There have been a lot of emulators we’ve covered here on NaijaKnowHow, and in this article, we’re focusing on the best GBA emulators for Windows PC. These are the top tools that’ll let you relive the experience of playing Game Boy Advance (GBA) games directly on your computer.
The Game Boy Advance was a beloved handheld console known for iconic titles that defined portable gaming. Though outdated today, the games are still very much alive in the hearts of retro gamers. If you’re looking to revisit those memories, these emulators are the perfect tools.
Just like our previous guides on Sega Genesis, SNES, and Virtual Boy emulators, this list is a handy resource for anyone looking to enjoy GBA games on Windows once again.
List of Game Boy Advance Emulators for Windows PC
All the emulators listed here are free to use and come with powerful features to help you play GBA games smoothly on your PC. They support a wide range of GBA ROMs, and some even offer extras like cheat support, save states, and enhanced graphics.
1. VisualBoyAdvance
Key Features:
- Supports almost all GBA ROMs
- Works on Windows and macOS
- Save states, cheats, hardware scaling
- Lightweight and easy to install
VisualBoyAdvance (VBA) was first released in 2005, and since then, it has become a popular choice among retro gamers looking to relive the glory days of classic Game Boy Advance gaming. VBA is available for both Windows and Mac, and it allows you to play GBA games with ease.
The main feature of VisualBoyAdvance is its compatibility with almost all GBA games. It supports the majority of titles released for the original hardware, including those made by Nintendo, Sega, and Capcom. Additionally, VBA supports advanced features such as save states, cheat codes, and hardware scaling.
2. RetroArch
Key Features:
- Cross-platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
- Features: Shaders, Netplay, Rewind, Save States
- User-friendly interface
- Open-source and regularly updated
RetroArch is a highly configurable and flexible multiplatform emulator that can emulate a wide variety of gaming consoles, including the Game Boy Advance. It also offers a wealth of features, such as shaders, netplay, rewind and more.
RetroArch is an open-source, cross-platform emulator that supports Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS and more. The interface is easy to use, and you can customise it to fit your needs. With RetroArch, you can save your progress at any time and continue playing from where you left off. RetroArch offers a rich experience when playing old games, and that has made it one of the best emulators to use.
3. mGBA
Key Features:
- Fast, accurate emulation
- Available on Windows and macOS
- Supports cheat codes and save states
- Very easy to use
If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed emulator to run your favourite Game Boy Advance (GBA) games, then mGBA is the emulator for you. Developed by Endrift, mGBA is one of the most popular emulators on the market. mGBA is fast, accurate, and features tons of useful features that make it easy to use.
It’s available for both Windows and Mac, so you can play your favourite Game Boy Advance games on any computer. Additionally, mGBA supports save states and cheat codes, making it easier to get through difficult levels or experiment with different game settings, all these features make mGBA one of my favourite PC emulators.
4. Higan
Key Features:
- High emulation accuracy
- Supports multiple systems (SNES, GBA, etc.)
- Save states and cheat support
- Great for purists who want near-perfect emulation
Higan is a multi-system emulator with support for GBA and many other consoles. It has all the features you need to play your favourite GBA games on your computer, including excellent emulation accuracy, support for Windows operating systems, and a wide range of compatibility.
Higan is a very powerful emulator, capable of running almost any GBA game at full speed. It also supports cheats and save states, so you can easily manage your progress. Additionally, the emulator has a variety of features designed to make it easier to play Game Boy Advance games on your PC. Higan is a multiple video game console emulator, and it’s free.
5. Mednafen
Key Features:
- Command-line based (GUI available via third-party frontends)
- Hardware acceleration for smooth performance
- Save states, customizable controls
- Supports other systems like PS1, NES, and SNES
Mednafen (My Emulator Doesn’t Need A Frickin’ Excellent Name) is another multi-console emulator that delivers excellent GBA emulation. It may lack a GUI, but it’s powerful under the hood. It supports all of the classic Game Boy Advance titles, including Super Mario Advance, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance.
With Mednafen, you can enjoy any GBA games with customisable controls, accurate emulation, and all of the features you’d expect from a modern emulator. Mednafen also has a few features that make it stand out from the competition.
It supports hardware acceleration, so you can enjoy smooth framerates even with high-end GBA games. It also includes a virtual memory card so you can save your progress without having to plug in a physical memory card.
6. No$GBA
Key Features:
- Emulates both GBA and NDS
- Customizable graphics and sound settings
- Supports external controllers
- Ideal for testing ROMs or homebrew development
No$GBA, also known as No Cash GBA, is a powerful Game Boy Advance emulator for PCs running Windows OS. With this emulator, you can play any GBA game on your computer with ease. No$GBA offers a wide range of features and settings that allow for a customisable gaming experience.
It allows you to adjust the speed, sound quality, and display settings for each game. You can even connect your GBA and DS controllers to your PC and use them with the emulator.
7. BatGBA
Key Features:
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Works well on older Windows versions
- Basic emulator with good compatibility
- Supports save states and frame skipping
BatGBA is an old GBA emulator for Windows. It has a great user interface that is easy to navigate and use. BatGBA also has little compatibility with most games, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to play Game Boy Advance games on their computer.
It features various options like fast forward, frame skip, and save states that let you customise your gaming experience. Additionally, the emulation is quite accurate, so you won’t have any issues with lag or slowdowns when playing games.
Conclusion
Emulators are doing a great job in terms of helping individuals experience gameplay from old or new consoles without having that particular console in possession. From advanced features in RetroArch and mGBA to simplicity in BatGBA, each emulator has something unique to offer. The best part? They’re all free to download on your Windows computer.
Pick the one that fits your needs and start your retro gaming journey today.
