GoBoy vs PHPBoy
GoBoy
github.comPHPBoy
github.comSide by side
| Figure | GoBoy | PHPBoy |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Game Boy Emulators | 7.9 (#7) | 6.9 (#18) |
| Dependencies | Graphics rendering and control binding use the Go pixel library and require OpenGL; Linux builds also require GTK, and Windows 10 builds require MinGW. | The documented setup requires Docker, Docker Compose, and Make, with SoX needed for CLI audio playback. |
| License | The repository identifies its license as MIT. | PHPBoy is distributed under the MIT License, which permits use, copying, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale subject to its stated conditions. |
| Purpose | GoBoy is a Go-written Nintendo Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulator that can run most GB games and some CGB games. | PHPBoy is a Game Boy Color emulator written in PHP 8.4 with backward compatibility for original Game Boy games. |
| Requirements | GoBoy uses the Pixel library for graphics and controls, which requires OpenGL; the page also lists GTK for Linux builds and MinGW for Windows 10 builds. | The project lists Docker, Docker Compose, and Make as requirements, with SoX needed for CLI audio playback. |
Plans
In their own words
GoBoy
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.