# RIAX vs GBDev

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RIAX at none against GBDev's 8. RIAX also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 4 days) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GBDev sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. RIAX asks for nothing beyond the download.

RIAX ships an update daily, GBDev every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RIAX | GBDev |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.5 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gbdev-full-control-emulator/id6787331675/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **23** |
| Positive reviews | — | 41.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Daily** | Every 4 days |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 110 MB | 100 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Akintoye Onikoyi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1469799881) | [Winter Bagley](https://appshunter.io/developer/1513642337) |

## What reviewers say

### RIAX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/riax/id6692500817)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### GBDev

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gbdev-full-control-emulator/id6787331675)

Experience retro gaming with this multi-emulator, offering extensive customization for a personalized feel. Enjoy features like screen bleed, scanlines, and adjustable controls. Connect controllers and output to a TV for immersive retro gatherings.

**Highlights:** Multi-console emulation (GB, GBC, GBA, NES, SNES, DS, 3DS, GC, Wii), Customizable screen effects (bleed, scanlines), Adjustable screen and button layout, Animated themes and custom buttons, Bluetooth controller support, AirPlay TV output, Button haptics for immersion

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Theme Pack 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Theme Pack 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Visual Pack 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Visual Pack 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Visual Pack 3 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Theme Pack 4 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Theme Pack 3 | $1.99 | one-time |
| GBDev Pro | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RIAX free?

RIAX is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is GBDev free?

GBDev is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do RIAX or GBDev have ads?

Neither RIAX nor GBDev shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RIAX or GBDev?

RIAX ships an update daily, and GBDev every 4 days. Most recently, RIAX was updated on November 8, 2026 and GBDev on November 10, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*