Head-to-head · Game Boy Advance Emulators
Retra vs NanoBoyAdvance
Retra leads on 1 check, NanoBoyAdvance on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRetra · 7.1/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresRetra · 4 of 5
Retra scores higher on our rubric for game boy advance emulators: 7.1 against 6.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.
On platform scope, Retra gives you Mobile where NanoBoyAdvance offers Desktop. Retra offers cheat support; NanoBoyAdvance doesn't publish it.
Retra is the better fit for android users wanting careful save and ROM handling. NanoBoyAdvance is the better fit for desktop users prioritizing cycle accuracy.
- Retra fits best
Android users wanting careful save and ROM handling
- NanoBoyAdvance fits best
Desktop users prioritizing cycle accuracy
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Side by side
| Feature | Retra 7.1/10 Visit ↗ | NanoBoyAdvance 6.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.1 | 6.8 |
| Ranking | #5 in Game Boy Advance Emulators | #7 in Game Boy Advance Emulators |
| Best for | Android users wanting careful save and ROM handling | Desktop users prioritizing cycle accuracy |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Desktop |
| Platforms | Android | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Retra 4/5 · NanoBoyAdvance 3/5 | ||
| Save states | ✓ | ✓ |
| Link multiplayer | Not published | Not published |
| Cheat support | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Graphics enhancements | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platform scope | Mobile | Desktop |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Retra combines Game Boy Advance emulation with a local game archive, save manager, patch workspace, and homebrew hub for Android users. It uses an mGBA libretro core and organizes imported games with search, filters, artwork-based grid… Read the review → |
NanoBoyAdvance is a free, open-source emulator for Nintendo Game Boy Advance software on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its focus is timing accuracy and compatibility, making it a fit for desktop users who want cycle-accurate emulation rather… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Retra — where it wins
- Save states, local saves, backups, and save timelines
- Checksum-verified ROM imports with GBA, ZIP, UPS, IPS, and BPS support
- Open-source Android app with cheats, rewind, patches, and custom controls
Where it doesn't
- Android-only platform scope
- Android build, device-testing, and ABI validation gaps remain
- APK releases require testing and sideloading
NanoBoyAdvance — where it wins
- Cycle-accurate emulation across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Save states, controller remapping, and broad archive-based ROM loading
- RTC, solar-sensor emulation, audio tools, and graphics viewers
Where it doesn't
- Designed for desktop computers rather than mobile platforms
- Focused on Game Boy Advance software only
- GitHub repository was archived, with development continuing on Codeberg
- Retra7.1/10 · Free plan
A careful Android GBA emulator with deep save management and verified imports.
Visit RetraFull verdict → - NanoBoyAdvance6.8/10 · Free plan
Free, open-source desktop emulation focused on timing accuracy and advanced GBA features.
Visit NanoBoyAdvanceFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update