Best GBA Emulators for Android

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The Game Boy Advance (GBA), released in 2001, was Nintendo’s 32-bit handheld powerhouse and one of the most successful portable systems of all time. It sold over 80 million units worldwide and delivered an incredible library of games, including Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen, Metroid Fusion, Advance Wars, Golden Sun, and Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow.

Today, the GBA is considered one of the greatest handhelds ever made. But with hardware becoming rare and cartridges increasingly expensive, the best way to relive these classics is with GBA emulators for Android. These apps make it possible to enjoy your favorite handheld titles with modern features like save states, cheats, controller support, and HD upscaling.

Why GBA Emulation Matters

The GBA library is one of the most versatile and beloved in gaming history. From RPGs like Golden Sun to tactical masterpieces like Advance Wars and action favorites like Metroid Fusion, it has something for everyone.

On Android, GBA emulation not only preserves this legendary library but also improves it with enhancements the original hardware never offered, such as widescreen hacks, cloud saves, and fast-forward features.

What to Expect from GBA Emulators

Because the GBA was less demanding than later handhelds like the Nintendo DS, emulation on Android is smooth even on modest devices. The best emulators typically provide:

  • High compatibility with the full GBA library

  • Save states for instant progress saving

  • Cheat code support

  • Customizable touch controls

  • Bluetooth/USB controller support

  • Upscaling and filters to improve visuals

  • Fast-forwarding to skip long cutscenes or grinding

My Boy! – Popular and Feature-Rich

👉 My Boy! GBA Emulator on Google Play

My Boy! is one of the most popular GBA emulators on Android, offering high compatibility, strong performance, and a wealth of features. It supports save states, cheats, fast-forwarding, and link cable emulation for multiplayer.

With full controller support, customizable touchscreen layouts, and cloud saving via Google Drive, My Boy! is a fantastic all-around option for anyone who wants a polished GBA experience on mobile.

John GBA – Easy to Use and Reliable

👉 John GBA on Google Play

John GBA is another highly recommended GBA emulator for Android. It offers a simple interface, high compatibility, and smooth gameplay across the GBA library.

Features include save states, cheats, customizable controls, fast-forward, and controller support. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and a solid choice for casual fans who want to jump straight into their favorite GBA titles.

Pizza Boy GBA – Accuracy and Polish

👉 Pizza Boy GBA on Google Play

Pizza Boy GBA has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to its high accuracy and performance. It is one of the few emulators designed to run games at full speed on both low-end and high-end devices, without sacrificing battery life.

It supports save states, cheats, customizable controls, and controller input. The premium version adds more advanced features, but even the free version is one of the most accurate GBA emulators available today.

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RetroArch with mGBA or VBA-M Core

👉 RetroArch on Google Play
👉 RetroArch Official Site

For players who prefer multi-system emulation, RetroArch offers GBA support through the mGBA or VBA-M cores. Both cores provide excellent compatibility, with mGBA offering the most accurate emulation.

RetroArch also adds advanced features like achievements, rewinding, shaders, and cross-platform saves. Setup requires a bit of work, but it’s the best option for players who want GBA alongside other consoles in one app.

Why the GBA Library Still Matters

The GBA library remains one of the strongest handheld lineups ever. A few standout examples:

  • Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen – Iconic remakes that introduced a new generation to Kanto.

  • Metroid Fusion – A brilliant entry in the Metroid series with tight gameplay.

  • Advance Wars – A turn-based tactical masterpiece.

  • Golden Sun – A JRPG classic with gorgeous visuals and unique mechanics.

  • Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow – A fan-favorite in the Metroidvania genre.

These games are timeless, and Android emulation ensures they remain accessible and enjoyable for years to come.

Final Thoughts on the Best GBA Emulators for Android

For Android users in 2025, four options stand out:

  • My Boy! – A polished, feature-rich emulator with multiplayer support.

  • John GBA – A simple and reliable emulator for casual fans.

  • Pizza Boy GBA – Highly accurate with strong performance even on low-end devices.

  • RetroArch with mGBA/VBA-M cores – The best all-in-one solution for advanced users.

Together, they make it easy to relive Nintendo’s 32-bit handheld masterpiece on mobile. That’s why they remain the best GBA emulators for Android today.

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