# Game emulator vs GBDev

The clearest difference is rating: Game emulator at 5.0 against GBDev's 3.6. GBDev's advantage is ratings volume (23 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Game emulator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and GBDev sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Game emulator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GBDev has 23 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Game emulator | GBDev |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/game-emulator-palm-gba/id6782945723/reviews)** | [3.6 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gbdev-full-control-emulator/id6787331675/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **23** |
| Positive reviews | — | 36.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | Every 4 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 21 MB | 100 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [燕倩 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1737806763) | [Winter Bagley](https://appshunter.io/developer/1513642337) |

## What reviewers say

### Game emulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/game-emulator-palm-gba/id6782945723)

Relive classic gaming moments with this retro handheld simulator for iPhone and iPad. Import your favorite ROMs and enjoy high-definition, smooth gameplay with customizable controls and save states.

**Highlights:** Supports NES, Game Boy, GBA, and NDS, High-definition and smooth gameplay, Portrait and landscape modes, Virtual controller with vibration feedback, Multiple acceleration levels, Instant save and load slots, Cheat code support, Customizable theme skins

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Permanent Member | $4.99 | one-time |


### 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 Game emulator free?

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

### Is GBDev free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Game emulator or GBDev?

Game emulator is rated higher. Game emulator averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while GBDev averages 3.6 from 23 ratings.

### Do Game emulator or GBDev have ads?

Neither Game emulator nor GBDev shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Game emulator or GBDev?

Game emulator ships an update every 4 days, and GBDev every 4 days. Most recently, Game emulator was updated on October 28, 2026 and GBDev on November 1, 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.*