# Epilogue Retrace vs GBDev

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Epilogue Retrace at none against GBDev's 8. Epilogue Retrace also leads on review sentiment (57% vs 42%). GBDev's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months) and rating (3.6 vs 3.4). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

GBDev holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 24 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 57% of Epilogue Retrace's written reviews are positive against 42% of GBDev's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Epilogue Retrace ships an update every 2 months, GBDev every 4 days. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Epilogue Retrace | GBDev |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epilogue-retrace/id6759448117/reviews) | **[3.6 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gbdev-full-control-emulator/id6787331675/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **24** |
| Positive reviews | **57.1% of reviews** | 41.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 94 MB | 100 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [epilogueco](https://appshunter.io/developer/1878647617) | [Winter Bagley](https://appshunter.io/developer/1513642337) |

## What reviewers say

### Epilogue Retrace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epilogue-retrace/id6759448117)

This app transforms your phone into a tool for retro game collectors. It identifies cartridges, providing release history, market pricing, developer details, and authenticity checks when connected to a specific hardware device.

**Highlights:** Identify retro game cartridges, View release history, Check market pricing, See developer credits, Verify cartridge authenticity, Connect via local network or USB-C

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

**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 Epilogue Retrace free?

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

### Is GBDev free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Epilogue Retrace or GBDev?

GBDev is rated higher. Epilogue Retrace averages 3.4 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while GBDev averages 3.6 from 24 ratings.

### Do Epilogue Retrace or GBDev have ads?

Neither Epilogue Retrace nor GBDev shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Epilogue Retrace or GBDev?

Epilogue Retrace ships an update every 2 months, and GBDev every 4 days. Most recently, Epilogue Retrace was updated on November 5, 2026 and GBDev on November 5, 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.*