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Simple-Boy v1.0.0 is a high-performance Game Boy (DMG-01) emulator developed in C++17. It features cycle-accurate CPU emulation, a comprehensive debugger, and optimized audio/graphics using SFML and ImGui. Key aspects include accurate CPU timing, precise PPU graphics rendering, and a multi-channel APU for sound. The emulator supports various memory mappers and automatic game save functionality. For Windows users, installation involves downloading a ZIP file and running the emulator through command prompts. Simple-Boy emphasizes clean timing, accurate hardware behavior, and efficient media handling, making it a powerful tool for Game Boy enthusiasts.
We are excited to announce the release of Simple-Boy v1.0.0, a cycle-accurate and high-performance Game Boy (DMG-01) emulator developed in C++17. Leveraging modern software design patterns, it features a robust interactive debugger and fully optimized audio/graphics rendering using SFML and ImGui. Simple-Boy emphasizes clean cycle-accurate timing and precise hardware behavior, including custom LCD timings and stack interrupt execution limits, along with automated test harness execution.
Key Features:
CPU: Full emulation of the Sharp LR35902 CPU, ensuring cycle-accurate instruction timings, correct interrupt boundaries, and stack-frame stack pointer validation.
PPU (Graphics): Pixel pipeline with accurate timing for LCD status modes, scanline synchronization, sprite rendering (OBJ), background rendering, and window maps.
APU (Audio): Multi-channel audio engine that emulates CH1 & CH2 (Square wave with sweep), CH3 (Custom Wave Pattern with retrigger safety), and CH4 (White Noise). Audio flows smoothly via an asynchronous ring-buffered SFML SoundStream.
Memory Mapper (MBC): Compatibility with a diverse range of cartridges:
ROM Only
MBC1 (Bank switching, RAM enable)
MBC2 (Built-in 512-nibble RAM)
MBC3 (RTC clock registers, RAM banking)
MBC5 (Up to 8MB ROM, RAM banking)
Battery-backed Save Support: Automatically saves and loads game battery RAM (saves as
Automated Serial Outputs: Fully integrates the Game Boy link port ($FF01 and $FF02) to directly output test ROM text to your shell.
Simple-Boy Changelog:
Installation & Running
Windows Users
Download and extract Simple-Boy-v1.0.0-Windows.zip attached below.
Run the game in standard mode:
Simple-Boy.exe path/to/game.gb
Run the game with the debugger activated:
Simple-Boy.exe path/to/game.gb –debug
(Note: All C++ standard library dependencies are statically linked in this build for portability).
