oxGBC review
A free, cross-platform GB/GBC emulator with strong visual and save-state controls.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
oxGBC is a Rust-based, open-source emulator for Game Boy and Game Boy Color software. It is aimed at players who want to run these systems across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or a browser, with consistent access to core emulation and configurable controls. The project is distributed under the GPLv3 license, and its free model makes it suitable for users seeking a no-cost emulator with source availability rather than a broader multi-system frontend.
Its strongest area is the combination of playback controls and visual customization. Save states support multiple slots, while configurable rewind can help with difficult sections or experimentation. Keyboard and gamepad controls can be remapped, and OpenGL shader support plus visual filters provide options for changing presentation. The ROM file browser and library scanning organize available software, while the tile viewer supports inspection of backgrounds and sprites. Battery-backed SRAM and MBC3 real-time-clock emulation also cover important save and timing behavior for supported games.
The platform range is a practical advantage: oxGBC offers desktop builds, an Android build, and a WebAssembly version for browser play. Its scope is intentionally narrow, however, with support centered on Game Boy and Game Boy Color rather than a wider collection of consoles. Link-cable emulation and netplay are not documented, so players looking for connected multiplayer features should choose another emulator. Pick oxGBC for cross-platform GB/GBC play, configurable visuals, save management, and inspection tools; look elsewhere if broader system coverage or documented online and link-based play is essential.
oxGBC pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and browser play
- Offers multiple save slots, rewind, SRAM, and RTC emulation
- Adds remapping, shaders, filters, library scanning, and tile inspection
- Where it doesn't
- Focuses only on Game Boy and Game Boy Color systems
- Link-cable emulation is not documented
- Netplay is not documented
oxGBC fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update