# PAPU — Gameboy Sound Chip Emulation

> 8-bit chip tune synthesizer emulating Gameboy hardware with 8-voice polyphony. (iPhone/iPad app by Roland Rabien.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/papu/id1523121135 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Roland Rabien](https://appshunter.io/developer/662246354)
- Category: Music, Music
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 10 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 6 MB
- Released: 2020-07-11
- Data updated: 2026-06-07
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/papu/id1523121135/reviews.md

## What is PAPU?

8-bit chip tune synth in the that emulates the Gameboy Hardware. 8 voice polyphony.

## Key features

- Gameboy hardware emulation
- 8-voice polyphony
- Chip tune synthesis
- 8-bit sound design

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/papu/id1523121135/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Perfect chip tunes

*2025-12-11*

I love all your other softsynths too, I bet peeps would buy some of them on iOS! Cheers, keep up the pro work.

### 5/5 — Great “pre-lo-fi” synth!

*2024-05-08*

Looking for that special hi-fi synth sound with all of the bells and whistles on it? No? Then this app is DEFINITELY for you!

Easy to figure out, use, and laugh at (the latter comment referring to how we old geezers remember computer sounds from 40 years ago, thanks to lack of processing power and whatnot).

The only thing lacking here (and this is a really minor complaint) is that I wish there was a visual reference on the iPad keyboard as to what octave one is in. My solution: use your ears!

A keeper! Thanks to the developer for putting this out there!

### 5/5 — Perfect

*2022-05-28*

I was giggling like a child after 20 seconds into adjusting knobs,

## Frequently asked questions about PAPU

### What is PAPU?

PAPU is a free music application that emulates the Gameboy sound chip to create 8-bit chiptunes. It features 8-voice polyphony for detailed sound creation.

### What devices does PAPU support?

PAPU is currently supported on iPad devices. It was released on July 11, 2020, and its latest version is 1.2.0, last updated on June 26, 2023.

### Is PAPU free to use?

Yes, PAPU is available for free. It does not have in-app purchases or advertisements, making it a completely free experience for users.

### How often is PAPU updated?

PAPU was last updated on June 26, 2023, with version 1.2.0. This indicates the developer actively maintains and improves the application.

### What is the age rating for PAPU?

PAPU has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The app focuses on music creation and emulation.

### What kind of music can I create with PAPU?

PAPU specializes in creating 8-bit chiptune music, similar to the sounds produced by the original Gameboy hardware. Its 8-voice polyphony allows for complex melodies and harmonies.

### Does PAPU have ads?

No, PAPU is ad-free. The application does not contain any advertisements, allowing for an uninterrupted music creation experience.

### What is the user sentiment for PAPU?

PAPU has received excellent user feedback, holding a rating of 4.9 stars from 10 ratings. This suggests a high level of user satisfaction with its functionality and performance.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.2.0 — 2023-06-26

- Wave channel
- Vibrato
- Bass / Treble boost

### 1.1.0 — 2022-12-06

Updates for iOS 16

### 1.0 — 2020-07-11

No release notes.

## Apps similar to PAPU

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Howl: A formant synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/howl-a-formant-synthesizer/id1067562312) | 4.2 (38) | Free | Music |
| [Micah Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/micah-synth/id1579750842) | 5.0 (19) | Free | Music |
| [TriplexClassic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/triplexclassic/id6444733628) | 5.0 (12) | Free | Music |
| [APOLYVOKS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/apolyvoks/id1456476986) | 4.1 (27) | Free | Music |
| [ChowKick](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chowkick/id1567842112) | 5.0 (24) | Free | Music |

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-07.*