VaporBoy
VaporBoy: A free, open-source web emulator with flexible input and cloud ROM loading. Ranked #15 of 23 in Game Boy Emulators by our editors (8.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for browser-based play on desktop or mobile.
At a glance
- Editor score8.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forBrowser-based play on desktop or mobile
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Supported systemsGame Boy, Game Boy Color
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulation in web browsers
- Offers local, cloud, keyboard, touch, and gamepad input
- Includes save states, effects, settings, and PWA installation
Where it doesn't
- The project is still in beta
- ROM compatibility may vary
- Does not include RTC or netplay features
Our verdict on VaporBoy
VaporBoy is a free, open-source Progressive Web App for playing Game Boy and Game Boy Color games in a web browser. It is aimed at people who want browser-based play across desktop and mobile devices without installing a traditional emulator. ROMs can be loaded from a local device, preloaded open-source sources, and supported cloud services. The interface supports keyboard, touch, and gamepad input, with responsive layouts for desktop and mobile screens. VaporBoy runs on the web and supports browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
The feature set covers the main needs of a browser-based emulator. Configurable emulation settings, save states, and video and audio effects provide control beyond basic ROM playback. Progressive Web App installation can also make the browser-based tool easier to access from a device. Google Drive integration adds cloud-service ROM loading, while local ROM loading keeps the workflow flexible. These options make VaporBoy a practical fit for users who value multiple input methods and access across screen sizes.
VaporBoy is free, with no paid tier to evaluate. Its focus is narrow: Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulation through the web rather than a broader platform library. The project is still in beta, and ROM compatibility may vary. It also lacks RTC and netplay features, so users looking for those capabilities should choose another emulator. Pick VaporBoy for accessible browser play, save states, cloud integration, and PWA installation; avoid it if you need a non-web platform or multiplayer and real-time clock support.
VaporBoy pricing
VaporBoy fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Supported systems | Game Boy, Game Boy Color |
| Supported platforms | Web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari |
| Save states | Yes |
| Link cable emulation | Not verified |
| Netplay | Not verified |
| Real-time clock | Not verified |
| Controller support | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: Google Drive |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | vaporboy.net |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
VaporBoy integrations
VaporBoy lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- Google Drive
Alternatives to VaporBoy
- SameBoyAccurate, feature-rich Game Boy emulation across desktop and iOS.9.4
- GearboyA broad, free emulator with strong save, link-cable and debugging features.9.3
- BGBA free Windows emulator with hardware-accurate timing and unusually deep debugging tools.9.2
See all VaporBoy alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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