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Head-to-head · Game Boy Advance Emulators

RetroArch vs Retra

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score RetroArch #3 in Game Boy Advance Emulators 7.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit RetroArch
Retra #5 in Game Boy Advance Emulators 7.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Retra

RetroArch leads on 0 checks, Retra on 3, and 2 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 scoreRetroArch · 7.7/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresRetra · 4 of 5

RetroArch scores higher on our rubric for game boy advance emulators: 7.7 against 7.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Retra offers save states; RetroArch doesn't publish it. Retra offers cheat support; RetroArch doesn't publish it. Retra offers graphics enhancements; RetroArch doesn't publish it.

RetroArch is the better fit for multi-platform users wanting netplay and broad features. Retra is the better fit for android users wanting careful save and ROM handling.

  • RetroArch fits best

    Multi-platform users wanting netplay and broad features

  • Retra fits best

    Android users wanting careful save and ROM handling

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature RetroArch 7.7/10 Visit ↗ Retra 7.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.7 7.1
Ranking #3 in Game Boy Advance Emulators #5 in Game Boy Advance Emulators
Best for Multi-platform users wanting netplay and broad features Android users wanting careful save and ROM handling
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Android
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features RetroArch 1/5 · Retra 4/5
Save states Not published ✓ (best)
Link multiplayer Not published Not published
Cheat support Not published ✓ (best)
Graphics enhancements Not published ✓ (best)
Open source ✓ ✓
Specs
Platform scope Not published Mobile
Our review
Pros
  • Free and open source across web, desktop, iOS, and Android
  • Netplay includes lobbies, hosting, joining, and spectator mode
  • Playlists, remapping, shaders, recording, rewind, and latency features
  • 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
Cons
  • Core and feature availability varies by platform and distribution
  • BIOS requirements vary by core and content
  • Does not distribute copyrighted BIOS files
  • Android-only platform scope
  • Android build, device-testing, and ABI validation gaps remain
  • APK releases require testing and sideloading
Our verdict

RetroArch is an open-source frontend for the libretro API, combining emulator, game-engine, and media-player cores in one graphical interface. It is aimed at users who want to launch supported games, organize collections, configure…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. RetroArchGame Boy Advance Emulators 7.7Free plan
  2. RetraGame Boy Advance Emulators 7.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • RetroArch — where it wins

    • Free and open source across web, desktop, iOS, and Android
    • Netplay includes lobbies, hosting, joining, and spectator mode
    • Playlists, remapping, shaders, recording, rewind, and latency features

    Where it doesn't

    • Core and feature availability varies by platform and distribution
    • BIOS requirements vary by core and content
    • Does not distribute copyrighted BIOS files

  • 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
  • RetroArch7.7/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source frontend with netplay and extensive configuration across web, desktop, and mobile.

    Visit RetroArchFull verdict →
  • Retra7.1/10 · Free plan

    A careful Android GBA emulator with deep save management and verified imports.

    Visit RetraFull verdict →

More comparisons

All game boy advance emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on game boy advance emulators

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update