Comparison

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.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Play .crashcart game files
  • Organize game library
  • Track recently played games
  • Per-game save files
  • Optional iCloud sync
  • MFi and Bluetooth controller support
Features
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • GB, GBC, GBA game compatibility
  • Customizable touch controls
  • Bluetooth controller support
  • Save state management
  • iCloud synchronization
  • Advanced video filters
  • Fast-forward and cheat support
Features
Read full description

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

CrashPlayer3 screens
Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
CrashPlayer versus Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCrashPlayerRetro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings11
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 5 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple TV — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB6 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperCrash Continuum LLCMirko Rezza

Customer experience

CrashPlayer

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

CrashPlayer

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator

One-time1
  • Retro 1987 Premium$3.99

Questions

Is CrashPlayer free?
CrashPlayer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator free?
Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, CrashPlayer or Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator?
CrashPlayer and Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do CrashPlayer or Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator have ads?
Neither CrashPlayer nor Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CrashPlayer or Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator?
CrashPlayer ships an update every 4 days, and Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator every 5 days. Most recently, CrashPlayer was updated on October 7, 2026 and Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator on October 15, 2026.

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