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gbajs3

gbajs3 is a browser-based Game Boy Advance emulator that runs in modern browsers without plugins.

Place
#19 of 29
Score
6.0
gbajs3's website

What gbajs3 is

gbajs3 is a browser-based Game Boy Advance emulator that runs in modern browsers without plugins. It provides two interchangeable cores: the mGBA WebAssembly core and the gbajs pure JavaScript core. Controls include remappable keyboard bindings and virtual controls for desktop and mobile, alongside mobile interface and offline progressive web app support. The emulator includes fast forward, and both cores support a realtime clock. Some features are core-specific: save states and cheat codes work with mGBA, while a surface-level assembly debugger is available with gbajs. The project also lists server components for logged-in user support and content, an admin UI and PostgreSQL support. Its self-hosting instructions use an environment file and Docker Compose. The setup guide gives admin as the default administrator password and directs users to change it after logging in. gbajs3 is free and freely licensed, but its GitHub releases page lists no releases. The README also identifies debugger and server enhancements as unfinished work, with S3-backed file storage described as a future server enhancement.

Good

  • Runs in modern browsers without plugins.
  • Two interchangeable emulation cores.
  • Virtual controls support desktop and mobile.
  • Offline progressive web app support.
  • Both cores support a realtime clock.

Watch out

  • Save states and cheats require the mGBA core.
  • The debugger is available only with gbajs.
  • GitHub lists no releases.
  • Debugger and server enhancements remain unfinished.

Who it suits

It suits people seeking a free browser-based GBA emulator with desktop and mobile controls, including those interested in self-hosting. Users who need save states, cheats or the debugger should note which core supports each feature.

Verdict

gbajs3 offers browser-based GBA emulation with distinct core-specific features and a self-hosting option. Its lack of listed releases and unfinished enhancements are relevant considerations for anyone setting it up.

Plans and prices

From gbajs3's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
FreeFreeFreely licensed · runs in a modern browser

The facts

Each one read from gbajs3's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Controls
Features include remappable keyboard bindings and virtual controls for desktop and mobile.checked 3 Oct 2026
Debugger
A surface level assembly debugger is available for the gbajs core only.checked 3 Oct 2026
Downloads
The GitHub releases page says there are no releases.checked 3 Oct 2026
Emulation cores
It supports the mGBA WebAssembly core and the gbajs pure JavaScript core, with interchangeable cores.checked 3 Oct 2026
Fast forward
The project includes a fast forward feature.checked 3 Oct 2026
Intended use
The maker says the project was driven by a need to play modern GBA ROM hacks outside desktop applications without sideloading or building through Xcode.checked 3 Oct 2026
Limits and roadmap
The README lists debugger and server enhancements as work to do and describes S3 backed file storage as a future server enhancement.checked 3 Oct 2026
Mobile and offline
The project lists mobile UI support and offline progressive web app support.checked 3 Oct 2026
Realtime clock
Both emulator cores support a realtime clock.checked 3 Oct 2026
Save states and cheats
Save states and cheat codes are supported by the mGBA core only.checked 3 Oct 2026
Security setup
The setup guide says the default admin password is admin and instructs users to change it immediately after logging in.checked 3 Oct 2026
Self hosting
The setup instructions say to configure an environment file and start the services with Docker Compose.checked 3 Oct 2026
Server components
The feature list includes a Go server for logged in user support, an Nginx server for gbajs3 content, an admin UI, and PostgreSQL support.checked 3 Oct 2026
What it does
gbajs3 is a browser based Game Boy Advance emulator that works in modern browsers without plugins.checked 3 Oct 2026

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