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers />
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Accelerometer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#Rumble|Rumble]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Game Boy Camera|Game Boy Camera]]
| {{✗}}
| {{~}} <ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{~}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>Only on Android, uses real front/back Camera hardware permission required.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Boy]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Taisen Bardigun]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | <abbr title="There are four different kinds of connectivity, support varying by game.">Connectivity</abbr>
| [[#Multiplayer|<abbr title="The Nintendo Game Link Cable is an accessory for the Game Boy line of handheld video game systems, allowing players to connect Game Boys of all types for multiplayer gaming. Depending on the games, a Game Link Cable can be used to link two games of the same title, like Tetris, or two compatible games like Pokémon Red and Blue. Games can be linked for head-to-head competition, cooperative play, trading items, unlocking hidden features, etc.">Link Cable</abbr>]]<ref group=N>Super Game Boy for SNES supports only on the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2. gameyob for DS emulator supports it through NiFi. Virtual Console for Switch only supports for Pokemon only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[mGBA]] pretty buggy [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+Link but sometimes works].</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[SameBoy]]'s libretro core supports Link Cable, standalone does not.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>GBCC only supports a [https://gbcc.dev/ fake "link" with itself].</ref>
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#IR Transmitter|IR Transmitter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| <abbr title="Work in Progress">WIP</abbr>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Online features|Online features]]
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Multiplayer|4-Player Adapter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Special hardware
| [[#Game Boy Printer|Game Boy Printer]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Printer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|GB Pocket Sonar]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Singer Sewing Machine]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|WorkBoy]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/issues/125 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Pikachu_2_GS#Interactions_with_Generation_II Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS]
| Communication
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Emulation
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | Unlicensed Hardware
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP1Bkfj9kDY WORLD PORT]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Pro Action Replay
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref group=N name=Tilt>[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist]</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

===IR Transmitter===
The Game Boy Color had an infrared transmitter and receiver. Generation II Pokémon games made use of this feature through Mystery Gift. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe could send high scores to another cartridge. GBE+ had [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art4.html basic IR emulation] back in July 2016 but it then only worked with Pokémon games. Now, as of [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art11.html April 2018], it has full IR emulation for most IR-enabled games (Hudson Soft's HuC-1's IR capabilities need to be emulated for Japanese ''Pokémon TCG'').

*[[List of games that support IR#GameBoy Color Emulation]].

===Game Boy Camera===
The Game Boy Camera is an official Nintendo accessory for the Game Boy and was released in 1998. Users can take pictures and modify them with stickers and frames, as well as play several included minigames. In addition to the original model, there was a US-exclusive Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time edition that included different stamps.

The first emulator to have some capability of emulating the Game Boy Camera was a modified version of an old emulator called Hash. This version, named Hashcam, can still be found on the author's website. While there were some efforts to run the Game Boy Camera ROM in BGB unofficially, the author didn't show much interest in it. However, it is fully emulated with webcam support in a lesser-known emulator called GiiBiiAdvance.

As of version 0.7.0, or any dev builds post 0.6.0, mGBA can emulate this accessory by either using the PC's webcam or sending a BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or other image format to the game, as if it was coming from the camera itself.<ref name="mGBA_Cam">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mGBA_emu/status/890954205472501762|title=Game Boy Camera in mGBA dev builds|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2017-07-28}}</ref> The camera is also functional on the 3DS port. To enable the PC webcam, go to <code>Game Boy</code> under <code>settings</code> and switch the <code>camera driver</code> to <code>Qt Multimedia</code>, or by editing <code>qt.ini</code> and setting <code>cameraDriver=1</code> under <code>[General]</code>.

===Game Boy Printer===
Game Boy Printer is a thermal printer accessory released by Nintendo in 1998 used in conjunction with the Game Boy Camera and also used to prints images from compatible GB games such as ''Pokémon Gold and Silver'', ''Pokémon Crystal'', ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe'', ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX''.

[[VisualBoy Advance]] (including its forks), [[GBE+]] and [[mGBA]] have Game Boy Printer support that turn the signals into a bitmap form of the image.

===Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)===
Two Game Boy Color games featured a built-in tilt sensor: Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble and Command Master. These games cannot be played without support for this feature. [[VisualBoy Advance|VBA]] and [[KiGB]] have a "Motion Sensor" option to map four directional keys to emulate the cartridge tilting, but the controls aren't analog. [[BGB]] can emulate the tilting features with the use of the mouse. [[SameBoy]] allows to use the mouse, as well as a joystick, and on the Cocoa frontend, is supporting controller's motion controls. [[mGBA]] supports controller's motion controls and allows to assign stic's X an Y axes. Hiyoko, the official GBC emulator for [[Nintendo Switch Online]], emulates motion controls for Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble by translating gyroscope input either from the console itself (when playing in portable mode) or from a detached Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller (when playing in docked mode).

*[[List of games that support tracked motion controllers#GameBoy Color Emulation]]

===Rumble===
A good number of cartridges came with a built-in rumble that required an AAA battery to power, such as ''Pokémon Pinball'', but the feature is optional. So far, only [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA-GX]] emulates rumble in these games, including games that have their rumble feature dummied out (one being ''Tarzan'').

===Multiplayer===
* '''Link Cable:''' [[BGB]], [[KiGB]], some versions of [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[TGB Dual|TGB-Dual]] supports link cable. It can also be used for Netplay on the corresponding [[RetroArch]] core. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiplayer_Game_Boy_games#Two-player_games_via_the_Game_Link_Cable Two-player games via the Game Link Cable list].
* '''4-Player Adapter:''' Currently only [[GBE+]] and DoubleCherryGB supports it.
* '''Faceball 2000 16-Player Link Cable:''' There is a 16-Player adapter as well, but it went unreleased outside of unused code in some games, but it is emulated by ''DoubleCherryGB'' emulator and allows to play Faceball 2000 in local splitscreen and via netplay.
* '''Multiplayer Hacks:''' DoubleCherryGB emulates virtual link-cable devices that allow Tetris Battle Royal and Kwirk Multiplayer up to 16 players on local splitscreen and via netplay.

===Online features===
====Mobile Game Boy Adapter====
There is a Japan-only accessory that communicates with Mobile Golf and Japanese Pokémon Crystal. It was bundled with Mobile Trainer cartridge which allowed the player to use e-mail as well as browse Nintendo's website. It saw use on some Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, but support was limited to Japan, and the servers went offline by 2002.

It is possible to partially emulate its feature for Pokémon Crystal by [http://forums.glitchcity.info/index.php?topic=7509.0 using BGB's scripting capability], and GBE+ can at least reach the title screen of Mobile Trainer and made [https://www.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/9141oy/making_progress_with_gb_mobile_adapter_emulation/ some progress in July 2018], but otherwise, no emulators (except for a recently leaked at time of writing internal emulator) properly support this accessory.

====Hudsonsoft KISS Link====
This accessory both allowed IR communications between 2 gameboys before the Game Boy Color existed with it’s IR port and with a modem, it allowed users to download exclusive content by them from Hudsonsoft's website. No emulator supports this. Resources about this super obscure accessory include http://nectaris.tg-16.com/GB-KISS-LINK-FAQ-hudson-gameboy-nectaris.html and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOuJ0EcA8IQ

===Accessories===
There are [[wikipedia:Game Boy accessories#Game Boy|a few accessories that the Game Boy and Game Boy Color]] had. Due to their very small and game-specific use, most emulators don't bother with them at all, save for GBE+.

* '''Game Boy Pocket Sonar:''' Japan only cartridge released by Bandai. It is a sonar-enabled device used for fishing with a fishing game included. Only GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art13.html supports] this feature. A similar cartridge was released for the WonderSwan (still unemulated).
* '''Barcode Boy:''' An obscure Japan-only barcode-scanning device released by Namcot (then-Namco's consumer division) in 1992. A total of 4 games were released to utilize this accessory. KiGB and GEST claim support for this device, but they only feed random data to Game Boy until the game accepts it as a valid barcode. GBE+ has [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art7.html proper emulation] with the ability to read barcodes from binary files. DoubleCherryGB also has full support. All barcodes are hardcode. After each scan the next barcode is loaded.
* '''Barcode Taisen Bardigun:''' Another Japan only barcode-scanning device with the dedicated game. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art6.html supports this accessory].
* '''Singer Sewing Machine:''' There is link cable support for the Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine. The IZEK was unique in that it came bundled with a specially coloured Game Boy and a cartridge for interfacing with the machine.<ref name="IZEK_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlhJKMXU7tg&t=5m25s|title=Game Boy Part 2 - Did You Know Gaming? Feat. Jake of Vsauce3|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-05-24}}</ref><ref name="IZEK_2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Epj2_eJdA|title=Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine - Gameboy Color Controller (Game Boy Color) Review|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-06-24}}</ref> Despite the IZEK's rarity, support for it has been added in a recent GBE+ release.<ref>[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art22.html Edge of Emulation: Game Boy Sewing Machines]</ref>
* '''Suzuki Pocket Dash Diagnostic System''' and '''Aprilia DITECH Interface''': A series of diagnostic cartridges used for Suzuki and Aprilia scooters respectively, developed by Orbital Technologies in the early 2000s. Both were used to interface with a supported motorcycle's engine control unit (ECU) in a similar manner to OBD tools for automobiles. The diagnostic cartridges were only made available for use by motorcycle dealerships and were not licensed by Nintendo. No dump of either cartridge exists as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:Gbc over saturation2.png|thumb|right|350px|Comparison of saturation levels in [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[Gambatte]].]]
The Game Boy Color's screen is under-saturated. Game developers often work around this by using brighter colors knowing it'll be compensated for on hardware. This does not translate well in emulation, because standard LCD screens don't account for this sort of issue. Many emulators attempt to combat this issue with options that adjust accordingly; if not directly, then [[Shaders_and_Filters#Image_Adjustment|shader functionality]] may be implemented.

This issue also affects [[Game Boy Advance emulators#Oversaturation|Game Boy Advance emulation]].

====Emulator options====
'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders, you will find three customizable '''Desaturation''' parameters.

'''VBA-M:''' Under Options > Game Boy, you will find the '''GB color option'''. The recent nightly builds also include the '''LCD Filter''' option.

For more information about Game Boy hardware and reverse engineering; 
* meganesu: [https://meganesu.github.io/generate-gb-opcodes/ Game Boy CPU Instructions]
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ Game Boy Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQE1K074v3s How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzPTK91EJY8 Learn to code and write games on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1cUIGHZLGA Secrets of the Nintendo Game Boy Boot Logo], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYQMdox5gzI How Cartridges worked on the Nintendo Game Boy]
* kOOPa and nocash: [https://problemkaputt.de/pandocs.htm Pan Docs]
* [https://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki] – Information about the Game Boy

==See also==
* [[Emulators on GB/GBC]]

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|*]]
[[Category:Game Boy]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color]]

Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators

2025-01-25T20:25:30Z

MysticChromium: ARM section rework; if someone who has Pizza Boy C and knows more about it could complete the row, would be appreciated

{{Infobox console
|title = Game Boy (Color)
|logo = Game_Boy.png
|image = Game-boy-color.png
|imagecaption = '''Top:''' Original Game Boy '''Bottom:''' Game Boy Color
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]]
|release=1989 (Game Boy) 1998 (Game Boy Color)
|discontinued = 2003
|predecessor = [[Game & Watch]]
|successor= [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}
{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy (Color)|Emulators on GB/GBC}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy|Game Boy]]''' (GB) and '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy Color|Game Boy Color]]''' (GBC) are 8-bit, fourth-generation handheld consoles released by Nintendo on July 31, 1989 and November 18, 1998 respectively and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|89.95|1998}}. The Game Boy has a Sharp LR35902 core CPU at 4.19 MHz. It had a monochrome display that could only show four shades of grey, albeit with a olive green tinge on the original. The Game Boy Color uses the same LR35902 core as the original; while it is clocked at 8.38 MHz, it can be underclocked to 4.19 MHz for backwards-compatibility purposes. It was named such from its color screen, but it also had a larger memory size and a faster CPU. The hardware similarities allow cross-compatibility between the two platforms and they are often treated as one. They would both be succeeded by the backward-compatible [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]].

Nintendo re-released the console as the '''Game Boy Pocket''' in 1996, with a more compact body and a better screen. A front light was added to a special edition of the Pocket in Japan called the '''Game Boy Light''', a feature that wouldn't be seen outside of Japan until the Game Boy Advance SP.

Nintendo released a peripheral for the [[Super Nintendo emulators|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] called [[wikipedia:Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]] in June 1994, which was modeled like a cartridge but included its own cartridge slot for Game Boy/Color games, as well as the hardware needed to translate the games. Many Game Boy/Color emulators offer at least some of the special features it included, such as added borders, colorization, custom button mappings, and other features. It was possible to link, but without the external port, as well as errors in the CPU, it would not be feasible to the end user. These issues would later be corrected in the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.

==Emulators==
Because of how relatively easy popular 8-bit consoles are to emulate, tons of Game Boy emulators exist. For a list of open-source projects, see [https://github.com/search?o=desc&q=gameboy+emulator&s=updated&type=Repositories&utf8=%E2%9C%93 this GitHub query]. For a list of accuracy tests, see [https://daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout/ daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout].

===x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[Super Nintendo emulators#Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
| [[SameBoy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://sameboy.github.io/downloads {{SameBoyVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}}<ref group=N>Video emulation works perfectly, but the sound enhancements are not emulated.</ref> ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bgb.bircd.org/#downloads {{BGBVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [http://emulicious.net Emulicious]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://emulicious.net/downloads {{EmuliciousVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BizHawk]] (BSNES)(Gambatte_Speedrun)(SameBoy)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [http://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gambatte]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://sourceforge.net/projects/gambatte/files/gambatte {{GambatteVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=active>[https://github.com/libretro/gambatte-libretro/tree/master Libretro core] is still active.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Mesen|Mesen]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[GBE+]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[MAME]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref>[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gearboy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc git]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
| GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy {{GameRoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[ares]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift's comment about libretro core]</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [http://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases {{VBAMVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://chillygb.arci.me/ ChillyGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
| [https://github.com/AuroraViola/ChillyGB {{ChillyGBVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [http://hhug.me/ hhugboy]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/tzlion/hhugboy/releases {{hhugboyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/143#issue-1456816849 {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://binji.github.io/binjgb/ binjgb]
| align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
| [https://github.com/binji/binjgb/releases {{binjgbVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Ironboy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/chiplis/ironboy/ git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|PyBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Baekalfen/PyBoy/releases {{PyBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|LGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|KevBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/xkevio/kevboy/releases {{KevBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|jgb
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgb git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|DoubleCherryGB
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/TimOelrichs/doublecherryGB-libretro git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [http://byuu.org/emulation/higan {{higanVer}}] [https://github.com/libretro/higan libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm/ BDM]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
| [https://mattcurrie.com/bdm-demo/ Demo]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB VGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://fms.komkon.org/VGB {{VGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Gamebert
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/robert/gamebert git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Pantheon]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bostjan-grandovec.si/Content/News.htm {{PantheonVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|UGE
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/SuperDisk/hUGETracker/releases {{UGEVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|PDEQ}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[KiGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|DOS}}
| [http://kigb.emuunlim.com/downloads.htm {{KiGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[TGB Dual]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}<ref group=N name=two>On Linux as an SDL port (and the [[libretro]] core is based on this version).</ref>
| [https://github.com/libertyernie/tgbdual_L/releases {{TGBDualVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GiiBiiAdvance
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance/releases git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|MetroBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy/releases {{MetroBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|hdmg
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://git.sr.ht/~sircmpwn/hdmg git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[rew.]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Windows9x}}
|[https://wikiwiki.jp/emulator/rew. rew12stx]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|}
</div>

===ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[SameBoy]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy SameBoy_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sameboy/id6496971295 1.0] (iOS App Store) [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Game Play Color]]
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://github.com/gameplaycolor/gameplaycolor/releases {{GamePlayColorVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://www.explusalpha.com/contents/gbc-emu GBC.emu]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbcEmu {{.emuVer}}][https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha git][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/76 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/releases/tag/v0.41 beta41] (source)
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}}[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android *] ||{{~}}<ref group=N>Must be compiled from source due to binaries going offline and has been surpassed in terms of general use, but is still Recommended for its exceptional [https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/_5D9uMlRlL-DJ_anXEyJHtI3IriwCFVPgg2zgwhkaG-uYwkjYeTqmiuUZwpomTYKsuo=w1024-h768-rw Printer] and [https://youtu.be/ESYolQ761Dw?si=2c-yAHAAcWQSei1a Kirby Camera] support.</ref>
|-
|Pizza Boy C Pro
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.dbtecno.pizzaboypro 6.7.3]
|? ||? ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||?
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android 0.3]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1] [https://github.com/CocoaBob/GBA4iOS git] (new fork)
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy 0.2.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://eightbitwonders.gitlab.io/app 8-Bit Wonders]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://f-droid.org/packages/de.rainerhock.eightbitwonders 0.8] (F-Droid)0.8 (Play)0.8 (Amazon)[https://gitlab.com/eightbitwonders/app git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||roadmap
|-
|MeBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
| [http://www.arktos.se/meboy/download.php 1.6][https://github.com/chijure/meboy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://my-oldboy-free-gbc-emulator.en.uptodown.com/android My OldBoy!]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gbc 2.0.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBC
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.johnemulators.johngbc 3.93]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko)
| align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
| N/A
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|Super Game Boy
| align=left|{{Icon|SNES}}
| N/A
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-a-gameboy-emulator-for-ds.343407 GameYob DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
| [https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-3ds-gb-c-emu.372523/ GameYob 3DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| [https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/GameYob_3DS 1.0.8][https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA-M|<abbr title="Modified port of VBA-M. With it you can play GBA/Game Boy Color/Game Boy games on your Wii/GameCube.">VBA GX</abbr>]]
| align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
| [https://github.com/dborth/vbagx#nightly-builds nightly-builds]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|3DS|NX}} {{Icon|Vita|DC}} {{Icon|PSX}} {{Icon|PS2}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|NGC}} {{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|Vita|3DS}}
| [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RIN
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
| [https://github.com/mbarczak/psp_rin git] [https://archive.org/details/rin-rx.-7z RX] [https://archive.org/details/rin_v1.32n1.2.7z 1.32n1.2]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| 8.10
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PSV|3DS}}
| [https://endrift.com/mgba/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/releases git]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|GBEmu
| align=left|{{Icon|VB}}
| [https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/t/entry-game-boy-emulator/ 0.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RealBoy Vita
| align=left|{{Icon|PSV}}
| [https://vitadb.rinnegatamante.it/#/info/167 1.2][https://github.com/xerpi/realboy-vita/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|ShuBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|MD}}
| [http://jiggawatt.org/badc0de/shuboy.htm 1.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|aGBe
| align=left|{{Icon|PSX}}
| [https://sourceforge.net/projects/agbe/files/agbe SF]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Hu-Boy
| align=left|SuperGrafx TurboGrafx-CD TurboDuo
| [https://www.chrismcovell.com/huboy.html V 0.30621]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{X}}
|}
</div>

===Firmware===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|UEFI}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|}
</div>

<references group=N />

==Comparison==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
===Game Boy-only emulators===
;[[SameBoy]]:One of the most [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy emulator currently. The UI is simple and easy to use. It includes open source bootroms, although these can be replaced with real ones. Has debugging features and also emulates Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer.
;[[BGB]]:A closed-source emulator for Windows (and [[Wine]]) with solid Game Boy and Game Boy Color accuracy, as well as near flawless link support. It has a wealth of options for color palettes. Most used for its advanced debugger.
;[[Gambatte]]:Pretty [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] open-source Game Boy/Color emulator. It has a good range of options and features, though not quite as much as some other emulators. The main fork is not in active development, but the libretro core is still active.
;[http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy]:A Windows-only Game Boy/Color emulator based on GEST with a focus on bootleg and unlicensed games. It is capable of detecting and correctly emulating the mapper on a number of games that are otherwise broken on other emulators, but some ROMs require manually selecting the mapper on the Unlicensed Compatibility Mode menu. Besides the usual raw dumps, it also supports the footered [http://hhug.me/gbx GBX] ROM format, which correctly informs the emulator which mapper to run regardless of what the internal headers say.
;GameRoy:A Game Boy emulator, dissasembler and debugger written in Rust. It has high [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]] and accurate clock frequency. It is more suited for debugging uses for now.
;[[TGB Dual]]:An ancient emulator that supports link cable emulation. It also supports [[netplay]], but it requires a VPN. The libretro port supports local multiplayer using player 2's controls.
;[[KiGB]]:An old and obsolete emulator which boasted its accuracy but was proven to be full of game-specific hacks.<ref>https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/238</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Test_ROMs#Emulators_running_on_desktop_computers</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/KiGB</ref> It has a wide selection of features, but other emulators have caught up and are already doing much better.
;[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance GiiBiiAdvance]:Pioneered full GB Camera emulation, including webcam support. Aside from that, it's an unfinished emulator with the basics set up, but its promising future currently on hiatus. It has very [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] timing.
;[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy MetroBoy]:Extremely [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy simulator which being written in a subset of C++ that's designed to to be mechanically translated into Verilog HDL.
;Ironboy:A very recent and promising emulator written in Rust for WebAssembly which is focus only on the original Game Boy (DMG) to [https://github.com/Chiplis/IronBoy#ironboy achieve the highest degree of accuracy]. Unfortunately, it only supports monochrome Game Boy games.
;binjgb:A GB + GBC emulator for both desktop and WebAssembly, developed by Ben "binji" Smith since 2016. Most famously used by McDonald's in 2023 to publish ''Grimace's Birthday'' [https://grimacesbirthday.com/ as a browser game].
;[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko):
* GB support was added to Nintendo Switch Online in February 2023, alongside GBA games exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier;
* Users are limited to the selection of games Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Supports online and Local Play (up to 2 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* Supports tilt controls through gyroscope or normal controllers (e.g.: ''Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble'');
* Supports infrared emulation (e.g.: ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'');
* Palette styles can be applied (original GB, Pocket, and GBC);
* No Super Game Boy features supported (it always runs games in GBC mode);
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''List of recommended GB/GBC emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

===GB/C emulation on GBA emulators===
''This shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|actual backwards compatibility on GBA emulation]].''
;[[mGBA]]:Primarily emulates the [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]] but it also includes GB/C support much like the original system. It's a solid implementation, with most of the library working perfectly.
;[[GBE+]]:An emulator that has a large effort in preserving the functions of a multitude of [[#Game Boy Features|obscure accessories]] that other emulators don't focus on. It can also load custom tiles in games, including colorized tiles for original Game Boy titles.
;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VisualBoy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:Used to be the go-to for Game Boy Advance emulation and even included solid GB/C emulation. It's now behind [[mGBA]] on both fronts.

===[[Multi-system emulators]]===
;[[higan]]/[[ares]]:Because it started out as a [[Super Nintendo emulators|SNES emulator]] (its original name was bsnes), it was the first one that properly emulated all of the [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Super_Game_Boy|Super Game Boy]]'s features, such as SPC sound chip utilization, which requires the SNES and GameBoy to be emulated simultaneously so it's demanding.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/zwq9fu/ares_crossplatform_open_source_multisystem/j1ys10k/</ref>
;[[BizHawk]]:Uses a modified Gambatte core. It provides speedrunning tools.
;[[MAME]]:Has solid Game Boy emulation through its <code>gameboy</code> driver despite the sound being imperfect, as well as slightly worse Game Boy Color compatibility through its <code>gbcolor</code> driver (where both the graphics and sound are imperfect). Despite its setbacks, it aims to feature compatibility with obscure mappers that other emulators usually ignore, like Wisdom Tree games or MMM01 multicarts. Accuracy was improved upon with contributions by Judge_.

==Mappers==
Much like the NES, the Game Boy (and by extension, the Game Boy Color) used '''Memory Bank Controllers''' (MBC) (called MMCs on the NES) and also known informally as '''mappers''', to go beyond the restrictive initial hardware specifications. Nevertheless, Nintendo was much more careful to standardize their specifications to [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Category:Licensed_chips just a small number of possible mappers]. Moreover, Game Boy ROMs now included an official internal header mandated by Nintendo that included the correct MMC type. This meant that for the officially licensed games, these mappers proved to be rarely a problem... with some notable unimplemented exceptions: Net de Get's MBC6 that offered downloadable content off the internet, and the MMM01 footer used for some official multi-cart games, among others.

However, it doesn't get better when it comes to '''unlicensed games''', since they didn't necessarily respect Nintendo's specifications about how a given mapper type should handle its memory and behave in general, and internal headers were often filled with erroneous data to hinder dumping and emulation efforts. Some emulators like MESS/[[MAME]] and [http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy] try to emulate that behavior with various degrees of success ([http://hhug.me/dump/ Compatibility List]). The hhugboy project also proposed a similar solution to iNES for this mapper problem, as the [http://hhug.me/gbx/1.0 gbx ROM format] that appends a footer with extra information needed for some unlicensed games. However, this format, much less unlicensed hardware quirks, isn't widely adopted aside from tentative [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers mGBA support].

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=4 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| colspan=11 | For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more apparent.
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Game_Boy|Widescreen hack]] Possible with technique called [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideGB]] which uses a similar technique as [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideNES]].
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://kemenaran.winosx.com/posts/widegb-now-available-on-windows/ SameBoy WideGB fork] at the moment.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Game_Boy|Sprite Replacement]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [[GBE+]] emulator at the moment.
|-
| Remove sprite limit The Gameboy supports a maximum of 40 sprite objects. – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some of the flickering seen in games at times and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|
| {{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/412 *]
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Rewind
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Savestates
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Post-Processing
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=10 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan=10 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in Game Boy sound player
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| Command Line Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Controls
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | Misc
| [[Netplay#Game_Boy|<abbr title="Should not be confused with GB/GBC Online features or Link cable emulation, see #Hardware features and peripherals section for that.">Netplay</abbr>]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive>Input lag mitigation technique and [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#game-boy-game-boy-color RetroAchievements exclusive to libretro cores]. Also [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy/#features netplay enhancement] exclusive to SameBoy libretro core.</ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/issues/2450 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| RetroAchievements [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=4 Game Boy], [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=6 Game Boy Color]
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}[https://sameboy.github.io/features/#debugging *]
| {{✓}}[https://bgb.bircd.org/manual.html#debugkeys *]
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
{{Cleanup|reason=Unsorted by recommended emulator}}
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=5 | Inputs
| [[#Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)|Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro>Not available on Libretro core.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers>Motion Control does not support controller's gyro. Supports only remapping to mouse/keyboard/gamepad.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers />
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Accelerometer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#Rumble|Rumble]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Game Boy Camera|Game Boy Camera]]
| {{✗}}
| {{~}} <ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{~}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>Only on Android, uses real front/back Camera hardware permission required.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Boy]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Taisen Bardigun]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | <abbr title="There are four different kinds of connectivity, support varying by game.">Connectivity</abbr>
| [[#Multiplayer|<abbr title="The Nintendo Game Link Cable is an accessory for the Game Boy line of handheld video game systems, allowing players to connect Game Boys of all types for multiplayer gaming. Depending on the games, a Game Link Cable can be used to link two games of the same title, like Tetris, or two compatible games like Pokémon Red and Blue. Games can be linked for head-to-head competition, cooperative play, trading items, unlocking hidden features, etc.">Link Cable</abbr>]]<ref group=N>Super Game Boy for SNES supports only on the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2. gameyob for DS emulator supports it through NiFi. Virtual Console for Switch only supports for Pokemon only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[mGBA]] pretty buggy [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+Link but sometimes works].</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[SameBoy]]'s libretro core supports Link Cable, standalone does not.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>GBCC only supports a [https://gbcc.dev/ fake "link" with itself].</ref>
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#IR Transmitter|IR Transmitter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| <abbr title="Work in Progress">WIP</abbr>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Online features|Online features]]
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Multiplayer|4-Player Adapter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Special hardware
| [[#Game Boy Printer|Game Boy Printer]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Printer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|GB Pocket Sonar]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Singer Sewing Machine]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|WorkBoy]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/issues/125 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Pikachu_2_GS#Interactions_with_Generation_II Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS]
| Communication
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Emulation
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | Unlicensed Hardware
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP1Bkfj9kDY WORLD PORT]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Pro Action Replay
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref group=N name=Tilt>[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist]</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

===IR Transmitter===
The Game Boy Color had an infrared transmitter and receiver. Generation II Pokémon games made use of this feature through Mystery Gift. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe could send high scores to another cartridge. GBE+ had [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art4.html basic IR emulation] back in July 2016 but it then only worked with Pokémon games. Now, as of [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art11.html April 2018], it has full IR emulation for most IR-enabled games (Hudson Soft's HuC-1's IR capabilities need to be emulated for Japanese ''Pokémon TCG'').

*[[List of games that support IR#GameBoy Color Emulation]].

===Game Boy Camera===
The Game Boy Camera is an official Nintendo accessory for the Game Boy and was released in 1998. Users can take pictures and modify them with stickers and frames, as well as play several included minigames. In addition to the original model, there was a US-exclusive Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time edition that included different stamps.

The first emulator to have some capability of emulating the Game Boy Camera was a modified version of an old emulator called Hash. This version, named Hashcam, can still be found on the author's website. While there were some efforts to run the Game Boy Camera ROM in BGB unofficially, the author didn't show much interest in it. However, it is fully emulated with webcam support in a lesser-known emulator called GiiBiiAdvance.

As of version 0.7.0, or any dev builds post 0.6.0, mGBA can emulate this accessory by either using the PC's webcam or sending a BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or other image format to the game, as if it was coming from the camera itself.<ref name="mGBA_Cam">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mGBA_emu/status/890954205472501762|title=Game Boy Camera in mGBA dev builds|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2017-07-28}}</ref> The camera is also functional on the 3DS port. To enable the PC webcam, go to <code>Game Boy</code> under <code>settings</code> and switch the <code>camera driver</code> to <code>Qt Multimedia</code>, or by editing <code>qt.ini</code> and setting <code>cameraDriver=1</code> under <code>[General]</code>.

===Game Boy Printer===
Game Boy Printer is a thermal printer accessory released by Nintendo in 1998 used in conjunction with the Game Boy Camera and also used to prints images from compatible GB games such as ''Pokémon Gold and Silver'', ''Pokémon Crystal'', ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe'', ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX''.

[[VisualBoy Advance]] (including its forks), [[GBE+]] and [[mGBA]] have Game Boy Printer support that turn the signals into a bitmap form of the image.

===Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)===
Two Game Boy Color games featured a built-in tilt sensor: Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble and Command Master. These games cannot be played without support for this feature. [[VisualBoy Advance|VBA]] and [[KiGB]] have a "Motion Sensor" option to map four directional keys to emulate the cartridge tilting, but the controls aren't analog. [[BGB]] can emulate the tilting features with the use of the mouse. [[SameBoy]] allows to use the mouse, as well as a joystick, and on the Cocoa frontend, is supporting controller's motion controls. [[mGBA]] supports controller's motion controls and allows to assign stic's X an Y axes. Hiyoko, the official GBC emulator for [[Nintendo Switch Online]], emulates motion controls for Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble by translating gyroscope input either from the console itself (when playing in portable mode) or from a detached Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller (when playing in docked mode).

*[[List of games that support tracked motion controllers#GameBoy Color Emulation]]

===Rumble===
A good number of cartridges came with a built-in rumble that required an AAA battery to power, such as ''Pokémon Pinball'', but the feature is optional. So far, only [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA-GX]] emulates rumble in these games, including games that have their rumble feature dummied out (one being ''Tarzan'').

===Multiplayer===
* '''Link Cable:''' [[BGB]], [[KiGB]], some versions of [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[TGB Dual|TGB-Dual]] supports link cable. It can also be used for Netplay on the corresponding [[RetroArch]] core. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiplayer_Game_Boy_games#Two-player_games_via_the_Game_Link_Cable Two-player games via the Game Link Cable list].
* '''4-Player Adapter:''' Currently only [[GBE+]] and DoubleCherryGB supports it.
* '''Faceball 2000 16-Player Link Cable:''' There is a 16-Player adapter as well, but it went unreleased outside of unused code in some games, but it is emulated by ''DoubleCherryGB'' emulator and allows to play Faceball 2000 in local splitscreen and via netplay.
* '''Multiplayer Hacks:''' DoubleCherryGB emulates virtual link-cable devices that allow Tetris Battle Royal and Kwirk Multiplayer up to 16 players on local splitscreen and via netplay.

===Online features===
====Mobile Game Boy Adapter====
There is a Japan-only accessory that communicates with Mobile Golf and Japanese Pokémon Crystal. It was bundled with Mobile Trainer cartridge which allowed the player to use e-mail as well as browse Nintendo's website. It saw use on some Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, but support was limited to Japan, and the servers went offline by 2002.

It is possible to partially emulate its feature for Pokémon Crystal by [http://forums.glitchcity.info/index.php?topic=7509.0 using BGB's scripting capability], and GBE+ can at least reach the title screen of Mobile Trainer and made [https://www.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/9141oy/making_progress_with_gb_mobile_adapter_emulation/ some progress in July 2018], but otherwise, no emulators (except for a recently leaked at time of writing internal emulator) properly support this accessory.

====Hudsonsoft KISS Link====
This accessory both allowed IR communications between 2 gameboys before the Game Boy Color existed with it’s IR port and with a modem, it allowed users to download exclusive content by them from Hudsonsoft's website. No emulator supports this. Resources about this super obscure accessory include http://nectaris.tg-16.com/GB-KISS-LINK-FAQ-hudson-gameboy-nectaris.html and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOuJ0EcA8IQ

===Accessories===
There are [[wikipedia:Game Boy accessories#Game Boy|a few accessories that the Game Boy and Game Boy Color]] had. Due to their very small and game-specific use, most emulators don't bother with them at all, save for GBE+.

* '''Game Boy Pocket Sonar:''' Japan only cartridge released by Bandai. It is a sonar-enabled device used for fishing with a fishing game included. Only GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art13.html supports] this feature. A similar cartridge was released for the WonderSwan (still unemulated).
* '''Barcode Boy:''' An obscure Japan-only barcode-scanning device released by Namcot (then-Namco's consumer division) in 1992. A total of 4 games were released to utilize this accessory. KiGB and GEST claim support for this device, but they only feed random data to Game Boy until the game accepts it as a valid barcode. GBE+ has [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art7.html proper emulation] with the ability to read barcodes from binary files. DoubleCherryGB also has full support. All barcodes are hardcode. After each scan the next barcode is loaded.
* '''Barcode Taisen Bardigun:''' Another Japan only barcode-scanning device with the dedicated game. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art6.html supports this accessory].
* '''Singer Sewing Machine:''' There is link cable support for the Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine. The IZEK was unique in that it came bundled with a specially coloured Game Boy and a cartridge for interfacing with the machine.<ref name="IZEK_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlhJKMXU7tg&t=5m25s|title=Game Boy Part 2 - Did You Know Gaming? Feat. Jake of Vsauce3|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-05-24}}</ref><ref name="IZEK_2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Epj2_eJdA|title=Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine - Gameboy Color Controller (Game Boy Color) Review|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-06-24}}</ref> Despite the IZEK's rarity, support for it has been added in a recent GBE+ release.<ref>[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art22.html Edge of Emulation: Game Boy Sewing Machines]</ref>
* '''Suzuki Pocket Dash Diagnostic System''' and '''Aprilia DITECH Interface''': A series of diagnostic cartridges used for Suzuki and Aprilia scooters respectively, developed by Orbital Technologies in the early 2000s. Both were used to interface with a supported motorcycle's engine control unit (ECU) in a similar manner to OBD tools for automobiles. The diagnostic cartridges were only made available for use by motorcycle dealerships and were not licensed by Nintendo. No dump of either cartridge exists as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:Gbc over saturation2.png|thumb|right|350px|Comparison of saturation levels in [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[Gambatte]].]]
The Game Boy Color's screen is under-saturated. Game developers often work around this by using brighter colors knowing it'll be compensated for on hardware. This does not translate well in emulation, because standard LCD screens don't account for this sort of issue. Many emulators attempt to combat this issue with options that adjust accordingly; if not directly, then [[Shaders_and_Filters#Image_Adjustment|shader functionality]] may be implemented.

This issue also affects [[Game Boy Advance emulators#Oversaturation|Game Boy Advance emulation]].

====Emulator options====
'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders, you will find three customizable '''Desaturation''' parameters.

'''VBA-M:''' Under Options > Game Boy, you will find the '''GB color option'''. The recent nightly builds also include the '''LCD Filter''' option.

For more information about Game Boy hardware and reverse engineering; 
* meganesu: [https://meganesu.github.io/generate-gb-opcodes/ Game Boy CPU Instructions]
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ Game Boy Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQE1K074v3s How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzPTK91EJY8 Learn to code and write games on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1cUIGHZLGA Secrets of the Nintendo Game Boy Boot Logo], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYQMdox5gzI How Cartridges worked on the Nintendo Game Boy]
* kOOPa and nocash: [https://problemkaputt.de/pandocs.htm Pan Docs]
* [https://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki] – Information about the Game Boy

==See also==
* [[Emulators on GB/GBC]]

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|*]]
[[Category:Game Boy]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color]]

Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators

2025-01-17T08:05:44Z

MysticChromium: Fixed broken GBC.emu link

{{Infobox console
|title = Game Boy (Color)
|logo = Game_Boy.png
|image = Game-boy-color.png
|imagecaption = '''Top:''' Original Game Boy '''Bottom:''' Game Boy Color
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]]
|release=1989 (Game Boy) 1998 (Game Boy Color)
|discontinued = 2003
|predecessor = [[Game & Watch]]
|successor= [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}
{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy (Color)|Emulators on GB/GBC}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy|Game Boy]]''' (GB) and '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy Color|Game Boy Color]]''' (GBC) are 8-bit, fourth-generation handheld consoles released by Nintendo on July 31, 1989 and November 18, 1998 respectively and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|89.95|1998}}. The Game Boy has a Sharp LR35902 core CPU at 4.19 MHz. It had a monochrome display that could only show four shades of grey, albeit with a olive green tinge on the original. The Game Boy Color uses the same LR35902 core as the original; while it is clocked at 8.38 MHz, it can be underclocked to 4.19 MHz for backwards-compatibility purposes. It was named such from its color screen, but it also had a larger memory size and a faster CPU. The hardware similarities allow cross-compatibility between the two platforms and they are often treated as one. They would both be succeeded by the backward-compatible [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]].

Nintendo re-released the console as the '''Game Boy Pocket''' in 1996, with a more compact body and a better screen. A front light was added to a special edition of the Pocket in Japan called the '''Game Boy Light''', a feature that wouldn't be seen outside of Japan until the Game Boy Advance SP.

Nintendo released a peripheral for the [[Super Nintendo emulators|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] called [[wikipedia:Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]] in June 1994, which was modeled like a cartridge but included its own cartridge slot for Game Boy/Color games, as well as the hardware needed to translate the games. Many Game Boy/Color emulators offer at least some of the special features it included, such as added borders, colorization, custom button mappings, and other features. It was possible to link, but without the external port, as well as errors in the CPU, it would not be feasible to the end user. These issues would later be corrected in the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.

==Emulators==
Because of how relatively easy popular 8-bit consoles are to emulate, tons of Game Boy emulators exist. For a list of open-source projects, see [https://github.com/search?o=desc&q=gameboy+emulator&s=updated&type=Repositories&utf8=%E2%9C%93 this GitHub query]. For a list of accuracy tests, see [https://daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout/ daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout].

===x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[Super Nintendo emulators#Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
| [[SameBoy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://sameboy.github.io/downloads {{SameBoyVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}}<ref group=N>Video emulation works perfectly, but the sound enhancements are not emulated.</ref> ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bgb.bircd.org/#downloads {{BGBVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [http://emulicious.net Emulicious]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://emulicious.net/downloads {{EmuliciousVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BizHawk]] (BSNES)(Gambatte_Speedrun)(SameBoy)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [http://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gambatte]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://sourceforge.net/projects/gambatte/files/gambatte {{GambatteVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=active>[https://github.com/libretro/gambatte-libretro/tree/master Libretro core] is still active.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Mesen|Mesen]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[GBE+]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[MAME]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref>[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gearboy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc git]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy {{GameRoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[ares]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift's comment about libretro core]</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [http://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases {{VBAMVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://chillygb.arci.me/ ChillyGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
| [https://github.com/AuroraViola/ChillyGB {{ChillyGBVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [http://hhug.me/ hhugboy]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/tzlion/hhugboy/releases {{hhugboyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/143#issue-1456816849 {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://binji.github.io/binjgb/ binjgb]
| align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
| [https://github.com/binji/binjgb/releases {{binjgbVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Ironboy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/chiplis/ironboy/ git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|PyBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Baekalfen/PyBoy/releases {{PyBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|LGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|KevBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/xkevio/kevboy/releases {{KevBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|jgb
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgb git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|DoubleCherryGB
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/TimOelrichs/doublecherryGB-libretro git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [http://byuu.org/emulation/higan {{higanVer}}] [https://github.com/libretro/higan libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm/ BDM]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
| [https://mattcurrie.com/bdm-demo/ Demo]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB VGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://fms.komkon.org/VGB {{VGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Gamebert
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/robert/gamebert git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Pantheon]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bostjan-grandovec.si/Content/News.htm {{PantheonVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|UGE
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/SuperDisk/hUGETracker/releases {{UGEVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|PDEQ}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[KiGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|DOS}}
| [http://kigb.emuunlim.com/downloads.htm {{KiGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[TGB Dual]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}<ref group=N name=two>On Linux as an SDL port (and the [[libretro]] core is based on this version).</ref>
| [https://github.com/libertyernie/tgbdual_L/releases {{TGBDualVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GiiBiiAdvance
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance/releases git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|MetroBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy/releases {{MetroBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|hdmg
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://git.sr.ht/~sircmpwn/hdmg git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[rew.]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Windows9x}}
|[https://wikiwiki.jp/emulator/rew. rew12stx]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|}
</div>

===ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[SameBoy]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy SameBoy_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sameboy/id6496971295 1.0] (iOS App Store) [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.philj56.gbcc beta41] [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/actions/workflows/build-apk.yml <abbr title="Latest development version">git Artifacts</abbr>]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{~}}[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/commits/master *] ||{{✓}} [https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/_5D9uMlRlL-DJ_anXEyJHtI3IriwCFVPgg2zgwhkaG-uYwkjYeTqmiuUZwpomTYKsuo=w1024-h768-rw Printer] [https://youtu.be/ESYolQ761Dw?si=2c-yAHAAcWQSei1a Kirby Camera]
|-
|[[Game Play Color]]
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://github.com/gameplaycolor/gameplaycolor/releases {{GamePlayColorVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://www.explusalpha.com/contents/gbc-emu GBC.emu]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbcEmu {{.emuVer}}][https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha git][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/76 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android 0.3]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1] [https://github.com/CocoaBob/GBA4iOS git] (new fork)
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy 0.2.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://eightbitwonders.gitlab.io/app 8-Bit Wonders]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://f-droid.org/packages/de.rainerhock.eightbitwonders 0.8] (F-Droid)0.8 (Play)0.8 (Amazon)[https://gitlab.com/eightbitwonders/app git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||roadmap
|-
|MeBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
| [http://www.arktos.se/meboy/download.php 1.6][https://github.com/chijure/meboy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://my-oldboy-free-gbc-emulator.en.uptodown.com/android My OldBoy!]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gbc 2.0.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBC
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.johnemulators.johngbc 3.93]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko)
| align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
| N/A
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|Super Game Boy
| align=left|{{Icon|SNES}}
| N/A
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-a-gameboy-emulator-for-ds.343407 GameYob DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
| [https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-3ds-gb-c-emu.372523/ GameYob 3DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| [https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/GameYob_3DS 1.0.8][https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA-M|<abbr title="Modified port of VBA-M. With it you can play GBA/Game Boy Color/Game Boy games on your Wii/GameCube.">VBA GX</abbr>]]
| align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
| [https://github.com/dborth/vbagx#nightly-builds nightly-builds]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|3DS|NX}} {{Icon|Vita|DC}} {{Icon|PSX}} {{Icon|PS2}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|NGC}} {{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|Vita|3DS}}
| [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RIN
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
| [https://github.com/mbarczak/psp_rin git] [https://archive.org/details/rin-rx.-7z RX] [https://archive.org/details/rin_v1.32n1.2.7z 1.32n1.2]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| 8.10
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PSV|3DS}}
| [https://endrift.com/mgba/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/releases git]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|GBEmu
| align=left|{{Icon|VB}}
| [https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/t/entry-game-boy-emulator/ 0.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RealBoy Vita
| align=left|{{Icon|PSV}}
| [https://vitadb.rinnegatamante.it/#/info/167 1.2][https://github.com/xerpi/realboy-vita/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|ShuBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|MD}}
| [http://jiggawatt.org/badc0de/shuboy.htm 1.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|aGBe
| align=left|{{Icon|PSX}}
| [https://sourceforge.net/projects/agbe/files/agbe SF]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Hu-Boy
| align=left|SuperGrafx TurboGrafx-CD TurboDuo
| [https://www.chrismcovell.com/huboy.html V 0.30621]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{X}}
|}
</div>

===Firmware===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|UEFI}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|}
</div>

<references group=N />

==Comparison==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
===Game Boy-only emulators===
;[[SameBoy]]:One of the most [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy emulator currently. The UI is simple and easy to use. It includes open source bootroms, although these can be replaced with real ones. Has debugging features and also emulates Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer.
;[[BGB]]:A closed-source emulator for Windows (and [[Wine]]) with solid Game Boy and Game Boy Color accuracy, as well as near flawless link support. It has a wealth of options for color palettes. Most used for its advanced debugger.
;[[Gambatte]]:Pretty [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] open-source Game Boy/Color emulator. It has a good range of options and features, though not quite as much as some other emulators. The main fork is not in active development, but the libretro core is still active.
;[http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy]:A Windows-only Game Boy/Color emulator based on GEST with a focus on bootleg and unlicensed games. It is capable of detecting and correctly emulating the mapper on a number of games that are otherwise broken on other emulators, but some ROMs require manually selecting the mapper on the Unlicensed Compatibility Mode menu. Besides the usual raw dumps, it also supports the footered [http://hhug.me/gbx GBX] ROM format, which correctly informs the emulator which mapper to run regardless of what the internal headers say.
;GameRoy:A Game Boy emulator, dissasembler and debugger written in Rust. It has high [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]] and accurate clock frequency. It is more suited for debugging uses for now.
;[[TGB Dual]]:An ancient emulator that supports link cable emulation. It also supports [[netplay]], but it requires a VPN. The libretro port supports local multiplayer using player 2's controls.
;[[KiGB]]:An old and obsolete emulator which boasted its accuracy but was proven to be full of game-specific hacks.<ref>https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/238</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Test_ROMs#Emulators_running_on_desktop_computers</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/KiGB</ref> It has a wide selection of features, but other emulators have caught up and are already doing much better.
;[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance GiiBiiAdvance]:Pioneered full GB Camera emulation, including webcam support. Aside from that, it's an unfinished emulator with the basics set up, but its promising future currently on hiatus. It has very [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] timing.
;[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy MetroBoy]:Extremely [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy simulator which being written in a subset of C++ that's designed to to be mechanically translated into Verilog HDL.
;Ironboy:A very recent and promising emulator written in Rust for WebAssembly which is focus only on the original Game Boy (DMG) to [https://github.com/Chiplis/IronBoy#ironboy achieve the highest degree of accuracy]. Unfortunately, it only supports monochrome Game Boy games.
;binjgb:A GB + GBC emulator for both desktop and WebAssembly, developed by Ben "binji" Smith since 2016. Most famously used by McDonald's in 2023 to publish ''Grimace's Birthday'' [https://grimacesbirthday.com/ as a browser game].
;[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko):
* GB support was added to Nintendo Switch Online in February 2023, alongside GBA games exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier;
* Users are limited to the selection of games Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Supports online and Local Play (up to 2 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* Supports tilt controls through gyroscope or normal controllers (e.g.: ''Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble'');
* Supports infrared emulation (e.g.: ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'');
* Palette styles can be applied (original GB, Pocket, and GBC);
* No Super Game Boy features supported (it always runs games in GBC mode);
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''List of recommended GB/GBC emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

===GB/C emulation on GBA emulators===
''This shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|actual backwards compatibility on GBA emulation]].''
;[[mGBA]]:Primarily emulates the [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]] but it also includes GB/C support much like the original system. It's a solid implementation, with most of the library working perfectly.
;[[GBE+]]:An emulator that has a large effort in preserving the functions of a multitude of [[#Game Boy Features|obscure accessories]] that other emulators don't focus on. It can also load custom tiles in games, including colorized tiles for original Game Boy titles.
;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VisualBoy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:Used to be the go-to for Game Boy Advance emulation and even included solid GB/C emulation. It's now behind [[mGBA]] on both fronts.

===[[Multi-system emulators]]===
;[[higan]]/[[ares]]:Because it started out as a [[Super Nintendo emulators|SNES emulator]] (its original name was bsnes), it was the first one that properly emulated all of the [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Super_Game_Boy|Super Game Boy]]'s features, such as SPC sound chip utilization, which requires the SNES and GameBoy to be emulated simultaneously so it's demanding.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/zwq9fu/ares_crossplatform_open_source_multisystem/j1ys10k/</ref>
;[[BizHawk]]:Uses a modified Gambatte core. It provides speedrunning tools.
;[[MAME]]:Has solid Game Boy emulation through its <code>gameboy</code> driver despite the sound being imperfect, as well as slightly worse Game Boy Color compatibility through its <code>gbcolor</code> driver (where both the graphics and sound are imperfect). Despite its setbacks, it aims to feature compatibility with obscure mappers that other emulators usually ignore, like Wisdom Tree games or MMM01 multicarts. Accuracy was improved upon with contributions by Judge_.

==Mappers==
Much like the NES, the Game Boy (and by extension, the Game Boy Color) used '''Memory Bank Controllers''' (MBC) (called MMCs on the NES) and also known informally as '''mappers''', to go beyond the restrictive initial hardware specifications. Nevertheless, Nintendo was much more careful to standardize their specifications to [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Category:Licensed_chips just a small number of possible mappers]. Moreover, Game Boy ROMs now included an official internal header mandated by Nintendo that included the correct MMC type. This meant that for the officially licensed games, these mappers proved to be rarely a problem... with some notable unimplemented exceptions: Net de Get's MBC6 that offered downloadable content off the internet, and the MMM01 footer used for some official multi-cart games, among others.

However, it doesn't get better when it comes to '''unlicensed games''', since they didn't necessarily respect Nintendo's specifications about how a given mapper type should handle its memory and behave in general, and internal headers were often filled with erroneous data to hinder dumping and emulation efforts. Some emulators like MESS/[[MAME]] and [http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy] try to emulate that behavior with various degrees of success ([http://hhug.me/dump/ Compatibility List]). The hhugboy project also proposed a similar solution to iNES for this mapper problem, as the [http://hhug.me/gbx/1.0 gbx ROM format] that appends a footer with extra information needed for some unlicensed games. However, this format, much less unlicensed hardware quirks, isn't widely adopted aside from tentative [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers mGBA support].

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=4 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| colspan=11 | For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more apparent.
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Game_Boy|Widescreen hack]] Possible with technique called [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideGB]] which uses a similar technique as [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideNES]].
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://kemenaran.winosx.com/posts/widegb-now-available-on-windows/ SameBoy WideGB fork] at the moment.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Game_Boy|Sprite Replacement]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [[GBE+]] emulator at the moment.
|-
| Remove sprite limit The Gameboy supports a maximum of 40 sprite objects. – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some of the flickering seen in games at times and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|
| {{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/412 *]
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Rewind
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Savestates
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Post-Processing
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=10 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan=10 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in Game Boy sound player
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| Command Line Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Controls
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | Misc
| [[Netplay#Game_Boy|<abbr title="Should not be confused with GB/GBC Online features or Link cable emulation, see #Hardware features and peripherals section for that.">Netplay</abbr>]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive>Input lag mitigation technique and [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#game-boy-game-boy-color RetroAchievements exclusive to libretro cores]. Also [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy/#features netplay enhancement] exclusive to SameBoy libretro core.</ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/issues/2450 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| RetroAchievements [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=4 Game Boy], [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=6 Game Boy Color]
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}[https://sameboy.github.io/features/#debugging *]
| {{✓}}[https://bgb.bircd.org/manual.html#debugkeys *]
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
{{Cleanup|reason=Unsorted by recommended emulator}}
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=5 | Inputs
| [[#Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)|Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro>Not available on Libretro core.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers>Motion Control does not support controller's gyro. Supports only remapping to mouse/keyboard/gamepad.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers />
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Accelerometer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#Rumble|Rumble]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Game Boy Camera|Game Boy Camera]]
| {{✗}}
| {{~}} <ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{~}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>Only on Android, uses real front/back Camera hardware permission required.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Boy]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Taisen Bardigun]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | <abbr title="There are four different kinds of connectivity, support varying by game.">Connectivity</abbr>
| [[#Multiplayer|<abbr title="The Nintendo Game Link Cable is an accessory for the Game Boy line of handheld video game systems, allowing players to connect Game Boys of all types for multiplayer gaming. Depending on the games, a Game Link Cable can be used to link two games of the same title, like Tetris, or two compatible games like Pokémon Red and Blue. Games can be linked for head-to-head competition, cooperative play, trading items, unlocking hidden features, etc.">Link Cable</abbr>]]<ref group=N>Super Game Boy for SNES supports only on the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2. gameyob for DS emulator supports it through NiFi. Virtual Console for Switch only supports for Pokemon only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[mGBA]] pretty buggy [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+Link but sometimes works].</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[SameBoy]]'s libretro core supports Link Cable, standalone does not.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>GBCC only supports a [https://gbcc.dev/ fake "link" with itself].</ref>
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#IR Transmitter|IR Transmitter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| <abbr title="Work in Progress">WIP</abbr>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Online features|Online features]]
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Multiplayer|4-Player Adapter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Special hardware
| [[#Game Boy Printer|Game Boy Printer]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Printer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|GB Pocket Sonar]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Singer Sewing Machine]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|WorkBoy]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/issues/125 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Pikachu_2_GS#Interactions_with_Generation_II Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS]
| Communication
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Emulation
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | Unlicensed Hardware
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP1Bkfj9kDY WORLD PORT]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Pro Action Replay
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref group=N name=Tilt>[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist]</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

===IR Transmitter===
The Game Boy Color had an infrared transmitter and receiver. Generation II Pokémon games made use of this feature through Mystery Gift. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe could send high scores to another cartridge. GBE+ had [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art4.html basic IR emulation] back in July 2016 but it then only worked with Pokémon games. Now, as of [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art11.html April 2018], it has full IR emulation for most IR-enabled games (Hudson Soft's HuC-1's IR capabilities need to be emulated for Japanese ''Pokémon TCG'').

*[[List of games that support IR#GameBoy Color Emulation]].

===Game Boy Camera===
The Game Boy Camera is an official Nintendo accessory for the Game Boy and was released in 1998. Users can take pictures and modify them with stickers and frames, as well as play several included minigames. In addition to the original model, there was a US-exclusive Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time edition that included different stamps.

The first emulator to have some capability of emulating the Game Boy Camera was a modified version of an old emulator called Hash. This version, named Hashcam, can still be found on the author's website. While there were some efforts to run the Game Boy Camera ROM in BGB unofficially, the author didn't show much interest in it. However, it is fully emulated with webcam support in a lesser-known emulator called GiiBiiAdvance.

As of version 0.7.0, or any dev builds post 0.6.0, mGBA can emulate this accessory by either using the PC's webcam or sending a BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or other image format to the game, as if it was coming from the camera itself.<ref name="mGBA_Cam">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mGBA_emu/status/890954205472501762|title=Game Boy Camera in mGBA dev builds|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2017-07-28}}</ref> The camera is also functional on the 3DS port. To enable the PC webcam, go to <code>Game Boy</code> under <code>settings</code> and switch the <code>camera driver</code> to <code>Qt Multimedia</code>, or by editing <code>qt.ini</code> and setting <code>cameraDriver=1</code> under <code>[General]</code>.

===Game Boy Printer===
Game Boy Printer is a thermal printer accessory released by Nintendo in 1998 used in conjunction with the Game Boy Camera and also used to prints images from compatible GB games such as ''Pokémon Gold and Silver'', ''Pokémon Crystal'', ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe'', ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX''.

[[VisualBoy Advance]] (including its forks), [[GBE+]] and [[mGBA]] have Game Boy Printer support that turn the signals into a bitmap form of the image.

===Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)===
Two Game Boy Color games featured a built-in tilt sensor: Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble and Command Master. These games cannot be played without support for this feature. [[VisualBoy Advance|VBA]] and [[KiGB]] have a "Motion Sensor" option to map four directional keys to emulate the cartridge tilting, but the controls aren't analog. [[BGB]] can emulate the tilting features with the use of the mouse. [[SameBoy]] allows to use the mouse, as well as a joystick, and on the Cocoa frontend, is supporting controller's motion controls. [[mGBA]] supports controller's motion controls and allows to assign stic's X an Y axes. Hiyoko, the official GBC emulator for [[Nintendo Switch Online]], emulates motion controls for Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble by translating gyroscope input either from the console itself (when playing in portable mode) or from a detached Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller (when playing in docked mode).

*[[List of games that support tracked motion controllers#GameBoy Color Emulation]]

===Rumble===
A good number of cartridges came with a built-in rumble that required an AAA battery to power, such as ''Pokémon Pinball'', but the feature is optional. So far, only [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA-GX]] emulates rumble in these games, including games that have their rumble feature dummied out (one being ''Tarzan'').

===Multiplayer===
* '''Link Cable:''' [[BGB]], [[KiGB]], some versions of [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[TGB Dual|TGB-Dual]] supports link cable. It can also be used for Netplay on the corresponding [[RetroArch]] core. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiplayer_Game_Boy_games#Two-player_games_via_the_Game_Link_Cable Two-player games via the Game Link Cable list].
* '''4-Player Adapter:''' Currently only [[GBE+]] and DoubleCherryGB supports it.
* '''Faceball 2000 16-Player Link Cable:''' There is a 16-Player adapter as well, but it went unreleased outside of unused code in some games, but it is emulated by ''DoubleCherryGB'' emulator and allows to play Faceball 2000 in local splitscreen and via netplay.
* '''Multiplayer Hacks:''' DoubleCherryGB emulates virtual link-cable devices that allow Tetris Battle Royal and Kwirk Multiplayer up to 16 players on local splitscreen and via netplay.

===Online features===
====Mobile Game Boy Adapter====
There is a Japan-only accessory that communicates with Mobile Golf and Japanese Pokémon Crystal. It was bundled with Mobile Trainer cartridge which allowed the player to use e-mail as well as browse Nintendo's website. It saw use on some Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, but support was limited to Japan, and the servers went offline by 2002.

It is possible to partially emulate its feature for Pokémon Crystal by [http://forums.glitchcity.info/index.php?topic=7509.0 using BGB's scripting capability], and GBE+ can at least reach the title screen of Mobile Trainer and made [https://www.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/9141oy/making_progress_with_gb_mobile_adapter_emulation/ some progress in July 2018], but otherwise, no emulators (except for a recently leaked at time of writing internal emulator) properly support this accessory.

====Hudsonsoft KISS Link====
This accessory both allowed IR communications between 2 gameboys before the Game Boy Color existed with it’s IR port and with a modem, it allowed users to download exclusive content by them from Hudsonsoft's website. No emulator supports this. Resources about this super obscure accessory include http://nectaris.tg-16.com/GB-KISS-LINK-FAQ-hudson-gameboy-nectaris.html and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOuJ0EcA8IQ

===Accessories===
There are [[wikipedia:Game Boy accessories#Game Boy|a few accessories that the Game Boy and Game Boy Color]] had. Due to their very small and game-specific use, most emulators don't bother with them at all, save for GBE+.

* '''Game Boy Pocket Sonar:''' Japan only cartridge released by Bandai. It is a sonar-enabled device used for fishing with a fishing game included. Only GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art13.html supports] this feature. A similar cartridge was released for the WonderSwan (still unemulated).
* '''Barcode Boy:''' An obscure Japan-only barcode-scanning device released by Namcot (then-Namco's consumer division) in 1992. A total of 4 games were released to utilize this accessory. KiGB and GEST claim support for this device, but they only feed random data to Game Boy until the game accepts it as a valid barcode. GBE+ has [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art7.html proper emulation] with the ability to read barcodes from binary files. DoubleCherryGB also has full support. All barcodes are hardcode. After each scan the next barcode is loaded.
* '''Barcode Taisen Bardigun:''' Another Japan only barcode-scanning device with the dedicated game. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art6.html supports this accessory].
* '''Singer Sewing Machine:''' There is link cable support for the Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine. The IZEK was unique in that it came bundled with a specially coloured Game Boy and a cartridge for interfacing with the machine.<ref name="IZEK_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlhJKMXU7tg&t=5m25s|title=Game Boy Part 2 - Did You Know Gaming? Feat. Jake of Vsauce3|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-05-24}}</ref><ref name="IZEK_2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Epj2_eJdA|title=Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine - Gameboy Color Controller (Game Boy Color) Review|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-06-24}}</ref> Despite the IZEK's rarity, support for it has been added in a recent GBE+ release.<ref>[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art22.html Edge of Emulation: Game Boy Sewing Machines]</ref>
* '''Suzuki Pocket Dash Diagnostic System''' and '''Aprilia DITECH Interface''': A series of diagnostic cartridges used for Suzuki and Aprilia scooters respectively, developed by Orbital Technologies in the early 2000s. Both were used to interface with a supported motorcycle's engine control unit (ECU) in a similar manner to OBD tools for automobiles. The diagnostic cartridges were only made available for use by motorcycle dealerships and were not licensed by Nintendo. No dump of either cartridge exists as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:Gbc over saturation2.png|thumb|right|350px|Comparison of saturation levels in [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[Gambatte]].]]
The Game Boy Color's screen is under-saturated. Game developers often work around this by using brighter colors knowing it'll be compensated for on hardware. This does not translate well in emulation, because standard LCD screens don't account for this sort of issue. Many emulators attempt to combat this issue with options that adjust accordingly; if not directly, then [[Shaders_and_Filters#Image_Adjustment|shader functionality]] may be implemented.

This issue also affects [[Game Boy Advance emulators#Oversaturation|Game Boy Advance emulation]].

====Emulator options====
'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders, you will find three customizable '''Desaturation''' parameters.

'''VBA-M:''' Under Options > Game Boy, you will find the '''GB color option'''. The recent nightly builds also include the '''LCD Filter''' option.

For more information about Game Boy hardware and reverse engineering; 
* meganesu: [https://meganesu.github.io/generate-gb-opcodes/ Game Boy CPU Instructions]
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ Game Boy Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQE1K074v3s How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzPTK91EJY8 Learn to code and write games on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1cUIGHZLGA Secrets of the Nintendo Game Boy Boot Logo], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYQMdox5gzI How Cartridges worked on the Nintendo Game Boy]
* kOOPa and nocash: [https://problemkaputt.de/pandocs.htm Pan Docs]
* [https://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki] – Information about the Game Boy

==See also==
* [[Emulators on GB/GBC]]

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|*]]
[[Category:Game Boy]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color]]

Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators

2025-01-17T02:33:32Z

MysticChromium: Gambatte_libretro is active

{{Infobox console
|title = Game Boy (Color)
|logo = Game_Boy.png
|image = Game-boy-color.png
|imagecaption = '''Top:''' Original Game Boy '''Bottom:''' Game Boy Color
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]]
|release=1989 (Game Boy) 1998 (Game Boy Color)
|discontinued = 2003
|predecessor = [[Game & Watch]]
|successor= [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}
{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy (Color)|Emulators on GB/GBC}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy|Game Boy]]''' (GB) and '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy Color|Game Boy Color]]''' (GBC) are 8-bit, fourth-generation handheld consoles released by Nintendo on July 31, 1989 and November 18, 1998 respectively and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|89.95|1998}}. The Game Boy has a Sharp LR35902 core CPU at 4.19 MHz. It had a monochrome display that could only show four shades of grey, albeit with a olive green tinge on the original. The Game Boy Color uses the same LR35902 core as the original; while it is clocked at 8.38 MHz, it can be underclocked to 4.19 MHz for backwards-compatibility purposes. It was named such from its color screen, but it also had a larger memory size and a faster CPU. The hardware similarities allow cross-compatibility between the two platforms and they are often treated as one. They would both be succeeded by the backward-compatible [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]].

Nintendo re-released the console as the '''Game Boy Pocket''' in 1996, with a more compact body and a better screen. A front light was added to a special edition of the Pocket in Japan called the '''Game Boy Light''', a feature that wouldn't be seen outside of Japan until the Game Boy Advance SP.

Nintendo released a peripheral for the [[Super Nintendo emulators|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] called [[wikipedia:Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]] in June 1994, which was modeled like a cartridge but included its own cartridge slot for Game Boy/Color games, as well as the hardware needed to translate the games. Many Game Boy/Color emulators offer at least some of the special features it included, such as added borders, colorization, custom button mappings, and other features. It was possible to link, but without the external port, as well as errors in the CPU, it would not be feasible to the end user. These issues would later be corrected in the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.

==Emulators==
Because of how relatively easy popular 8-bit consoles are to emulate, tons of Game Boy emulators exist. For a list of open-source projects, see [https://github.com/search?o=desc&q=gameboy+emulator&s=updated&type=Repositories&utf8=%E2%9C%93 this GitHub query]. For a list of accuracy tests, see [https://daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout/ daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout].

===x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[Super Nintendo emulators#Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
| [[SameBoy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://sameboy.github.io/downloads {{SameBoyVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}}<ref group=N>Video emulation works perfectly, but the sound enhancements are not emulated.</ref> ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bgb.bircd.org/#downloads {{BGBVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [http://emulicious.net Emulicious]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://emulicious.net/downloads {{EmuliciousVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BizHawk]] (BSNES)(Gambatte_Speedrun)(SameBoy)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [http://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gambatte]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://sourceforge.net/projects/gambatte/files/gambatte {{GambatteVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=active>[https://github.com/libretro/gambatte-libretro/tree/master Libretro core] is still active.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Mesen|Mesen]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[GBE+]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[MAME]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref>[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gearboy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc git]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy {{GameRoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[ares]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift's comment about libretro core]</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [http://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases {{VBAMVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://chillygb.arci.me/ ChillyGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
| [https://github.com/AuroraViola/ChillyGB {{ChillyGBVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [http://hhug.me/ hhugboy]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/tzlion/hhugboy/releases {{hhugboyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/143#issue-1456816849 {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://binji.github.io/binjgb/ binjgb]
| align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
| [https://github.com/binji/binjgb/releases {{binjgbVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Ironboy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/chiplis/ironboy/ git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|PyBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Baekalfen/PyBoy/releases {{PyBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|LGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|KevBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/xkevio/kevboy/releases {{KevBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|jgb
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgb git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|DoubleCherryGB
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/TimOelrichs/doublecherryGB-libretro git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [http://byuu.org/emulation/higan {{higanVer}}] [https://github.com/libretro/higan libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm/ BDM]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
| [https://mattcurrie.com/bdm-demo/ Demo]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB VGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://fms.komkon.org/VGB {{VGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Gamebert
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/robert/gamebert git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Pantheon]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bostjan-grandovec.si/Content/News.htm {{PantheonVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|UGE
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/SuperDisk/hUGETracker/releases {{UGEVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|PDEQ}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[KiGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|DOS}}
| [http://kigb.emuunlim.com/downloads.htm {{KiGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[TGB Dual]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}<ref group=N name=two>On Linux as an SDL port (and the [[libretro]] core is based on this version).</ref>
| [https://github.com/libertyernie/tgbdual_L/releases {{TGBDualVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GiiBiiAdvance
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance/releases git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|MetroBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy/releases {{MetroBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|hdmg
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://git.sr.ht/~sircmpwn/hdmg git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[rew.]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Windows9x}}
|[https://wikiwiki.jp/emulator/rew. rew12stx]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|}
</div>

===ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[SameBoy]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy SameBoy_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sameboy/id6496971295 1.0] (iOS App Store) [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.philj56.gbcc beta41] [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/actions/workflows/build-apk.yml <abbr title="Latest development version">git Artifacts</abbr>]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{~}}[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/commits/master *] ||{{✓}} [https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/_5D9uMlRlL-DJ_anXEyJHtI3IriwCFVPgg2zgwhkaG-uYwkjYeTqmiuUZwpomTYKsuo=w1024-h768-rw Printer] [https://youtu.be/ESYolQ761Dw?si=2c-yAHAAcWQSei1a Kirby Camera]
|-
|[[Game Play Color]]
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://github.com/gameplaycolor/gameplaycolor/releases {{GamePlayColorVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://www.explusalpha.com/home/gbc-emu GBC.emu]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbcEmu {{.emuVer}}][https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha git][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/76 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android 0.3]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1] [https://github.com/CocoaBob/GBA4iOS git] (new fork)
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy 0.2.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://eightbitwonders.gitlab.io/app 8-Bit Wonders]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://f-droid.org/packages/de.rainerhock.eightbitwonders 0.8] (F-Droid)0.8 (Play)0.8 (Amazon)[https://gitlab.com/eightbitwonders/app git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||roadmap
|-
|MeBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
| [http://www.arktos.se/meboy/download.php 1.6][https://github.com/chijure/meboy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://my-oldboy-free-gbc-emulator.en.uptodown.com/android My OldBoy!]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gbc 2.0.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBC
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.johnemulators.johngbc 3.93]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko)
| align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
| N/A
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|Super Game Boy
| align=left|{{Icon|SNES}}
| N/A
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-a-gameboy-emulator-for-ds.343407 GameYob DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
| [https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-3ds-gb-c-emu.372523/ GameYob 3DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| [https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/GameYob_3DS 1.0.8][https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA-M|<abbr title="Modified port of VBA-M. With it you can play GBA/Game Boy Color/Game Boy games on your Wii/GameCube.">VBA GX</abbr>]]
| align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
| [https://github.com/dborth/vbagx#nightly-builds nightly-builds]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|3DS|NX}} {{Icon|Vita|DC}} {{Icon|PSX}} {{Icon|PS2}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|NGC}} {{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|Vita|3DS}}
| [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RIN
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
| [https://github.com/mbarczak/psp_rin git] [https://archive.org/details/rin-rx.-7z RX] [https://archive.org/details/rin_v1.32n1.2.7z 1.32n1.2]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| 8.10
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PSV|3DS}}
| [https://endrift.com/mgba/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/releases git]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|GBEmu
| align=left|{{Icon|VB}}
| [https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/t/entry-game-boy-emulator/ 0.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RealBoy Vita
| align=left|{{Icon|PSV}}
| [https://vitadb.rinnegatamante.it/#/info/167 1.2][https://github.com/xerpi/realboy-vita/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|ShuBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|MD}}
| [http://jiggawatt.org/badc0de/shuboy.htm 1.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|aGBe
| align=left|{{Icon|PSX}}
| [https://sourceforge.net/projects/agbe/files/agbe SF]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Hu-Boy
| align=left|SuperGrafx TurboGrafx-CD TurboDuo
| [https://www.chrismcovell.com/huboy.html V 0.30621]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{X}}
|}
</div>

===Firmware===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|UEFI}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|}
</div>

<references group=N />

==Comparison==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
===Game Boy-only emulators===
;[[SameBoy]]:One of the most [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy emulator currently. The UI is simple and easy to use. It includes open source bootroms, although these can be replaced with real ones. Has debugging features and also emulates Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer.
;[[BGB]]:A closed-source emulator for Windows (and [[Wine]]) with solid Game Boy and Game Boy Color accuracy, as well as near flawless link support. It has a wealth of options for color palettes. Most used for its advanced debugger.
;[[Gambatte]]:Pretty [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] open-source Game Boy/Color emulator. It has a good range of options and features, though not quite as much as some other emulators. The main fork is not in active development, but the libretro core is still active.
;[http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy]:A Windows-only Game Boy/Color emulator based on GEST with a focus on bootleg and unlicensed games. It is capable of detecting and correctly emulating the mapper on a number of games that are otherwise broken on other emulators, but some ROMs require manually selecting the mapper on the Unlicensed Compatibility Mode menu. Besides the usual raw dumps, it also supports the footered [http://hhug.me/gbx GBX] ROM format, which correctly informs the emulator which mapper to run regardless of what the internal headers say.
;GameRoy:A Game Boy emulator, dissasembler and debugger written in Rust. It has high [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]] and accurate clock frequency. It is more suited for debugging uses for now.
;[[TGB Dual]]:An ancient emulator that supports link cable emulation. It also supports [[netplay]], but it requires a VPN. The libretro port supports local multiplayer using player 2's controls.
;[[KiGB]]:An old and obsolete emulator which boasted its accuracy but was proven to be full of game-specific hacks.<ref>https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/238</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Test_ROMs#Emulators_running_on_desktop_computers</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/KiGB</ref> It has a wide selection of features, but other emulators have caught up and are already doing much better.
;[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance GiiBiiAdvance]:Pioneered full GB Camera emulation, including webcam support. Aside from that, it's an unfinished emulator with the basics set up, but its promising future currently on hiatus. It has very [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] timing.
;[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy MetroBoy]:Extremely [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy simulator which being written in a subset of C++ that's designed to to be mechanically translated into Verilog HDL.
;Ironboy:A very recent and promising emulator written in Rust for WebAssembly which is focus only on the original Game Boy (DMG) to [https://github.com/Chiplis/IronBoy#ironboy achieve the highest degree of accuracy]. Unfortunately, it only supports monochrome Game Boy games.
;binjgb:A GB + GBC emulator for both desktop and WebAssembly, developed by Ben "binji" Smith since 2016. Most famously used by McDonald's in 2023 to publish ''Grimace's Birthday'' [https://grimacesbirthday.com/ as a browser game].
;[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko):
* GB support was added to Nintendo Switch Online in February 2023, alongside GBA games exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier;
* Users are limited to the selection of games Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Supports online and Local Play (up to 2 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* Supports tilt controls through gyroscope or normal controllers (e.g.: ''Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble'');
* Supports infrared emulation (e.g.: ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'');
* Palette styles can be applied (original GB, Pocket, and GBC);
* No Super Game Boy features supported (it always runs games in GBC mode);
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''List of recommended GB/GBC emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

===GB/C emulation on GBA emulators===
''This shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|actual backwards compatibility on GBA emulation]].''
;[[mGBA]]:Primarily emulates the [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]] but it also includes GB/C support much like the original system. It's a solid implementation, with most of the library working perfectly.
;[[GBE+]]:An emulator that has a large effort in preserving the functions of a multitude of [[#Game Boy Features|obscure accessories]] that other emulators don't focus on. It can also load custom tiles in games, including colorized tiles for original Game Boy titles.
;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VisualBoy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:Used to be the go-to for Game Boy Advance emulation and even included solid GB/C emulation. It's now behind [[mGBA]] on both fronts.

===[[Multi-system emulators]]===
;[[higan]]/[[ares]]:Because it started out as a [[Super Nintendo emulators|SNES emulator]] (its original name was bsnes), it was the first one that properly emulated all of the [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Super_Game_Boy|Super Game Boy]]'s features, such as SPC sound chip utilization, which requires the SNES and GameBoy to be emulated simultaneously so it's demanding.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/zwq9fu/ares_crossplatform_open_source_multisystem/j1ys10k/</ref>
;[[BizHawk]]:Uses a modified Gambatte core. It provides speedrunning tools.
;[[MAME]]:Has solid Game Boy emulation through its <code>gameboy</code> driver despite the sound being imperfect, as well as slightly worse Game Boy Color compatibility through its <code>gbcolor</code> driver (where both the graphics and sound are imperfect). Despite its setbacks, it aims to feature compatibility with obscure mappers that other emulators usually ignore, like Wisdom Tree games or MMM01 multicarts. Accuracy was improved upon with contributions by Judge_.

==Mappers==
Much like the NES, the Game Boy (and by extension, the Game Boy Color) used '''Memory Bank Controllers''' (MBC) (called MMCs on the NES) and also known informally as '''mappers''', to go beyond the restrictive initial hardware specifications. Nevertheless, Nintendo was much more careful to standardize their specifications to [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Category:Licensed_chips just a small number of possible mappers]. Moreover, Game Boy ROMs now included an official internal header mandated by Nintendo that included the correct MMC type. This meant that for the officially licensed games, these mappers proved to be rarely a problem... with some notable unimplemented exceptions: Net de Get's MBC6 that offered downloadable content off the internet, and the MMM01 footer used for some official multi-cart games, among others.

However, it doesn't get better when it comes to '''unlicensed games''', since they didn't necessarily respect Nintendo's specifications about how a given mapper type should handle its memory and behave in general, and internal headers were often filled with erroneous data to hinder dumping and emulation efforts. Some emulators like MESS/[[MAME]] and [http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy] try to emulate that behavior with various degrees of success ([http://hhug.me/dump/ Compatibility List]). The hhugboy project also proposed a similar solution to iNES for this mapper problem, as the [http://hhug.me/gbx/1.0 gbx ROM format] that appends a footer with extra information needed for some unlicensed games. However, this format, much less unlicensed hardware quirks, isn't widely adopted aside from tentative [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers mGBA support].

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=4 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| colspan=11 | For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more apparent.
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Game_Boy|Widescreen hack]] Possible with technique called [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideGB]] which uses a similar technique as [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideNES]].
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://kemenaran.winosx.com/posts/widegb-now-available-on-windows/ SameBoy WideGB fork] at the moment.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Game_Boy|Sprite Replacement]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [[GBE+]] emulator at the moment.
|-
| Remove sprite limit The Gameboy supports a maximum of 40 sprite objects. – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some of the flickering seen in games at times and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|
| {{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/412 *]
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|
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|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Rewind
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Savestates
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Post-Processing
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=10 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan=10 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in Game Boy sound player
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|
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|-
| Command Line Options
|
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|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
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|-
| rowspan=1 | Controls
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | Misc
| [[Netplay#Game_Boy|<abbr title="Should not be confused with GB/GBC Online features or Link cable emulation, see #Hardware features and peripherals section for that.">Netplay</abbr>]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive>Input lag mitigation technique and [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#game-boy-game-boy-color RetroAchievements exclusive to libretro cores]. Also [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy/#features netplay enhancement] exclusive to SameBoy libretro core.</ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/issues/2450 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| RetroAchievements [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=4 Game Boy], [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=6 Game Boy Color]
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}[https://sameboy.github.io/features/#debugging *]
| {{✓}}[https://bgb.bircd.org/manual.html#debugkeys *]
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
{{Cleanup|reason=Unsorted by recommended emulator}}
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=5 | Inputs
| [[#Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)|Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro>Not available on Libretro core.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers>Motion Control does not support controller's gyro. Supports only remapping to mouse/keyboard/gamepad.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers />
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Accelerometer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#Rumble|Rumble]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Game Boy Camera|Game Boy Camera]]
| {{✗}}
| {{~}} <ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{~}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>Only on Android, uses real front/back Camera hardware permission required.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Boy]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Taisen Bardigun]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | <abbr title="There are four different kinds of connectivity, support varying by game.">Connectivity</abbr>
| [[#Multiplayer|<abbr title="The Nintendo Game Link Cable is an accessory for the Game Boy line of handheld video game systems, allowing players to connect Game Boys of all types for multiplayer gaming. Depending on the games, a Game Link Cable can be used to link two games of the same title, like Tetris, or two compatible games like Pokémon Red and Blue. Games can be linked for head-to-head competition, cooperative play, trading items, unlocking hidden features, etc.">Link Cable</abbr>]]<ref group=N>Super Game Boy for SNES supports only on the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2. gameyob for DS emulator supports it through NiFi. Virtual Console for Switch only supports for Pokemon only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[mGBA]] pretty buggy [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+Link but sometimes works].</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[SameBoy]]'s libretro core supports Link Cable, standalone does not.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>GBCC only supports a [https://gbcc.dev/ fake "link" with itself].</ref>
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#IR Transmitter|IR Transmitter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| <abbr title="Work in Progress">WIP</abbr>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Online features|Online features]]
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Multiplayer|4-Player Adapter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Special hardware
| [[#Game Boy Printer|Game Boy Printer]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Printer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|GB Pocket Sonar]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Singer Sewing Machine]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|WorkBoy]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/issues/125 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Pikachu_2_GS#Interactions_with_Generation_II Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS]
| Communication
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Emulation
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | Unlicensed Hardware
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP1Bkfj9kDY WORLD PORT]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Pro Action Replay
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref group=N name=Tilt>[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist]</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

===IR Transmitter===
The Game Boy Color had an infrared transmitter and receiver. Generation II Pokémon games made use of this feature through Mystery Gift. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe could send high scores to another cartridge. GBE+ had [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art4.html basic IR emulation] back in July 2016 but it then only worked with Pokémon games. Now, as of [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art11.html April 2018], it has full IR emulation for most IR-enabled games (Hudson Soft's HuC-1's IR capabilities need to be emulated for Japanese ''Pokémon TCG'').

*[[List of games that support IR#GameBoy Color Emulation]].

===Game Boy Camera===
The Game Boy Camera is an official Nintendo accessory for the Game Boy and was released in 1998. Users can take pictures and modify them with stickers and frames, as well as play several included minigames. In addition to the original model, there was a US-exclusive Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time edition that included different stamps.

The first emulator to have some capability of emulating the Game Boy Camera was a modified version of an old emulator called Hash. This version, named Hashcam, can still be found on the author's website. While there were some efforts to run the Game Boy Camera ROM in BGB unofficially, the author didn't show much interest in it. However, it is fully emulated with webcam support in a lesser-known emulator called GiiBiiAdvance.

As of version 0.7.0, or any dev builds post 0.6.0, mGBA can emulate this accessory by either using the PC's webcam or sending a BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or other image format to the game, as if it was coming from the camera itself.<ref name="mGBA_Cam">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mGBA_emu/status/890954205472501762|title=Game Boy Camera in mGBA dev builds|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2017-07-28}}</ref> The camera is also functional on the 3DS port. To enable the PC webcam, go to <code>Game Boy</code> under <code>settings</code> and switch the <code>camera driver</code> to <code>Qt Multimedia</code>, or by editing <code>qt.ini</code> and setting <code>cameraDriver=1</code> under <code>[General]</code>.

===Game Boy Printer===
Game Boy Printer is a thermal printer accessory released by Nintendo in 1998 used in conjunction with the Game Boy Camera and also used to prints images from compatible GB games such as ''Pokémon Gold and Silver'', ''Pokémon Crystal'', ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe'', ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX''.

[[VisualBoy Advance]] (including its forks), [[GBE+]] and [[mGBA]] have Game Boy Printer support that turn the signals into a bitmap form of the image.

===Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)===
Two Game Boy Color games featured a built-in tilt sensor: Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble and Command Master. These games cannot be played without support for this feature. [[VisualBoy Advance|VBA]] and [[KiGB]] have a "Motion Sensor" option to map four directional keys to emulate the cartridge tilting, but the controls aren't analog. [[BGB]] can emulate the tilting features with the use of the mouse. [[SameBoy]] allows to use the mouse, as well as a joystick, and on the Cocoa frontend, is supporting controller's motion controls. [[mGBA]] supports controller's motion controls and allows to assign stic's X an Y axes. Hiyoko, the official GBC emulator for [[Nintendo Switch Online]], emulates motion controls for Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble by translating gyroscope input either from the console itself (when playing in portable mode) or from a detached Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller (when playing in docked mode).

*[[List of games that support tracked motion controllers#GameBoy Color Emulation]]

===Rumble===
A good number of cartridges came with a built-in rumble that required an AAA battery to power, such as ''Pokémon Pinball'', but the feature is optional. So far, only [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA-GX]] emulates rumble in these games, including games that have their rumble feature dummied out (one being ''Tarzan'').

===Multiplayer===
* '''Link Cable:''' [[BGB]], [[KiGB]], some versions of [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[TGB Dual|TGB-Dual]] supports link cable. It can also be used for Netplay on the corresponding [[RetroArch]] core. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiplayer_Game_Boy_games#Two-player_games_via_the_Game_Link_Cable Two-player games via the Game Link Cable list].
* '''4-Player Adapter:''' Currently only [[GBE+]] and DoubleCherryGB supports it.
* '''Faceball 2000 16-Player Link Cable:''' There is a 16-Player adapter as well, but it went unreleased outside of unused code in some games, but it is emulated by ''DoubleCherryGB'' emulator and allows to play Faceball 2000 in local splitscreen and via netplay.
* '''Multiplayer Hacks:''' DoubleCherryGB emulates virtual link-cable devices that allow Tetris Battle Royal and Kwirk Multiplayer up to 16 players on local splitscreen and via netplay.

===Online features===
====Mobile Game Boy Adapter====
There is a Japan-only accessory that communicates with Mobile Golf and Japanese Pokémon Crystal. It was bundled with Mobile Trainer cartridge which allowed the player to use e-mail as well as browse Nintendo's website. It saw use on some Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, but support was limited to Japan, and the servers went offline by 2002.

It is possible to partially emulate its feature for Pokémon Crystal by [http://forums.glitchcity.info/index.php?topic=7509.0 using BGB's scripting capability], and GBE+ can at least reach the title screen of Mobile Trainer and made [https://www.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/9141oy/making_progress_with_gb_mobile_adapter_emulation/ some progress in July 2018], but otherwise, no emulators (except for a recently leaked at time of writing internal emulator) properly support this accessory.

====Hudsonsoft KISS Link====
This accessory both allowed IR communications between 2 gameboys before the Game Boy Color existed with it’s IR port and with a modem, it allowed users to download exclusive content by them from Hudsonsoft's website. No emulator supports this. Resources about this super obscure accessory include http://nectaris.tg-16.com/GB-KISS-LINK-FAQ-hudson-gameboy-nectaris.html and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOuJ0EcA8IQ

===Accessories===
There are [[wikipedia:Game Boy accessories#Game Boy|a few accessories that the Game Boy and Game Boy Color]] had. Due to their very small and game-specific use, most emulators don't bother with them at all, save for GBE+.

* '''Game Boy Pocket Sonar:''' Japan only cartridge released by Bandai. It is a sonar-enabled device used for fishing with a fishing game included. Only GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art13.html supports] this feature. A similar cartridge was released for the WonderSwan (still unemulated).
* '''Barcode Boy:''' An obscure Japan-only barcode-scanning device released by Namcot (then-Namco's consumer division) in 1992. A total of 4 games were released to utilize this accessory. KiGB and GEST claim support for this device, but they only feed random data to Game Boy until the game accepts it as a valid barcode. GBE+ has [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art7.html proper emulation] with the ability to read barcodes from binary files. DoubleCherryGB also has full support. All barcodes are hardcode. After each scan the next barcode is loaded.
* '''Barcode Taisen Bardigun:''' Another Japan only barcode-scanning device with the dedicated game. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art6.html supports this accessory].
* '''Singer Sewing Machine:''' There is link cable support for the Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine. The IZEK was unique in that it came bundled with a specially coloured Game Boy and a cartridge for interfacing with the machine.<ref name="IZEK_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlhJKMXU7tg&t=5m25s|title=Game Boy Part 2 - Did You Know Gaming? Feat. Jake of Vsauce3|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-05-24}}</ref><ref name="IZEK_2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Epj2_eJdA|title=Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine - Gameboy Color Controller (Game Boy Color) Review|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-06-24}}</ref> Despite the IZEK's rarity, support for it has been added in a recent GBE+ release.<ref>[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art22.html Edge of Emulation: Game Boy Sewing Machines]</ref>
* '''Suzuki Pocket Dash Diagnostic System''' and '''Aprilia DITECH Interface''': A series of diagnostic cartridges used for Suzuki and Aprilia scooters respectively, developed by Orbital Technologies in the early 2000s. Both were used to interface with a supported motorcycle's engine control unit (ECU) in a similar manner to OBD tools for automobiles. The diagnostic cartridges were only made available for use by motorcycle dealerships and were not licensed by Nintendo. No dump of either cartridge exists as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:Gbc over saturation2.png|thumb|right|350px|Comparison of saturation levels in [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[Gambatte]].]]
The Game Boy Color's screen is under-saturated. Game developers often work around this by using brighter colors knowing it'll be compensated for on hardware. This does not translate well in emulation, because standard LCD screens don't account for this sort of issue. Many emulators attempt to combat this issue with options that adjust accordingly; if not directly, then [[Shaders_and_Filters#Image_Adjustment|shader functionality]] may be implemented.

This issue also affects [[Game Boy Advance emulators#Oversaturation|Game Boy Advance emulation]].

====Emulator options====
'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders, you will find three customizable '''Desaturation''' parameters.

'''VBA-M:''' Under Options > Game Boy, you will find the '''GB color option'''. The recent nightly builds also include the '''LCD Filter''' option.

For more information about Game Boy hardware and reverse engineering; 
* meganesu: [https://meganesu.github.io/generate-gb-opcodes/ Game Boy CPU Instructions]
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ Game Boy Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQE1K074v3s How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzPTK91EJY8 Learn to code and write games on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1cUIGHZLGA Secrets of the Nintendo Game Boy Boot Logo], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYQMdox5gzI How Cartridges worked on the Nintendo Game Boy]
* kOOPa and nocash: [https://problemkaputt.de/pandocs.htm Pan Docs]
* [https://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki] – Information about the Game Boy

==See also==
* [[Emulators on GB/GBC]]

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|*]]
[[Category:Game Boy]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color]]

Nintendo DS emulators

2025-01-11T19:32:29Z

MysticChromium: Updated order of ARM emulator rows, DraStic license status with relevant reference + DraStic activity status based on time passed since last app update

{{Infobox console
|title = Nintendo DS
|image= DSlitewhite.png
|caption= A white Nintendo DS Lite
| developer = [[Nintendo]]
| manufacturer = Foxconn
| family = Nintendo DS
| type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
| price = {{Inflation|USD|149.99|2004}}
| generation = [[:Category:Seventh-generation consoles|Seventh]]
| release date =
NA: November 21, 2004 
JP: December 2, 2004 
AU: February 24, 2005 
EU: March 11, 2005
| discontinued = Yes
| unitssold = 154.02 million worldwide (as of June 30, 2016)
| media = Nintendo DS Game Card Game Boy Advance Game Pak
| cpu = 67 MHz ARM946E-S 33 MHz ARM7TDMI
| memory = 4 MB RAM
| storage = Cartridge save 256 KB flash memory
| display = Two 3" TFT LCDs, 256 × 192 pixels
| connectivity = Wi-Fi (802.11, WEP)
| service = [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
| topgame = ''New Super Mario Bros.'', 30.80 million
| compatibility = Game Boy Advance
| predecessor = [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
| successor = [[Nintendo 3DS emulators|Nintendo 3DS]]
| related = Nintendo DS Lite 
Nintendo DSi 
Nintendo DSi XL
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

{{for|emulators that run on the Nintendo DS|Emulators on DS}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo DS|Nintendo DS]]''' (NDS) is a handheld console produced by Nintendo and released on November 21, 2004, and had 2 ARM CPUs (ARM9 and ARM7) with 4 MB of RAM and was priced at {{Inflation|USD|149.99|2004}}. The main selling point was the use of dual screens for gameplay, with one being a touchscreen. It is the only console to have come close to the [[PlayStation 2 emulators|PlayStation 2]] in lifetime sales (154.02 million units), as a result of attracting many casual players, and even non-gamers, into the gaming community.

;Remember, certain titles such as [[Wikipedia:Category:Nintendo_DSi_games|DSi retail]] and [[Wikipedia:List_of_DSiWare_games_and_applications|DSiWare]] games are exclusive to the DSi. Make sure your chosen emulator [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|supports these variations (see "DSi exclusive features" section)]] if you want to play them.

==Emulators==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|'''[[#Nintendo DSi|DSi]]'''
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
!colspan="10"|x86
|-
|[[melonDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|Dev Builds<ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-windows/master/melonDS-windows-x86_64.zip Windows], [https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-ubuntu/master/melonDS-ubuntu-x86_64.zip Ubuntu], [https://nightly.link/melonDS-emu/melonDS/workflows/build-macos-universal/master/macOS-universal.zip macOS-universal]</ref> [https://melonds.kuribo64.net/downloads.php {{MelonDSVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ ''libretro core'']<ref group=N name=melonDSRA>Similar to Dolphin, PPSSPP and Citra libretro cores, [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds melonDS DS] libretro core or the standalone version of melonDS is highly recommended over the melonDS libretro core because it is two versions out of date (still on 0.9.3), and the generation 5 Pokémon are broken. If you turn on C-Gear, after a few minutes you will be unable to save. [https://github.com/libretro/melonDS/issues/179#issuecomment-1407488464 '''You also can't use any wifi features'''] or do in game trades either or the game will freeze.</ref>
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/forum.php?id=3 ?] ([https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues .]) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|melonDS DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com libretro core] [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds git]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://desmume.org/download/ {{DeSmuMEVer}}/Nightly] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://forums.desmume.org/viewforum.php?id=6 ?] ([https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/issues .]) ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]] (melonDS)
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [https://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[https://lemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[mGBA#medusa|mGBA/medusa]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://mgba.io/downloads.html#medusa alpha 2]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) || {{~}}<ref name="medusa suspended"/>||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/321 Dev Builds] [https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[https://corgids.wordpress.com/ CorgiDS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/CorgiDS/releases git] [https://www.emucr.com/search/label/CorgiDS SVN]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}}<ref>https://corgids.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/extended-break/</ref> ||{{✗}}
|-
|ndsemu
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/rasky/ndsemu git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20110225190819/http://https://com/ NeonDS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20100925152735/http://nehttps://m/system/files/NeonDS_0.2.1.zip 0.2.1]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|dasShiny
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/Cydrak/dasShiny git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[http://ds-duos.blhttps://com/ DuoS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://www.emulatorhttps://om/download.php/emulators/nds/duos/DuoS.zip 8/25/2012 Beta]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Ensata]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://www.mediafire.comhttps://0odmalrndt9m7a/Ensata+v1.4d.rar 1.4d]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20111130005614/https://ideasemu.biz/ iDeaS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://www.emulator-zone.com/https://mulators/nds/ideas/ideas1040.7z 1.0.4.0]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|dust
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Mac|Web}}
|[https://github.com/kelpsyberry/dust git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
!colspan="10"|ARM
|-
|melonDS DS
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS|tvOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com libretro core] [https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds git]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[DraStic]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pandora|Pyra}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dsemu.drastic&hl=en_US&gl=US {{DraSticVer}}] [https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/32 0.1 Pyra]
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[https://pandorawiki.org/DraStic_Compatibility_List 68% 49 out of 73 reported titles (Pandora) ] [https://xdaforums.com/t/drastic-ds-updated-to-v2-1-5-1a-xplay-compatibility-list-over-100-games-playable.2396919/ 88% 127 out of 145 reported titles (Android) ] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}/TBD*<ref>https://gbatemp.net/threads/drastic-ds-emulator-on-android-is-now-free-to-download-will-be-taken-down-soon.650119/</ref> ||{{~}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/desmume/ DeSmuME_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[melonDS]] (unofficial) [https://docs.libretro.com/library/melonds/ melonds_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/rafaelvcaetano/melonDS-android git] [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.magnum.melonds 1.9.3] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=melonDSRA></ref>
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPL3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}} (WIP)
|-
|[[Delta]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688 AppStore] [https://github.com/rileytestut/Delta git]
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}})||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hydra.noods 0.1] [https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[https://inds.nerd.net/ iNDS] (nds4ios-derived) (DeSmuME-based)
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/iNDS-Team/iNDS/releases git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|nds4ios
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[http://https://.angelxwind.net/i/?page/downloads SVN]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[http://jefhttps://blog/nds4droid/ nds4droid] (DeSmuME-based)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/jquesnelle/nds4droid git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
!colspan="10"|Console
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|WiiU}}
|
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[[Wikipedia:Virtual_Console#Titles_3|Only for selected titles]] ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/desmume/ DeSmuME_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|PS4}} {{Icon|Vita}}
|[https://www.retroarch.com/ 0.9.13]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[melonDS]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/melonds/ melonds_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita}} {{Icon|PS2}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=melonDSRA></ref> [https://github.com/rsduck/melonDS/releases git] (Switch) [https://github.com/Rinnegatamante/melonDS-Vita git](Vita Port) [https://github.com/DanielSant0s/melonDS-PS2 git] (PS2 Port) 
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}} (WIP)
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita|WiiU}} {{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git] (Switch/Vita/WiiU) [https://github.com/Xiro28/NooDS_PSP git] (PSP port)
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}} (WIP)
|-
|[[DeSmuME PSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/590011753849421846/870274164748079104/desmume_psp_4.zip V4][https://github.com/Xiro28/DesmumePSPExperimental Experimental]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||[[DeSmuME PSP|26% 16 out of 63 reported titles ]] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|DesmumeX
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|[https://www.1emulation.com/forums/topic/35774-desmumex-v087-new-update 0.87]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME PSP|DSonPSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://wololo.net/downloads/index.php/download/1235 0.7]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} (POC) ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

==Comparisons==
;[[melonDS]]
:Unlike DeSmuME, melonDS has some DSi support. In terms of being user-friendly, options in melonDS are more simplified. Has similar DS game compatibility as DeSmuME. Both can run games at a higher internal resolution (sharper 3D objects) and can open ROMs inside a compressed archive (ZIP, RAR, 7Z etc.). Both can display the two screens in a variety of ways, but melonDS has a hybrid mode. [https://i.imgur.com/S73Eb4m.jpg (Example)] While the developers of No$GBA had documented the Wi-Fi capabilities first, melonDS is the first and only emulator that has gotten as far as it has, and it has been found to work reasonably well with a handful of games. Switching to OpenGL in core options may give a performance boost, with 1.0 RC version OpenGL compute shader renderer introduced[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=216] similar to [[High/Low_level_emulation#Future_outlook|other compute shader renderers]]. In May 2023, it was confirmed that there are plans for high-level emulation of Arm7 on MelonDS. The project is codenamed MelonHLE.
:;melonDS DS
::An enhanced remake of the melonDS libretro that prioritizes standalone parity, reliability, and usability. Features included in this remake that were not available in the melonDS libretro core include full Wi-Fi support (Kaeru WFC, AltWFC, Wiimmfi), firmware overrides (name, color, birthday, etc.), homebrew save data support, screen rotation in the core settings (as the screen rotation feature in RetroArch's Video settings did not rotate touch inputs for melonDS and DeSmuME and can distort the screen), additional screen layout options, directly boot Nintendo DSi titles (excluding DSiWare, which must be installed to the DSi NAND), RetroAchievements support for DSi(Ware) games, battery support, and selectable NAND and firmware images. However, some melonDS libretro core features aren't yet presented in this remake, such as local wireless connection, GDB Stub Support, DSi Camera support, and OpenGL compute shader renderer, but some are planned to be implemented. With that stated, this remake is not a perfect replacement for the melonDS libretro core but has its uses that the original core and the DeSmuME libretro core lack.

;[[DeSmuME]]
:DeSmuME has gained significant improvements since 2018; new features include less CPU/GPU resource usage and high-resolution 3D rendering, and Wi-Fi emulation has been reintroduced in the latest builds. v0.9.13 from May 2022 is the first "Stable" build in over 7 years and is highly recommended over all previous builds (though dev builds are also generally very usable). [[OpenEmu]] uses a shallow fork of the v0.9.11 build and should be avoided as well.

;[[DraStic]]
:A (currently) closed-source emulator for [[Android emulators|Android]] devices that can run games at a decent speed even on potato phones. It is on par with (or in some cases better than) DeSmuME, and emulating it through BlueStacks on PC may actually be a viable and fast alternative aside from a slight input delay. Some rumors have spread around that the developers deliberately put in issues to mess with unofficial copies, though this is considered unsubstantiated. At the very least, you shouldn't expect any support from Exophase and company if you use an unofficial copy. It is available on the Raspberry Pi and Odroid via RetroPie, and runs relatively well[https://youtu.be/715kg1-hmxA]. As of March 5, 2024, due to yuzu lawsuits mainly focused on the Zelda franchise, the creator made it free and plans on open-sourcing the code.

;[[No$|No$GBA]]
:Focuses on speed, and has major compatibility issues and glitches as a result. Because it was initially a GBA emulator, the DS' 3D features are still very poorly handled. '''It is a good option for low-end machines, but don't expect a lot of games to run perfectly'''. A fan program, No$Zoomer, was released for version 2.6, which increases compatibility and options, as well as the titular zooming and resizing abilities. The biggest addition is noise cancellation which clears up static No$GBA makes with its 3D rendering. It doesn't change accuracy though. No$Zoomer never rebased to newer No$GBA versions, and it looks like it was abandoned, so it likely never will. In v2.8, No$GBA became the first emulator to support DSi games, which has been their most notable feature. Only use No$GBA for DSi games that don't work on other emulators, debugging (if you've taken up ROM hacking for DS games or homebrew development), if you value speed above everything, if you're using a potato PC, or just as a last resort.

;[[BizHawk]]
:Uses melonDS 0.9.5 core for Nintendo DS and DSi emulation, mGBA or VBA-Next cores for Game Boy Advance emulation

;[[Delta]]
:An open-source [[Multi-system_emulators|multi-system emulator]] for iOS with the ability to emulate many consoles and handhelds, including the DS. Since version 1.3, Delta Emulator allows you to emulate Nintendo DS with a DeSmuME or melonDS (0.9.1)[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=199] core. You will need to have DS BIOS or DSi BIOS to play DS/DSi games in Delta using the melonDS core. It also allows you to boot into DS/DSi home screen and functions similarly to melonDS.

;[[mGBA#medusa|mGBA/medusa]]
:[[mGBA]] developer endrift is also creating a DS emulator, but it is very much a [https://mgba.io/timeline.html#IN+THE+FUTURE work-in-progress] and isn't nearly as far as melonDS in terms of the capabilities it's covered. As of March 2018, medusa's development is "suspended until further notice".<ref name="medusa suspended">https://mgba.io/2018/03/09/holy-grail-bugs-revisited/#postscript-a-several-month-late-explanation</ref>

;iDeaS
:An abandoned and experimental DS emulator that uses a plug-in system, it is very slow and buggy but has partially gotten some features working, like the camera and slide accessories.
;[[Ensata]]: Nintendo's official DS emulator that was leaked to the public. It is not very usable or compatible, but it can run a few games.

'''Comparisons of several Nintendo DS emulators:'''
* [https://emucross.com/the-next-generation-of-ds-emulators/ Looking Toward the Next Generation of DS Emulators] (By [[Dolphin]] tester, [https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/authors/JMC47/ JMC47], AKA Justin M. Chadwick. 5 June 2017. Tested emulators: melonDS (0.2 and 0.3), medusa (Alpha 2) & GBE+ (1.1) compared to the mature DeSmuME.)

===High resolution===
;[[melonDS]]
:Has an OpenGL renderer with upscaling as of version 0.8.<ref name="melondsopengl">http://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=90</ref> The renderer is much faster than DeSmuME's and supports increasing the internal resolution up to 16x native resolution. More features, such as texture filtering, are planned.

;DeSmuME X432R
:A fork of DeSmuME that has graphical enhancements, such as an option to increase internal resolution and use MSAA. The devs of DeSmuME have now included an option for increased internal resolution (see below), making X432R outdated. See the [[DeSmuME]] page for more details.

;[[DeSmuME]] ([[libretro]])
:Also has the option to increase internal resolution since the [https://github.com/libretro/desmume/commit/5e430dfbc22f9d54c77f291304a38352ee1e5a63 8/8/15 git commit]. It requires a very high-end CPU to run at a reasonable framerate.
;DraStic:Has released a beta version supporting double the original resolution.
;Virtual Console (Wii U):Has a configuration file with support for x2 internal resolution without any significant performance hit (as well as a brightness setting). However, there is no legit way to enable it without a homebrew-enabled console.

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! melonDS
! melonDS DS
! DESmuME
! Bizhawk
! No$GBA
! GBE+
! SkyEmu
! mGBA/medusa
|-
| rowspan=5 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Nintendo_DS|Widescreen hack]] Widescreen is possible thanks to specific codes made by the community for a lot of DS games.
| {{✓}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/395 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Texture_Replacement_.283D.29|Texture packs]]
| {{✗}}([https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=182 WIP])
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Pre-rendering AA (MSAA, SSAA)
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}} (MSAA)
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Super-resolution techniques ([https://github.com/NVIDIA/DLSS/blob/main/doc/DLSS_Programming_Guide_Release.pdf DLSS], [https://github.com/intel/xess/?tab=readme-ov-file XeSS] and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 2+]])
| colspan=7 | Requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors, so it is quite challenging and unlikely to be possible soon. Besides any GPU that can use DLSS can run these emulators at 4K native with ease anyway.
|-
| rowspan=3 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
| {{~}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?pid=2574#2574 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal Framerate Hack]]
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies] ([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-G], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation ExtraSS] and [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on-amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF])
| colspan=7 | Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be possible soon however post-processing techniques such as [[Wikipedia:Motion_interpolation|motion interpolation]] is quite possible. [[Input_lag|Input latency]] will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique used, it is recommended to use '''after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack"'''. While '''AFMF''' or '''LSFG''' could be used with melonDS or De
SmuME?, please be aware some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.
|-
| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]] (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
| {{~}}<ref group=N3>Only possible with software renderer.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}<abbr title="Supports MSAA but there is no post-rendering AA technique supported.">*</abbr>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]] (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA>Only possible with libretro core. [https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/1146 GitHub Issue page for adding RetroAchievements to the melonDS standalone version]. But DSi RetroAchievement are [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#nintendo not supported].</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
| [https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/pull/1671 WIP]
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|-
| Rewind
| {{✗}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?pid=5060 *]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| Savestates
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3>Save states not available for Nintendo DSi(Ware) titles in MelonDS DS.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/463 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | Controls
| [[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse Injector Compatible]]
| {{~}}
| {{~}}[https://github.com/makidoll/melonPrimeDS?tab=readme-ov-file#melonprimeds *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=8 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|
|
|
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
|
|
|
|
|-
| Command Line Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=6 | Misc
| [[Netplay#Other|Netplay]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA></ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=7 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| RetroAchievements [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=18 DS], [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=78 DSi]
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=noDSiRA>Nintendo DS RetroAchievements is exclusive in libretro cores and the unofficial melonDS Android port. DSi games aren't supported in these emulators/cores for RetroAchievements.</ref>
| {{✓}}<ref group=N3 name=DSiRA>DSi RetroAchievements is supported in [https://twitter.com/RetroCheevos/status/1647525064667955201?cxt=HHwWgoCw4afUl90tAAAA BizHawk's MelonDS core] and the MelonDS DS libretro core.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=lrRA/>
| {{✓}}<ref group=N3 name=noDSiRA />
| {{✗}}
|
|
|
|-
| Free Look Free Look is an enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| [https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/9lwy0r/desmume_begins_to_implement_a_freelook_feature/ WIP]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/249 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
| colspan=2 | Name
! DeSmuME
! melonDS
! melonDS DS
! No$GBA
! GBE+
! SkyEmu
! mGBA/medusa
!Bizhawk
!TWL-FIRM
|-
| rowspan=5 | [[#Connectivity|Connectivity]]
| [[#GBA/DS connectivity|GBA/DS connectivity]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[#Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
| {{~}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[#Local wireless communication|Local wireless communication]]
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[#DS Download Play|DS Download Play]]
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[#DS/Wii connectivity|DS/Wii connectivity]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/issues/1000 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=4 | Controllers
| Guitar Hero pad
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}<ref group=N2 name=Slot2MelonDS>If this [https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/pull/719 Pull request] gets merged ([https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS/pull/2101 Rumble pak PR merged]), we could see Slot 2 peripherals supported on MelonDS.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| Piano for Easy Piano
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}<ref group=N2 name=Slot2MelonDS />
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| Taito paddle controller
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}<ref group=N2 name=Slot2MelonDS />
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| Nintendo Wireless Keyboard
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| rowspan=6 | Inputs
| Rumble pack
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}<ref group=N2 name=Slot2MelonDS />
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| [[List_of_games_that_support_tracked_motion_controllers#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Tilt sensor]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}<ref group=N2 name=Slot2MelonDS />
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| [[List_of_games_that_support_touchscreen#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Touchscreen]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[List_of_games_that_support_Pressure-Sensitive_Face_Buttons#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Pressure-sensitivity for touchscreen]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| Slide controller
| {{✗}}<ref group=N2 name=SlideControllerDeSmuME> There is an open [https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/pull/737 pull request] that implements support for this add-on.</ref>
| {{✗}}<ref group=N2 name=Slot2MelonDS />
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| DS camera
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}<ref group=N2>melonDS supports outer and inner cameras in Physical Camera mode and as Image File.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N2>DS camera is supported but DSi camera is not yet supported in melonDS DS.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N2 name="nocash-whitenoise">no$gba supports whitenoise for the camera and microphone.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | Bayer DIDGIT
| Communication
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| Emulation
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | [https://dmitry.gr/?r=05.Projects&proj=28.%20pokewalker PokéWalker]
| [[List_of_games_that_support_IR#Nintendo_DS_Emulation|Communication]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| Emulation[https://github.com/UnrealPowerz/powar *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/UnrealPowerz/powar/issues/2 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| colspan=2 |DS Menu
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| colspan=2 |[[#Backwards_compatibility_for_Game_Boy_Advance.2FGBA_Mode|Backwards compatibility for Game Boy Advance/GBA Mode]]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}[https://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?id=1229 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| colspan=2 | iQue DS region lock
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| colspan=2 | Thrustmaster Ubisoft pedometer
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art26.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| colspan=2 | Inrou-Kun pedometer
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art26.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| colspan=2 | Sega Card Reader
| {{✓}}<ref group=N2 name=CardReaderDeSmuME>Supported in the latest nightly builds, on Windows only.</ref>
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art21.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
| colspan=2 | Magic Reader
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{?}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{✓}}[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art23.html *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|
|
|-
|colspan=2 | [[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [http://www.https://ghtyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref group=N2 name=Tilt>[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist] [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/925329-nintendo-ds/71009293 DS example]</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
! colspan=10 | DSi exclusive features
|-
| colspan=2 | DSi Menu
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | DSi Inputs
| Solar Sensor
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref name=manual group=N2>Only manual configuration. No automatic detection.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref name=manual group=N2 />
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref name=manual group=N2 />
| {{✗}}
|-
| Microphone
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}<ref group=N2 name=DSmic>melonDS and melonDS DS support microphone in external microphone, blow, noise, and (for melonDS) WAV file.</ref>
| {{✓}}<ref group=N2 name=DSmic/>
| {{~}}<ref group=N2 name="nocash-whitenoise"></ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| rowspan=3 | [[#DSi Game formats|DSi Game formats]]
| DSi (enhanced)
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| DSi (exclusive)
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| DSi (digital) & DSiWare
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| colspan=2 | DSi SD Card
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N2/>
===Connectivity===
The DS offers five types of connections:
* '''Local wireless communications''' - ''(Multiple cartridges)''
* '''DS Download Play''' - ''(Single cartridge)''
* '''Wi-Fi Connection''' - ''(Online multiplayer)''
* '''DS/Wii connectivity'''
* '''GBA/DS connectivity'''

The major challenge with emulating multiplayer functionalities is timing inaccuracies, which have made many projects, such as DeSmuME, not want to implement them. So far, the only emulator to actually make any progress is melonDS, but even that is still under development.

====Local wireless communication====
Players who have a copy of the same game can link together using the DS's wireless signals (given that the game offers this feature).

melonDS supports wireless communication with several games, including ''New Super Mario Bros.'' and the ''Pokémon'' games, but you need to have either multiple instances opened, which can slow down overall performance, or connect multiple computers via LAN. No$GBA can connect but fails before the actual connection is finished.

See [[Netplay#LAN tunneling programs]].

====DS Download Play====
This feature allows players with a DS and only one copy of a game to play together. This way, not everyone needs a copy of a game. The player with the physical cartridge will host the game while the other players connect using a "downloaded" version received from the host. Normally they're either simple mini-games, stripped-down demos of the main game, or a limited version of multiplayer. In most cases, it is better to use multi-cart instead. However, some games, like ''Mario Party DS'', require Download Play to use its multiplayer.

Download Play is supported by melonDS. Like with local multiplayer, it is very hit-and-miss, but unlocking the framerate helps. melonDS will often fail during the download process, but some games actually go as far as booting and sometimes in-game as well.

====Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection====
{{Main|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection}}

====DS/Wii connectivity====
Uses wireless communication on the DS to connect to the Wii. The idea is parallel to the GBA Link Cable for the GameCube, and just like the Link Cable, [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Wii-to-DS_connectivity only a handful of games actually have this feature]. Some notable examples include:

* ''Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time'' - which is essentially the same as the DS port but can connect with other DSes with the game.
* ''Pokémon Battle Revolution'' - in which players could transfer their Pokémon from the Generation IV main series games and use the DS as a controller.
* ''Animal Crossing: City Folk'' - in which data could be transferred between the DS version (''Animal Crossing: Wild World''), and the ''Nintendo Channel'' on the Wii, where players could download demos of DS games to their console using Download Play (basically the same idea as the Download Station kiosk).

So far, no emulator has been able to emulate this feature, nor have attempted to. If this were ever going to be emulated, it would require work on both ends.

====GBA/DS connectivity====
Inserting a GBA cartridge in the Slot-2 of the Nintendo DS while a game is running can unlock various gameplay features for [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Nintendo_DS_games_with_GBA_connectivity several DS games].

It is unknown if No$GBA supports this, but it can be done in DeSmuME by going to Config > Slot 2 (GBA Slot) and selecting GBA Cartridge. Select the GBA ROM file, and make sure its <code>.sav</code> file is in the same folder. You may need to reset the game for it to take effect.
As of version 0.9, [https://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=110 melonDS supports GBA connectivity] ([https://github.com/JesseTG/melonds-ds?tab=readme-ov-file#game-boy-advance-connectivity melonDS DS libretro core support guide]) and even added support for the solar sensor on GBA Boktai cartridges used in Boktai DS (Lunar Knight), something DeSmuME has yet to support. Either drag and drop the GBA ROM onto the program before starting or open the file before loading the NDS file.

===Backwards compatibility for Game Boy Advance/GBA Mode===
The Nintendo DS is backward compatible with Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridges. Shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators|Game Boy Advance emulation]] or [[#Connectivity|GBA/DS connectivity]]. None of the emulators supports this feature currently.

===Accessories===
:''[[Wikipedia:List_of_Nintendo_DS_accessories|Wikipedia - List of Nintendo DS accessories]]''
;Guitar Hero pad: Used in the "Guitar Hero: On Tour" series (required) and Band Hero DS. Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Piano for Easy Piano: Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Taito paddle controller: Compatible with Arkanoid, Space Invaders Extreme, Space Invaders Extreme 2, and Space Bust-a-Move. Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Tilt sensor: Used in "Tony Hawk's Motion/Hue's Pixel Painter." No emulators support this add-on yet. (Slot 2)
;Pressure-sensitive touchscreen: Used in "Harvest Moon DS," "Colors!", "Metroid Prime: Hunters," "Okamiden" and "Rhythm Heaven." No emulators support this feature yet (can work with analog triggers or DualShock 2/3 pressure-sensitive face buttons).
;Rumble pack: Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2). Requires compatible Joystick.
;Slide controller: Required by "Slide Adventure Mag Kid." No emulators support this add-on at the moment. There is an [https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume/pull/737 open PR] for DeSmuME that implements this add-on.
;Nintendo Wireless Keyboard: Bundled with "Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure" (JP/EU/AU). The game refuses to boot without a keyboard, but it can be run on emulators with an anti-piracy fix and another DeSmuME-specific save bug fix. There is also [http://pokemonlog.com/pokemon-fuligin-download-rom/ a pre-patched ROM.] While it is playable using the on-screen keyboard on the lower screen, the keyboard isn't emulated. There is [https://github.com/AnimeCommander/Learn.With.Pokemon-Typing-Adventure.lua/blob/master/Pok%C3%A9mon%20Typing%20DS%20Keyboard%20Script.lua a Lua script] that permits using the actual keyboard by mapping presses of the actual keyboard to taps of the virtual Touch Screen. However, you will need to blank out all the control/hotkey bindings of DeSmuME if you're going to play this game, because some of the keyboard keys also activate some controls; otherwise, pressing the Q key would also pause the game, given one example. A recommendation would be to have a separate copy of 32-bit DeSMuMe, which purpose is playing *only* this game. In that copy, place the patched ROM, the Lua script, and a 32-bit version of [https://sourceforge.net/projects/luabinaries/files/5.1.5/Windows%20Libraries/Dynamic/ lua51.dll.] (The platform used in building the <code>.dll</code> shouldn't matter.) Even then, not only is the emulated workaround a little slow, but saving is still broken. Use savestates instead.
;DS camera: Accessory bundled with the Japan-only Face Training (European localization for Christmas 2007 was canceled, and it was released as a retail DSi game in 2010 using the internal camera rather than the original accessory). Not to be confused with the built-in DSi camera. No emulators exist for it at all.
;Bayer DIDGIT: A glucose meter for diabetic children with a game called ''Knock 'Em Downs: World's Fair'' that rewards them for checking their blood sugar levels regularly. The game has been dumped, but no support for the glucose meter peripheral exists as of the time of this writing; it may, however, be possible to add reward points through Action Replay codes, not to mention that the game will still function without the glucose meter attachment anyway (albeit with reduced functionality, of course).

===iQue DS region lock===
iQue is Nintendo's Chinese subsidiary (previously a partnership between them and Wei Yen until 2013), so when they released the DS with a few localized games, their ROMs had special flags set in them to check if the hardware that ran the cartridge was iQue's or Nintendo's as a sort of region lock. Nintendo's own hardware would fail this check, throwing an "Only for iQue DS" error in white text on a black background. No other DS games have this mechanism, not even for Korean releases. This region lock is bypassed by the 3DS for these DS games, even though 3DS games have their own region lock. It is weird.

Emulators differ in their behavior to this region lock. No$GBA crashes, while DeSmuME can load them. However, for melonDS, you need a [[Emulator Files|Firmware Dump]] from an iQue DS; otherwise, it will replicate the region lock.

The only way the ROM will accept other hardware (and thus emulators) is with a hack involving a simple byte change. Use a hex editor to change the byte located at <code>0x1D</code> from value <code>80</code> to <code>00</code>.

===Other issues===
Certain games, such as American Girl titles (e.g., ''Julie Finds a Way'' and ''Kit Mystery Challenge''), suffer from severe flickering issues which keep those games from being playable on most emulators. [[DraStic]] was the first emulator able to run the two games properly, and while DeSmuME r5043 had an initial fix that worked around the glitch, it was removed in later revisions as it broke compatibility with ''Pokémon SoulSilver'', among others; this has since been patched on r5531 once the true nature of the [https://sourceforge.net/p/desmume/bugs/1134/ bug] was better understood. The fix would be later incorporated into other emulators. ''Ultimate Mortal Kombat'' suffers from flickering and slowdown due to the way it loads sprites, though it isn't as serious in DraStic. ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Jedi Alliance'' is an even more egregious example, crashing due to timing differences between actual hardware and an emulated system.

=Nintendo DSi=
{{Infobox console
| title = Nintendo DSi
| image = DSiBlack.png
| caption = A black Nintendo DSi console
| manufacturer = Nintendo
| family = Nintendo DS
| type = Handheld game console
| generation = Seventh
| released = '''Nintendo DSi''': 
JP: November 1, 2008 
AU: April 2, 2009 
EU: April 3, 2009 
NA: April 5, 2009 
'''Nintendo DSi XL''': 
JP: November 21, 2009 
EU: March 5, 2010 
NA: March 28, 2010 
AU: April 15, 2010 
| discontinued = Yes; date undisclosed
| unitsshipped = 41 million (as of September 30, 2014)
| media =
Physical and digital 
Nintendo DS Game Card 
Nintendo DSi Game Card 
Nintendo DSi Shop (digital distribution) 
Secure Digital card (SD card) 
Secure Digital High Capacity card (SDHC card)
| os = Nintendo DSi system software
| memory = 16 MB RAM
| cpu = 133 MHz ARM9 66 MHz ARM7
| storage = 256 MB internal flash memory SD/SDHC card (up to 32 GB) Cartridge save
| connectivity = Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
| onlineservice = Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Nintendo DSi Shop Nintendo Zone
| predecessor = Game Boy Advance
| successor = Nintendo 3DS
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

Released on April 5, 2009, the '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo DSi|Nintendo DSi]]''' added new lighting effects, an inner and outer 0.3 megapixel digital cameras, 16MB of RAM (compared to the previous 4MB of RAM), a faster ARM9 CPU clocked at 133 MHz, and offered downloadable titles called "DSiWare". It costs {{Inflation|USD|169.99|2009}} at launch and later dropped to {{Inflation|USD|149.99|2010}}. The system, however, was region-locked, meaning DSi exclusives from different regions couldn't be used. It also did away with backwards-compatibility by removing Slot-2, which was used to load GBA cartridges and certain accessories (such as the Rumble Pak).

DSi emulation has been pretty neglected due to its small library of exclusive games and lack of DSi-enhanced titles that provide anything major besides camera support. The only thing really notable is DSiWare, which saw several exclusive releases.

No$GBA added support for DSi games of all three formats starting with version 2.8, although some games won't boot and others have graphical glitches. You will need to enable "16MB DSi/retail" under the settings to use it. Compatibility is very iffy due to No$GBA's already poor DS emulation, and the camera is just spoofed as a static image and will cause the emulator to crash whenever used, meaning games that use it may boot, but won't be very playable.

DSi used an encryption system for the game dumps that went on to be enhanced and used for the 3DS. This encryption is checked at start-up, hence why some Nintendo DS emulators don't even manage to boot DSiWare dumps. It's very unlikely DSi-mode emulation is ever going to be implemented in DeSmuME in particular due to various creative differences unique to that project.

As of version 0.9, melonDS has DSi emulation. It can connect to the internet and can play games with WFC online using libslirp or libpcap. It could become the most usable option for DSi emulation soon. Most of it is being done using the documentation that the No$GBA dev has already compiled on the subject<ref>http://melonds.kuribo64.net/board/thread.php?id=13</ref> ([https://problemkaputt.de/gbatek.htm GBATEK]).

==DSi Game formats==
There are three types of games that uses the DSi hardware enhancements:

;DSi-enhanced retail cartridges: A regular game cartridge that is compatible with the older NDS models, but unlocks more RAM and features when used on the DSi (commonly it is just camera support, but may provide better performance with the extra RAM). Only a [http://www.rfgeneration.com/blogs/pdrydia/DSi-enhanced-titles-an-incomplete-list-1969.php couple of games] had this feature and is similar to how some late Game Boy Color games (mainly the ones made by Capcom or WayForward in the early 2000s) would offer additional feature if played on the Game Boy Advance. These games will still boot on any NDS emulators, but will be detected as if it was on the original DS and will not load any DSi enhancements. DSi-enhanced games will also have an animated icon when displayed in the boot menu of the DSi, and the titleID on the cartridge will say '''TWL''' instead of '''NTR'''.
;DSi-exclusive retail cartridges: Retail cartridges that rely on the DSi hardware features. An error screen will show when attempting to load one of these games on a regular DS console (and by extension, emulators also). These cartridges where white instead of gray and only [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DSi#Software_library five games] were physically released this way, either as launch titles or because they were too big to be sold as DSiWare (see below).
;DSiWare: Downloadable titles only available through the DSi Shop (discontinued as of March 31, 2017). They have a 16MB size limitation due to the small size of the internal NAND and a lot of interesting exclusives for the system were released as DSiWare. The Nintendo 3DS eShop also had some DSiWare for purchase (which used to be the only ''legal'' way of getting them), though it uses a different file packaging format than the DSi. The 3DS itself is also capable of running other DSiWare since the firmware used for backwards-compatibility is the same as the DSi.

All three formats can be converted to <code>.nds</code> format. Compared to regular DS games, DSi games have some additional header information not even correctly dumped in most early sets. Recent sets have since updated to the correct format. DSiWare dumps can exist in both <code>.nds</code> format and <code>.cia</code> format (for installation on a homebrewed 3DS).

Even though it's possible to convert these titles to <code>.nds</code>, when attempting to run these games on a normal emulator, it will either show an error message (when attempting to run a DSi-exclusive title), or will crash on boot-up (when attempting to run DSiWare) due to missing encryption abilities and lack of DSi hardware support. DSi-enhanced games will run as if it was on a regular DS model.

On the DSi/3DS family of handhelds, the first two formats can be played on some select DSi-compatible flashcarts like the discontinued and expensive CycloDS iEvolution flashcard (which won't work on a stock 3DS unless you install custom firmware to whitelist it). As for the third type, some are only available for digital purchase at the 3DS eShop and are installed as apps to the limited TWL NAND. Users with custom firmware can also convert DSiWare to an installable <code>.cia</code> and even dump already installed ones back to <code>.nds</code>. Since both the DSi Shop and 3DS eShop have closed, the only way of getting DSiWare on the original system is by [[Modding Consoles/Flashcarts#Nintendo_DSi|homebrewing]] your DSi and launching the <code>.nds</code> ROM through Unlaunch or [[TWiLight Menu++]].

==DSi Emulation Tutorial==
===BIOS Files===
DSi emulation requires a copy of the lower 32K-halves of the ARM7/ARM9 BIOS files (<code>BIOSDSI7.ROM</code> and <code>BIOSDSI9.ROM</code>), which are different from the regular DS BIOS files and needed for the decryption. melonDS also requires these files along with the regular DS BIOS and the DSi's firmware.bin. These unicorns can be found [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|here]].

It is also advised (but still completely '''optional''') to use a NAND dump for No$GBA to increase compatibility; however, a NAND dump is required to use melonDS.

===No$GBA===
For now, NO$GBA is the most mature DS emulation project that supports the Nintendo DSi. Using the latest debugger version of NO$GBA is recommended.
;Game Loading Methods
:;Simple .nds Loading
:Requirements: These [https://archive.org/details/DSiFirmwareFiles files] with the NO$GBA version overwritten with the latest version.

:DSiWare ROMs preserved online in romsets currently use the nds format, similar to regular Nintendo DS ROMs. If you change Emulation Settings > NDS Mode/Colors > DSi (retail/16MB), you can drag and drop all three types of DSi content on the emulator (or open the ROM), and it will run in DSi Mode.

:However, it is recommended for retail cartridges to be loaded that way with the option "Emulation Settings > Reset/Startup Entry Point" set to "GBA/NDS BIOS." This loading method isn't recommended for DSiWare games because of some bugs introduced and the lack of ability to save altogether. However, if you insist, do set that option "Reset/Startup Entry Point" to "Start Cartridge Directly" at your own risk for any unpleasant aspects of the experience.

:;NAND Loading
:Requirements are the same as [https://archive.org/details/DSiFirmwareFiles above]. If you have a real DSi unit, you can dump its NAND and use it instead of the included DSi-1.mmc file, so that you play that different game selection.

:This option is more authentic to how real hardware works. It has much fewer bugs and a higher compatibility than the Simple nds loading method. DSiWare games were limited to a 128MB internal NAND memory or 40 games in the DSi Home Menu, whichever limitation comes first. The file "DSi-1.mmc" represents the NAND and hosts installed games (that will appear in the DSi Home Menu) and properly working game saves. While the DSi supported SD cards, it didn't allow for game software to be booted from there.

:Make sure to use "Emulation Settings > Reset/Startup Entry Point" at all times. The DSiWare titles that can be booted through this method will appear in the DSi Home Menu as separate slots than the "inserted game cartridge" icon.

:Using Unlauncher, a homebrew exploit, games can be added to the NAND. However, this is an advanced technique, and generally heavily discouraged. Users of this software on real hardware were compelled to use custom firmwares that allowed for using game software from the SD card (normally impossible). This means that to take advantage of this method as an emulation user, you will be stuck with the pre-installed games on the commonly shared BIOS files online.

:;SD Card Loading
:The most recommended method, as per [http://hg101.proboards.com/thread/14716/emulate-dsi-dsiware these] [https://www.ngemu.com/threads/no-gba-3-0-dsiware-compatibility-list-using-the-nand.206911/ tutorials]. This method loads the game from the SD card instead of the NAND, and allows for an easier time adding new games to the emulator.

:Requirements include these files to be placed in the same directory as NO$GBA. Not compatible with the previous methods, and so to be used in a folder with a fresh setup.

:* [https://mega.nz/#!aJAyUQIb!OIOOrA_PMeTizDxnmf-5y5fekLxxZkRZfWGKEvV_Tx0 BIOS Files]: Required for DSi emulation.
:* [https://mega.nz/#!qBY0DAJa!18nfxczgF-JxqyFxSogfej7G23vYSjJnQCIh_tdXUq0 Modified NAND]: Includes Unlauncher (Hold A to boot it, but not needed) and [[TWiLight Menu++]]
:* [https://mega.nz/#!vERGXCwY!GSmvL2PODesi0Vmu-atKPXxxz1UyucHZyH9bXghM0a0 2GB SD Card]: Filename is DSi-1.SD
:* A tool to mount a virtual SD drive, such as [https://www.osforensics.com/tools/mount-disk-images.html OSFMount]. To be used (Open DSi-1.SD > "Mount") with the 2GB SD Card to add new .nds files to it. Remember to disable "Read-Only" and to Dismount before using the emulator again.

:Some issues are still present with this method. Refer to the next section for tips on how to deal with some of them.

===melonDS===
The latest dev builds of melonDS can also boot the DSi Menu and load most DSiWare.
To boot up the DSi Menu, you need specific files which can all be found [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|here]].
==Known Issues==
===No$GBA===
Aside from general emulation problems inherited from the older DS emulation project, there are the following issues:

* ''Microphone doesn't work.'' (DSiWare + any method) No known fix.
* ''Camera doesn't work.'' (DSiWare + any method) Unimplemented. No known fix.
* ''Wi-Fi doesn't work.'' Unimplemented.
* ''Touch Screen issues related to Screen Calibration'' (DSiWare + [[TWiLight Menu++]] or simple nds loading) The fix is to load the original DSi Home Menu first (holding B when resetting the emulator or loading it), then reset to TWiLight Menu++ (not holding any buttons) before loading the desired game.
* ''Can't Save'' (DSiWare + simple nds loading) This method is hardware inaccurate to begin with. For best results, switch to [[TWiLight Menu++]] or Original NAND methods.
===melonDS===
melonDS has poor DSP support. DSiWare has to be launched from the NAND as it can't boot them as .nds.

=References=
<references />

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:ARM-based consoles]]
[[Category:Backward-compatible consoles]]
[[Category:Discontinued handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:MAME Driver Status: Preliminary]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Nintnedo DS]]
[[Category:Seventh-generation consoles]]

Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators

2024-12-22T14:25:25Z

MysticChromium: Add current version number for SameBoy ARM

{{Infobox console
|title = Game Boy (Color)
|logo = Game_Boy.png
|image = Game-boy-color.png
|imagecaption = '''Top:''' Original Game Boy '''Bottom:''' Game Boy Color
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]]
|release=1989 (Game Boy) 1998 (Game Boy Color)
|discontinued = 2003
|predecessor = [[Game & Watch]]
|successor= [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}
{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy (Color)|Emulators on GB/GBC}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy|Game Boy]]''' (GB) and '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy Color|Game Boy Color]]''' (GBC) are 8-bit, fourth-generation handheld consoles released by Nintendo on July 31, 1989 and November 18, 1998 respectively and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|89.95|1998}}. The Game Boy has a Sharp LR35902 core CPU at 4.19 MHz. It had a monochrome display that could only show four shades of grey, albeit with a olive green tinge on the original. The Game Boy Color uses the same LR35902 core as the original; while it is clocked at 8.38 MHz, it can be underclocked to 4.19 MHz for backwards-compatibility purposes. It was named such from its color screen, but it also had a larger memory size and a faster CPU. The hardware similarities allow cross-compatibility between the two platforms and they are often treated as one. They would both be succeeded by the backward-compatible [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]].

Nintendo re-released the console as the '''Game Boy Pocket''' in 1996, with a more compact body and a better screen. A front light was added to a special edition of the Pocket in Japan called the '''Game Boy Light''', a feature that wouldn't be seen outside of Japan until the Game Boy Advance SP.

Nintendo released a peripheral for the [[Super Nintendo emulators|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] called [[wikipedia:Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]] in June 1994, which was modeled like a cartridge but included its own cartridge slot for Game Boy/Color games, as well as the hardware needed to translate the games. Many Game Boy/Color emulators offer at least some of the special features it included, such as added borders, colorization, custom button mappings, and other features. It was possible to link, but without the external port, as well as errors in the CPU, it would not be feasible to the end user. These issues would later be corrected in the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.

==Emulators==
Because of how relatively easy popular 8-bit consoles are to emulate, tons of Game Boy emulators exist. For a list of open-source projects, see [https://github.com/search?o=desc&q=gameboy+emulator&s=updated&type=Repositories&utf8=%E2%9C%93 this GitHub query]. For a list of accuracy tests, see [https://daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout/ daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout].

===x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[Super Game Boy]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
| [[SameBoy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://sameboy.github.io/downloads {{SameBoyVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bgb.bircd.org/#downloads {{BGBVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [http://emulicious.net Emulicious]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://emulicious.net/downloads {{EmuliciousVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BizHawk]] (BSNES)(Gambatte_Speedrun)(SameBoy)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [http://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gambatte]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://sourceforge.net/projects/gambatte/files/gambatte {{GambatteVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=active>[https://github.com/libretro/gambatte-libretro/tree/master Libretro core] is still active.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Mesen|Mesen]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[GBE+]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[MAME]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref>[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gearboy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc git]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy {{GameRoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[ares]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift's comment about libretro core]</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [http://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases {{VBAMVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://chillygb.arci.me/ ChillyGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
| [https://github.com/AuroraViola/ChillyGB {{ChillyGBVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [http://hhug.me/ hhugboy]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/tzlion/hhugboy/releases {{hhugboyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/143#issue-1456816849 {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://binji.github.io/binjgb/ binjgb]
| align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
| [https://github.com/binji/binjgb/releases {{binjgbVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Ironboy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/chiplis/ironboy/ git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|PyBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Baekalfen/PyBoy/releases {{PyBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|LGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|KevBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/xkevio/kevboy/releases {{KevBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|jgb
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgb git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|DoubleCherryGB
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/TimOelrichs/doublecherryGB-libretro git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [http://byuu.org/emulation/higan {{higanVer}}] [https://github.com/libretro/higan libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm/ BDM]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
| [https://mattcurrie.com/bdm-demo/ Demo]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB VGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://fms.komkon.org/VGB {{VGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Gamebert
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/robert/gamebert git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Pantheon]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bostjan-grandovec.si/Content/News.htm {{PantheonVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|UGE
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/SuperDisk/hUGETracker/releases {{UGEVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|PDEQ}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[KiGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|DOS}}
| [http://kigb.emuunlim.com/downloads.htm {{KiGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[TGB Dual]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}<ref group=N name=two>On Linux as an SDL port (and the [[libretro]] core is based on this version).</ref>
| [https://github.com/libertyernie/tgbdual_L/releases {{TGBDualVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GiiBiiAdvance
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance/releases git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|MetroBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy/releases {{MetroBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|hdmg
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://git.sr.ht/~sircmpwn/hdmg git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[rew.]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Windows9x}}
|[https://wikiwiki.jp/emulator/rew. rew12stx]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|}
</div>

===ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[SameBoy]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy SameBoy_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sameboy/id6496971295 1.0] (iOS App Store) [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.philj56.gbcc beta41] [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/actions/workflows/build-apk.yml <abbr title="Latest development version">git Artifacts</abbr>]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{~}}[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/commits/master *] ||{{✓}} [https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/_5D9uMlRlL-DJ_anXEyJHtI3IriwCFVPgg2zgwhkaG-uYwkjYeTqmiuUZwpomTYKsuo=w1024-h768-rw Printer] [https://youtu.be/ESYolQ761Dw?si=2c-yAHAAcWQSei1a Kirby Camera]
|-
|[[Game Play Color]]
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://github.com/gameplaycolor/gameplaycolor/releases {{GamePlayColorVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://www.explusalpha.com/home/gbc-emu GBC.emu]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbcEmu {{.emuVer}}][https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha git][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/76 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android 0.3]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1] [https://github.com/CocoaBob/GBA4iOS git] (new fork)
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy 0.2.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://eightbitwonders.gitlab.io/app 8-Bit Wonders]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://f-droid.org/packages/de.rainerhock.eightbitwonders 0.8] (F-Droid)0.8 (Play)0.8 (Amazon)[https://gitlab.com/eightbitwonders/app git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||roadmap
|-
|MeBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
| [http://www.arktos.se/meboy/download.php 1.6][https://github.com/chijure/meboy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://my-oldboy-free-gbc-emulator.en.uptodown.com/android My OldBoy!]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gbc 2.0.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBC
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.johnemulators.johngbc 3.93]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko)
| align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
| N/A
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|Super Game Boy
| align=left|{{Icon|SNES}}
| N/A
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-a-gameboy-emulator-for-ds.343407 GameYob DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
| [https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-3ds-gb-c-emu.372523/ GameYob 3DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| [https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/GameYob_3DS 1.0.8][https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA-M|<abbr title="Modified port of VBA-M. With it you can play GBA/Game Boy Color/Game Boy games on your Wii/GameCube.">VBA GX</abbr>]]
| align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
| [https://github.com/dborth/vbagx#nightly-builds nightly-builds]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|3DS|NX}} {{Icon|Vita|DC}} {{Icon|PSX}} {{Icon|PS2}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|NGC}} {{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|Vita|3DS}}
| [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RIN
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
| [https://github.com/mbarczak/psp_rin git] [https://archive.org/details/rin-rx.-7z RX] [https://archive.org/details/rin_v1.32n1.2.7z 1.32n1.2]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| 8.10
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PSV|3DS}}
| [https://endrift.com/mgba/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/releases git]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|GBEmu
| align=left|{{Icon|VB}}
| [https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/t/entry-game-boy-emulator/ 0.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RealBoy Vita
| align=left|{{Icon|PSV}}
| [https://vitadb.rinnegatamante.it/#/info/167 1.2][https://github.com/xerpi/realboy-vita/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|ShuBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|MD}}
| [http://jiggawatt.org/badc0de/shuboy.htm 1.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|aGBe
| align=left|{{Icon|PSX}}
| [https://sourceforge.net/projects/agbe/files/agbe SF]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Hu-Boy
| align=left|SuperGrafx TurboGrafx-CD TurboDuo
| [https://www.chrismcovell.com/huboy.html V 0.30621]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{X}}
|}
</div>

===Firmware===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|UEFI}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|}
</div>

<references group=N />

==Comparison==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
===Game Boy-only emulators===
;[[SameBoy]]:One of the most [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy emulator currently. The UI is simple and easy to use. It includes open source bootroms, although these can be replaced with real ones. Has debugging features and also emulates Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer.
;[[BGB]]:A closed-source emulator for Windows (and [[Wine]]) with solid Game Boy and Game Boy Color accuracy, as well as near flawless link support. It has a wealth of options for color palettes. Most used for its advanced debugger.
;[[Gambatte]]:Pretty [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] open-source Game Boy/Color emulator. It has a good range of options and features, though not quite as much as some other emulators. The main fork is not in active development, but the libretro core is still active.
;[http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy]:A Windows-only Game Boy/Color emulator based on GEST with a focus on bootleg and unlicensed games. It is capable of detecting and correctly emulating the mapper on a number of games that are otherwise broken on other emulators, but some ROMs require manually selecting the mapper on the Unlicensed Compatibility Mode menu. Besides the usual raw dumps, it also supports the footered [http://hhug.me/gbx GBX] ROM format, which correctly informs the emulator which mapper to run regardless of what the internal headers say.
;GameRoy:A Game Boy emulator, dissasembler and debugger written in Rust. It has high [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]] and accurate clock frequency. It is more suited for debugging uses for now.
;[[TGB Dual]]:An ancient emulator that supports link cable emulation. It also supports [[netplay]], but it requires a VPN. The libretro port supports local multiplayer using player 2's controls.
;[[KiGB]]:An old and obsolete emulator which boasted its accuracy but was proven to be full of game-specific hacks.<ref>https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/238</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Test_ROMs#Emulators_running_on_desktop_computers</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/KiGB</ref> It has a wide selection of features, but other emulators have caught up and are already doing much better.
;[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance GiiBiiAdvance]:Pioneered full GB Camera emulation, including webcam support. Aside from that, it's an unfinished emulator with the basics set up, but its promising future currently on hiatus. It has very [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] timing.
;[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy MetroBoy]:Extremely [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy simulator which being written in a subset of C++ that's designed to to be mechanically translated into Verilog HDL.
;Ironboy:A very recent and promising emulator written in Rust for WebAssembly which is focus only on the original Game Boy (DMG) to [https://github.com/Chiplis/IronBoy#ironboy achieve the highest degree of accuracy]. Unfortunately, it only supports monochrome Game Boy games.
;binjgb:A GB + GBC emulator for both desktop and WebAssembly, developed by Ben "binji" Smith since 2016. Most famously used by McDonald's in 2023 to publish ''Grimace's Birthday'' [https://grimacesbirthday.com/ as a browser game].
;[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko):
* GB support was added to Nintendo Switch Online in February 2023, alongside GBA games exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier;
* Users are limited to the selection of games Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Supports online and Local Play (up to 2 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* Supports tilt controls through gyroscope or normal controllers (e.g.: ''Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble'');
* Supports infrared emulation (e.g.: ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'');
* Palette styles can be applied (original GB, Pocket, and GBC);
* No Super Game Boy features supported (it always runs games in GBC mode);
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''List of recommended GB/GBC emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

===GB/C emulation on GBA emulators===
''This shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|actual backwards compatibility on GBA emulation]].''
;[[mGBA]]:Primarily emulates the [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]] but it also includes GB/C support much like the original system. It's a solid implementation, with most of the library working perfectly.
;[[GBE+]]:An emulator that has a large effort in preserving the functions of a multitude of [[#Game Boy Features|obscure accessories]] that other emulators don't focus on. It can also load custom tiles in games, including colorized tiles for original Game Boy titles.
;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VisualBoy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:Used to be the go-to for Game Boy Advance emulation and even included solid GB/C emulation. It's now behind [[mGBA]] on both fronts.

===[[Multi-system emulators]]===
;[[higan]]/[[ares]]:Because it started out as a [[Super Nintendo emulators|SNES emulator]] (its original name was bsnes), it was the first one that properly emulated all of the [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Super_Game_Boy|Super Game Boy]]'s features, such as SPC sound chip utilization, which requires the SNES and GameBoy to be emulated simultaneously so it's demanding.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/zwq9fu/ares_crossplatform_open_source_multisystem/j1ys10k/</ref>
;[[BizHawk]]:Uses a modified Gambatte core. It provides speedrunning tools.
;[[MAME]]:Has solid Game Boy emulation through its <code>gameboy</code> driver despite the sound being imperfect, as well as slightly worse Game Boy Color compatibility through its <code>gbcolor</code> driver (where both the graphics and sound are imperfect). Despite its setbacks, it aims to feature compatibility with obscure mappers that other emulators usually ignore, like Wisdom Tree games or MMM01 multicarts. Accuracy was improved upon with contributions by Judge_.

==Mappers==
Much like the NES, the Game Boy (and by extension, the Game Boy Color) used '''Memory Bank Controllers''' (MBC) (called MMCs on the NES) and also known informally as '''mappers''', to go beyond the restrictive initial hardware specifications. Nevertheless, Nintendo was much more careful to standardize their specifications to [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Category:Licensed_chips just a small number of possible mappers]. Moreover, Game Boy ROMs now included an official internal header mandated by Nintendo that included the correct MMC type. This meant that for the officially licensed games, these mappers proved to be rarely a problem... with some notable unimplemented exceptions: Net de Get's MBC6 that offered downloadable content off the internet, and the MMM01 footer used for some official multi-cart games, among others.

However, it doesn't get better when it comes to '''unlicensed games''', since they didn't necessarily respect Nintendo's specifications about how a given mapper type should handle its memory and behave in general, and internal headers were often filled with erroneous data to hinder dumping and emulation efforts. Some emulators like MESS/[[MAME]] and [http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy] try to emulate that behavior with various degrees of success ([http://hhug.me/dump/ Compatibility List]). The hhugboy project also proposed a similar solution to iNES for this mapper problem, as the [http://hhug.me/gbx/1.0 gbx ROM format] that appends a footer with extra information needed for some unlicensed games. However, this format, much less unlicensed hardware quirks, isn't widely adopted aside from tentative [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers mGBA support].

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=4 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| colspan=11 | For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more apparent.
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Game_Boy|Widescreen hack]] Possible with technique called [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideGB]] which uses a similar technique as [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideNES]].
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://kemenaran.winosx.com/posts/widegb-now-available-on-windows/ SameBoy WideGB fork] at the moment.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Game_Boy|Sprite Replacement]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [[GBE+]] emulator at the moment.
|-
| Remove sprite limit The Gameboy supports a maximum of 40 sprite objects. – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some of the flickering seen in games at times and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|
| {{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/412 *]
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Rewind
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Savestates
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Post-Processing
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=10 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan=10 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in Game Boy sound player
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|
|
|
|
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|-
| Command Line Options
|
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|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
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|-
| rowspan=1 | Controls
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | Misc
| [[Netplay#Game_Boy|<abbr title="Should not be confused with GB/GBC Online features or Link cable emulation, see #Hardware features and peripherals section for that.">Netplay</abbr>]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive>Input lag mitigation technique and [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#game-boy-game-boy-color RetroAchievements exclusive to libretro cores]. Also [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy/#features netplay enhancement] exclusive to SameBoy libretro core.</ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/issues/2450 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| RetroAchievements [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=4 Game Boy], [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=6 Game Boy Color]
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}[https://sameboy.github.io/features/#debugging *]
| {{✓}}[https://bgb.bircd.org/manual.html#debugkeys *]
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=5 | Inputs
| [[#Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)|Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro>Not available on Libretro core.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers>Motion Control does not support controller's gyro. Supports only remapping to mouse/keyboard/gamepad.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers />
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Accelerometer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#Rumble|Rumble]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Game Boy Camera|Game Boy Camera]]
| {{✗}}
| {{~}} <ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{~}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>Only on Android, uses real front/back Camera hardware permission required.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Boy]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Taisen Bardigun]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | <abbr title="There are four different kinds of connectivity, support varying by game.">Connectivity</abbr>
| [[#Multiplayer|<abbr title="The Nintendo Game Link Cable is an accessory for the Game Boy line of handheld video game systems, allowing players to connect Game Boys of all types for multiplayer gaming. Depending on the games, a Game Link Cable can be used to link two games of the same title, like Tetris, or two compatible games like Pokémon Red and Blue. Games can be linked for head-to-head competition, cooperative play, trading items, unlocking hidden features, etc.">Link Cable</abbr>]]<ref group=N>Super Game Boy for SNES supports only on the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2. gameyob for DS emulator supports it through NiFi. Virtual Console for Switch only supports for Pokemon only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[mGBA]] pretty buggy [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+Link but sometimes works].</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[SameBoy]]'s libretro core supports Link Cable, standalone does not.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>GBCC only supports a [https://gbcc.dev/ fake "link" with itself].</ref>
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#IR Transmitter|IR Transmitter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| <abbr title="Work in Progress">WIP</abbr>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Online features|Online features]]
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Multiplayer|4-Player Adapter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Special hardware
| [[#Game Boy Printer|Game Boy Printer]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Printer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|GB Pocket Sonar]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Singer Sewing Machine]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|WorkBoy]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/issues/125 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Pikachu_2_GS#Interactions_with_Generation_II Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS]
| Communication
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Emulation
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | Unlicensed Hardware
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP1Bkfj9kDY WORLD PORT]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Pro Action Replay
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref group=N name=Tilt>[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist]</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

===IR Transmitter===
The Game Boy Color had an infrared transmitter and receiver. Generation II Pokémon games made use of this feature through Mystery Gift. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe could send high scores to another cartridge. GBE+ had [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art4.html basic IR emulation] back in July 2016 but it then only worked with Pokémon games. Now, as of [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art11.html April 2018], it has full IR emulation for most IR-enabled games (Hudson Soft's HuC-1's IR capabilities need to be emulated for Japanese ''Pokémon TCG'').

*[[List of games that support IR#GameBoy Color Emulation]].

===Game Boy Camera===
The Game Boy Camera is an official Nintendo accessory for the Game Boy and was released in 1998. Users can take pictures and modify them with stickers and frames, as well as play several included minigames. In addition to the original model, there was a US-exclusive Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time edition that included different stamps.

The first emulator to have some capability of emulating the Game Boy Camera was a modified version of an old emulator called Hash. This version, named Hashcam, can still be found on the author's website. While there were some efforts to run the Game Boy Camera ROM in BGB unofficially, the author didn't show much interest in it. However, it is fully emulated with webcam support in a lesser-known emulator called GiiBiiAdvance.

As of version 0.7.0, or any dev builds post 0.6.0, mGBA can emulate this accessory by either using the PC's webcam or sending a BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or other image format to the game, as if it was coming from the camera itself.<ref name="mGBA_Cam">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mGBA_emu/status/890954205472501762|title=Game Boy Camera in mGBA dev builds|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2017-07-28}}</ref> The camera is also functional on the 3DS port. To enable the PC webcam, go to <code>Game Boy</code> under <code>settings</code> and switch the <code>camera driver</code> to <code>Qt Multimedia</code>, or by editing <code>qt.ini</code> and setting <code>cameraDriver=1</code> under <code>[General]</code>.

===Game Boy Printer===
Game Boy Printer is a thermal printer accessory released by Nintendo in 1998 used in conjunction with the Game Boy Camera and also used to prints images from compatible GB games such as ''Pokémon Gold and Silver'', ''Pokémon Crystal'', ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe'', ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX''.

[[VisualBoy Advance]] (including its forks), [[GBE+]] and [[mGBA]] have Game Boy Printer support that turn the signals into a bitmap form of the image.

===Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)===
Two Game Boy Color games featured a built-in tilt sensor: Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble and Command Master. These games cannot be played without support for this feature. [[VisualBoy Advance|VBA]] and [[KiGB]] have a "Motion Sensor" option to map four directional keys to emulate the cartridge tilting, but the controls aren't analog. [[BGB]] can emulate the tilting features with the use of the mouse. [[SameBoy]] allows to use the mouse, as well as a joystick, and on the Cocoa frontend, is supporting controller's motion controls. [[mGBA]] supports controller's motion controls and allows to assign stic's X an Y axes. Hiyoko, the official GBC emulator for [[Nintendo Switch Online]], emulates motion controls for Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble by translating gyroscope input either from the console itself (when playing in portable mode) or from a detached Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller (when playing in docked mode).

*[[List of games that support tracked motion controllers#GameBoy Color Emulation]]

===Rumble===
A good number of cartridges came with a built-in rumble that required an AAA battery to power, such as ''Pokémon Pinball'', but the feature is optional. So far, only [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA-GX]] emulates rumble in these games, including games that have their rumble feature dummied out (one being ''Tarzan'').

===Multiplayer===
* '''Link Cable:''' [[BGB]], [[KiGB]], some versions of [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[TGB Dual|TGB-Dual]] supports link cable. It can also be used for Netplay on the corresponding [[RetroArch]] core. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiplayer_Game_Boy_games#Two-player_games_via_the_Game_Link_Cable Two-player games via the Game Link Cable list].
* '''4-Player Adapter:''' Currently only [[GBE+]] and DoubleCherryGB supports it.
* '''Faceball 2000 16-Player Link Cable:''' There is a 16-Player adapter as well, but it went unreleased outside of unused code in some games, but it is emulated by ''DoubleCherryGB'' emulator and allows to play Faceball 2000 in local splitscreen and via netplay.
* '''Multiplayer Hacks:''' DoubleCherryGB emulates virtual link-cable devices that allow Tetris Battle Royal and Kwirk Multiplayer up to 16 players on local splitscreen and via netplay.

===Online features===
====Mobile Game Boy Adapter====
There is a Japan-only accessory that communicates with Mobile Golf and Japanese Pokémon Crystal. It was bundled with Mobile Trainer cartridge which allowed the player to use e-mail as well as browse Nintendo's website. It saw use on some Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, but support was limited to Japan, and the servers went offline by 2002.

It is possible to partially emulate its feature for Pokémon Crystal by [http://forums.glitchcity.info/index.php?topic=7509.0 using BGB's scripting capability], and GBE+ can at least reach the title screen of Mobile Trainer and made [https://www.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/9141oy/making_progress_with_gb_mobile_adapter_emulation/ some progress in July 2018], but otherwise, no emulators (except for a recently leaked at time of writing internal emulator) properly support this accessory.

====Hudsonsoft KISS Link====
This accessory both allowed IR communications between 2 gameboys before the Game Boy Color existed with it’s IR port and with a modem, it allowed users to download exclusive content by them from Hudsonsoft's website. No emulator supports this. Resources about this super obscure accessory include http://nectaris.tg-16.com/GB-KISS-LINK-FAQ-hudson-gameboy-nectaris.html and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOuJ0EcA8IQ

===Accessories===
There are [[wikipedia:Game Boy accessories#Game Boy|a few accessories that the Game Boy and Game Boy Color]] had. Due to their very small and game-specific use, most emulators don't bother with them at all, save for GBE+.

* '''Game Boy Pocket Sonar:''' Japan only cartridge released by Bandai. It is a sonar-enabled device used for fishing with a fishing game included. Only GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art13.html supports] this feature. A similar cartridge was released for the WonderSwan (still unemulated).
* '''Barcode Boy:''' An obscure Japan-only barcode-scanning device released by Namcot (then-Namco's consumer division) in 1992. A total of 4 games were released to utilize this accessory. KiGB and GEST claim support for this device, but they only feed random data to Game Boy until the game accepts it as a valid barcode. GBE+ has [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art7.html proper emulation] with the ability to read barcodes from binary files. DoubleCherryGB also has full support. All barcodes are hardcode. After each scan the next barcode is loaded.
* '''Barcode Taisen Bardigun:''' Another Japan only barcode-scanning device with the dedicated game. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art6.html supports this accessory].
* '''Singer Sewing Machine:''' There is link cable support for the Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine. The IZEK was unique in that it came bundled with a specially coloured Game Boy and a cartridge for interfacing with the machine.<ref name="IZEK_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlhJKMXU7tg&t=5m25s|title=Game Boy Part 2 - Did You Know Gaming? Feat. Jake of Vsauce3|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-05-24}}</ref><ref name="IZEK_2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Epj2_eJdA|title=Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine - Gameboy Color Controller (Game Boy Color) Review|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-06-24}}</ref> Despite the IZEK's rarity, support for it has been added in a recent GBE+ release.<ref>[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art22.html Edge of Emulation: Game Boy Sewing Machines]</ref>
* '''Suzuki Pocket Dash Diagnostic System''' and '''Aprilia DITECH Interface''': A series of diagnostic cartridges used for Suzuki and Aprilia scooters respectively, developed by Orbital Technologies in the early 2000s. Both were used to interface with a supported motorcycle's engine control unit (ECU) in a similar manner to OBD tools for automobiles. The diagnostic cartridges were only made available for use by motorcycle dealerships and were not licensed by Nintendo. No dump of either cartridge exists as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:Gbc over saturation2.png|thumb|right|350px|Comparison of saturation levels in [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[Gambatte]].]]
The Game Boy Color's screen is under-saturated. Game developers often work around this by using brighter colors knowing it'll be compensated for on hardware. This does not translate well in emulation, because standard LCD screens don't account for this sort of issue. Many emulators attempt to combat this issue with options that adjust accordingly; if not directly, then [[Shaders_and_Filters#Image_Adjustment|shader functionality]] may be implemented.

This issue also affects [[Game Boy Advance emulators#Oversaturation|Game Boy Advance emulation]].

====Emulator options====
'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders, you will find three customizable '''Desaturation''' parameters.

'''VBA-M:''' Under Options > Game Boy, you will find the '''GB color option'''. The recent nightly builds also include the '''LCD Filter''' option.

For more information about Game Boy hardware and reverse engineering; 
* meganesu: [https://meganesu.github.io/generate-gb-opcodes/ Game Boy CPU Instructions]
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ Game Boy Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQE1K074v3s How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzPTK91EJY8 Learn to code and write games on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1cUIGHZLGA Secrets of the Nintendo Game Boy Boot Logo], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYQMdox5gzI How Cartridges worked on the Nintendo Game Boy]
* kOOPa and nocash: [https://problemkaputt.de/pandocs.htm Pan Docs]
* [https://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki] – Information about the Game Boy

==See also==
* [[Emulators on GB/GBC]]

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|*]]
[[Category:Game Boy]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color]]

Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators

2024-12-22T10:17:22Z

MysticChromium: Added link to official standalone iOS build for ARM-SameBoy, updated row

{{Infobox console
|title = Game Boy (Color)
|logo = Game_Boy.png
|image = Game-boy-color.png
|imagecaption = '''Top:''' Original Game Boy '''Bottom:''' Game Boy Color
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]]
|release=1989 (Game Boy) 1998 (Game Boy Color)
|discontinued = 2003
|predecessor = [[Game & Watch]]
|successor= [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}
{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy (Color)|Emulators on GB/GBC}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy|Game Boy]]''' (GB) and '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy Color|Game Boy Color]]''' (GBC) are 8-bit, fourth-generation handheld consoles released by Nintendo on July 31, 1989 and November 18, 1998 respectively and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|89.95|1998}}. The Game Boy has a Sharp LR35902 core CPU at 4.19 MHz. It had a monochrome display that could only show four shades of grey, albeit with a olive green tinge on the original. The Game Boy Color uses the same LR35902 core as the original; while it is clocked at 8.38 MHz, it can be underclocked to 4.19 MHz for backwards-compatibility purposes. It was named such from its color screen, but it also had a larger memory size and a faster CPU. The hardware similarities allow cross-compatibility between the two platforms and they are often treated as one. They would both be succeeded by the backward-compatible [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]].

Nintendo re-released the console as the '''Game Boy Pocket''' in 1996, with a more compact body and a better screen. A front light was added to a special edition of the Pocket in Japan called the '''Game Boy Light''', a feature that wouldn't be seen outside of Japan until the Game Boy Advance SP.

Nintendo released a peripheral for the [[Super Nintendo emulators|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] called [[wikipedia:Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]] in June 1994, which was modeled like a cartridge but included its own cartridge slot for Game Boy/Color games, as well as the hardware needed to translate the games. Many Game Boy/Color emulators offer at least some of the special features it included, such as added borders, colorization, custom button mappings, and other features. It was possible to link, but without the external port, as well as errors in the CPU, it would not be feasible to the end user. These issues would later be corrected in the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.

==Emulators==
Because of how relatively easy popular 8-bit consoles are to emulate, tons of Game Boy emulators exist. For a list of open-source projects, see [https://github.com/search?o=desc&q=gameboy+emulator&s=updated&type=Repositories&utf8=%E2%9C%93 this GitHub query]. For a list of accuracy tests, see [https://daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout/ daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout].

===x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[Super Game Boy]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
| [[SameBoy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://sameboy.github.io/downloads {{SameBoyVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bgb.bircd.org/#downloads {{BGBVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [http://emulicious.net Emulicious]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://emulicious.net/downloads {{EmuliciousVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BizHawk]] (BSNES)(Gambatte_Speedrun)(SameBoy)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [http://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gambatte]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://sourceforge.net/projects/gambatte/files/gambatte {{GambatteVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=active>[https://github.com/libretro/gambatte-libretro/tree/master Libretro core] is still active.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Mesen|Mesen]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[GBE+]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[MAME]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref>[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gearboy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc git]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy {{GameRoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[ares]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift's comment about libretro core]</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [http://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases {{VBAMVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://chillygb.arci.me/ ChillyGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
| [https://github.com/AuroraViola/ChillyGB {{ChillyGBVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [http://hhug.me/ hhugboy]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/tzlion/hhugboy/releases {{hhugboyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/143#issue-1456816849 {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://binji.github.io/binjgb/ binjgb]
| align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
| [https://github.com/binji/binjgb/releases {{binjgbVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Ironboy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/chiplis/ironboy/ git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|PyBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Baekalfen/PyBoy/releases {{PyBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|LGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|KevBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/xkevio/kevboy/releases {{KevBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|jgb
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgb git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|DoubleCherryGB
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/TimOelrichs/doublecherryGB-libretro git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [http://byuu.org/emulation/higan {{higanVer}}] [https://github.com/libretro/higan libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm/ BDM]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
| [https://mattcurrie.com/bdm-demo/ Demo]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB VGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://fms.komkon.org/VGB {{VGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Gamebert
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/robert/gamebert git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Pantheon]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bostjan-grandovec.si/Content/News.htm {{PantheonVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|UGE
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/SuperDisk/hUGETracker/releases {{UGEVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|PDEQ}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[KiGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|DOS}}
| [http://kigb.emuunlim.com/downloads.htm {{KiGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[TGB Dual]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}<ref group=N name=two>On Linux as an SDL port (and the [[libretro]] core is based on this version).</ref>
| [https://github.com/libertyernie/tgbdual_L/releases {{TGBDualVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GiiBiiAdvance
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance/releases git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|MetroBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy/releases {{MetroBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|hdmg
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://git.sr.ht/~sircmpwn/hdmg git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[rew.]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Windows9x}}
|[https://wikiwiki.jp/emulator/rew. rew12stx]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|}
</div>

===ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[SameBoy]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy SameBoy_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sameboy/id6496971295 iOS App Store page] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.philj56.gbcc beta41] [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/actions/workflows/build-apk.yml <abbr title="Latest development version">git Artifacts</abbr>]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{~}}[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/commits/master *] ||{{✓}} [https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/_5D9uMlRlL-DJ_anXEyJHtI3IriwCFVPgg2zgwhkaG-uYwkjYeTqmiuUZwpomTYKsuo=w1024-h768-rw Printer] [https://youtu.be/ESYolQ761Dw?si=2c-yAHAAcWQSei1a Kirby Camera]
|-
|[[Game Play Color]]
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://github.com/gameplaycolor/gameplaycolor/releases {{GamePlayColorVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://www.explusalpha.com/home/gbc-emu GBC.emu]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbcEmu {{.emuVer}}][https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha git][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/76 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android 0.3]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1] [https://github.com/CocoaBob/GBA4iOS git] (new fork)
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy 0.2.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://eightbitwonders.gitlab.io/app 8-Bit Wonders]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://f-droid.org/packages/de.rainerhock.eightbitwonders 0.8] (F-Droid)0.8 (Play)0.8 (Amazon)[https://gitlab.com/eightbitwonders/app git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||roadmap
|-
|MeBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
| [http://www.arktos.se/meboy/download.php 1.6][https://github.com/chijure/meboy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://my-oldboy-free-gbc-emulator.en.uptodown.com/android My OldBoy!]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gbc 2.0.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBC
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.johnemulators.johngbc 3.93]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko)
| align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
| N/A
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|Super Game Boy
| align=left|{{Icon|SNES}}
| N/A
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-a-gameboy-emulator-for-ds.343407 GameYob DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
| [https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-3ds-gb-c-emu.372523/ GameYob 3DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| [https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/GameYob_3DS 1.0.8][https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA-M|<abbr title="Modified port of VBA-M. With it you can play GBA/Game Boy Color/Game Boy games on your Wii/GameCube.">VBA GX</abbr>]]
| align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
| [https://github.com/dborth/vbagx#nightly-builds nightly-builds]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|3DS|NX}} {{Icon|Vita|DC}} {{Icon|PSX}} {{Icon|PS2}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|NGC}} {{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|Vita|3DS}}
| [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RIN
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
| [https://github.com/mbarczak/psp_rin git] [https://archive.org/details/rin-rx.-7z RX] [https://archive.org/details/rin_v1.32n1.2.7z 1.32n1.2]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| 8.10
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PSV|3DS}}
| [https://endrift.com/mgba/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/releases git]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|GBEmu
| align=left|{{Icon|VB}}
| [https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/t/entry-game-boy-emulator/ 0.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RealBoy Vita
| align=left|{{Icon|PSV}}
| [https://vitadb.rinnegatamante.it/#/info/167 1.2][https://github.com/xerpi/realboy-vita/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|ShuBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|MD}}
| [http://jiggawatt.org/badc0de/shuboy.htm 1.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|aGBe
| align=left|{{Icon|PSX}}
| [https://sourceforge.net/projects/agbe/files/agbe SF]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Hu-Boy
| align=left|SuperGrafx TurboGrafx-CD TurboDuo
| [https://www.chrismcovell.com/huboy.html V 0.30621]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{X}}
|}
</div>

===Firmware===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|UEFI}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|}
</div>

<references group=N />

==Comparison==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
===Game Boy-only emulators===
;[[SameBoy]]:One of the most [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy emulator currently. The UI is simple and easy to use. It includes open source bootroms, although these can be replaced with real ones. Has debugging features and also emulates Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer.
;[[BGB]]:A closed-source emulator for Windows (and [[Wine]]) with solid Game Boy and Game Boy Color accuracy, as well as near flawless link support. It has a wealth of options for color palettes. Most used for its advanced debugger.
;[[Gambatte]]:Pretty [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] open-source Game Boy/Color emulator. It has a good range of options and features, though not quite as much as some other emulators. The main fork is not in active development, but the libretro core is still active.
;[http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy]:A Windows-only Game Boy/Color emulator based on GEST with a focus on bootleg and unlicensed games. It is capable of detecting and correctly emulating the mapper on a number of games that are otherwise broken on other emulators, but some ROMs require manually selecting the mapper on the Unlicensed Compatibility Mode menu. Besides the usual raw dumps, it also supports the footered [http://hhug.me/gbx GBX] ROM format, which correctly informs the emulator which mapper to run regardless of what the internal headers say.
;GameRoy:A Game Boy emulator, dissasembler and debugger written in Rust. It has high [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]] and accurate clock frequency. It is more suited for debugging uses for now.
;[[TGB Dual]]:An ancient emulator that supports link cable emulation. It also supports [[netplay]], but it requires a VPN. The libretro port supports local multiplayer using player 2's controls.
;[[KiGB]]:An old and obsolete emulator which boasted its accuracy but was proven to be full of game-specific hacks.<ref>https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/238</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Test_ROMs#Emulators_running_on_desktop_computers</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/KiGB</ref> It has a wide selection of features, but other emulators have caught up and are already doing much better.
;[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance GiiBiiAdvance]:Pioneered full GB Camera emulation, including webcam support. Aside from that, it's an unfinished emulator with the basics set up, but its promising future currently on hiatus. It has very [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] timing.
;[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy MetroBoy]:Extremely [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy simulator which being written in a subset of C++ that's designed to to be mechanically translated into Verilog HDL.
;Ironboy:A very recent and promising emulator written in Rust for WebAssembly which is focus only on the original Game Boy (DMG) to [https://github.com/Chiplis/IronBoy#ironboy achieve the highest degree of accuracy]. Unfortunately, it only supports monochrome Game Boy games.
;binjgb:A GB + GBC emulator for both desktop and WebAssembly, developed by Ben "binji" Smith since 2016. Most famously used by McDonald's in 2023 to publish ''Grimace's Birthday'' [https://grimacesbirthday.com/ as a browser game].
;[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko):
* GB support was added to Nintendo Switch Online in February 2023, alongside GBA games exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier;
* Users are limited to the selection of games Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Supports online and Local Play (up to 2 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* Supports tilt controls through gyroscope or normal controllers (e.g.: ''Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble'');
* Supports infrared emulation (e.g.: ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'');
* Palette styles can be applied (original GB, Pocket, and GBC);
* No Super Game Boy features supported (it always runs games in GBC mode);
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''List of recommended GB/GBC emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

===GB/C emulation on GBA emulators===
''This shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|actual backwards compatibility on GBA emulation]].''
;[[mGBA]]:Primarily emulates the [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]] but it also includes GB/C support much like the original system. It's a solid implementation, with most of the library working perfectly.
;[[GBE+]]:An emulator that has a large effort in preserving the functions of a multitude of [[#Game Boy Features|obscure accessories]] that other emulators don't focus on. It can also load custom tiles in games, including colorized tiles for original Game Boy titles.
;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VisualBoy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:Used to be the go-to for Game Boy Advance emulation and even included solid GB/C emulation. It's now behind [[mGBA]] on both fronts.

===[[Multi-system emulators]]===
;[[higan]]/[[ares]]:Because it started out as a [[Super Nintendo emulators|SNES emulator]] (its original name was bsnes), it was the first one that properly emulated all of the [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Super_Game_Boy|Super Game Boy]]'s features, such as SPC sound chip utilization, which requires the SNES and GameBoy to be emulated simultaneously so it's demanding.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/zwq9fu/ares_crossplatform_open_source_multisystem/j1ys10k/</ref>
;[[BizHawk]]:Uses a modified Gambatte core. It provides speedrunning tools.
;[[MAME]]:Has solid Game Boy emulation through its <code>gameboy</code> driver despite the sound being imperfect, as well as slightly worse Game Boy Color compatibility through its <code>gbcolor</code> driver (where both the graphics and sound are imperfect). Despite its setbacks, it aims to feature compatibility with obscure mappers that other emulators usually ignore, like Wisdom Tree games or MMM01 multicarts. Accuracy was improved upon with contributions by Judge_.

==Mappers==
Much like the NES, the Game Boy (and by extension, the Game Boy Color) used '''Memory Bank Controllers''' (MBC) (called MMCs on the NES) and also known informally as '''mappers''', to go beyond the restrictive initial hardware specifications. Nevertheless, Nintendo was much more careful to standardize their specifications to [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Category:Licensed_chips just a small number of possible mappers]. Moreover, Game Boy ROMs now included an official internal header mandated by Nintendo that included the correct MMC type. This meant that for the officially licensed games, these mappers proved to be rarely a problem... with some notable unimplemented exceptions: Net de Get's MBC6 that offered downloadable content off the internet, and the MMM01 footer used for some official multi-cart games, among others.

However, it doesn't get better when it comes to '''unlicensed games''', since they didn't necessarily respect Nintendo's specifications about how a given mapper type should handle its memory and behave in general, and internal headers were often filled with erroneous data to hinder dumping and emulation efforts. Some emulators like MESS/[[MAME]] and [http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy] try to emulate that behavior with various degrees of success ([http://hhug.me/dump/ Compatibility List]). The hhugboy project also proposed a similar solution to iNES for this mapper problem, as the [http://hhug.me/gbx/1.0 gbx ROM format] that appends a footer with extra information needed for some unlicensed games. However, this format, much less unlicensed hardware quirks, isn't widely adopted aside from tentative [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers mGBA support].

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=4 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| colspan=11 | For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more apparent.
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Game_Boy|Widescreen hack]] Possible with technique called [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideGB]] which uses a similar technique as [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideNES]].
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://kemenaran.winosx.com/posts/widegb-now-available-on-windows/ SameBoy WideGB fork] at the moment.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Game_Boy|Sprite Replacement]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [[GBE+]] emulator at the moment.
|-
| Remove sprite limit The Gameboy supports a maximum of 40 sprite objects. – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some of the flickering seen in games at times and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|
| {{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/412 *]
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Rewind
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Savestates
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Post-Processing
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=10 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan=10 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in Game Boy sound player
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| Command Line Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Controls
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | Misc
| [[Netplay#Game_Boy|<abbr title="Should not be confused with GB/GBC Online features or Link cable emulation, see #Hardware features and peripherals section for that.">Netplay</abbr>]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive>Input lag mitigation technique and [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#game-boy-game-boy-color RetroAchievements exclusive to libretro cores]. Also [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy/#features netplay enhancement] exclusive to SameBoy libretro core.</ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/issues/2450 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| RetroAchievements [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=4 Game Boy], [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=6 Game Boy Color]
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}[https://sameboy.github.io/features/#debugging *]
| {{✓}}[https://bgb.bircd.org/manual.html#debugkeys *]
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=5 | Inputs
| [[#Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)|Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro>Not available on Libretro core.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers>Motion Control does not support controller's gyro. Supports only remapping to mouse/keyboard/gamepad.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers />
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Accelerometer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#Rumble|Rumble]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Game Boy Camera|Game Boy Camera]]
| {{✗}}
| {{~}} <ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{~}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>Only on Android, uses real front/back Camera hardware permission required.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Boy]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Taisen Bardigun]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | <abbr title="There are four different kinds of connectivity, support varying by game.">Connectivity</abbr>
| [[#Multiplayer|<abbr title="The Nintendo Game Link Cable is an accessory for the Game Boy line of handheld video game systems, allowing players to connect Game Boys of all types for multiplayer gaming. Depending on the games, a Game Link Cable can be used to link two games of the same title, like Tetris, or two compatible games like Pokémon Red and Blue. Games can be linked for head-to-head competition, cooperative play, trading items, unlocking hidden features, etc.">Link Cable</abbr>]]<ref group=N>Super Game Boy for SNES supports only on the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2. gameyob for DS emulator supports it through NiFi. Virtual Console for Switch only supports for Pokemon only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[mGBA]] pretty buggy [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+Link but sometimes works].</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[SameBoy]]'s libretro core supports Link Cable, standalone does not.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>GBCC only supports a [https://gbcc.dev/ fake "link" with itself].</ref>
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#IR Transmitter|IR Transmitter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| <abbr title="Work in Progress">WIP</abbr>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Online features|Online features]]
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Multiplayer|4-Player Adapter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Special hardware
| [[#Game Boy Printer|Game Boy Printer]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Printer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|GB Pocket Sonar]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Singer Sewing Machine]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|WorkBoy]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/issues/125 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Pikachu_2_GS#Interactions_with_Generation_II Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS]
| Communication
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Emulation
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | Unlicensed Hardware
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP1Bkfj9kDY WORLD PORT]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Pro Action Replay
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref group=N name=Tilt>[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist]</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

===IR Transmitter===
The Game Boy Color had an infrared transmitter and receiver. Generation II Pokémon games made use of this feature through Mystery Gift. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe could send high scores to another cartridge. GBE+ had [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art4.html basic IR emulation] back in July 2016 but it then only worked with Pokémon games. Now, as of [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art11.html April 2018], it has full IR emulation for most IR-enabled games (Hudson Soft's HuC-1's IR capabilities need to be emulated for Japanese ''Pokémon TCG'').

*[[List of games that support IR#GameBoy Color Emulation]].

===Game Boy Camera===
The Game Boy Camera is an official Nintendo accessory for the Game Boy and was released in 1998. Users can take pictures and modify them with stickers and frames, as well as play several included minigames. In addition to the original model, there was a US-exclusive Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time edition that included different stamps.

The first emulator to have some capability of emulating the Game Boy Camera was a modified version of an old emulator called Hash. This version, named Hashcam, can still be found on the author's website. While there were some efforts to run the Game Boy Camera ROM in BGB unofficially, the author didn't show much interest in it. However, it is fully emulated with webcam support in a lesser-known emulator called GiiBiiAdvance.

As of version 0.7.0, or any dev builds post 0.6.0, mGBA can emulate this accessory by either using the PC's webcam or sending a BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or other image format to the game, as if it was coming from the camera itself.<ref name="mGBA_Cam">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mGBA_emu/status/890954205472501762|title=Game Boy Camera in mGBA dev builds|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2017-07-28}}</ref> The camera is also functional on the 3DS port. To enable the PC webcam, go to <code>Game Boy</code> under <code>settings</code> and switch the <code>camera driver</code> to <code>Qt Multimedia</code>, or by editing <code>qt.ini</code> and setting <code>cameraDriver=1</code> under <code>[General]</code>.

===Game Boy Printer===
Game Boy Printer is a thermal printer accessory released by Nintendo in 1998 used in conjunction with the Game Boy Camera and also used to prints images from compatible GB games such as ''Pokémon Gold and Silver'', ''Pokémon Crystal'', ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe'', ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX''.

[[VisualBoy Advance]] (including its forks), [[GBE+]] and [[mGBA]] have Game Boy Printer support that turn the signals into a bitmap form of the image.

===Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)===
Two Game Boy Color games featured a built-in tilt sensor: Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble and Command Master. These games cannot be played without support for this feature. [[VisualBoy Advance|VBA]] and [[KiGB]] have a "Motion Sensor" option to map four directional keys to emulate the cartridge tilting, but the controls aren't analog. [[BGB]] can emulate the tilting features with the use of the mouse. [[SameBoy]] allows to use the mouse, as well as a joystick, and on the Cocoa frontend, is supporting controller's motion controls. [[mGBA]] supports controller's motion controls and allows to assign stic's X an Y axes. Hiyoko, the official GBC emulator for [[Nintendo Switch Online]], emulates motion controls for Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble by translating gyroscope input either from the console itself (when playing in portable mode) or from a detached Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller (when playing in docked mode).

*[[List of games that support tracked motion controllers#GameBoy Color Emulation]]

===Rumble===
A good number of cartridges came with a built-in rumble that required an AAA battery to power, such as ''Pokémon Pinball'', but the feature is optional. So far, only [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA-GX]] emulates rumble in these games, including games that have their rumble feature dummied out (one being ''Tarzan'').

===Multiplayer===
* '''Link Cable:''' [[BGB]], [[KiGB]], some versions of [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[TGB Dual|TGB-Dual]] supports link cable. It can also be used for Netplay on the corresponding [[RetroArch]] core. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiplayer_Game_Boy_games#Two-player_games_via_the_Game_Link_Cable Two-player games via the Game Link Cable list].
* '''4-Player Adapter:''' Currently only [[GBE+]] and DoubleCherryGB supports it.
* '''Faceball 2000 16-Player Link Cable:''' There is a 16-Player adapter as well, but it went unreleased outside of unused code in some games, but it is emulated by ''DoubleCherryGB'' emulator and allows to play Faceball 2000 in local splitscreen and via netplay.
* '''Multiplayer Hacks:''' DoubleCherryGB emulates virtual link-cable devices that allow Tetris Battle Royal and Kwirk Multiplayer up to 16 players on local splitscreen and via netplay.

===Online features===
====Mobile Game Boy Adapter====
There is a Japan-only accessory that communicates with Mobile Golf and Japanese Pokémon Crystal. It was bundled with Mobile Trainer cartridge which allowed the player to use e-mail as well as browse Nintendo's website. It saw use on some Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, but support was limited to Japan, and the servers went offline by 2002.

It is possible to partially emulate its feature for Pokémon Crystal by [http://forums.glitchcity.info/index.php?topic=7509.0 using BGB's scripting capability], and GBE+ can at least reach the title screen of Mobile Trainer and made [https://www.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/9141oy/making_progress_with_gb_mobile_adapter_emulation/ some progress in July 2018], but otherwise, no emulators (except for a recently leaked at time of writing internal emulator) properly support this accessory.

====Hudsonsoft KISS Link====
This accessory both allowed IR communications between 2 gameboys before the Game Boy Color existed with it’s IR port and with a modem, it allowed users to download exclusive content by them from Hudsonsoft's website. No emulator supports this. Resources about this super obscure accessory include http://nectaris.tg-16.com/GB-KISS-LINK-FAQ-hudson-gameboy-nectaris.html and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOuJ0EcA8IQ

===Accessories===
There are [[wikipedia:Game Boy accessories#Game Boy|a few accessories that the Game Boy and Game Boy Color]] had. Due to their very small and game-specific use, most emulators don't bother with them at all, save for GBE+.

* '''Game Boy Pocket Sonar:''' Japan only cartridge released by Bandai. It is a sonar-enabled device used for fishing with a fishing game included. Only GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art13.html supports] this feature. A similar cartridge was released for the WonderSwan (still unemulated).
* '''Barcode Boy:''' An obscure Japan-only barcode-scanning device released by Namcot (then-Namco's consumer division) in 1992. A total of 4 games were released to utilize this accessory. KiGB and GEST claim support for this device, but they only feed random data to Game Boy until the game accepts it as a valid barcode. GBE+ has [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art7.html proper emulation] with the ability to read barcodes from binary files. DoubleCherryGB also has full support. All barcodes are hardcode. After each scan the next barcode is loaded.
* '''Barcode Taisen Bardigun:''' Another Japan only barcode-scanning device with the dedicated game. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art6.html supports this accessory].
* '''Singer Sewing Machine:''' There is link cable support for the Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine. The IZEK was unique in that it came bundled with a specially coloured Game Boy and a cartridge for interfacing with the machine.<ref name="IZEK_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlhJKMXU7tg&t=5m25s|title=Game Boy Part 2 - Did You Know Gaming? Feat. Jake of Vsauce3|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-05-24}}</ref><ref name="IZEK_2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Epj2_eJdA|title=Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine - Gameboy Color Controller (Game Boy Color) Review|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-06-24}}</ref> Despite the IZEK's rarity, support for it has been added in a recent GBE+ release.<ref>[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art22.html Edge of Emulation: Game Boy Sewing Machines]</ref>
* '''Suzuki Pocket Dash Diagnostic System''' and '''Aprilia DITECH Interface''': A series of diagnostic cartridges used for Suzuki and Aprilia scooters respectively, developed by Orbital Technologies in the early 2000s. Both were used to interface with a supported motorcycle's engine control unit (ECU) in a similar manner to OBD tools for automobiles. The diagnostic cartridges were only made available for use by motorcycle dealerships and were not licensed by Nintendo. No dump of either cartridge exists as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:Gbc over saturation2.png|thumb|right|350px|Comparison of saturation levels in [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[Gambatte]].]]
The Game Boy Color's screen is under-saturated. Game developers often work around this by using brighter colors knowing it'll be compensated for on hardware. This does not translate well in emulation, because standard LCD screens don't account for this sort of issue. Many emulators attempt to combat this issue with options that adjust accordingly; if not directly, then [[Shaders_and_Filters#Image_Adjustment|shader functionality]] may be implemented.

This issue also affects [[Game Boy Advance emulators#Oversaturation|Game Boy Advance emulation]].

====Emulator options====
'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders, you will find three customizable '''Desaturation''' parameters.

'''VBA-M:''' Under Options > Game Boy, you will find the '''GB color option'''. The recent nightly builds also include the '''LCD Filter''' option.

For more information about Game Boy hardware and reverse engineering; 
* meganesu: [https://meganesu.github.io/generate-gb-opcodes/ Game Boy CPU Instructions]
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ Game Boy Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQE1K074v3s How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzPTK91EJY8 Learn to code and write games on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1cUIGHZLGA Secrets of the Nintendo Game Boy Boot Logo], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYQMdox5gzI How Cartridges worked on the Nintendo Game Boy]
* kOOPa and nocash: [https://problemkaputt.de/pandocs.htm Pan Docs]
* [https://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki] – Information about the Game Boy

==See also==
* [[Emulators on GB/GBC]]

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|*]]
[[Category:Game Boy]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color]]

Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators

2024-12-20T21:00:38Z

MysticChromium: Added Gambatte_libretro to ARM section

{{Infobox console
|title = Game Boy (Color)
|logo = Game_Boy.png
|image = Game-boy-color.png
|imagecaption = '''Top:''' Original Game Boy '''Bottom:''' Game Boy Color
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]]
|release=1989 (Game Boy) 1998 (Game Boy Color)
|discontinued = 2003
|predecessor = [[Game & Watch]]
|successor= [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}
{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy (Color)|Emulators on GB/GBC}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy|Game Boy]]''' (GB) and '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy Color|Game Boy Color]]''' (GBC) are 8-bit, fourth-generation handheld consoles released by Nintendo on July 31, 1989 and November 18, 1998 respectively and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|89.95|1998}}. The Game Boy has a Sharp LR35902 core CPU at 4.19 MHz. It had a monochrome display that could only show four shades of grey, albeit with a olive green tinge on the original. The Game Boy Color uses the same LR35902 core as the original; while it is clocked at 8.38 MHz, it can be underclocked to 4.19 MHz for backwards-compatibility purposes. It was named such from its color screen, but it also had a larger memory size and a faster CPU. The hardware similarities allow cross-compatibility between the two platforms and they are often treated as one. They would both be succeeded by the backward-compatible [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]].

Nintendo re-released the console as the '''Game Boy Pocket''' in 1996, with a more compact body and a better screen. A front light was added to a special edition of the Pocket in Japan called the '''Game Boy Light''', a feature that wouldn't be seen outside of Japan until the Game Boy Advance SP.

Nintendo released a peripheral for the [[Super Nintendo emulators|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] called [[wikipedia:Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]] in June 1994, which was modeled like a cartridge but included its own cartridge slot for Game Boy/Color games, as well as the hardware needed to translate the games. Many Game Boy/Color emulators offer at least some of the special features it included, such as added borders, colorization, custom button mappings, and other features. It was possible to link, but without the external port, as well as errors in the CPU, it would not be feasible to the end user. These issues would later be corrected in the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.

==Emulators==
Because of how relatively easy popular 8-bit consoles are to emulate, tons of Game Boy emulators exist. For a list of open-source projects, see [https://github.com/search?o=desc&q=gameboy+emulator&s=updated&type=Repositories&utf8=%E2%9C%93 this GitHub query]. For a list of accuracy tests, see [https://daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout/ daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout].

===x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[Super Game Boy]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
| [[SameBoy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://sameboy.github.io/downloads {{SameBoyVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bgb.bircd.org/#downloads {{BGBVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [http://emulicious.net Emulicious]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://emulicious.net/downloads {{EmuliciousVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BizHawk]] (BSNES)(Gambatte_Speedrun)(SameBoy)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [http://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gambatte]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://sourceforge.net/projects/gambatte/files/gambatte {{GambatteVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=active>[https://github.com/libretro/gambatte-libretro/tree/master Libretro core] is still active.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Mesen|Mesen]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[GBE+]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[MAME]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref>[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gearboy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc git]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy {{GameRoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[ares]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift's comment about libretro core]</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [http://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases {{VBAMVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://chillygb.arci.me/ ChillyGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
| [https://github.com/AuroraViola/ChillyGB {{ChillyGBVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [http://hhug.me/ hhugboy]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/tzlion/hhugboy/releases {{hhugboyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/143#issue-1456816849 {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://binji.github.io/binjgb/ binjgb]
| align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
| [https://github.com/binji/binjgb/releases {{binjgbVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Ironboy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/chiplis/ironboy/ git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|PyBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Baekalfen/PyBoy/releases {{PyBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|LGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|KevBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/xkevio/kevboy/releases {{KevBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|jgb
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgb git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|DoubleCherryGB
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/TimOelrichs/doublecherryGB-libretro git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [http://byuu.org/emulation/higan {{higanVer}}] [https://github.com/libretro/higan libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm/ BDM]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
| [https://mattcurrie.com/bdm-demo/ Demo]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB VGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://fms.komkon.org/VGB {{VGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Gamebert
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/robert/gamebert git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Pantheon]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bostjan-grandovec.si/Content/News.htm {{PantheonVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|UGE
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/SuperDisk/hUGETracker/releases {{UGEVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|PDEQ}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[KiGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|DOS}}
| [http://kigb.emuunlim.com/downloads.htm {{KiGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[TGB Dual]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}<ref group=N name=two>On Linux as an SDL port (and the [[libretro]] core is based on this version).</ref>
| [https://github.com/libertyernie/tgbdual_L/releases {{TGBDualVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GiiBiiAdvance
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance/releases git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|MetroBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy/releases {{MetroBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|hdmg
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://git.sr.ht/~sircmpwn/hdmg git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[rew.]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Windows9x}}
|[https://wikiwiki.jp/emulator/rew. rew12stx]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|}
</div>

===ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy SameBoy_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.philj56.gbcc beta41] [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/actions/workflows/build-apk.yml <abbr title="Latest development version">git Artifacts</abbr>]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{~}}[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/commits/master *] ||{{✓}} [https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/_5D9uMlRlL-DJ_anXEyJHtI3IriwCFVPgg2zgwhkaG-uYwkjYeTqmiuUZwpomTYKsuo=w1024-h768-rw Printer] [https://youtu.be/ESYolQ761Dw?si=2c-yAHAAcWQSei1a Kirby Camera]
|-
|[[Game Play Color]]
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://github.com/gameplaycolor/gameplaycolor/releases {{GamePlayColorVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://www.explusalpha.com/home/gbc-emu GBC.emu]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbcEmu {{.emuVer}}][https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha git][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/76 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android 0.3]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1] [https://github.com/CocoaBob/GBA4iOS git] (new fork)
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy 0.2.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://eightbitwonders.gitlab.io/app 8-Bit Wonders]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://f-droid.org/packages/de.rainerhock.eightbitwonders 0.8] (F-Droid)0.8 (Play)0.8 (Amazon)[https://gitlab.com/eightbitwonders/app git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||roadmap
|-
|MeBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
| [http://www.arktos.se/meboy/download.php 1.6][https://github.com/chijure/meboy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://my-oldboy-free-gbc-emulator.en.uptodown.com/android My OldBoy!]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gbc 2.0.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBC
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.johnemulators.johngbc 3.93]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko)
| align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
| N/A
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|Super Game Boy
| align=left|{{Icon|SNES}}
| N/A
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-a-gameboy-emulator-for-ds.343407 GameYob DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
| [https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-3ds-gb-c-emu.372523/ GameYob 3DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| [https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/GameYob_3DS 1.0.8][https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA-M|<abbr title="Modified port of VBA-M. With it you can play GBA/Game Boy Color/Game Boy games on your Wii/GameCube.">VBA GX</abbr>]]
| align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
| [https://github.com/dborth/vbagx#nightly-builds nightly-builds]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|3DS|NX}} {{Icon|Vita|DC}} {{Icon|PSX}} {{Icon|PS2}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|NGC}} {{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|Vita|3DS}}
| [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RIN
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
| [https://github.com/mbarczak/psp_rin git] [https://archive.org/details/rin-rx.-7z RX] [https://archive.org/details/rin_v1.32n1.2.7z 1.32n1.2]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| 8.10
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PSV|3DS}}
| [https://endrift.com/mgba/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/releases git]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|GBEmu
| align=left|{{Icon|VB}}
| [https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/t/entry-game-boy-emulator/ 0.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RealBoy Vita
| align=left|{{Icon|PSV}}
| [https://vitadb.rinnegatamante.it/#/info/167 1.2][https://github.com/xerpi/realboy-vita/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|ShuBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|MD}}
| [http://jiggawatt.org/badc0de/shuboy.htm 1.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|aGBe
| align=left|{{Icon|PSX}}
| [https://sourceforge.net/projects/agbe/files/agbe SF]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Hu-Boy
| align=left|SuperGrafx TurboGrafx-CD TurboDuo
| [https://www.chrismcovell.com/huboy.html V 0.30621]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{X}}
|}
</div>

===Firmware===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|UEFI}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|}
</div>

<references group=N />

==Comparison==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
===Game Boy-only emulators===
;[[SameBoy]]:One of the most [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy emulator currently. The UI is simple and easy to use. It includes open source bootroms, although these can be replaced with real ones. Has debugging features and also emulates Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer.
;[[BGB]]:A closed-source emulator for Windows (and [[Wine]]) with solid Game Boy and Game Boy Color accuracy, as well as near flawless link support. It has a wealth of options for color palettes. Most used for its advanced debugger.
;[[Gambatte]]:Pretty [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] open-source Game Boy/Color emulator. It has a good range of options and features, though not quite as much as some other emulators. The main fork is not in active development, but the libretro core is still active.
;[http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy]:A Windows-only Game Boy/Color emulator based on GEST with a focus on bootleg and unlicensed games. It is capable of detecting and correctly emulating the mapper on a number of games that are otherwise broken on other emulators, but some ROMs require manually selecting the mapper on the Unlicensed Compatibility Mode menu. Besides the usual raw dumps, it also supports the footered [http://hhug.me/gbx GBX] ROM format, which correctly informs the emulator which mapper to run regardless of what the internal headers say.
;GameRoy:A Game Boy emulator, dissasembler and debugger written in Rust. It has high [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]] and accurate clock frequency. It is more suited for debugging uses for now.
;[[TGB Dual]]:An ancient emulator that supports link cable emulation. It also supports [[netplay]], but it requires a VPN. The libretro port supports local multiplayer using player 2's controls.
;[[KiGB]]:An old and obsolete emulator which boasted its accuracy but was proven to be full of game-specific hacks.<ref>https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/238</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Test_ROMs#Emulators_running_on_desktop_computers</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/KiGB</ref> It has a wide selection of features, but other emulators have caught up and are already doing much better.
;[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance GiiBiiAdvance]:Pioneered full GB Camera emulation, including webcam support. Aside from that, it's an unfinished emulator with the basics set up, but its promising future currently on hiatus. It has very [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] timing.
;[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy MetroBoy]:Extremely [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy simulator which being written in a subset of C++ that's designed to to be mechanically translated into Verilog HDL.
;Ironboy:A very recent and promising emulator written in Rust for WebAssembly which is focus only on the original Game Boy (DMG) to [https://github.com/Chiplis/IronBoy#ironboy achieve the highest degree of accuracy]. Unfortunately, it only supports monochrome Game Boy games.
;binjgb:A GB + GBC emulator for both desktop and WebAssembly, developed by Ben "binji" Smith since 2016. Most famously used by McDonald's in 2023 to publish ''Grimace's Birthday'' [https://grimacesbirthday.com/ as a browser game].
;[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko):
* GB support was added to Nintendo Switch Online in February 2023, alongside GBA games exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier;
* Users are limited to the selection of games Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Supports online and Local Play (up to 2 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* Supports tilt controls through gyroscope or normal controllers (e.g.: ''Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble'');
* Supports infrared emulation (e.g.: ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'');
* Palette styles can be applied (original GB, Pocket, and GBC);
* No Super Game Boy features supported (it always runs games in GBC mode);
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''List of recommended GB/GBC emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

===GB/C emulation on GBA emulators===
''This shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|actual backwards compatibility on GBA emulation]].''
;[[mGBA]]:Primarily emulates the [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]] but it also includes GB/C support much like the original system. It's a solid implementation, with most of the library working perfectly.
;[[GBE+]]:An emulator that has a large effort in preserving the functions of a multitude of [[#Game Boy Features|obscure accessories]] that other emulators don't focus on. It can also load custom tiles in games, including colorized tiles for original Game Boy titles.
;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VisualBoy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:Used to be the go-to for Game Boy Advance emulation and even included solid GB/C emulation. It's now behind [[mGBA]] on both fronts.

===[[Multi-system emulators]]===
;[[higan]]/[[ares]]:Because it started out as a [[Super Nintendo emulators|SNES emulator]] (its original name was bsnes), it was the first one that properly emulated all of the [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Super_Game_Boy|Super Game Boy]]'s features, such as SPC sound chip utilization, which requires the SNES and GameBoy to be emulated simultaneously so it's demanding.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/zwq9fu/ares_crossplatform_open_source_multisystem/j1ys10k/</ref>
;[[BizHawk]]:Uses a modified Gambatte core. It provides speedrunning tools.
;[[MAME]]:Has solid Game Boy emulation through its <code>gameboy</code> driver despite the sound being imperfect, as well as slightly worse Game Boy Color compatibility through its <code>gbcolor</code> driver (where both the graphics and sound are imperfect). Despite its setbacks, it aims to feature compatibility with obscure mappers that other emulators usually ignore, like Wisdom Tree games or MMM01 multicarts. Accuracy was improved upon with contributions by Judge_.

==Mappers==
Much like the NES, the Game Boy (and by extension, the Game Boy Color) used '''Memory Bank Controllers''' (MBC) (called MMCs on the NES) and also known informally as '''mappers''', to go beyond the restrictive initial hardware specifications. Nevertheless, Nintendo was much more careful to standardize their specifications to [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Category:Licensed_chips just a small number of possible mappers]. Moreover, Game Boy ROMs now included an official internal header mandated by Nintendo that included the correct MMC type. This meant that for the officially licensed games, these mappers proved to be rarely a problem... with some notable unimplemented exceptions: Net de Get's MBC6 that offered downloadable content off the internet, and the MMM01 footer used for some official multi-cart games, among others.

However, it doesn't get better when it comes to '''unlicensed games''', since they didn't necessarily respect Nintendo's specifications about how a given mapper type should handle its memory and behave in general, and internal headers were often filled with erroneous data to hinder dumping and emulation efforts. Some emulators like MESS/[[MAME]] and [http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy] try to emulate that behavior with various degrees of success ([http://hhug.me/dump/ Compatibility List]). The hhugboy project also proposed a similar solution to iNES for this mapper problem, as the [http://hhug.me/gbx/1.0 gbx ROM format] that appends a footer with extra information needed for some unlicensed games. However, this format, much less unlicensed hardware quirks, isn't widely adopted aside from tentative [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers mGBA support].

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=4 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| colspan=11 | For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more apparent.
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Game_Boy|Widescreen hack]] Possible with technique called [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideGB]] which uses a similar technique as [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideNES]].
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://kemenaran.winosx.com/posts/widegb-now-available-on-windows/ SameBoy WideGB fork] at the moment.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Game_Boy|Sprite Replacement]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [[GBE+]] emulator at the moment.
|-
| Remove sprite limit The Gameboy supports a maximum of 40 sprite objects. – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some of the flickering seen in games at times and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|
| {{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/412 *]
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
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|
| {{✗}}
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|
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| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|
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| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Rewind
|
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| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
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| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
|
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| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
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| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Savestates
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|
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| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Post-Processing
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
|
|
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| {{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=10 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan=10 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
|
|
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| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|
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| {{✓}}
|
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| {{✗}}
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| Built-in Game Boy sound player
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
|
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| {{✗}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|
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| Command Line Options
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| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
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|-
| rowspan=1 | Controls
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
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|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | Misc
| [[Netplay#Game_Boy|<abbr title="Should not be confused with GB/GBC Online features or Link cable emulation, see #Hardware features and peripherals section for that.">Netplay</abbr>]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive>Input lag mitigation technique and [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#game-boy-game-boy-color RetroAchievements exclusive to libretro cores]. Also [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy/#features netplay enhancement] exclusive to SameBoy libretro core.</ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/issues/2450 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| RetroAchievements [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=4 Game Boy], [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=6 Game Boy Color]
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}[https://sameboy.github.io/features/#debugging *]
| {{✓}}[https://bgb.bircd.org/manual.html#debugkeys *]
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=5 | Inputs
| [[#Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)|Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro>Not available on Libretro core.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers>Motion Control does not support controller's gyro. Supports only remapping to mouse/keyboard/gamepad.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers />
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Accelerometer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#Rumble|Rumble]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Game Boy Camera|Game Boy Camera]]
| {{✗}}
| {{~}} <ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{~}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>Only on Android, uses real front/back Camera hardware permission required.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Boy]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Taisen Bardigun]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | <abbr title="There are four different kinds of connectivity, support varying by game.">Connectivity</abbr>
| [[#Multiplayer|<abbr title="The Nintendo Game Link Cable is an accessory for the Game Boy line of handheld video game systems, allowing players to connect Game Boys of all types for multiplayer gaming. Depending on the games, a Game Link Cable can be used to link two games of the same title, like Tetris, or two compatible games like Pokémon Red and Blue. Games can be linked for head-to-head competition, cooperative play, trading items, unlocking hidden features, etc.">Link Cable</abbr>]]<ref group=N>Super Game Boy for SNES supports only on the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2. gameyob for DS emulator supports it through NiFi. Virtual Console for Switch only supports for Pokemon only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[mGBA]] pretty buggy [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+Link but sometimes works].</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[SameBoy]]'s libretro core supports Link Cable, standalone does not.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>GBCC only supports a [https://gbcc.dev/ fake "link" with itself].</ref>
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#IR Transmitter|IR Transmitter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| <abbr title="Work in Progress">WIP</abbr>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Online features|Online features]]
| {{~}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Multiplayer|4-Player Adapter]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Special hardware
| [[#Game Boy Printer|Game Boy Printer]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Printer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|GB Pocket Sonar]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Singer Sewing Machine]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|WorkBoy]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/issues/125 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Pikachu_2_GS#Interactions_with_Generation_II Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS]
| Communication
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Emulation
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | Unlicensed Hardware
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP1Bkfj9kDY WORLD PORT]
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Pro Action Replay
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref group=N name=Tilt>[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist]</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

===IR Transmitter===
The Game Boy Color had an infrared transmitter and receiver. Generation II Pokémon games made use of this feature through Mystery Gift. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe could send high scores to another cartridge. GBE+ had [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art4.html basic IR emulation] back in July 2016 but it then only worked with Pokémon games. Now, as of [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art11.html April 2018], it has full IR emulation for most IR-enabled games (Hudson Soft's HuC-1's IR capabilities need to be emulated for Japanese ''Pokémon TCG'').

*[[List of games that support IR#GameBoy Color Emulation]].

===Game Boy Camera===
The Game Boy Camera is an official Nintendo accessory for the Game Boy and was released in 1998. Users can take pictures and modify them with stickers and frames, as well as play several included minigames. In addition to the original model, there was a US-exclusive Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time edition that included different stamps.

The first emulator to have some capability of emulating the Game Boy Camera was a modified version of an old emulator called Hash. This version, named Hashcam, can still be found on the author's website. While there were some efforts to run the Game Boy Camera ROM in BGB unofficially, the author didn't show much interest in it. However, it is fully emulated with webcam support in a lesser-known emulator called GiiBiiAdvance.

As of version 0.7.0, or any dev builds post 0.6.0, mGBA can emulate this accessory by either using the PC's webcam or sending a BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or other image format to the game, as if it was coming from the camera itself.<ref name="mGBA_Cam">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mGBA_emu/status/890954205472501762|title=Game Boy Camera in mGBA dev builds|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2017-07-28}}</ref> The camera is also functional on the 3DS port. To enable the PC webcam, go to <code>Game Boy</code> under <code>settings</code> and switch the <code>camera driver</code> to <code>Qt Multimedia</code>, or by editing <code>qt.ini</code> and setting <code>cameraDriver=1</code> under <code>[General]</code>.

===Game Boy Printer===
Game Boy Printer is a thermal printer accessory released by Nintendo in 1998 used in conjunction with the Game Boy Camera and also used to prints images from compatible GB games such as ''Pokémon Gold and Silver'', ''Pokémon Crystal'', ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe'', ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX''.

[[VisualBoy Advance]] (including its forks), [[GBE+]] and [[mGBA]] have Game Boy Printer support that turn the signals into a bitmap form of the image.

===Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)===
Two Game Boy Color games featured a built-in tilt sensor: Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble and Command Master. These games cannot be played without support for this feature. [[VisualBoy Advance|VBA]] and [[KiGB]] have a "Motion Sensor" option to map four directional keys to emulate the cartridge tilting, but the controls aren't analog. [[BGB]] can emulate the tilting features with the use of the mouse. [[SameBoy]] allows to use the mouse, as well as a joystick, and on the Cocoa frontend, is supporting controller's motion controls. [[mGBA]] supports controller's motion controls and allows to assign stic's X an Y axes. Hiyoko, the official GBC emulator for [[Nintendo Switch Online]], emulates motion controls for Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble by translating gyroscope input either from the console itself (when playing in portable mode) or from a detached Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller (when playing in docked mode).

*[[List of games that support tracked motion controllers#GameBoy Color Emulation]]

===Rumble===
A good number of cartridges came with a built-in rumble that required an AAA battery to power, such as ''Pokémon Pinball'', but the feature is optional. So far, only [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA-GX]] emulates rumble in these games, including games that have their rumble feature dummied out (one being ''Tarzan'').

===Multiplayer===
* '''Link Cable:''' [[BGB]], [[KiGB]], some versions of [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[TGB Dual|TGB-Dual]] supports link cable. It can also be used for Netplay on the corresponding [[RetroArch]] core. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiplayer_Game_Boy_games#Two-player_games_via_the_Game_Link_Cable Two-player games via the Game Link Cable list].
* '''4-Player Adapter:''' Currently only [[GBE+]] and DoubleCherryGB supports it.
* '''Faceball 2000 16-Player Link Cable:''' There is a 16-Player adapter as well, but it went unreleased outside of unused code in some games, but it is emulated by ''DoubleCherryGB'' emulator and allows to play Faceball 2000 in local splitscreen and via netplay.
* '''Multiplayer Hacks:''' DoubleCherryGB emulates virtual link-cable devices that allow Tetris Battle Royal and Kwirk Multiplayer up to 16 players on local splitscreen and via netplay.

===Online features===
====Mobile Game Boy Adapter====
There is a Japan-only accessory that communicates with Mobile Golf and Japanese Pokémon Crystal. It was bundled with Mobile Trainer cartridge which allowed the player to use e-mail as well as browse Nintendo's website. It saw use on some Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, but support was limited to Japan, and the servers went offline by 2002.

It is possible to partially emulate its feature for Pokémon Crystal by [http://forums.glitchcity.info/index.php?topic=7509.0 using BGB's scripting capability], and GBE+ can at least reach the title screen of Mobile Trainer and made [https://www.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/9141oy/making_progress_with_gb_mobile_adapter_emulation/ some progress in July 2018], but otherwise, no emulators (except for a recently leaked at time of writing internal emulator) properly support this accessory.

====Hudsonsoft KISS Link====
This accessory both allowed IR communications between 2 gameboys before the Game Boy Color existed with it’s IR port and with a modem, it allowed users to download exclusive content by them from Hudsonsoft's website. No emulator supports this. Resources about this super obscure accessory include http://nectaris.tg-16.com/GB-KISS-LINK-FAQ-hudson-gameboy-nectaris.html and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOuJ0EcA8IQ

===Accessories===
There are [[wikipedia:Game Boy accessories#Game Boy|a few accessories that the Game Boy and Game Boy Color]] had. Due to their very small and game-specific use, most emulators don't bother with them at all, save for GBE+.

* '''Game Boy Pocket Sonar:''' Japan only cartridge released by Bandai. It is a sonar-enabled device used for fishing with a fishing game included. Only GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art13.html supports] this feature. A similar cartridge was released for the WonderSwan (still unemulated).
* '''Barcode Boy:''' An obscure Japan-only barcode-scanning device released by Namcot (then-Namco's consumer division) in 1992. A total of 4 games were released to utilize this accessory. KiGB and GEST claim support for this device, but they only feed random data to Game Boy until the game accepts it as a valid barcode. GBE+ has [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art7.html proper emulation] with the ability to read barcodes from binary files. DoubleCherryGB also has full support. All barcodes are hardcode. After each scan the next barcode is loaded.
* '''Barcode Taisen Bardigun:''' Another Japan only barcode-scanning device with the dedicated game. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art6.html supports this accessory].
* '''Singer Sewing Machine:''' There is link cable support for the Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine. The IZEK was unique in that it came bundled with a specially coloured Game Boy and a cartridge for interfacing with the machine.<ref name="IZEK_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlhJKMXU7tg&t=5m25s|title=Game Boy Part 2 - Did You Know Gaming? Feat. Jake of Vsauce3|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-05-24}}</ref><ref name="IZEK_2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Epj2_eJdA|title=Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine - Gameboy Color Controller (Game Boy Color) Review|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-06-24}}</ref> Despite the IZEK's rarity, support for it has been added in a recent GBE+ release.<ref>[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art22.html Edge of Emulation: Game Boy Sewing Machines]</ref>
* '''Suzuki Pocket Dash Diagnostic System''' and '''Aprilia DITECH Interface''': A series of diagnostic cartridges used for Suzuki and Aprilia scooters respectively, developed by Orbital Technologies in the early 2000s. Both were used to interface with a supported motorcycle's engine control unit (ECU) in a similar manner to OBD tools for automobiles. The diagnostic cartridges were only made available for use by motorcycle dealerships and were not licensed by Nintendo. No dump of either cartridge exists as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:Gbc over saturation2.png|thumb|right|350px|Comparison of saturation levels in [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[Gambatte]].]]
The Game Boy Color's screen is under-saturated. Game developers often work around this by using brighter colors knowing it'll be compensated for on hardware. This does not translate well in emulation, because standard LCD screens don't account for this sort of issue. Many emulators attempt to combat this issue with options that adjust accordingly; if not directly, then [[Shaders_and_Filters#Image_Adjustment|shader functionality]] may be implemented.

This issue also affects [[Game Boy Advance emulators#Oversaturation|Game Boy Advance emulation]].

====Emulator options====
'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders, you will find three customizable '''Desaturation''' parameters.

'''VBA-M:''' Under Options > Game Boy, you will find the '''GB color option'''. The recent nightly builds also include the '''LCD Filter''' option.

For more information about Game Boy hardware and reverse engineering; 
* meganesu: [https://meganesu.github.io/generate-gb-opcodes/ Game Boy CPU Instructions]
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ Game Boy Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQE1K074v3s How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzPTK91EJY8 Learn to code and write games on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1cUIGHZLGA Secrets of the Nintendo Game Boy Boot Logo], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYQMdox5gzI How Cartridges worked on the Nintendo Game Boy]
* kOOPa and nocash: [https://problemkaputt.de/pandocs.htm Pan Docs]
* [https://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki] – Information about the Game Boy

==See also==
* [[Emulators on GB/GBC]]

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|*]]
[[Category:Game Boy]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color]]

Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators

2024-12-19T20:23:55Z

MysticChromium: Added SameBoy_libretro under ARM GB/C Emulators as the top item, updated GBCC-android's Active column status based on git activity

{{Infobox console
|title = Game Boy (Color)
|logo = Game_Boy.png
|image = Game-boy-color.png
|imagecaption = '''Top:''' Original Game Boy '''Bottom:''' Game Boy Color
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]]
|release=1989 (Game Boy) 1998 (Game Boy Color)
|discontinued = 2003
|predecessor = [[Game & Watch]]
|successor= [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}
{{for|emulators that run on the Game Boy (Color)|Emulators on GB/GBC}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy|Game Boy]]''' (GB) and '''[[wikipedia:Game Boy Color|Game Boy Color]]''' (GBC) are 8-bit, fourth-generation handheld consoles released by Nintendo on July 31, 1989 and November 18, 1998 respectively and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|89.95|1998}}. The Game Boy has a Sharp LR35902 core CPU at 4.19 MHz. It had a monochrome display that could only show four shades of grey, albeit with a olive green tinge on the original. The Game Boy Color uses the same LR35902 core as the original; while it is clocked at 8.38 MHz, it can be underclocked to 4.19 MHz for backwards-compatibility purposes. It was named such from its color screen, but it also had a larger memory size and a faster CPU. The hardware similarities allow cross-compatibility between the two platforms and they are often treated as one. They would both be succeeded by the backward-compatible [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]].

Nintendo re-released the console as the '''Game Boy Pocket''' in 1996, with a more compact body and a better screen. A front light was added to a special edition of the Pocket in Japan called the '''Game Boy Light''', a feature that wouldn't be seen outside of Japan until the Game Boy Advance SP.

Nintendo released a peripheral for the [[Super Nintendo emulators|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] called [[wikipedia:Super Game Boy|Super Game Boy]] in June 1994, which was modeled like a cartridge but included its own cartridge slot for Game Boy/Color games, as well as the hardware needed to translate the games. Many Game Boy/Color emulators offer at least some of the special features it included, such as added borders, colorization, custom button mappings, and other features. It was possible to link, but without the external port, as well as errors in the CPU, it would not be feasible to the end user. These issues would later be corrected in the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2.

==Emulators==
Because of how relatively easy popular 8-bit consoles are to emulate, tons of Game Boy emulators exist. For a list of open-source projects, see [https://github.com/search?o=desc&q=gameboy+emulator&s=updated&type=Repositories&utf8=%E2%9C%93 this GitHub query]. For a list of accuracy tests, see [https://daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout/ daid.github.io/GBEmulatorShootout].

===x86===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[Super Game Boy]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
| [[SameBoy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://sameboy.github.io/downloads {{SameBoyVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bgb.bircd.org/#downloads {{BGBVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [http://emulicious.net Emulicious]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://emulicious.net/downloads {{EmuliciousVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[BizHawk]] (BSNES)(Gambatte_Speedrun)(SameBoy)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev builds] [http://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} {{License|GPL}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gambatte]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://sourceforge.net/projects/gambatte/files/gambatte {{GambatteVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=active>[https://github.com/libretro/gambatte-libretro/tree/master Libretro core] is still active.</ref> ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Mesen|Mesen]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/SourMesen/Mesen2#development-builds {{MesenVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[GBE+]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[MAME]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|<abbr title="Latest development version">git artifacts</abbr><ref group=N>[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref>[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} {{License|BSD3}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[Gearboy]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/drhelius/Gearboy/releases {{GearboyVer}}]
|? ||{{~}}<abbr title="Libretro core supports RetroAchievements">*</abbr> ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc git]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy {{GameRoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[ares]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|ISC}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://mgba.io/builds/1/ Dev builds] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N>[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/12x3fsm/mgba_0102_released/jhigow4/ endrift's comment about libretro core]</ref> [https://mgba.io/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://nightly.vba-m.com/ Nightly builds] [http://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/visualboyadvance-m/visualboyadvance-m/releases {{VBAMVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [https://chillygb.arci.me/ ChillyGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Web}}
| [https://github.com/AuroraViola/ChillyGB {{ChillyGBVer}}]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
| [http://hhug.me/ hhugboy]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/tzlion/hhugboy/releases {{hhugboyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||[http://hhug.me/dump/ Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/pull/143#issue-1456816849 {{SkyEmuVer}}]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://binji.github.io/binjgb/ binjgb]
| align=left|{{Icon|Web}}
| [https://github.com/binji/binjgb/releases {{binjgbVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Ironboy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/chiplis/ironboy/ git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|PyBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Baekalfen/PyBoy/releases {{PyBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|LGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|KevBoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
|[https://github.com/xkevio/kevboy/releases {{KevBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|jgb
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/jsgroth/jgb git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|DoubleCherryGB
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/TimOelrichs/doublecherryGB-libretro git]
|? || || || ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{?}}
|-
|[[higan]] (火眼) byuu (謬/view)
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [http://byuu.org/emulation/higan {{higanVer}}] [https://github.com/libretro/higan libretro core]
|? ||{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}<ref group=N>Superseded by [[ares]].</ref>
|-
|[https://mattcurrie.com/bdm/ BDM]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Web}}
| [https://mattcurrie.com/bdm-demo/ Demo]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://fms.komkon.org/VGB VGB]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://fms.komkon.org/VGB {{VGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Gamebert
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/robert/gamebert git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Pantheon]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [http://bostjan-grandovec.si/Content/News.htm {{PantheonVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|UGE
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/SuperDisk/hUGETracker/releases {{UGEVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|PDEQ}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[KiGB]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|DOS}}
| [http://kigb.emuunlim.com/downloads.htm {{KiGBVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[TGB Dual]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}<ref group=N name=two>On Linux as an SDL port (and the [[libretro]] core is based on this version).</ref>
| [https://github.com/libertyernie/tgbdual_L/releases {{TGBDualVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|GiiBiiAdvance
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance/releases git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|MetroBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
| [https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy/releases {{MetroBoyVer}}]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|hdmg
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
| [https://git.sr.ht/~sircmpwn/hdmg git]
|? ||{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[rew.]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Windows9x}}
|[https://wikiwiki.jp/emulator/rew. rew12stx]
|? ||{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|}
</div>

===ARM===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy SameBoy_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
| [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbcc.dev GBCC]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.philj56.gbcc beta41] [https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/actions/workflows/build-apk.yml <abbr title="Latest development version">git Artifacts</abbr>]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{~}}[https://github.com/philj56/gbcc-android/commits/master *] ||{{✓}} [https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/_5D9uMlRlL-DJ_anXEyJHtI3IriwCFVPgg2zgwhkaG-uYwkjYeTqmiuUZwpomTYKsuo=w1024-h768-rw Printer] [https://youtu.be/ESYolQ761Dw?si=2c-yAHAAcWQSei1a Kirby Camera]
|-
|[[Game Play Color]]
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://github.com/gameplaycolor/gameplaycolor/releases {{GamePlayColorVer}}]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://www.explusalpha.com/home/gbc-emu GBC.emu]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pyra}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explusalpha.GbcEmu {{.emuVer}}][https://github.com/Rakashazi/emu-ex-plus-alpha git][https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/76 1.5.46.02 Pyra]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [https://github.com/huhao1987/mGBA_Android 0.3]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SkyEmu]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sky.SkyEmu v3.2] (Play)[https://www.amazon.com/SkyEmu-GBC-GBA-NDS-Emulator/dp/B0CGHK8QP5 v3.2] (Amazon)[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GBA4iOS
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
| [https://iemulators.com/gba4ios 2.1] [https://github.com/CocoaBob/GBA4iOS git] (new fork)
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|GameRoy
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Rodrigodd/gameroy 0.2.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|Dual}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ({{License|Apache2}} or {{License|MIT}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://eightbitwonders.gitlab.io/app 8-Bit Wonders]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://f-droid.org/packages/de.rainerhock.eightbitwonders 0.8] (F-Droid)0.8 (Play)0.8 (Amazon)[https://gitlab.com/eightbitwonders/app git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||roadmap
|-
|MeBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|Java}}
| [http://www.arktos.se/meboy/download.php 1.6][https://github.com/chijure/meboy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[https://my-oldboy-free-gbc-emulator.en.uptodown.com/android My OldBoy!]
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastemulator.gbc 2.0.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|John GBC
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
| [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.johnemulators.johngbc 3.93]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===Consoles===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko)
| align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
| N/A
|{{~}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|Super Game Boy
| align=left|{{Icon|SNES}}
| N/A
|{{✗}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[http://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-a-gameboy-emulator-for-ds.343407 GameYob DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|NDS}}
| [https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://gbatemp.net/threads/gameyob-3ds-gb-c-emu.372523/ GameYob 3DS]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| [https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/GameYob_3DS 1.0.8][https://github.com/Drenn1/GameYob git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[VisualBoy_Advance#VBA-M|<abbr title="Modified port of VBA-M. With it you can play GBA/Game Boy Color/Game Boy games on your Wii/GameCube.">VBA GX</abbr>]]
| align=left|{{Icon|GCN|Wii|WiiU}}
| [https://github.com/dborth/vbagx#nightly-builds nightly-builds]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|3DS|NX}} {{Icon|Vita|DC}} {{Icon|PSX}} {{Icon|PS2}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://docs.libretro.com/library/gambatte/ Gambatte_libretro]
| align=left|{{Icon|Xbox|NGC}} {{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|PSP}} {{Icon|Vita|3DS}}
| [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{~}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RIN
| align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
| [https://github.com/mbarczak/psp_rin git] [https://archive.org/details/rin-rx.-7z RX] [https://archive.org/details/rin_v1.32n1.2.7z 1.32n1.2]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
| align=left|{{Icon|3DS}}
| 8.10
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[mGBA]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Wii|WiiU|NX}} {{Icon|PSV|3DS}}
| [https://endrift.com/mgba/downloads.html {{MGBAVer}}] [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core] [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/releases git]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers Unlicensed] ||{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|GBEmu
| align=left|{{Icon|VB}}
| [https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/t/entry-game-boy-emulator/ 0.1]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|RealBoy Vita
| align=left|{{Icon|PSV}}
| [https://vitadb.rinnegatamante.it/#/info/167 1.2][https://github.com/xerpi/realboy-vita/releases git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|ShuBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|MD}}
| [http://jiggawatt.org/badc0de/shuboy.htm 1.0]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{?}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|aGBe
| align=left|{{Icon|PSX}}
| [https://sourceforge.net/projects/agbe/files/agbe SF]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}} ({{License|Permissive}}) ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|Hu-Boy
| align=left|SuperGrafx TurboGrafx-CD TurboDuo
| [https://www.chrismcovell.com/huboy.html V 0.30621]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}} ||{{✓}} ||{{X}}
|}
</div>

===Firmware===
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Hardware features and accessories]]
! scope="col"|[[#Mappers|Mappers support level]]
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|PlutoBoy
| align=left|{{Icon|UEFI}}
| [https://github.com/RossMeikleham/PlutoBoy git]
|{{?}} ||{{?}} ||? ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}}) ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|}
</div>

<references group=N />

==Comparison==
{{for|accuracy tests comparison of these emulators|Emulation accuracy#Further reading}}
===Game Boy-only emulators===
;[[SameBoy]]:One of the most [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy emulator currently. The UI is simple and easy to use. It includes open source bootroms, although these can be replaced with real ones. Has debugging features and also emulates Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer.
;[[BGB]]:A closed-source emulator for Windows (and [[Wine]]) with solid Game Boy and Game Boy Color accuracy, as well as near flawless link support. It has a wealth of options for color palettes. Most used for its advanced debugger.
;[[Gambatte]]:Pretty [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] open-source Game Boy/Color emulator. It has a good range of options and features, though not quite as much as some other emulators. The main fork is not in active development, but the libretro core is still active.
;[http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy]:A Windows-only Game Boy/Color emulator based on GEST with a focus on bootleg and unlicensed games. It is capable of detecting and correctly emulating the mapper on a number of games that are otherwise broken on other emulators, but some ROMs require manually selecting the mapper on the Unlicensed Compatibility Mode menu. Besides the usual raw dumps, it also supports the footered [http://hhug.me/gbx GBX] ROM format, which correctly informs the emulator which mapper to run regardless of what the internal headers say.
;GameRoy:A Game Boy emulator, dissasembler and debugger written in Rust. It has high [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]] and accurate clock frequency. It is more suited for debugging uses for now.
;[[TGB Dual]]:An ancient emulator that supports link cable emulation. It also supports [[netplay]], but it requires a VPN. The libretro port supports local multiplayer using player 2's controls.
;[[KiGB]]:An old and obsolete emulator which boasted its accuracy but was proven to be full of game-specific hacks.<ref>https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/238</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Test_ROMs#Emulators_running_on_desktop_computers</ref><ref>http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/KiGB</ref> It has a wide selection of features, but other emulators have caught up and are already doing much better.
;[https://github.com/AntonioND/giibiiadvance GiiBiiAdvance]:Pioneered full GB Camera emulation, including webcam support. Aside from that, it's an unfinished emulator with the basics set up, but its promising future currently on hiatus. It has very [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] timing.
;[https://github.com/aappleby/MetroBoy MetroBoy]:Extremely [[Emulation_accuracy|accurate]] Game Boy simulator which being written in a subset of C++ that's designed to to be mechanically translated into Verilog HDL.
;Ironboy:A very recent and promising emulator written in Rust for WebAssembly which is focus only on the original Game Boy (DMG) to [https://github.com/Chiplis/IronBoy#ironboy achieve the highest degree of accuracy]. Unfortunately, it only supports monochrome Game Boy games.
;binjgb:A GB + GBC emulator for both desktop and WebAssembly, developed by Ben "binji" Smith since 2016. Most famously used by McDonald's in 2023 to publish ''Grimace's Birthday'' [https://grimacesbirthday.com/ as a browser game].
;[[Nintendo Switch Online]] (Hiyoko):
* GB support was added to Nintendo Switch Online in February 2023, alongside GBA games exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier;
* Users are limited to the selection of games Nintendo chooses to make available on the service;
* Supports online and Local Play (up to 2 players, Local Play must be with individual Switch systems);
* Supports tilt controls through gyroscope or normal controllers (e.g.: ''Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble'');
* Supports infrared emulation (e.g.: ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'');
* Palette styles can be applied (original GB, Pocket, and GBC);
* No Super Game Boy features supported (it always runs games in GBC mode);
* Allows exchange of regional variants in the International version of the app (USA and/or European versions);
* Different games between regions (Japan and International)

'''List of recommended GB/GBC emulators for Android:'''
* [https://www.androidauthority.com/best-game-boy-emulators-for-android-368530/ 10 best Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy emulators for Android] (SEPTEMBER 2, 2018. Includes some emulators not found in above charts. Reviews may be subjective.)

===GB/C emulation on GBA emulators===
''This shouldn't be confused with [[Game_Boy_Advance_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|actual backwards compatibility on GBA emulation]].''
;[[mGBA]]:Primarily emulates the [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]] but it also includes GB/C support much like the original system. It's a solid implementation, with most of the library working perfectly.
;[[GBE+]]:An emulator that has a large effort in preserving the functions of a multitude of [[#Game Boy Features|obscure accessories]] that other emulators don't focus on. It can also load custom tiles in games, including colorized tiles for original Game Boy titles.
;[[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VisualBoy Advance-M (VBA-M)]]:Used to be the go-to for Game Boy Advance emulation and even included solid GB/C emulation. It's now behind [[mGBA]] on both fronts.

===[[Multi-system emulators]]===
;[[higan]]/[[ares]]:Because it started out as a [[Super Nintendo emulators|SNES emulator]] (its original name was bsnes), it was the first one that properly emulated all of the [[Super_Nintendo_emulators#Super_Game_Boy|Super Game Boy]]'s features, such as SPC sound chip utilization, which requires the SNES and GameBoy to be emulated simultaneously so it's demanding.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/zwq9fu/ares_crossplatform_open_source_multisystem/j1ys10k/</ref>
;[[BizHawk]]:Uses a modified Gambatte core. It provides speedrunning tools.
;[[MAME]]:Has solid Game Boy emulation through its <code>gameboy</code> driver despite the sound being imperfect, as well as slightly worse Game Boy Color compatibility through its <code>gbcolor</code> driver (where both the graphics and sound are imperfect). Despite its setbacks, it aims to feature compatibility with obscure mappers that other emulators usually ignore, like Wisdom Tree games or MMM01 multicarts. Accuracy was improved upon with contributions by Judge_.

==Mappers==
Much like the NES, the Game Boy (and by extension, the Game Boy Color) used '''Memory Bank Controllers''' (MBC) (called MMCs on the NES) and also known informally as '''mappers''', to go beyond the restrictive initial hardware specifications. Nevertheless, Nintendo was much more careful to standardize their specifications to [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Category:Licensed_chips just a small number of possible mappers]. Moreover, Game Boy ROMs now included an official internal header mandated by Nintendo that included the correct MMC type. This meant that for the officially licensed games, these mappers proved to be rarely a problem... with some notable unimplemented exceptions: Net de Get's MBC6 that offered downloadable content off the internet, and the MMM01 footer used for some official multi-cart games, among others.

However, it doesn't get better when it comes to '''unlicensed games''', since they didn't necessarily respect Nintendo's specifications about how a given mapper type should handle its memory and behave in general, and internal headers were often filled with erroneous data to hinder dumping and emulation efforts. Some emulators like MESS/[[MAME]] and [http://hhug.me/?tags=hhugboy hhugboy] try to emulate that behavior with various degrees of success ([http://hhug.me/dump/ Compatibility List]). The hhugboy project also proposed a similar solution to iNES for this mapper problem, as the [http://hhug.me/gbx/1.0 gbx ROM format] that appends a footer with extra information needed for some unlicensed games. However, this format, much less unlicensed hardware quirks, isn't widely adopted aside from tentative [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/blob/master/README.md#game-boy-mappers mGBA support].

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=4 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| colspan=11 | For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more apparent.
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Game_Boy|Widescreen hack]] Possible with technique called [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideGB]] which uses a similar technique as [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.282D.29|WideNES]].
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://kemenaran.winosx.com/posts/widegb-now-available-on-windows/ SameBoy WideGB fork] at the moment.
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Game_Boy|Sprite Replacement]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [[GBE+]] emulator at the moment.
|-
| Remove sprite limit The Gameboy supports a maximum of 40 sprite objects. – this limitation is indirectly responsible for some of the flickering seen in games at times and different strategies must be used to achieve certain game design elements. When this option is enabled, the limit is disabled, allowing more sprites to be drawn on the same line.
|
| {{?}}[https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues/412 *]
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Rewind
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Savestates
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Post-Processing
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]] ([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=10 | Quality of life
|Pause/Resume Emulation
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes] For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
| colspan=10 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment. Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in Game Boy sound player
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| Command Line Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan=1 | Controls
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | Misc
| [[Netplay#Game_Boy|<abbr title="Should not be confused with GB/GBC Online features or Link cable emulation, see #Hardware features and peripherals section for that.">Netplay</abbr>]]
|
|
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive>Input lag mitigation technique and [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/retroachievements/#game-boy-game-boy-color RetroAchievements exclusive to libretro cores]. Also [https://docs.libretro.com/library/sameboy/#features netplay enhancement] exclusive to SameBoy libretro core.</ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/issues/2450 *]
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| AI Service With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment.
|-
| RetroAchievements [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=4 Game Boy], [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=6 Game Boy Color]
|
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=LibretroExclusive></ref>
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]
|
|
|
| {{✓}}[https://sameboy.github.io/features/#debugging *]
| {{✓}}[https://bgb.bircd.org/manual.html#debugkeys *]
|
|
|
|
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

==Hardware features and accessories==
:''[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art34.html Shonumi: The State of Emulation - 2024]''
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! GBE+
! mGBA
! VBA-M
! SameBoy
! BGB
! GBCC
! SkyEmu
! Mesen
! BizHawk
! ChillyGB
! Nintendo Switch Online (Hiyoko)
|-
| rowspan=5 | Inputs
| [[#Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)|Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro>Not available on Libretro core.</ref>
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers>Motion Control does not support controller's gyro. Supports only remapping to mouse/keyboard/gamepad.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=no-controllers />
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Accelerometer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[#Rumble|Rumble]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Game Boy Camera|Game Boy Camera]]
| {{✗}}
| {{~}} <ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{~}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>Only on Android, uses real front/back Camera hardware permission required.</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✓}}
| {{?}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Boy]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
|-
| [[#Accessories|Barcode Taisen Bardigun]]
| {{✓}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{✗}}
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | <abbr title="There are four different kinds of connectivity, support varying by game.">Connectivity</abbr>
| [[#Multiplayer|<abbr title="The Nintendo Game Link Cable is an accessory for the Game Boy line of handheld video game systems, allowing players to connect Game Boys of all types for multiplayer gaming. Depending on the games, a Game Link Cable can be used to link two games of the same title, like Tetris, or two compatible games like Pokémon Red and Blue. Games can be linked for head-to-head competition, cooperative play, trading items, unlocking hidden features, etc.">Link Cable</abbr>]]<ref group=N>Super Game Boy for SNES supports only on the Japan-exclusive Super Game Boy 2. gameyob for DS emulator supports it through NiFi. Virtual Console for Switch only supports for Pokemon only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[mGBA]] pretty buggy [https://github.com/mgba-emu/mgba/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+Link but sometimes works].</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>[[SameBoy]]'s libretro core supports Link Cable, standalone does not.</ref>
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N>GBCC only supports a [https://gbcc.dev/ fake "link" with itself].</ref>
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/issues/44 *]
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| [[#IR Transmitter|IR Transmitter]]
| {{✓}}
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| <abbr title="Work in Progress">WIP</abbr>
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| [[#Online features|Online features]]
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| [[#Multiplayer|4-Player Adapter]]
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| rowspan=4 | Special hardware
| [[#Game Boy Printer|Game Boy Printer]]
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=Libretro />
| {{✓}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO>For MacOS only.</ref>
| {{✗}}
| {{✓}}<ref group=N>GBCC uses Android real Printer hardware</ref>
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
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| [[#Accessories|GB Pocket Sonar]]
| {{✓}}
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| [[#Accessories|Singer Sewing Machine]]
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| {{?}}
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| [[#Accessories|WorkBoy]]
| {{✗}}[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/issues/125 *]
| {{?}}
| {{?}}
| {{~}}<ref group=N name=SameBoyCOCO></ref>
| {{?}}
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| rowspan=2 | [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Pikachu_2_GS#Interactions_with_Generation_II Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS]
| Communication
| {{✗}}
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| Emulation
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| rowspan=2 | Unlicensed Hardware
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP1Bkfj9kDY WORLD PORT]
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| Pro Action Replay
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|colspan=2 | [[wikipedia:Hot_swapping#Gaming|<abbr title="It was sometimes possible to apply cheats (such as a player having infinite lives) and other temporary software alterations to games by hot swapping cartridges, even though the cartridges were not designed to be hot swappable.">Cartridge Hot Swapping</abbr>]]
| {{?}}
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|colspan=2 | [http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Cartridge_tilting <abbr title="Cartridge tilting is an action performed on cartridge-based systems to create otherwise impossible glitches. Cartridge tilting is not a glitch, but rather the process which creates glitches.">Cartridge Tilting</abbr>]<ref group=N name=Tilt>[https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAqx5EV7l_DkwOv4WmVEBLv39WPEUm3d Cart Tilt Showcase Playlist]</ref>
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</div>
<references group=N />

===IR Transmitter===
The Game Boy Color had an infrared transmitter and receiver. Generation II Pokémon games made use of this feature through Mystery Gift. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe could send high scores to another cartridge. GBE+ had [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art4.html basic IR emulation] back in July 2016 but it then only worked with Pokémon games. Now, as of [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art11.html April 2018], it has full IR emulation for most IR-enabled games (Hudson Soft's HuC-1's IR capabilities need to be emulated for Japanese ''Pokémon TCG'').

*[[List of games that support IR#GameBoy Color Emulation]].

===Game Boy Camera===
The Game Boy Camera is an official Nintendo accessory for the Game Boy and was released in 1998. Users can take pictures and modify them with stickers and frames, as well as play several included minigames. In addition to the original model, there was a US-exclusive Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time edition that included different stamps.

The first emulator to have some capability of emulating the Game Boy Camera was a modified version of an old emulator called Hash. This version, named Hashcam, can still be found on the author's website. While there were some efforts to run the Game Boy Camera ROM in BGB unofficially, the author didn't show much interest in it. However, it is fully emulated with webcam support in a lesser-known emulator called GiiBiiAdvance.

As of version 0.7.0, or any dev builds post 0.6.0, mGBA can emulate this accessory by either using the PC's webcam or sending a BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or other image format to the game, as if it was coming from the camera itself.<ref name="mGBA_Cam">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mGBA_emu/status/890954205472501762|title=Game Boy Camera in mGBA dev builds|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2017-07-28}}</ref> The camera is also functional on the 3DS port. To enable the PC webcam, go to <code>Game Boy</code> under <code>settings</code> and switch the <code>camera driver</code> to <code>Qt Multimedia</code>, or by editing <code>qt.ini</code> and setting <code>cameraDriver=1</code> under <code>[General]</code>.

===Game Boy Printer===
Game Boy Printer is a thermal printer accessory released by Nintendo in 1998 used in conjunction with the Game Boy Camera and also used to prints images from compatible GB games such as ''Pokémon Gold and Silver'', ''Pokémon Crystal'', ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe'', ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX''.

[[VisualBoy Advance]] (including its forks), [[GBE+]] and [[mGBA]] have Game Boy Printer support that turn the signals into a bitmap form of the image.

===Motion Control (Tilt Sensor)===
Two Game Boy Color games featured a built-in tilt sensor: Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble and Command Master. These games cannot be played without support for this feature. [[VisualBoy Advance|VBA]] and [[KiGB]] have a "Motion Sensor" option to map four directional keys to emulate the cartridge tilting, but the controls aren't analog. [[BGB]] can emulate the tilting features with the use of the mouse. [[SameBoy]] allows to use the mouse, as well as a joystick, and on the Cocoa frontend, is supporting controller's motion controls. [[mGBA]] supports controller's motion controls and allows to assign stic's X an Y axes. Hiyoko, the official GBC emulator for [[Nintendo Switch Online]], emulates motion controls for Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble by translating gyroscope input either from the console itself (when playing in portable mode) or from a detached Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller (when playing in docked mode).

*[[List of games that support tracked motion controllers#GameBoy Color Emulation]]

===Rumble===
A good number of cartridges came with a built-in rumble that required an AAA battery to power, such as ''Pokémon Pinball'', but the feature is optional. So far, only [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-GX|VBA-GX]] emulates rumble in these games, including games that have their rumble feature dummied out (one being ''Tarzan'').

===Multiplayer===
* '''Link Cable:''' [[BGB]], [[KiGB]], some versions of [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[TGB Dual|TGB-Dual]] supports link cable. It can also be used for Netplay on the corresponding [[RetroArch]] core. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multiplayer_Game_Boy_games#Two-player_games_via_the_Game_Link_Cable Two-player games via the Game Link Cable list].
* '''4-Player Adapter:''' Currently only [[GBE+]] and DoubleCherryGB supports it.
* '''Faceball 2000 16-Player Link Cable:''' There is a 16-Player adapter as well, but it went unreleased outside of unused code in some games, but it is emulated by ''DoubleCherryGB'' emulator and allows to play Faceball 2000 in local splitscreen and via netplay.
* '''Multiplayer Hacks:''' DoubleCherryGB emulates virtual link-cable devices that allow Tetris Battle Royal and Kwirk Multiplayer up to 16 players on local splitscreen and via netplay.

===Online features===
====Mobile Game Boy Adapter====
There is a Japan-only accessory that communicates with Mobile Golf and Japanese Pokémon Crystal. It was bundled with Mobile Trainer cartridge which allowed the player to use e-mail as well as browse Nintendo's website. It saw use on some Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, but support was limited to Japan, and the servers went offline by 2002.

It is possible to partially emulate its feature for Pokémon Crystal by [http://forums.glitchcity.info/index.php?topic=7509.0 using BGB's scripting capability], and GBE+ can at least reach the title screen of Mobile Trainer and made [https://www.reddit.com/r/EmuDev/comments/9141oy/making_progress_with_gb_mobile_adapter_emulation/ some progress in July 2018], but otherwise, no emulators (except for a recently leaked at time of writing internal emulator) properly support this accessory.

====Hudsonsoft KISS Link====
This accessory both allowed IR communications between 2 gameboys before the Game Boy Color existed with it’s IR port and with a modem, it allowed users to download exclusive content by them from Hudsonsoft's website. No emulator supports this. Resources about this super obscure accessory include http://nectaris.tg-16.com/GB-KISS-LINK-FAQ-hudson-gameboy-nectaris.html and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOuJ0EcA8IQ

===Accessories===
There are [[wikipedia:Game Boy accessories#Game Boy|a few accessories that the Game Boy and Game Boy Color]] had. Due to their very small and game-specific use, most emulators don't bother with them at all, save for GBE+.

* '''Game Boy Pocket Sonar:''' Japan only cartridge released by Bandai. It is a sonar-enabled device used for fishing with a fishing game included. Only GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art13.html supports] this feature. A similar cartridge was released for the WonderSwan (still unemulated).
* '''Barcode Boy:''' An obscure Japan-only barcode-scanning device released by Namcot (then-Namco's consumer division) in 1992. A total of 4 games were released to utilize this accessory. KiGB and GEST claim support for this device, but they only feed random data to Game Boy until the game accepts it as a valid barcode. GBE+ has [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art7.html proper emulation] with the ability to read barcodes from binary files. DoubleCherryGB also has full support. All barcodes are hardcode. After each scan the next barcode is loaded.
* '''Barcode Taisen Bardigun:''' Another Japan only barcode-scanning device with the dedicated game. GBE+ [https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art6.html supports this accessory].
* '''Singer Sewing Machine:''' There is link cable support for the Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine. The IZEK was unique in that it came bundled with a specially coloured Game Boy and a cartridge for interfacing with the machine.<ref name="IZEK_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlhJKMXU7tg&t=5m25s|title=Game Boy Part 2 - Did You Know Gaming? Feat. Jake of Vsauce3|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-05-24}}</ref><ref name="IZEK_2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Epj2_eJdA|title=Singer IZEK Digital Sewing Machine - Gameboy Color Controller (Game Boy Color) Review|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-08-10|date=2014-06-24}}</ref> Despite the IZEK's rarity, support for it has been added in a recent GBE+ release.<ref>[https://shonumi.github.io/articles/art22.html Edge of Emulation: Game Boy Sewing Machines]</ref>
* '''Suzuki Pocket Dash Diagnostic System''' and '''Aprilia DITECH Interface''': A series of diagnostic cartridges used for Suzuki and Aprilia scooters respectively, developed by Orbital Technologies in the early 2000s. Both were used to interface with a supported motorcycle's engine control unit (ECU) in a similar manner to OBD tools for automobiles. The diagnostic cartridges were only made available for use by motorcycle dealerships and were not licensed by Nintendo. No dump of either cartridge exists as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}.

==Emulation issues==
===Oversaturation===
[[File:Gbc over saturation2.png|thumb|right|350px|Comparison of saturation levels in [[VisualBoy Advance#VBA-M|VBA-M]] and [[Gambatte]].]]
The Game Boy Color's screen is under-saturated. Game developers often work around this by using brighter colors knowing it'll be compensated for on hardware. This does not translate well in emulation, because standard LCD screens don't account for this sort of issue. Many emulators attempt to combat this issue with options that adjust accordingly; if not directly, then [[Shaders_and_Filters#Image_Adjustment|shader functionality]] may be implemented.

This issue also affects [[Game Boy Advance emulators#Oversaturation|Game Boy Advance emulation]].

====Emulator options====
'''mGBA:''' Under Tools > Settings > Shaders, you will find three customizable '''Desaturation''' parameters.

'''VBA-M:''' Under Options > Game Boy, you will find the '''GB color option'''. The recent nightly builds also include the '''LCD Filter''' option.

For more information about Game Boy hardware and reverse engineering; 
* meganesu: [https://meganesu.github.io/generate-gb-opcodes/ Game Boy CPU Instructions]
* Rodrigo Copetti: [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ Game Boy Architecture Practical Analysis]
* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQE1K074v3s How Graphics worked on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzPTK91EJY8 Learn to code and write games on the Nintendo Game Boy], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1cUIGHZLGA Secrets of the Nintendo Game Boy Boot Logo], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYQMdox5gzI How Cartridges worked on the Nintendo Game Boy]
* kOOPa and nocash: [https://problemkaputt.de/pandocs.htm Pan Docs]
* [https://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/Main_Page Gameboy Development Wiki] – Information about the Game Boy

==See also==
* [[Emulators on GB/GBC]]

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulators|*]]
[[Category:Game Boy]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color]]