Head-to-head · Game Boy Emulators
BGB vs ChillyGB
BGB leads on 2 checks, ChillyGB on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBGB · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresBGB · 5 of 5
BGB scores higher on our rubric for game boy emulators: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
BGB offers link cable emulation; ChillyGB doesn't. BGB offers netplay; ChillyGB doesn't.
BGB is the better fit for windows users prioritizing accuracy and debugging. ChillyGB is the better fit for open-source GB/GBC emulation with debugging.
- BGB fits best
Windows users prioritizing accuracy and debugging
- ChillyGB fits best
Open-source GB/GBC emulation with debugging
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Side by side
| Feature | BGB 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | ChillyGB 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #3 in Game Boy Emulators | #7 in Game Boy Emulators |
| Best for | Windows users prioritizing accuracy and debugging | Open-source GB/GBC emulation with debugging |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Cloud, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Web, Windows, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features BGB 5/5 · ChillyGB 3/5 | ||
| Save states | ✓ | ✓ |
| Link cable emulation | ✓ (best) | — |
| Netplay | ✓ (best) | — |
| Real-time clock | ✓ | ✓ |
| Controller support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported systems | Game Boy; Game Boy Color; Super Game Boy | Game Boy (DMG); Game Boy Color (CGB) |
| Supported platforms | Windows; Wine on Linux and macOS | WebAssembly/browser; Windows; Linux; Nintendo Switch |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | BGB is a free emulator and debugger for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Super Game Boy software. It is aimed at Windows users who care about accurate hardware behavior, timing, and access to development-oriented tools alongside standard… Read the review → |
ChillyGB is a free, open-source emulator for Nintendo Game Boy (DMG) and Game Boy Color (CGB) software. Written in C, it provides native builds for Windows and Linux alongside a WebAssembly version that runs in a browser. Its audience… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
BGB — where it wins
- Hardware-accurate emulation with timing, RTC, and link support
- Debugger includes disassembly, breakpoints, watchpoints, and register editing
- Free access with save states, rewind, cheats, and recording
Where it doesn't
- Primary platform support centers on Windows
- Focuses on Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Super Game Boy systems
- Advanced debugging tools may exceed casual emulation needs
ChillyGB — where it wins
- Supports GB, GBC, multiple cartridge types and Pocket Camera
- Includes BESS-compliant save states, RTC support and cheats
- Offers browser access plus a debugger with instruction and memory views
Where it doesn't
- No emulated link-cable support
- No netplay or online multiplayer
- Focuses on Game Boy and Game Boy Color systems
- BGB9.2/10 · Free plan
A free Windows emulator with hardware-accurate timing and unusually deep debugging tools.
Visit BGBFull verdict → - ChillyGB8.8/10 · Free plan
A focused, free GB/GBC emulator for players and developers who want debugging depth.
Visit ChillyGBFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- SameBoy vs ChillyGB
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- BGB vs GB Enhanced+
- BGB vs SkyEmu
- BGB vs oxGBC
All game boy emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Guides on game boy emulators
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update