What is the GB Operator?

The GB Operator is a device that allows you to play your Game Boy® games on your computer. It’s compatible with the entire Game Boy console family, including Game Boy, Game Boy Color®, Game Boy Advance®, Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Micro, and peripherals like the Game Boy Camera.

What can the GB Operator do?

• Play your original cartridges on your computer using the built-in emulator or any external emulator
• Back up your cartridge data to create digital archives for personal use
• Restore saves from your computer back onto your cartridge
• Download Game Boy Camera photos to your computer as PNG files
• Write homebrew games to rewritable cartridges
• Check cartridge authenticity to verify if your games are legitimate
• Manage everything easily through our user-friendly Playback app

Compatibility

The GB Operator works with:

• Game Boy (DMG) cartridges
• Game Boy Color (GBC) cartridges
• Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridges
• Game Boy Camera
• Most flashcarts and rewritable cartridges

System requirements

• Windows®, macOS®, or Linux — see Downloads for current requirements
• USB port (USB-A to USB-C cable included)

Getting started

1. Download Playback for your operating system
2. Connect your GB Operator to your computer using the included USB-A to USB-C cable
3. Insert a Game Boy cartridge into the GB Operator
4. Launch Playback and start playing

For detailed setup instructions, see First Time Setup.