ClassicBoy Pro is an Android emulator for retro games with a ROM scanner and game database. Its maker describes about twenty built-in emulation cores for systems including PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, NES, Super NES, Sega systems, arcade games, and Atari 2600. External plugins add support for more systems, including Nintendo DS, MAME, Sega Saturn, and PC Engine/CD. Users can scan selected files or directories to identify games and build a library. Controls include touchscreen buttons, external gamepads, customizable layouts, gestures, and accelerometer input; gestures and sensor controls are listed as premium features. Other listed tools include adjustable game speed, cheat codes, save and load states, and game-data import and export. Wireless controllers can connect over Bluetooth. The free version is free and includes on-screen buttons and gamepad mapping. The app is listed for Android and Windows through Google Play Games. It does not include ROMs, and users must have the right to each ROM they play; the Google Play listing marks it as having in-app purchases but does not show their prices.
Who it is for
It suits people who want to play retro games on Android and manage their game files in a library. It may also suit users with external gamepads or those who already have rights to the ROMs they intend to play.
What is good
- About twenty built-in emulation cores.
- Scans selected files or directories for games.
- Supports external gamepads and Bluetooth controllers.
- Includes adjustable speed and cheat codes.
- Free version includes on-screen buttons and mapping.
What to know first
- The app does not include ROMs.
- Some controls are listed as premium features.
- In-app purchase prices are not shown.
Verdict
ClassicBoy Pro combines emulation, game-library scanning, and several control options in a free version. Users need to supply their own ROMs and ensure they have the right to play them.
Get started with ClassicBoy Pro
- Open the ClassicBoy Pro website or find the app through Google Play.
- Install it on Android, or use Google Play Games on Windows.
- Choose files or directories for the app to scan for games.
- Use on-screen buttons or map a gamepad; connect a wireless controller over Bluetooth if desired.
- Use your own ROMs only when you have the right to play them.
What the free plan stops at
The free version includes on-screen buttons and gamepad mapping. Gestures and sensor controls are listed as premium features; the listing reports in-app purchases but does not show their prices.
Questions about ClassicBoy Pro
What platforms does ClassicBoy Pro support?
It is available on Android and Windows through Google Play Games. The listing says it is designed for Android phones, tablets, and TVs.
Is ClassicBoy Pro free?
The pricing model is freemium, and a free version is listed at no cost. The listing also reports in-app purchases, without showing their prices.
What does the free version include?
It includes on-screen buttons and gamepad mapping.
Does the app include games or ROMs?
No. The maker says the app does not include ROMs, and users must have the right to each ROM they play.
Which systems can it emulate?
The maker describes about twenty built-in cores for systems including PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, NES, Super NES, Sega systems, arcade games, and Atari 2600. External plugins add systems including Nintendo DS, MAME, Sega Saturn, Sega 32X, NeoGeo CD, and PC Engine/CD.
What privacy information is provided?
The maker says external-storage access is used to read and save game data and that the app does not access, collect, or upload private information such as photos and media. Google Play reports no data collected and no data shared with third parties.
ClassicBoy Pro plans and pricing
All plansCompared on TurboGrafx-16 emulators
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Android, Windows
- Console coverage
- tg16_and_pce
- Save states
- Yes
- Cheat support
- Yes