Side by side
DocBoy vs SameBoy
Both stand on game boy emulators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+1
Choose DocBoy if you want a free, open source emulator with detailed CPU and graphics emulation, save states, and an optional debugger. Consider the project’s stated accuracy and performance caveat when choosing it, and note that the documented executable releases are for Windows and Linux.
Visit DocBoy Free plan iPhoneLinuxMac+1
SameBoy covers several Game Boy-family systems and includes gameplay, display and debugging features. Platform-specific frontend limits matter if you need features exclusive to macOS.
Visit SameBoyThe facts
| DocBoy | SameBoy | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Windows | iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | sameboy.github.io |
| On game boy emulators | #7 of 23 | #11 of 23 |
DocBoy: what it does well
- Emulates the original DMG GameBoy and CGB GameBoy Color.
- Supports eight listed cartridge types.
- Includes save states, fast-forward, screenshots, and configurable palettes.
- Offers an optional debugger with breakpoints and rewind.
- Can run as a libretro core with RetroArch.
What to know first
- The project says perfect emulation remains a distant goal.
- The project warns accuracy may come at some performance cost.
- Executable releases are listed for Windows and Linux; Android requires a libretro build.
SameBoy: what it does well
- Supports six Game Boy-family system variants.
- Save states follow the BESS specification.
- Includes turbo, rewind, slow motion, cheats and rumble.
- Emulates Game Boy Camera and Printer peripherals.
- Provides debugging tools including breakpoints and memory viewers.
What to know first
- Some features are exclusive to the macOS Cocoa frontend.
- Official downloads list macOS, Windows and iOS; other OS support is described through SDL.
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