gbajs3
github.com
What it is
gbajs3 is a free, browser-based Game Boy Advance emulator for modern browsers, with no plugins required. It offers interchangeable mGBA WebAssembly and pure JavaScript gbajs cores. Both cores support a realtime clock. Controls include remappable keyboard bindings and virtual controls for desktop and mobile, alongside mobile interface support and offline progressive web app support. Fast forward is included. Save states and cheat codes work with the mGBA core, while a surface-level assembly debugger is available with the gbajs core. The project also lists a Go server for logged-in users, an Nginx server for content, an admin interface and PostgreSQL support. Self-hosting uses an environment file and Docker Compose. The setup guide says the default admin password is admin and instructs changing it after login. The README marks debugger and server enhancements as unfinished, and GitHub lists no releases.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- gbajs3 is a browser based Game Boy Advance emulator that works in modern browsers without plugins.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Controls
- Features include remappable keyboard bindings and virtual controls for desktop and mobile.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Debugger
- A surface level assembly debugger is available for the gbajs core only.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Downloads
- The GitHub releases page says there are no releases.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Emulation cores
- It supports the mGBA WebAssembly core and the gbajs pure JavaScript core, with interchangeable cores.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Fast forward
- The project includes a fast forward feature.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Intended use
- The maker says the project was driven by a need to play modern GBA ROM hacks outside desktop applications without sideloading or building through Xcode.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Limits and roadmap
- The README lists debugger and server enhancements as work to do and describes S3 backed file storage as a future server enhancement.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Mobile and offline
- The project lists mobile UI support and offline progressive web app support.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Realtime clock
- Both emulator cores support a realtime clock.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Save states and cheats
- Save states and cheat codes are supported by the mGBA core only.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Security setup
- The setup guide says the default admin password is admin and instructs users to change it immediately after logging in.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Self hosting
- The setup instructions say to configure an environment file and start the services with Docker Compose.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Server components
- The feature list includes a Go server for logged in user support, an Nginx server for gbajs3 content, an admin UI, and PostgreSQL support.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Free Free Freely licensed · runs in a modern browser Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free plan at free
- Two interchangeable emulation cores
- Remappable and virtual controls
- Offline progressive web app support
- Save states and cheats with mGBA
Limits
- Save states and cheats are mGBA-only
- Debugger is limited to the gbajs core
- GitHub releases page lists no releases
- Server and debugger enhancements remain unfinished
Who it suits
It suits people who want to run GBA ROMs in a modern browser on desktop or mobile, including self-hosters comfortable with Docker Compose. Users needing save states or cheats must choose the mGBA core.
Verdict
gbajs3 offers browser-based GBA emulation with flexible controls, offline support and core-specific tools. Its unfinished roadmap and core-dependent features matter when choosing a setup.
Where Specifiction places it
- Game Boy Advance Emulators#13 of 297.8
