Adds save state functionality to Game Boy and Game Boy Color games when played on original hardware via ROM patches.
gb-save-states is a collection of patches that add save state functionality to Game Boy and Game Boy Color games when played on original hardware. It solves the problem of limited save options in classic games by allowing players to save and load their progress at any point using specific button combinations. The patches are applied to original ROMs and require compatible flash cartridges to run on actual Game Boy hardware.
Retro gaming enthusiasts, Game Boy collectors, and hobbyists who play games on original hardware and want modern save features. It's also for those with technical skills in ROM patching and flash cart usage.
It uniquely brings emulator-like save states to physical Game Boy hardware, preserving the authentic gaming experience while adding convenience. The project is community-driven, with patches available for many games and support for creating new ones.
💾 Patches to add save state support to Game Boy games when playing on the original hardware
Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.
Enables save states on actual Game Boy and Game Boy Color hardware using compatible flash carts, as specified in the README's requirements section, preserving the authentic retro experience.
Offers two button combinations for saving and loading to accommodate different button layouts on GB/GBC and GBA, with examples like Hold Down + Start for save, making it versatile.
Patch library is maintained by the community, with an issue system for requesting new patches and a HOW-TO guide for creation, fostering ongoing support and game coverage.
Attempts to restore sound states with documented limitations and workarounds, such as pausing to resolve issues, showing attention to audio fidelity in the patches.
Requires specific flash cartridges with sufficient save RAM (e.g., 128KB for GBC games), which can be expensive and not owned by all users, adding to the cost and setup complexity.
Sound registers are read-only, leading to incomplete sound state restoration, especially when loading from startup menus, as admitted in the README's limitations section.
Creating new patches demands Game Boy assembly knowledge, as outlined in the HOW-TO document, limiting accessibility for non-technical users and relying on community expertise.