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SPECIFICTION
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binjgb

github.com

Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.2 #3 of 23 in Game Boy Emulators

What it is

binjgb is a free, open-source emulator for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Super Game Boy systems, implemented in C. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and in a browser through WebAssembly. The browser demo lets users upload a game file, and touch-capable devices display 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 and load battery backup data and emulator states to files. Playback options include fast-forward, pause, single-frame stepping, rewind, and seeking to a cycle; audio channels and background, window, and sprite layers can be toggled. The project describes Game Boy Color support as incomplete but passable and Super Game Boy support as mostly implemented. The debugger is marked as a work in progress. Building requires CMake and SDL2, and the debugger uses Dear ImGui. The repository includes an MIT license whose terms permit use, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale subject to its conditions.

Spec sheet

Purpose
binjgb is a Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulator implemented in C, with browser support.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Platforms
The README provides build instructions for Linux, Mac, and Windows, and also documents a WebAssembly build.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository includes an MIT license that permits use, copying, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale, subject to its conditions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Browser build
The project runs in a browser using WebAssembly, and its demo lets users upload a game file to play.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build requirements
The README lists CMake and SDL2 as build requirements, and says the debugger uses Dear ImGui.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Cartridge hardware
Supported cartridge controllers include MBC1, MBC1M, MMM01, MBC2, MBC3, MBC5, and HuC1.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Display and audio
Users can toggle individual audio channels and the background, window, and sprite layers.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
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.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Emulation support
The README describes CGB support as “Hacky-but-passable” and Super Game Boy support as “Mostly-there.”Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Notable limitations
The README marks the debugger as work in progress and describes CGB and Super Game Boy support as incomplete.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Playback controls
The listed controls include fast-forward, pause, single-frame stepping, rewind, and seeking to a specific cycle.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Save features
It supports saving and loading battery backup data and emulator states to files.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Timing
The emulator is described as cycle accurate and as passing many timing tests.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Touch controls
The browser emulator displays an on-screen gamepad on devices that support touch events.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free / MIT-licensed Free No pricing or usage limits stated Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

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Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and in browsers
  • Supports saving emulator states to files
  • Playback includes rewind and cycle seeking
  • Browser demo supports touch-device gamepads
  • Open source under an MIT license

Limits

  • Game Boy Color support is incomplete
  • Super Game Boy support is incomplete
  • Debugger is a work in progress
  • Build requires CMake and SDL2

Who it suits

binjgb suits people seeking a free emulator for Game Boy systems on desktop platforms or in a browser. Its incomplete system support and work-in-progress debugger may matter to users who need those parts.

Verdict

binjgb offers multiple playback controls and save options across desktop and browser builds. Its stated gaps in system support and debugger status are important considerations.

Where Specifiction places it

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