# Linkboy

> A lightning-fast GBA/GBC/GB emulator with Link play and RetroAchievements

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.pixelrespawn.linkboy](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.pixelrespawn.linkboy)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.pixelrespawn.linkboy`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Pixel Respawn LLC
- **Category:** ENTERTAINMENT
- **Downloads:** 265,836
- **Rating:** 4.32 / 5 (1,488 ratings)
- **Version:** 3.11.3
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-05
- **First published:** 2025-01-24
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 11 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-14
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pixelrespawn.linkboy)
- **Website:** [https://www.pixelrespawn.com](https://www.pixelrespawn.com/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.pixelrespawn.com/privacy-policy](https://www.pixelrespawn.com/privacy-policy)

## Description

**Linkboy** is a fast, efficient Android emulator for Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy games. It delivers broad compatibility, smooth performance, low battery usage, and a modern Material You interface.

Key features include local multiplayer and same-device Link cable emulation for up to four players, RetroAchievements, speed controls up to 100×, cheat support, customizable virtual controls, controller and keyboard mapping, save states, GPU shaders, and cartridge feature emulation such as gyroscope, light sensor, rumble, and GB Camera support. Google Drive sync and backup help protect saves and cheats across devices. Games are not included, and the app is not affiliated with Nintendo.

## Rankings

- #138,415 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADVERTISE`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_SCAN`
- `android.permission.CAMERA`
- `android.permission.CHANGE_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.VIBRATE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `com.android.vending.BILLING`
- `com.pixelrespawn.linkboy.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`

## Review summary

Users praise Linkboy for smooth performance, an all-in-one GBA/GBC experience, and solid multiplayer features with a polished UI and extras. The main drawbacks are freemium limitations (saves/savestates locked behind premium), occasional performance issues and lag on certain devices (notably in linked play), and a common desire for NES/SNES emulation support in future updates.

### Pros

- Smooth performance and broad game compatibility on mobile
- All-in-one emulator: supports both GBA and GBC in one app with a customizable UI
- Local wireless multiplayer support (Bluetooth/WiFi)
- Feature-rich experience with Turbo speed, RetroAchievements, and overall polish

### Cons

- Free version lacks save slots and savestates, with essential features behind a paywall
- Performance issues and lag on some devices, especially with linked multiplayer
- Missing NES/SNES support; many users want these platforms added

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.pixelrespawn.linkboy)