Coffee GB is a free, open-source emulator for the original Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Super Game Boy features. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, and loads .gb, .gbc and .rom files, including games inside ZIP and 7z archives. ROM files are not included. For saving and reviewing play, it offers ten save slots, named states with previews, autosave and resume, screenshots, input recordings and rewind. Rollback netplay supports link-cable games and synchronized infrared communication. Keyboard and controller input are supported, with separate controls for up to four players in compatible Super Game Boy games. Supported cartridge hardware includes real-time clocks, rumble, tilt, Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer. The emulator also supports Game Genie and GameShark cheats and includes a searchable libretro cheat database. The project reports 5,858 automated verdicts passing across 17 test suite families. Coffee GB uses the MIT License. Netplay is a direct, unencrypted TCP connection; on macOS, controller input requires a compatible system SDL2 installation.
Who it is for
It suits people looking to play Game Boy or Game Boy Color games on desktop or Android, with save tools and netplay. macOS users who want controller input need a compatible system SDL2 installation.
What is good
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android.
- Offers ten save slots, rewind and autosave.
- Rollback netplay supports link-cable games and synchronized infrared.
- Supports Game Genie and GameShark cheats.
- Handles several cartridge accessories, including Camera and Printer.
What to know first
- ROM files are not included.
- Netplay uses a direct, unencrypted TCP connection.
- macOS controller input requires compatible system SDL2.
Verdict
Coffee GB combines broad save tools with netplay and cartridge accessory support across four platforms. Users need to supply their own ROM files and should account for the stated netplay and macOS controller limitations.
Coffee GB plans and pricing
All plansCompared on Game Boy emulators
- Supported systems
- Game Boy (GB/DMG), Game Boy Color (GBC/CGB), Super Game Boy features
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
- Save states
- Yes
- Link cable emulation
- Yes
- Netplay
- Yes
- Real-time clock
- Yes
- Controller support
- Yes
