RetroGBm
RetroGBm is a free Game Boy Color emulator for Windows and Android, written in C++.
What RetroGBm is
RetroGBm is a free Game Boy Color emulator for Windows and Android, written in C++. It supports MBC1, MBC3, and MBC5 cartridge mappers, battery-backed saves, and multiple rotating save states. Emulation includes adjustable speed, Real-Time Clock behavior, cycle-accurate CPU and PPU timing, audio, and play-time tracking. Controllers work on Windows and Android, while Windows also supports keyboard remapping. GameShark cheat codes are supported on both platforms, including saving codes, and link play connects Android with Windows. Original Game Boy games can use optional Game Boy Color palettes, including a grayscale choice. The project is GPL-3.0 licensed, and its site directs users to the GitHub repository for downloads and details. Repository build requirements list Visual Studio 2026 for Windows and Android Studio for Android. The listed free plan is free. A v26.9 release notes that save states made with older releases are not compatible.
Good
- Supports MBC1, MBC3, and MBC5 cartridges
- Provides battery saves and rotating save states
- Offers controller support on Windows and Android
- Includes Real-Time Clock and link-play emulation
- GPL-3.0 licensed and free
Watch out
- Older save states do not work with v26.9
- Build requirements include Visual Studio 2026 or Android Studio
Who it suits
RetroGBm suits Windows and Android users wanting to play Game Boy Color systems with save states, controller support, and link play. It also fits users who need GameShark support or adjustable emulation speed.
Verdict
RetroGBm combines broad Game Boy Color cartridge support with save management, timing features, cheats, and cross-platform link play. Check the v26.9 save-state limitation before upgrading from an older release.
The facts
Each one read from RetroGBm's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Accuracy and audio
- It features cycle-accurate CPU and PPU timing and audio emulation.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Build requirements
- The repository says Windows builds use Visual Studio 2026 and Android builds use Android Studio.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Cartridge support
- It supports MBC1, MBC3, and MBC5 mappers.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Cheats
- It supports GameShark cheat codes.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- The v26.9 release states that older save states are not compatible with that release.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Controllers and keyboard
- A release added controller support for Windows and Android and keyboard remapping for Windows.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Download
- The site directs users to the RetroGBm GitHub repository for details and downloads.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Emulation controls
- Users can adjust emulation speed, and the emulator supports Real-Time Clock emulation.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Game Boy palettes
- A release added optional Game Boy Color palettes, including greyscale, for original Game Boy games.checked 3 Oct 2026
- GameShark
- It supports GameShark on Windows and Android, with saving for GameShark codes added in a release.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Graphics and audio
- It includes dot-based PPU timing, audio emulation, and CGB colours for DMG games with a grayscale option on Windows and Android.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies its license as GPL-3.0.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Link play
- It supports link cable play.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Play tracking
- The emulator tracks play time.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- RetroGBm is a fast, lightweight Game Boy Color emulator written in C++ for Windows and Android.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- RetroGBm is a fast and lightweight Game Boy Color emulator for Windows and Android.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Saves
- It supports battery-backed saves and multiple save states with rotating quick saves.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Mapper support
- It supports MBC1, MBC3, and MBC5 mappers.checked 3 Oct 2026
