SameBoy review
A feature-rich, cross-platform emulator for Game Boy software and development work.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 pros and cons
- 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
SameBoy fact sheet, pricing and score →
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