# Best Game Boy emulator: Mesen, the Gold Cartridge pick

Page: https://whichemulator.wtf/gameboy/ · Reference: WEM-GAMEBOY-80H7

The Ask API at `GET https://whichemulator.wtf/ask` answers questions from the same data as this page, and it is the only place the setup steps are published. It takes `q` (the question, 3 to 500 characters) and an optional `page` (a local path such as `/gameboy/`). It returns JSON `{answer, consoles, sources, follow_ups}`, or Markdown when the request sends `Accept: text/markdown`. No key; 30 requests a minute per IP. Guide: https://whichemulator.wtf/skill.md

Nintendo Game Boy, Nintendo, 1989. also covers Game Boy Color.

## Recommended: Mesen

whichemulator.wtf calls its recommendation for each system the Gold Cartridge pick. For the Game Boy, the Gold Cartridge pick is Mesen.

Accurate, fast, and the same app you'd already use for NES and SNES. Handles Game Boy and Game Boy Color with proper palettes, screen shaders that mimic the original LCD, and a debugger if you're curious.

Runs on Windows · Mac · Linux. Open source. Download: https://www.mesen.ca

**No BIOS needed:** Game Boy emulators don't require the boot ROM. The scrolling logo at the start is optional.

## Alternatives

- [SameBoy](https://sameboy.github.io) (Windows · Mac · Linux, open source): The accuracy reference for GB and GBC, with an excellent native Mac app.
- [mGBA](https://mgba.io) (Windows · Mac · Linux, open source): Primarily for GBA but runs GB and GBC well. Handy if you want one app across all three.
- [Gambatte](https://github.com/sinamas/gambatte) (Windows · Linux, open source): Older and quieter now, but solid. Best known as the long-standing RetroArch core.

## RetroArch cores

- Gambatte: light, reliable default
- SameBoy: most accurate
- mGBA: one core for GB, GBC and GBA

## Hardware

- Shades: 4 (DMG)
- Resolution: 160×144
- Sound: 4 channels
- Library: ~1,000 games

## Notes

### Four shades

The original screen showed four shades of green-grey on a reflective LCD with heavy motion blur. Some games relied on that blur to fake transparency by flickering sprites. Turn on an LCD ghosting shader if something looks too flickery.

### GB or GBC?

Many later cartridges were dual mode and get colour on a Game Boy Color. Emulators let you force either model — choose DMG if you want the original look.

### Link cable

Trading and battling over link cable works in SameBoy and Mesen by running two instances side by side.

## Support the developers

- [Star MesenCE](https://github.com/nesdev-org/MesenCE)
- [SameBoy sponsors](https://github.com/sponsors/LIJI32)

## Questions the Ask API answers

- [Which Game Boy emulator should I use on Android?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+Game+Boy+emulator+should+I+use+on+Android%3F&page=%2Fgameboy%2F&via=page)
- [Which RetroArch core should I use for the Game Boy?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+RetroArch+core+should+I+use+for+the+Game+Boy%3F&page=%2Fgameboy%2F&via=page)
- [Does Game Boy emulation need a BIOS?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Does+Game+Boy+emulation+need+a+BIOS%3F&page=%2Fgameboy%2F&via=page)