SameBoy
SameBoy: A feature-rich, cross-platform emulator for Game Boy software and development work. Ranked #27 of 35 in Game Console Emulators by our editors (6.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for game Boy emulation with link and hardware features.
At a glance
- Editor score6.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forGame Boy emulation with link and hardware features
- Free planYes
- Supported console systemsGame Boy (DMG), Game Boy Pocket/Light (MGB), Game Boy Color (CGB), GBC-mode Game Boy Advance/Game Boy Player (AGB), Super Game Boy (SGB), Super Game Boy 2 (SGB2)
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Supports Game Boy variants, Super Game Boy, link and infrared emulation
- Includes camera, printer, scaling filters, rewind, cheats and debugger
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS with open-source licensing
Where it doesn't
- Paid iOS options are delivered through in-app purchases
- The feature set may exceed casual players’ needs
- Its focus is limited to Game Boy-family systems
Our verdict on SameBoy
SameBoy is an open-source emulator for Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Super Game Boy software. It is aimed at both casual players and developers, with native desktop frontends for macOS and Windows, SDL-based builds for Unix-like systems, and an iOS application. Support extends across Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket/Light, Game Boy Color, GBC-mode Game Boy Advance/Game Boy Player, Super Game Boy and Super Game Boy 2 software.
Its strongest advantage is the breadth of Game Boy-specific features. SameBoy includes save states with BESS compatibility, local link-cable and infrared emulation, Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer emulation, controller support, rumble and motion controls. GPU-accelerated scaling filters, including OmniScale, address display quality, while turbo, rewind and slow-motion modes add playback control. Cheat support, cheat searching and an advanced text-based debugger with breakpoints and watchpoints make it relevant beyond straightforward play.
The pricing structure is freemium. Desktop downloads are free, and the iOS application is free with in-app purchases. Listed options include Supporter, Supporter Plus, Lifetime Theme Access, SameBoy for Apple Watch and Supporter Premium; these cover supporter purchases, lifetime theme access and Apple Watch access. SameBoy suits players who want broad Game Boy compatibility and hardware-related emulation, as well as developers who value debugging tools. Those seeking a broader multi-console emulator should choose a product focused beyond the Game Boy family.
SameBoy pricing
All 6 SameBoy plans and prices →
SameBoy fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported console systems | Game Boy (DMG), Game Boy Pocket/Light (MGB), Game Boy Color (CGB), GBC-mode Game Boy Advance/Game Boy Player (AGB), Super Game Boy (SGB), Super Game Boy 2 (SGB2) |
| Desktop operating systems | Cross-platform |
| Netplay | Not verified |
| Graphics upscaling | Yes |
| Open source | Yes |
| License type | Open-source |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | sameboy.github.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to SameBoy
- RetroArchA broad, free emulation frontend with one interface across six platforms.9.4
- aresA capable desktop emulator for accuracy-focused users covering 34 classic systems.9.0
- MesenA capable desktop emulator for ten classic systems, with multiplayer and deep tools.8.9
See all SameBoy alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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