Side by side
PHPBoy vs RetroGBm
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.
Paid LinuxMacWeb
PHPBoy provides multiple ways to run Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, including a backend-free browser option. The browser version’s stated speed limitation and the experimental status of desktop support are worth noting.
Visit PHPBoy Free plan AndroidWindows
RetroGBm provides Game Boy Color emulation with save, controller, cheat, and link-play features on Windows and Android. Before using v26.9, note that save states from older versions are not compatible.
Visit RetroGBmThe facts
| PHPBoy | RetroGBm | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Not published | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Web | Android, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Not published |
| Plans published | None | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | retrogbm.com |
| On game boy emulators | #21 of 23 | #17 of 23 |
PHPBoy: what it does well
- Supports original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games
- Browser version runs without a backend
- Supports MBC1, MBC3, and MBC5 cartridges
- Passes all 11 Blargg CPU instruction tests
What to know first
- Browser version is described as slow
- Browser audio output is in progress
- SDL2 desktop frontend is experimental
- Setup requires Docker, Docker Compose, and Make
RetroGBm: what it does well
- Supports three cartridge mapper types.
- Includes battery-backed saves and rotating save states.
- Offers adjustable speed and RTC emulation.
- Supports controller input on Windows and Android.
- Link play connects Android and Windows.
What to know first
- Older save states are incompatible with v26.9.
- Windows builds require Visual Studio 2026.
- Android builds require Android Studio.
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