RetroArch vs mGBA: catalog facts
 RetroArch |  mGBA |
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Free Free and open source, funded by donations. |
Free Free and open source under the MPL 2.0. |
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Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
Windows, macOS, Linux |
- Configure once and every emulator core inherits the settings
- Runs on desktops, phones and a long list of games consoles
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- Accurate enough for the awkward cartridges: motion, solar and clock hardware
- Full speed on low-end machines, including netbooks
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- The settings menu is deep and intimidating the first time
- You still have to download cores, and some systems need BIOS files you must supply
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- Game Boy Advance and earlier only; no DS or later
- Link cable play only works between instances on the same computer
|
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Downloadable app |
Downloadable app |
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Open source |
Open source |
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License: GPL-3.0 |
License: MPL-2.0 |
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No account needed |
No account needed |
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Works offline |
Works offline |
Checked September 20, 2026 | Checked September 21, 2026 |
Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.
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