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binjgb
What it is
binjgb is a free, open-source emulator for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Super Game Boy software. Written in C, it runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, and in a browser through WebAssembly. The browser demo accepts an uploaded game file, and touch-capable devices show an on-screen gamepad. The project describes its timing as cycle accurate and says it passes many timing tests. Supported cartridge controllers include MBC1, MBC1M, MMM01, MBC2, MBC3, MBC5, and HuC1. Users can save or load battery-backup data and emulator states, then control playback with fast-forward, pause, frame stepping, rewind, and cycle seeking. Audio channels and background, window, and sprite layers can be toggled separately. Building requires CMake and SDL2; the debugger uses Dear ImGui. The MIT license permits use, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale under its conditions.
For and against
For
- Supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Super Game Boy
- Browser build uses WebAssembly
- Save and load emulator states
- Cycle-accurate timing description
- MIT license permits modification and distribution
Against
- Game Boy Color support is incomplete
- Super Game Boy support is incomplete
- Debugger remains a work in progress
- Build requires CMake and SDL2
The verdict
binjgb provides broad classic Game Boy emulation across desktop and browser platforms, with save states and detailed playback controls. Its incomplete CGB, SGB, and debugger work may matter to users needing finished support.
Who it suits
binjgb suits players and developers seeking a browser or desktop emulator for Game Boy systems. It also fits users who need save states and playback controls.
Plans and prices
Free / MIT-licensed
No pricing or usage limits stated
Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Browser build
- The project runs in a browser using WebAssembly, and its demo lets users upload a game file to play.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Build requirements
- The README lists CMake and SDL2 as build requirements, and says the debugger uses Dear ImGui.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Cartridge hardware
- Supported cartridge controllers include MBC1, MBC1M, MMM01, MBC2, MBC3, MBC5, and HuC1.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Display and audio
- Users can toggle individual audio channels and the background, window, and sprite layers.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Embedding
- The README explains how to copy the JavaScript, WebAssembly, HTML, and CSS files to a web server to embed the emulator in a page.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Emulation support
- The README describes CGB support as “Hacky-but-passable” and Super Game Boy support as “Mostly-there.”github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository includes an MIT license that permits use, copying, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale, subject to its conditions.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Notable limitations
- The README marks the debugger as work in progress and describes CGB and Super Game Boy support as incomplete.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Playback controls
- The listed controls include fast-forward, pause, single-frame stepping, rewind, and seeking to a specific cycle.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- binjgb is a Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulator implemented in C, with browser support.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Save features
- It supports saving and loading battery backup data and emulator states to files.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Timing
- The emulator is described as cycle accurate and as passing many timing tests.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Touch controls
- The browser emulator displays an on-screen gamepad on devices that support touch events.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
