GearBoy
Open source Game Boy emulator with accurate CPU timing
- Open SourceGitHub
- Ignacio SanchezDeveloper
- 31 Oct 2026Page Updated
Details
- Developer
- Ignacio Sanchez
- Source Code
- GitHub
- Page Updated
Supported Systems
Platform Support
ScreenshotsView All (8)
Overview
Gearboy is an open source emulator for the Game Boy and Game Boy Color written in C++. Its CPU emulation is highly accurate, including instruction timing.
Gearboy passes Blargg’s “cpu_instrs.gb” and “instr_timing.gb” test ROMs. It also emulates the LCD controller, so everything is drawn to the screen as it would be on the real hardware.
Gearboy supports all common memory bank controllers and their battery-backed RAM.
Its Game Boy compatibility is very good, while its Game Boy Color emulation has historically been somewhat less accurate.
Which download to pick
All five buttons are Gearboy 3.8.19, released in October 2026. Each is a zip file.
- for Windows (x64) suits almost any current Windows PC; for Windows (ARM64) is for Windows on ARM devices.
- for macOS (Apple Silicon) is for M-series Macs; for macOS (Intel) is for older Intel Macs.
- for Linux (Ubuntu 24.04, x64) is built on Ubuntu 24.04 for 64-bit PCs.
Earlier 3.8 releases and the older 2.7.0 builds for Windows and Linux are in the download archive.
Key Features
Accurate CPU
Highly accurate CPU emulation, passing Blargg's CPU and timing test ROMs.
LCD Emulation
Emulates the LCD controller, drawing the screen as real hardware does.
Memory Controllers
Supports all common memory bank controllers and battery-backed RAM.
Desktop Platforms
An open source C++ emulator with builds for Windows, macOS and Linux.
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What's new in v3.8.20Gearboy 3.8.20
- 🖥️ Improved vsync pacing on high refresh rate displays
- 🔊 Smoother audio sync with vsync
- 📂 Remembers last folder in file dialogs
- 🎮 Updated Game Controller DB
- 🐛 Bug fixes and improvements
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