Coffee GB
Coffee GB: A broad, open-source GB/GBC emulator with accessory support and rollback netplay. Ranked #4 of 23 in Game Boy Emulators by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Open source; best for cross-platform play with advanced hardware features.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forCross-platform play with advanced hardware features
- Paid fromNone
- Supported systemsGame Boy (GB/DMG), Game Boy Color (GBC/CGB), Super Game Boy features
- Founded2016
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
- Includes rollback netplay, save management, and rewind
- Emulates Camera, Printer, rumble, tilt, and real-time clocks
Where it doesn't
- Focused on Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Super Game Boy features
- ROM files are not included
- No iOS platform is listed
Our verdict on Coffee GB
Coffee GB is an open-source emulator for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Super Game Boy features. It is designed for players who want one application across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, with support for keyboard and game-controller input. Its scope covers both standard cartridge play and a range of original hardware behaviors, while the MIT License makes the project available as open-source software.
The feature depth is the main reason to consider Coffee GB. Save states, rewind, autosave, and battery-backed saves cover different ways to preserve progress, while ROM loading supports GB, GBC, ROM, ZIP, and 7z files. Super Game Boy borders and palettes add presentation options, and customizable display and sound settings provide further control. Real-time clocks, rumble, tilt controls, Game Boy Camera support, and Game Boy Printer support extend compatibility beyond basic Game Boy emulation. Game Genie and GameShark cheats are also included.
For multiplayer, rollback netplay supports link-cable games, giving Coffee GB a broader feature set than an emulator limited to local play. The project also includes a reusable Java emulation core with Kotlin and Java user-interface layers, supporting its desktop applications and Android port. Players should choose Coffee GB if they want open-source software, four-platform coverage, save flexibility, accessory emulation, and netplay in a focused Game Boy emulator. It is less suitable for anyone seeking systems beyond Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Super Game Boy features, or expecting ROM files to be bundled.
Coffee GB pricing
Coffee GB fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Supported systems | Game Boy (GB/DMG), Game Boy Color (GBC/CGB), Super Game Boy features |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Save states | Yes |
| Link cable emulation | Yes |
| Netplay | Yes |
| Real-time clock | Yes |
| Controller support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Coffee GB
- SameBoyAccurate, feature-rich Game Boy emulation across desktop and iOS.9.4
- GearboyA broad, free emulator with strong save, link-cable and debugging features.9.3
- BGBA free Windows emulator with hardware-accurate timing and unusually deep debugging tools.9.2
See all Coffee GB alternatives →
Coffee GB vs the competition
- Coffee GB vs SameBoy
- Coffee GB vs Gearboy
- Coffee GB vs BGB
- Coffee GB vs GB Enhanced+
- Coffee GB vs SkyEmu
- Coffee GB vs ChillyGB
Compare Coffee GB with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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