Nintendo's Game Boy forged our passion for gaming on the move. From the catchy 8-bit tunes of Tetris to the first Pokémon adventures, this console made history. Today, to get that feeling back, the choice of emulator is crucial — but so is the choice of console.
Whether you are after extreme compactness or the power to upscale your classics, here are the best emulators and the recommended hardware in 2026.
🕹️ The hardware: which console for the Game Boy?
To play Game Boy, the "vertical" format is often preferred to respect the original ergonomics. Here are our recommendations at Fun Esports:
- Pure nostalgia: the Miyoo Mini Plus and the Anbernic RG35XX Pro are the queens of value for money. They offer a 4:3 screen that is perfect for 8-bit games.
- The premium experience: for those who want a bigger, brighter screen, the Anbernic RG406V is the ultimate choice in vertical format.
- Raw power: if you want a console that can do it all (from Game Boy to PS2) with an HD screen, the Anbernic RG-477V is a racehorse running Android 14.
- The DS format: for an original approach, or for games that need two screens, the Anbernic RG DS is a unique option on the market.
🟢 1. Gambatte: the essential one (RetroArch core)
This is the engine that powers most Linux-based consoles such as the Miyoo Mini Plus. Gambatte is the benchmark for the original Game Boy and the Color.
- Accuracy: full respect for hardware timings. No audio bugs in Link's Awakening.
- Customisation: ideal for applying "old school" colour palettes (Game Boy green) to your black-and-white games.
🍕 2. Pizza Boy GBC Pro: the elite for Android
If you have gone for an Android 14 console like the RG-477V, this emulator is a must.
- Speed: incredible optimisation that saves your battery for very long gaming sessions.
- Immersion: skins that faithfully reproduce the look of the original consoles on your HD screen.
🔬 3. SameBoy: for purists
Often used on the higher-end models such as the RG406V, this emulator pushes accuracy even further.
- Details: it even emulates the small audio and visual quirks that give the original hardware its charm. It is the most faithful emulator for demanding collectors.
✅ Conclusion: pick your side
Whether you favour the compact format of the Miyoo or the technological power of the Anbernic RG-477V, what matters is having the right tools to save your progress and enjoy period-accurate graphics.
The Fun Esports tip: Game Boy games take up very little space, but the reliability of your saves depends on your storage. Avoid the generic SD cards supplied out of the box and move to a high-quality MicroSD card to protect your hundreds of hours on Pokémon!