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SPECIFICTION
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DocBoy

github.com

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Spec score 7.6 #9 of 23 in Game Boy Emulators

What it is

DocBoy is a free, open-source Game Boy emulator written in C++17. It emulates the original DMG Game Boy and Game Boy Color, with M-cycle-accurate CPU emulation and T-cycle-accurate PPU emulation using a Pixel FIFO. Supported cartridge types include NoMBC, MBC1, MBC2, MBC3, MBC5, MBC7, HUC1 and HUC3. Its frontends provide save and load, save states, fast-forward, configurable palettes, screenshots and an SDL graphical menu. An optional GDB-style command-line debugger offers disassembly, breakpoints, watchpoints, stepping, rewind and memory viewing. DocBoy can also operate as a libretro core through RetroArch. Releases provide Windows and Linux executables, while the project documents an Android libretro build; RetroArch is described as supporting Android and iOS. Save states, link cable emulation and a real-time clock are listed. The project says perfect emulation remains distant and accuracy can affect performance. It uses the MIT license and accepts bug reports and proposals through issues or pull requests.

Spec sheet

Product
DocBoy is an open source GameBoy emulator written in C++17.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The project invites bug reports and feature proposals through issues and pull requests.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository identifies its license as MIT.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Accuracy
The emulator uses M-cycle accurate CPU emulation and T-cycle accurate PPU emulation with a Pixel FIFO.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Accuracy caveat
The project says perfect emulation remains a distant goal and that accuracy may come at some performance cost.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Cartridges
Supported cartridge types include NoMBC, MBC1, MBC2, MBC3, MBC5, MBC7, HUC1, and HUC3.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Contributions and support
The README invites bug reports, failing test ROM reports, and feature proposals through issues or pull requests.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Debugger
An optional GDB-style CLI debugger supports disassembly, breakpoints, watchpoints, stepping, rewind, and memory viewing.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Downloads
The README points to releases with executables for Windows and Linux.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Downloads and builds
The README says executable releases are available for Windows and Linux, and describes an Android libretro build option.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Emulation
The README lists an M-cycle-accurate CPU, a T-cycle-accurate PPU, audio, and emulation for multiple cartridge types.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Frontend features
Its frontends provide save/load, save states, fast-forward, configurable palettes, screenshots, and an SDL graphical menu.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integration
DocBoy can run as a libretro core with RetroArch.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit
The README says perfect emulation remains a distant goal and that accuracy may come at some cost to performance.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maker location
The maintainer's GitHub profile lists Italy.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mobile support
The project documents building an Android libretro core, and says RetroArch supports platforms including Android and iOS.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mobile use
The README says the libretro core can be loaded through RetroArch, which it describes as supported on platforms including Android and iOS.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Other features
The frontends include save/load, save states, fast-forward, configurable palettes, screenshots, and an SDL graphical menu.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Pricing
The repository describes DocBoy as open source but does not state a price or offer a trial.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Systems emulated
It supports the original DMG GameBoy and CGB GameBoy Color.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan and open-source project
  • Emulates DMG and CGB systems
  • Supports save states and fast-forward
  • Optional debugger includes breakpoints and rewind
  • Runs as a RetroArch libretro core

Limits

  • Perfect emulation remains a distant goal
  • Accuracy may reduce performance
  • iOS use is described through RetroArch
  • Executable releases are listed for Windows and Linux

Who it suits

DocBoy suits players and developers who want a free emulator for DMG or CGB software, with debugging and libretro integration. It fits users on Windows, Linux or Android, with RetroArch support described for iOS.

Verdict

DocBoy combines cycle-focused emulation, broad cartridge support and practical frontend tools. Its accuracy and performance caveat matters for users seeking highly faithful emulation, while the debugger and RetroArch core add flexibility.

Where Specifiction places it

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