PixelDock 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.
PixelDock
This app consolidates numerous classic game consoles and computers into a single application. It features automatic cover art, quick save states, and organized game libraries. Premium features include cloud sync and social functionalities.
- Multi-console support
- Automatic cover art
- Quick save/load states
- Bluetooth/MFi controller support
- Wi-Fi file transfer
- Cloud save synchronization (premium)
- Social chat and voice calls (premium)
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PixelDock brings together dozens of classic consoles and computers in one app, with a visual library, automatic cover art, quick save states and effortless organization. SUPPORTED SYSTEMS • Nintendo: NES, Super Nintendo, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Virtual Boy • Sega: Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, Game Gear, Mega-CD, 32X, Saturn, Dreamcast, NAOMI, Atomiswave • Sony: PlayStation, PSP • Atari: 2600, 5200, 7800, Lynx, Jaguar, 8-bit line, ST • SNK Neo Geo and Neo Geo Pocket Color • NEC: PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16, PC Engine CD, PC-FX, PC-98 • Commodore 64, 128, VIC-20 and Amiga • Classic computers: ZX Spectrum, ZX81, MSX/MSX2, Amstrad CPC, Sharp X68000, Apple II, Macintosh, Thomson TO7/TO8 • Arcade and more: Vectrex, WonderSwan, ColecoVision, Intellivision, Panasonic 3DO, Pokémon Mini, Odyssey² • MS-DOS and classic adventure engines via ScummVM (SCUMM, SCI, AGI), plus Doom and Quake LIBRARY & GAMEPLAY • Automatic cover art for your whole collection, sorted by system • Fast save/load states with visual thumbnails for every save • Bluetooth/MFi controller support and external display via AirPlay or cable • Wi-Fi upload portal: transfer your own files from a computer, no cables or iTunes needed CLOUD & FRIENDS (premium) • Sync your save states across all your devices • Add friends with a unique nickname, chat, make voice calls, and send games or save states directly SUBSCRIPTION PixelDock Premium unlocks cloud save sync, the full social features and cover art for your entire library (the free tier shows cover art for your first 5 games). Available monthly and yearly with a 7-day free trial, or as a one-time lifetime purchase. • Monthly: $3.99/month • Yearly: $24.99/year • Lifetime: $44.99 one-time payment (not a subscription) Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account upon confirming purchase. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your device Settings. Any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited when a paid subscription is purchased. LEGAL LINKS EULA (Terms of Use): https://emulator.it-systems.es/terms.php Privacy Policy: https://emulator.it-systems.es/privacy.php IMPORTANT NOTICE PixelDock does not include or distribute any games, BIOS files or copyrighted content. You must only use software copies you legally own. The app includes open-source emulation components; you can review all licenses from Settings.
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 rating: Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator at 5.0 against PixelDock's 3.0. Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator also leads on monetization model (free vs freemium). PixelDock's advantage is ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. PixelDock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.
PixelDock ships an update every 3 days, Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.
| Parameter | PixelDock | Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days — better | Every 5 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 429 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jose Antonio Salinas Garcia | Mirko Rezza |
Customer experience
PixelDock
Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator
In-app purchases
PixelDock
- Premium Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
- Premium Annual7 Days trial$22.991 Year
- Premium Lifetime$39.99
Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator
- Retro 1987 Premium$3.99
Questions
Is PixelDock free?
Is Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator free?
Which has better reviews, PixelDock or Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator?
Do PixelDock or Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator have ads?
Which is updated more often, PixelDock or Retro 1987 GB GBC GBA Emulator?
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