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mGBA

Free#27 of 35 in Game Console EmulatorsGame Boy Advance Emulators

mGBA: A free, open-source desktop emulator with debugging, scripting, and peripheral support. Ranked #27 of 35 in Game Console Emulators by our editors (5.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for GBA emulation with debugging and peripherals.

5.2/10Editor score
Visit mGBA
mGBA5.2 Visit mGBA

At a glance

  • Editor score
    5.2 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    GBA emulation with debugging and peripherals
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    None
  • Supported console systems
    Game Boy Advance; Game Boy; Game Boy Color
  • Founded
    2013
  • Facts checked
    20 Sep 2026
mGBA screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Supports GBA, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color software
    • Emulates peripherals including rumble, tilt, RTC, Printer, and Camera
    • Adds Lua scripting, cheats, save states, and debugging tools

  • Where it doesn't

    • No netplay support
    • Official Android and iOS versions are not currently available
    • Link-cable support is partial

Our verdict on mGBA

mGBA is a free, open-source emulator focused on Game Boy Advance, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color software. It suits players who want desktop emulation, as well as homebrew developers and tool-assisted workflows that benefit from scripting and inspection features. Official desktop downloads cover Windows, macOS, and Linux, while the project also lists homebrew builds for Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, Wii, and PlayStation Vita.

Its strongest advantage is the breadth of its GBA-focused feature set. mGBA supports high-resolution OpenGL rendering and graphics upscaling, save-state saving and loading, cheat codes, and Lua scripting. Debugging tools include map and frame inspection, giving developers and advanced users ways to examine software beyond standard playback. Peripheral emulation extends to rumble, tilt, real-time clock functions, Game Boy Printer, and Game Boy Camera support. Partial link-cable support adds compatibility for some connected-device workflows, though it does not provide netplay.

The project’s open-source model keeps the emulator free and makes it a practical choice for users who want a focused tool without paid tiers. Its platform coverage is strongest on desktop operating systems, with additional homebrew downloads for selected Nintendo and PlayStation hardware. Choose mGBA for GBA, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color emulation with debugging, Lua, graphics, save-state, cheat, and peripheral features. It is a weaker fit for users seeking netplay or an official Android or iOS version.

mGBA pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on mgba.io

mGBA fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromNone
Supported console systemsGame Boy Advance; Game Boy; Game Boy Color
Desktop operating systemsCross-platform
NetplayNo
Graphics upscalingYes
Open sourceYes
License typeOpen-source
DeploymentDesktop
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSolo, Small business (editorial estimate)
PricingFree plan
Websitemgba.io
Facts checked20 Sep 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — mGBA 5.2/10

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

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