DocBoy vs GoBoy

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.

GoBoy is a free, open-source emulator for Nintendo Game Boy and Game Boy Color, written in Go. It runs most Game Boy games and some Game Boy Color games, with color and sound support. Builds are listed for Linux, macOS, and Windows; users can download a release or install from source using Go and the documented commands. Debugging options print opcodes and register values or toggle individual sound channels. The listed controls are arrow keys, Z, X, Enter, and Backspace, with shortcuts for palette changes and fullscreen. For battery-backed ROMs, GoBoy creates a save file beside the ROM and updates it every second while the game runs. It uses the Pixel library for graphics and controls, which requires OpenGL; Linux builds also require GTK, and Windows 10 builds require MinGW. The project describes itself as a work in progress and development exercise, and lists unresolved graphics, audio, and cartridge issues. Save states and boot ROM support remain TODOs.