Cycle-Accurate
Game Boy Advance
Emulation Engine

Free, open-source Game Boy Advance emulator with cycle-accurate precision. Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS with 99.8% game compatibility. Learn more about core capabilities, download for your platform, or read technical specifications.

99.8%
Compatibility
8+
Platforms
100%
Cycle-Accurate
Download mGBA Technical Specs

Core Capabilities

Technical excellence across three fundamental pillars of emulation. See technical specifications for detailed information.

⚡

Performance Engineering

Optimized emulation core delivers full-speed gameplay on low-end hardware while maintaining cycle-accurate precision. Advanced synchronization algorithms ensure frame-perfect timing across all supported platforms.

  • ▸ Multi-threaded CPU emulation with efficient cache utilization
  • ▸ Hardware-accelerated graphics rendering via OpenGL/Vulkan
  • ▸ Adaptive frame skipping for consistent performance targets
Native Performance
98%
Frame Timing Accuracy
100%
1:1
Cycle Ratio
0ms
Timing Error
🎯

Emulation Accuracy

Cycle-accurate emulation ensures exact hardware behavior replication. Every CPU cycle, memory access, and register operation matches original Game Boy Advance hardware specifications.

  • ▸ Hardware register-level accuracy for all components
  • ▸ Precise memory bus timing and DMA transfer emulation
  • ▸ BIOS compatibility with official Nintendo firmware
🌐

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Unified codebase with platform-specific optimizations delivers consistent emulation quality across desktop, mobile, and embedded systems. Feature parity maintained through portable architecture design.

  • ▸ Native builds for Windows, macOS, Linux with optimized binaries
  • ▸ Android and iOS support with touch-optimized interfaces
  • ▸ Embedded system ports for Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and Vita
Desktop
Windows, macOS, Linux
Mobile
Android, iOS
Embedded
3DS, Wii U, Vita
Universal
Feature Parity

Platform Support

Cross-platform emulation engine with platform-optimized builds. Need help? Check our getting started guides or frequently asked questions.

Windows Windows

Native Windows build with installer and portable editions. Optimized for Windows 7 and later with 64-bit architecture support. Includes Direct3D and OpenGL rendering backends for maximum compatibility.

✓ System Requirements

Windows 7+ (64-bit recommended), 2GB RAM, DirectX 11 compatible GPU

✓ Installation Options

MSI installer for automatic setup or portable ZIP archive for no-install usage

Download for Windows →
mGBA Game Boy Advance Emulator on Windows - Download and Installation Guide

Platform Specifications

Architecture x86-64
Minimum OS Windows 7
Package Format MSI / ZIP
Graphics API Direct3D / OpenGL

Technical Specifications

Detailed technical architecture and emulation capabilities

CPU

  • • ARM7TDMI processor emulation
  • • Cycle-accurate instruction timing
  • • 16.78 MHz master clock
  • • THUMB and ARM instruction sets

Memory

  • • 32KB internal WRAM
  • • 256KB external WRAM
  • • 96KB video RAM (VRAM)
  • • 1KB object attribute memory

Graphics

mGBA Screen Filters - Graphics Enhancement Options for Game Boy Advance Emulation
  • • 240x160 pixel LCD
  • • 2D bitmap modes 3-5
  • • 128 sprites (max 32/line)
  • • Hardware-accelerated scaling

Audio

  • • Dual 8-bit PCM channels
  • • 4-channel sound direct
  • • 2 PSG channels
  • • 44.1 kHz sample rate

I/O & Hardware

  • • Link cable emulation
  • • Real-time clock support
  • • Rumble pack emulation
  • • Solar sensor (Boktai)

Advanced Features

How to Enable Cheat Codes in mGBA - Game Boy Advance Emulator Cheat System
  • • Hardware save state system
  • • Lua scripting interface
  • • Cheat code support
  • • Screenshot/recording

Key Features

Powerful features that enhance your Game Boy Advance gaming experience

💾

Save States

Create unlimited save states at any point during gameplay. Save your progress instantly without relying on in-game save points.

  • • Multiple save slots per game
  • • Quick save/load hotkeys
  • • Export save files
🔧

Cheat Codes

Built-in support for GameShark and CodeBreaker cheat codes. Enable unlimited items, unlock hidden content, and enhance your gameplay.

  • • GameShark/Action Replay codes
  • • CodeBreaker support
  • • Custom cheat entry
🎮

Gamepad Support

Full support for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch Pro, and generic USB gamepads. Customizable button mapping for perfect control.

  • • Xbox/PlayStation controller support
  • • Custom button mapping
  • • Multiple controller profiles
🔗

Link Cable Emulation

Play multiplayer games with friends over local network or internet. Supports all original GBA link cable features.

  • • Pokémon trading and battling
  • • Multiplayer game support
  • • Network and local play
📸

Screenshots & Recording

Capture screenshots and record gameplay videos in high quality. Perfect for sharing gaming moments or creating content.

  • • PNG screenshot capture
  • • Video recording support
  • • Custom save locations
⚙️

Lua Scripting

Extend mGBA functionality with Lua scripting. Create custom tools, trainers, and automation scripts for advanced users.

  • • Lua 5.4 scripting support
  • • Memory manipulation
  • • Custom game tools
⏱️

Real-Time Clock

Built-in real-time clock support for time-based games like Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald. Accurate time progression for day/night cycles.

  • • System time synchronization
  • • Time-based events
  • • Day/night cycle support
📱

Touch Controls (Mobile)

Optimized touch interface for Android and iOS. Customizable on-screen controls with haptic feedback and gesture support.

  • • Customizable on-screen buttons
  • • Haptic feedback
  • • Gesture controls
🎨

Screen Filters

Multiple screen filters to recreate the authentic Game Boy Advance LCD experience or enhance graphics with modern shaders.

  • • LCD simulation filters
  • • Pixel-perfect scaling
  • • Custom shader support

User Resources

Step-by-step guides for getting started with mGBA

1. Initial Setup

Download and install mGBA for your platform. Extract portable builds or run the installer. Launch the application and verify graphics rendering is functional. Check that audio output is working correctly.

  • • Windows: Download MSI installer or portable ZIP
  • • macOS: Download DMG or use Homebrew from platform support
  • • Linux: Use AppImage, Snap, or Flatpak
  • • Android/iOS: Install from Google Play or App Store
  • • See getting started guides for detailed installation instructions

2. ROM Loading & Configuration

Load Game Boy Advance ROM files through File → Load ROM menu. Configure video settings for optimal rendering quality. Set up save file directories and enable real-time clock for time-based games like Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald. For performance issues, see common solutions.

  • • Supported formats: .gba, .zip (compressed ROMs)
  • • Configure video filters and scaling options
  • • Set save directory location in Settings

3. Advanced Configuration

Enable hardware acceleration for improved performance. Configure cheat codes through Cheats menu. Set up link cable emulation for multiplayer functionality. Customize controller mapping and hotkeys. Learn about all technical specifications and advanced features.

  • • Enable OpenGL/Vulkan/Direct3D acceleration
  • • Add GameShark and CodeBreaker cheats
  • • Configure link cable emulation for multiplayer

4. Save State Management

Create save states at any point during gameplay using hotkeys (F1-F10). Multiple save slots allow different playthrough branches. Export save states for backup or sharing between devices. Manage save files through File menu.

  • • Quick save: F1-F10 keys
  • • Export save states for backup
  • • Import save states from other devices
  • • Auto-save feature available

5. Gamepad Configuration

Connect your gamepad and configure button mapping through Settings → Gamepad. Multiple controller profiles supported. Customize hotkeys for save states, fast forward, and other functions.

  • • Supports Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo controllers
  • • Custom button mapping per controller
  • • Multiple controller profiles

Common Solutions

Resolve common technical issues with proven solutions

Save file persistence issues +

Ensure mGBA has write permissions in its directory. Run with administrator privileges if needed. Verify ROM and save file names match exactly.

Performance optimization +

Enable hardware acceleration through video settings. Switch rendering backend between OpenGL, Vulkan, or software mode. Update graphics drivers to latest versions.

Display rendering problems +

Switch between different rendering backends if experiencing visual artifacts. Disable V-sync if it causes crashes. Update graphics drivers.

Audio crackling or stuttering +

Increase audio buffer size in audio settings. Check if frame skipping is enabled and disable it. Ensure your system isn't under heavy CPU load.

Gamepad not detected +

Ensure the gamepad is connected before launching mGBA. Go to Settings > Gamepad to configure input mapping. Try restarting mGBA with the controller connected.

ROM files not loading +

Verify the ROM file is a valid Game Boy Advance ROM (.gba format). Ensure the file isn't corrupted. Try extracting from ZIP archive if compressed.

Link cable emulation not working +

Enable link cable emulation in Tools menu before loading games. Ensure both instances have the same game loaded. Check firewall settings if using network mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about mGBA emulator answered

What is mGBA? +

mGBA is a free, open-source Game Boy Advance emulator with cycle-accurate precision. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and embedded systems with 99.8% game compatibility.

How do I download mGBA? +

Download mGBA from the official website mgba.net. Windows users can get MSI installer or portable ZIP, macOS users can download DMG or use Homebrew, Linux users can use AppImage/Snap/Flatpak, and mobile users can install from Google Play or App Store.

What systems does mGBA support? +

mGBA supports Windows 7+, macOS 10.13+, Linux, Android 5.0+, iOS 12.0+, and embedded systems like Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and PlayStation Vita through homebrew.

Is mGBA free? +

Yes, mGBA is completely free and open-source software released under the MPL 2.0 license. There are no paid versions or premium features.

What games are compatible with mGBA? +

mGBA has 99.8% compatibility with commercial Game Boy Advance games, including popular titles like Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Metroid Fusion, and over 2000+ GBA titles.

Does mGBA support save states? +

Yes, mGBA includes a hardware save state system with support for multiple save slots (F1-F10 hotkeys), export/import functionality, and auto-save features.

Can I use cheat codes in mGBA? +

Yes, mGBA supports GameShark, Action Replay, and CodeBreaker cheat codes. You can add cheats through the Cheats menu in the emulator.

Does mGBA support multiplayer? +

Yes, mGBA supports link cable emulation for multiplayer games, Pokémon trading and battling, and supports both local network and internet play.

Performance Metrics

Benchmark results and emulation accuracy measurements

99.8%
Game Compatibility
Commercial GBA titles
100%
Cycle Accuracy
CPU timing precision
98%
Performance Ratio
vs native hardware

Popular Games

mGBA runs over 2000+ Game Boy Advance titles with excellent compatibility

Pokémon Series

Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen

✓ 100% Compatible

The Legend of Zelda

The Minish Cap, A Link to the Past & Four Swords

✓ 100% Compatible

Metroid Series

Zero Mission, Fusion

✓ 100% Compatible

Advance Wars

Advance Wars, Advance Wars 2

✓ 100% Compatible

Mario Series

Super Mario Advance series, Mario Kart: Super Circuit

✓ 100% Compatible

Final Fantasy

Tactics Advance, I & II, IV, V, VI

✓ 100% Compatible

Fire Emblem

The Binding Blade, The Blazing Blade, The Sacred Stones

✓ 100% Compatible

Golden Sun

Golden Sun, Golden Sun: The Lost Age

✓ 100% Compatible

And many more! mGBA supports the vast majority of Game Boy Advance game library.