GBCC Free plan 8.6 Visit Coffee GB
github.com
What it is
Coffee GB is a desktop emulator for the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color, with support for Super Game Boy features. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, and accepts .gb, .gbc, and .rom files, including games inside ZIP and 7z archives. ROM files are not included. For saving and reviewing play, it offers ten slots, named save states with previews, autosave and resume, screenshots, input recordings, and rewind. Rollback netplay supports link-cable games and synchronized infrared communication. Keyboard and controller input are supported, with separate controls for up to four players in compatible Super Game Boy games. Cartridge support includes real-time clocks, rumble, tilt, Game Boy Camera, and Game Boy Printer. Cheats include Game Genie and GameShark, with a searchable libretro database. The project reports 5,858 automated verdicts passing across 17 test suite families. Coffee GB is free and distributed under the MIT License. Netplay uses a direct, unencrypted TCP connection; the project advises using trusted people and networks. On macOS, controllers require compatible system SDL2, though keyboard input and emulation work without it.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Coffee GB is a desktop emulator for the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- Coffee GB is distributed under the MIT License.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Founded
- 2016Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Cartridge accessories
- Supported hardware includes real-time clocks, rumble, tilt controls, Game Boy Camera, Game Boy Printer, and other listed accessories.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Cheats
- It supports Game Genie and GameShark cheats and includes a searchable libretro cheat database.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Compatibility
- The project reports 5,858 automated verdicts passing across 17 test suite families.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Distribution limit
- ROM files are not included with Coffee GB.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Input
- The desktop emulator supports keyboard and game controllers, with independent controls for up to four players in compatible Super Game Boy games.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- macOS limitation
- On macOS, game-controller input requires a compatible system SDL2 installation; keyboard input and emulation work without it.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Netplay
- Rollback netplay supports link-cable games and synchronized infrared communication.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Netplay security
- Netplay uses a direct, unencrypted TCP connection, and the project advises playing only with trusted people and networks.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- ROM loading
- Games can be loaded by drag and drop from .gb, .gbc, and .rom files, including files inside ZIP and 7z archives.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Save tools
- It supports ten save slots, named save states, previews, autosave and resume, screenshots, input recordings, and rewind.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Coffee GB Free MIT-licensed emulator · ROM files are not included Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
- Ten save slots, previews, autosave, and rewind.
- Rollback netplay supports link-cable games.
- Supports Game Boy Camera and Printer.
- Free and MIT-licensed.
Limits
- ROM files are not included.
- Netplay connections are unencrypted TCP.
- macOS controller input requires compatible system SDL2.
Who it suits
Coffee GB suits players looking for a free emulator across desktop platforms and Android, especially those who want save tools, accessory support, or link-cable play. macOS users relying on controllers need a compatible system SDL2 installation.
Verdict
Coffee GB combines broad cartridge and accessory support with substantial save tools and rollback netplay. Its main caveats are that ROMs must be supplied separately and netplay is unencrypted.
Where Specifiction places it
- Game Boy Emulators#5 of 238.1