Retra

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.1 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Android users wanting careful save and ROM handling
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  None
• Platform scope
  Mobile
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• 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

Our verdict on Retra

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 views, and list views. The product is aimed at players who want more control over local ROMs, saves, patches, cheats, and input settings than a minimal emulator interface provides. It is distributed as open-source software and has a free plan.

Save handling is Retra’s clearest strength. It supports save states, local saves, automatic backups, and save timelines, giving players several ways to preserve progress. ROM and patch importing covers GBA files, ZIP archives, and UPS, IPS, or BPS patches. Checksum verification and patch compatibility checks add a validation layer before content is used, while verified cheats and per-game launch profiles keep game-specific settings organized. Screenshots, rewind, display scaling, audio settings, themes, and controller profiles extend the emulator beyond basic playback.

Retra’s platform fit is focused rather than broad: the documented scope is Android, with APK releases available for testing and sideloading. Custom touch, keyboard, and gamepad controls make it adaptable across Android input styles, and the homebrew hub applies creator and licensing validation rules. However, documented Android build, device-testing, and ABI validation gaps make the project a better fit for technically comfortable users than for people seeking a fully validated, multi-platform product. Choose Retra for open-source Android GBA emulation with detailed local save and import workflows; choose another emulator if Android is not your target platform.

Retra pricing

Retra fact sheet

Alternatives to Retra

• mGBAA free, open-source desktop emulator with broad emulation and debugging tools.9.0
• VisualBoyAdvance-MA free, cross-platform emulator with linking, upscaling, recording, and scripting.8.2
• RRetroArchA free, open-source frontend with netplay and extensive configuration across web, desktop, and mobile.7.7

See all Retra alternatives →

Retra vs the competition

• RRetra vs mGBA
• RRetra vs VisualBoyAdvance-M
• RRRetra vs RetroArch
• RSRetra vs SkyEmu
• RGRetra vs GSE
• RRetra vs NanoBoyAdvance

Compare Retra with any tool side by side →

Also listed in

• Eye Tracking Software

Featured on iTechGuides

Retra is listed in our Game Boy Advance Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

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Last updated 28 Sep 2026 · How we research and update