CrashPlayer vs Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CrashPlayer
This application allows you to play games created with Crash BASIC, a retro-inspired programming language. Organize your game library, save your progress with optional iCloud sync, and enjoy controller support. It's a privacy-focused player with no ads or analytics.
- Play .crashcart game files
- Organize game library
- Track recently played games
- Per-game save files
- Optional iCloud sync
- MFi and Bluetooth controller support
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CrashPlayer is the official player for Crash BASIC — a modern, retro-inspired programming language for creating games. PLAY CRASH BASIC GAMES Open and play .crashcart game files on your iPhone or iPad. These files are created by developers and hobbyists using the Crash BASIC programming environment. YOUR GAME LIBRARY • Organize your games in a clean grid view with automatic icon extraction • Search and sort by name, author, or recently played • View game details including author, version, and description • Track your recently played games SAVE YOUR PROGRESS • Per-game save files stored on your device • Optional iCloud sync keeps saves across your devices • Manage save files from the game detail screen CONTROLLER SUPPORT • Full support for MFi and Bluetooth game controllers • Touch controls for supported games HOW IT WORKS Create a game using Crash BASIC at crashbasic.com Export it as a CrashCart bundle Import the .crashcart file using Files, AirDrop, or the share sheet Play GETTING STARTED CrashPlayer works with .crashcart files. You can: • Create your own games using Crash BASIC (free for non-commercial use) • Open CrashCart files shared with you • Import files via the Files app, email attachments, or AirDrop PRIVACY FOCUSED CrashPlayer does not collect personal data. No analytics, no tracking, no ads. Your games and save data stay on your device or in your private iCloud account if enabled. CrashPlayer does not include a storefront or purchasing functionality. Crash BASIC is designed to be easy to learn while still powerful enough to create complete games. Visit www.crashbasic.com to learn more.
Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator
Experience your handheld game collection on iPhone and iPad with a polished, native interface. Customize touch controls, import your own game files, and enjoy a complete, ad-free experience. Supports Bluetooth controllers and offers advanced features like save states and video filters.
- GB, GBC, GBA game compatibility
- Customizable touch controls
- Bluetooth controller support
- Save state management
- iCloud synchronization
- Advanced video filters
- Fast-forward and cheat support
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Retro 1987 brings your handheld game collection to iPhone and iPad with a native, polished, and immediate experience. ALL FEATURES INCLUDED FREE Download Retro 1987 and enjoy the complete experience. Every gameplay and customization feature is included at no cost, with no ads and no advertising tracking. MAKE THE CONTROLS YOURS Move and resize every touch control, create a layout that fits your hands, and customize controls independently for each game, screen orientation, iPhone, and iPad. Prefer physical controls? Connect a compatible Bluetooth controller or gamepad and play your way. Import compatible game files you own and start playing. Your library keeps gameplay previews, saves, and progress organized. KEY FEATURES • Compatibility with GB, GBC, and GBA games • Fully customizable touch controls for every game and orientation • Bluetooth controller and compatible gamepad support • Original cartridge saves • Multiple save-state slots with previews • Save importing and exporting • Auto Resume • iCloud synchronization • Advanced video filters and color palettes • Pixel Perfect presentation • Fast-forward up to 4× • Cheat support • Interface optimized for iPhone and iPad SUPPORT RETRO 1987 Retro 1987 is completely free. If you enjoy the app and would like to support its development and future features, you can leave an optional tip. Tips do not unlock features or change the experience. Retro 1987 does not include games. Users are responsible for importing only content they own or are authorized to use. Retro 1987 is an independent project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by compatible console manufacturers or game publishers.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CrashPlayer at none against Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator's 1. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. CrashPlayer asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for CrashPlayer against 5.0 for Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.
CrashPlayer ships an update every 4 days, Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CrashPlayer | Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days — better | Every 5 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 52 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Crash Continuum LLC | Mirko Rezza |
Customer experience
CrashPlayer
Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator
In-app purchases
CrashPlayer
No in-app purchases
Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator
- Retro 1987 Premium$3.99
Questions
Is CrashPlayer free?
Is Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator free?
Which has better reviews, CrashPlayer or Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator?
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Which is updated more often, CrashPlayer or Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator?
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