Game Boy Interface/Speedrunning Edition

Game Boy Interface

Information
Author(s)	Extrems
Type	Utility
Version	Rolling release
Licence	All rights reserved
Links
Download main package Download extra package
Website
Discussion
Source

Formerly the (ultra-)low latency version, Game Boy Interface Speedrunning Edition (GBISR) features a simplified video renderer, and aims to meet the needs of most speedrunning communities.

Controls

Type A (two-handed)

Nintendo GameCube	Nintendo GameCube Controller	Logitech Speed Force	Nintendo 64 Controller	Action
	A/B Buttons	A/B Buttons or Accelerator/Brake Pedals	A/B Buttons	A/B Buttons
	Y/Z Buttons	Y/Z Buttons	Z Button	Select
	X Button or Start/Pause	X Button or Start/Pause	Start	Start
	+Control Pad or Control Stick	+Control Pad or Steering Wheel	+Control Pad or Control Stick	+Control Pad
	L/R Buttons	L/R Buttons	L/R Buttons	L/R Buttons
Reset Button	B, X and Start/Pause Buttons	B, X and Start/Pause Buttons	Z, R, A, B and Start Buttons	Power Switch
Reset Button	X, Y and Start/Pause Buttons (Hold for 1.5 seconds)		L, R and Start Buttons	Recalibrate controller
	X, Y and Start/Pause Buttons (Hold for 3 seconds)			Swap controls (Only with controller adapter)
	C Stick Down		C Button Down	Toggle input viewer

DK Bongos Controller	Active Life Mat Controller	Action
Bottom Right/Left	Orange Up/Right	A/B Buttons
Hand Clap	- Button	Select
Start/Pause	+ Button	Start
Top Right	Blue or Orange Square	+Control Pad Right
Top Left	Blue Left	+Control Pad Left
	Blue Up	+Control Pad Up
	Blue or Orange Down	+Control Pad Down

Type B (one-handed)

Nintendo GameCube	Nintendo GameCube Controller	Logitech Speed Force	Nintendo 64 Controller	Action
	A/B Buttons	A/B Buttons or Accelerator/Brake Pedals	A/B Buttons	A/B Buttons
	L/Z Buttons	Y/Z Buttons	L/Z Buttons	Select
	R Button or Start/Pause	X Button or Start/Pause	R Button or Start	Start
	+Control Pad, Control Stick or C Stick	+Control Pad or Steering Wheel	+Control Pad, Control Stick or C Buttons	+Control Pad
	Y/X Buttons	L/R Buttons		L/R Buttons
Reset Button	B, X and Start/Pause Buttons	B, X and Start/Pause Buttons	Z, R, A, B and Start Buttons	Power Switch
Reset Button	X, Y and Start/Pause Buttons (Hold for 1.5 seconds)		L, R and Start Buttons	Recalibrate controller
	X, Y and Start/Pause Buttons (Hold for 3 seconds)			Swap controls (Only with controller adapter)

DK Bongos Controller	Active Life Mat Controller	Action
Bottom Right/Left	Orange Up/Right	A/B Buttons
Hand Clap	- Button	Select
Start/Pause	+ Button	Start
	Blue or Orange Square	+Control Pad Right
	Blue Left	+Control Pad Left
	Blue Up	+Control Pad Up
	Blue or Orange Down	+Control Pad Down
Top Left/Right		L/R Buttons

Type C (Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2)

Nintendo GameCube	Nintendo GameCube Controller	Logitech Speed Force	Nintendo 64 Controller	Action
	B/Y or X Buttons	A/B Buttons or Accelerator/Brake Pedals	A/B Buttons	A/B Buttons
	Z Button	Y/Z Buttons	Z Button	Select
	Start/Pause	X Button or Start/Pause	Start	Start
	+Control Pad or Control Stick	+Control Pad or Steering Wheel	+Control Pad or Control Stick	+Control Pad
	L/R or A Buttons	L/R Buttons	L/R Buttons	L/R Buttons
Reset Button	B, X and Start/Pause Buttons	B, X and Start/Pause Buttons	Z, R, A, B and Start Buttons	Power Switch
Reset Button	X, Y and Start/Pause Buttons (Hold for 1.5 seconds)		L, R and Start Buttons	Recalibrate controller
	X, Y and Start/Pause Buttons (Hold for 3 seconds)			Swap controls (Only with controller adapter)
	C Stick Down		C Button Down	Toggle input viewer

Type D (The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past)

Nintendo GameCube	Nintendo GameCube Controller	Logitech Speed Force	Nintendo 64 Controller	Action
	Y/B Buttons	A/B Buttons or Accelerator/Brake Pedals	A/B Buttons	A/B Buttons
	R Button or Start/Pause	Y/Z Buttons	L/Z Buttons	Select
	L/Z Buttons	X Button or Start/Pause	R Button or Start	Start
	+Control Pad, Control Stick or C Stick	+Control Pad or Steering Wheel	+Control Pad, Control Stick or C Buttons	+Control Pad
	X/A Buttons	L/R Buttons		L/R Buttons
Reset Button	B, X and Start/Pause Buttons	B, X and Start/Pause Buttons	Z, R, A, B and Start Buttons	Power Switch
Reset Button	X, Y and Start/Pause Buttons (Hold for 1.5 seconds)		L, R and Start Buttons	Recalibrate controller
	X, Y and Start/Pause Buttons (Hold for 3 seconds)			Swap controls (Only with controller adapter)

Type E (swapped)

Nintendo GameCube	Nintendo GameCube Controller	Logitech Speed Force	Nintendo 64 Controller	Action
	X or B/Y or A Buttons	A/B Buttons or Accelerator/Brake Pedals	A/B Buttons	A/B Buttons
	Z Button	Y/Z Buttons	Z Button	Select
	Start/Pause	X Button or Start/Pause	Start	Start
	+Control Pad or Control Stick	+Control Pad or Steering Wheel	+Control Pad or Control Stick	+Control Pad
	L/R Buttons	L/R Buttons	L/R Buttons	L/R Buttons
Reset Button	B, X and Start/Pause Buttons	B, X and Start/Pause Buttons	Z, R, A, B and Start Buttons	Power Switch
Reset Button	X, Y and Start/Pause Buttons (Hold for 1.5 seconds)		L, R and Start Buttons	Recalibrate controller
	X, Y and Start/Pause Buttons (Hold for 3 seconds)			Swap controls back (Only with controller adapter)
	C Stick Down		C Button Down	Toggle input viewer

Options

--offset=<x:y>

Set offset (default: 0).

--zoom=<x:y>

Set zoom (default: 2.0).

--rotate=<0-359>

Set rotation (default: 0).

--poll=<0-11>

Set controller polling rate. Use if your third-party controller or controller adapter is malfunctioning.

0:	VSync (most compatible)
1:	1000Hz (default)
2:	500Hz
3:	350Hz
4:	300Hz
5:	250Hz
6:	200Hz
7:	150Hz
8:	150Hz
9:	125Hz
10:	125Hz
11:	100Hz

--control=<P1[:P2[:P3[:P4]]]>

Set control scheme. The default is the Game Boy Player Start-up Disc's Controller setting (0 or 1).

0:	Type A (two-handed)
1:	Type B (one-handed)
2:	Type C (Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2)
3:	Type D (The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past)
4:	Type E (swapped)

Note: A Game Boy Advance used as a controller is a Nintendo GameCube Controller.

--delay-reset=<N>

Set reset delay (default: 73).

--delay-video=<N>

Set video buffering (default: 1).

--movie=<path>, --no-movie

Play input log (default: no).

--movie-record, --no-movie-record

Record input log (default: no).

--overlay=<path>, --no-overlay

Load texture palette (default: frame-srgb.tpl.gz).

--overlay-id=<ID>

Set texture palette index. The default is the Game Boy Player Start-up Disc's Frame setting (0 to 19).

--overlay-scale=<x:y>

Set texture scale (default: auto).

--palette=<xxxx-xxxx-xxxx>, --no-palette

Apply Super Game Boy color palette (default: no).

Note: Press Left + B while the Game Boy logo is visible for proper application on original Game Boy Game Paks.

--lut3d=<path>, --no-lut3d

Load 32x32x32 lookup table in PNG file format (default: no).

Overrides --matrix, --input-gamma, --contrast, --brightness and --blend.

--lut3d-order=<rgb|gbr|bgr>

Specify lookup table order (default: gbr).

--scaler=<nearest|bilinear|area|box>

Set image scaling filter (default: area).

Note: Any filter other than nearest neighbor will incur a 4 scanlines delay.

--matrix=<identity|gba|gbi|nds|palm|psp|vba>

Set color matrix (default: gbi).

This translates the RGB color primaries to the standard RGB color space.

identity:	Identity matrix
gba:	Game Boy Advance (by Pokefan531)
gbi:	Game Boy Interface
nds:	Nintendo DS (by Pokefan531)
palm:	Palm Treo 700p (by Pokefan531)
psp:	PlayStation Portable (by Pokefan531)
vba:	VisualBoyAdvance-M (by Pokefan531)

--input-gamma=<red[:green[:blue]]>

Set gamma (default: 2.2).

--output-gamma=<value>

Specify screen gamma (default: 2.2).

--gamma=<even[:odd]>

Set gamma correction (default: 1.0).

--contrast=<red[:green[:blue]]>

Set gain (default: 1.0).

--brightness=<red[:green[:blue]]>

Set lift (default: 0.0).

--blend=<value>

Set alpha blending with accumulation buffer (default: 1.0).

--background=<#rrggbb>

Set background color (default: #000000).

--vfilter=<middle[:lower[:upper]]>

Set vertical filter coefficients (default: 1.0).

Each lines are the sum of line n, n+1 and n-1.

--volume=<left[:right]>

Set audio gain (default: 0.75).

Note: GCVideo-DVI v2.4b and earlier reduces volume down to a quarter.

--sound=<[mono|stereo][,digital|analog]>

Set sound mode. The default is the Sound Mode system setting (mono or stereo).

digital

Use PWM decoder.

analog[=<a0:a1:a2:b1:b2>]

Use 2MHz biquad filter (default). Defaults to a second-order low-pass filter with a cut-off of 10kHz and a quality factor of √2 if not specified.

This is used to simulate the RLC circuit on the Game Boy Advance's Headphone Jack, providing a treble boost.

--format=<[ntsc|pal|pal-m|ntsc-50|pal-60|custom|custom-m][,offset=<x:y>][,scaled-size=<w:h>][,size=<w:h>]>

Set video format. The default is the Video Mode or Progressive Scan Mode system setting (ntsc, pal-60, pal-m, or custom).

Note: GCVideo-DVI is only designed to support NTSC, PAL and PAL-60.

offset=<x:y>

Set screen position. The default is the Screen Position system setting (-32 to +32).

Note: Odd positions will cause C_B to be shifted right and C_R to be shifted left with GCVideo-Lite or GCVideo-DVI v2.4c and earlier.
The screen position is shifted left by 4 pixels with GCVideo-DVI v2.4d and earlier.

scaled-size=<w:h>

Set screen size. The default is 704:480 for 60Hz formats and 704:576 for 50Hz formats.

Note: 3 pixels on the right edge of the screen are blanked out with GCVideo-DVI v2.4d-2 and earlier.

size=<w:h>

Set internal resolution (default: 640:480). The maximum is 640:528.

--scan-mode=<[interlace|quasi-interlace|non-interlace|non-progressive|progressive][,clock2x|no-clock2x][,size2x|no-size2x]>

Set scan mode. The default is the Progressive Scan Mode system setting (non-interlace or progressive).

interlace:	15kHz interlaced
quasi-interlace:	15kHz segmented frame
non-interlace:	15kHz progressive, line halving
non-progressive:	31kHz interlaced, line doubling
progressive:	31kHz progressive

clock2x, no-clock2x

Enable 27MHz pixel clock (default: auto). Enabling doubles the refresh rate for interlace scan modes. Disabling halves the refresh rate for progressive scan modes.

This depend on a compatible video encoder or transmitter not mangling its input.

size2x, no-size2x

Enable 2× video oversampling (default: no). Enabling halves the refresh rate.

This depend on a compatible video encoder or transmitter not mangling its input.

--osd-input[=<x:y>], --no-osd-input

Show input viewer (default: no). Defaults to 0:-64 if not specified.

The position is relative to the center of the Game Boy screen, and may not exceed its boundaries.

• --osd-input=-96:-64 Show on top left.
• --osd-input=96:-64 Show on top right.
• --osd-input=96:64 Show on bottom right.
• --osd-input=-96:64 Show on bottom left.

--usb, --no-usb

Enable USB Gecko features (default: yes).

--enhance, --no-enhance

Enable Game Boy Player enhancements (default: no). Enabling this option is not recommended.

Title	Feature(s)
Drill Dozer	Rumble
Game Boy Advance Video Series	Not compatible
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga	Rumble, reduced contrast
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Rumble
Shikakui Atama o Maru Kusuru Advance: Kanji Keisanhen	Rumble, restored contrast
Shikakui Atama o Maru Kusuru Advance: Kokugo Sansuu Shakai Rikahen	Rumble, restored contrast
Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3	Rumble, restored gamma

Note: Remove any accessory from the External Extension Connector, or the Rumble Feature will not work.

Note: If you're using an EverDrive-GBA, make sure to turn off Quick Boot in the options, or the enhancements may not work.

<path>

Load Game Boy Advance multi-bootable ROM. Using this option is not recommended.

Note: Remove any accessory from the External Extension Connector. Hold Start + Select while the Game Boy logo is visible.

Any file path can be relative or absolute. If relative, it is relative to /GBI. They can also explicitly specify the SD card to read from by prefixing an absolute path with carda: or cardb:

Comparisons

Video quality

These results will differ from the standard edition and high-fidelity edition.
These results are applicable to Nintendo GameCube software.

Using DSSIM 2.9.7 and FFmpeg 4.2 for RGB SSIM & PSNR, with this reference image.

The analog-to-digital conversion parameters were calibrated for each source and device pair.
This isn't representative of relative signal strength. Sorting by DSSIM provide a fairly accurate ranking.

Blackmagic Intensity Shuttle

Using ADV7180 and ADV7604.

This 10-bit YC_BC_R 4:2:2 capture device is most representative of what you might see on a digital television.
As chroma is shifted right on YP_BP_R in/out, this was corrected in post-processing. Video and S-Video in/out suffer from internal interference.

• 

  Nintendo Stereo AV Cable (NTSC-J)

• 

  Nintendo Stereo AV Cable (PAL-M)

• 

  Generic S-Video Cable (NTSC-J)

• 

  Generic S-Video Cable (PAL-M)

• 

  HD Retrovision SNES Component Cable

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II + Datel Wii HD Component Cable

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + Datel Wii HD Component Cable

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable

• 

  Nintendo GameCube Component Video Cable

• 

  GCVideo-DVI v2.4a and earlier

• 

  GCVideo-DVI v2.4b and later

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + HDMI Cable

• 

  GCVideo-DVI v3.0 and later

Measurements in dB

Source	Lab DSSIM	RGB SSIM	RGB PSNR
Nintendo Stereo AV Cable (NTSC-J)	-13.735801	9.109952	25.914712
Nintendo Stereo AV Cable (PAL-M)	-13.687564	9.302336	25.956162
Generic S-Video Cable (NTSC-J)	-16.615170	9.563781	27.243526
Generic S-Video Cable (PAL-M)	-15.732351	8.832794	26.735124
HD Retrovision SNES Component Cable	-20.902913	12.242264	30.766373
EON GCHD Mk-II + Datel Wii HD Component Cable	-19.433354	11.839451	30.134315
EON GCHD Mk-II + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable	-19.840056	11.989787	30.125775
EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + Datel Wii HD Component Cable	-20.915182	11.946138	30.789679
EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable	-21.778830	12.092403	30.922875
Nintendo GameCube Component Video Cable	-20.643052	12.475397	30.409172
GCVideo-DVI v2.4a and earlier	-21.941242	13.828838	31.589915
GCVideo-DVI v2.4b and later	-23.156373	14.350793	31.609022
EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + HDMI Cable	-23.506284	14.096524	30.832364
GCVideo-DVI v3.0 and later	-24.573827	15.201722	32.208178

"Can't Link"

Using MS2109.

• 

  GCVideo-DVI v3.0 and later (MJPG)

• 

  GCVideo-DVI v3.0 and later (YUY2)

Measurements in dB

Source	Lab DSSIM	RGB SSIM	RGB PSNR
GCVideo-DVI v3.0 and later (MJPG)	-18.031204	10.982781	28.875378
GCVideo-DVI v3.0 and later (YUY2)	-18.259393	11.301660	28.853936

Datapath VisionRGB

Using AD9887A.

This range of 8-bit RGB 4:4:4 capture cards serve as our reference.

• 

  HD Retrovision SNES Component Cable ^{4× Oversampling ADC}

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II + Datel Wii HD Component Cable + [RetroRGB Comp2DVI v2.1]

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable + [RetroRGB Comp2DVI v2.1]

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II + Datel Wii HD Component Cable ^{4× Oversampling ADC}

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable ^{4× Oversampling ADC}

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + Datel Wii HD Component Cable + [RetroRGB Comp2DVI v2.1]

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable + [RetroRGB Comp2DVI v2.1]

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + Datel Wii HD Component Cable ^{4× Oversampling ADC}

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable ^{4× Oversampling ADC}

• 

  Nintendo GameCube Component Video Cable + [RetroRGB Comp2DVI v2.1]

• 

  GCVideo-DVI v2.4a and earlier

• 

  GCVideo-DVI v2.4b and later

• 

  EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + HDMI Cable

• 

  GCVideo-DVI v3.0 and later

Measurements in dB

Source	Lab DSSIM	RGB SSIM	RGB PSNR
HD Retrovision SNES Component Cable 4× Oversampling ADC	-20.754607	14.675608	31.840076
EON GCHD Mk-II + Datel Wii HD Component Cable	-23.683852	11.996534	31.871659
EON GCHD Mk-II + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable	-23.363186	9.733509	31.571932
EON GCHD Mk-II + Datel Wii HD Component Cable 4× Oversampling ADC	-21.863528	14.310343	31.523034
EON GCHD Mk-II + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable 4× Oversampling ADC	-24.379919	13.844770	32.270490
EON GCHD Mk-II + Datel Wii HD Component Cable + RetroRGB Comp2DVI v2.1	-24.093611	13.938491	32.246032
EON GCHD Mk-II + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable + RetroRGB Comp2DVI v2.1	-24.079388	13.931380	32.180113
EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + Datel Wii HD Component Cable	-24.099221	13.522163	33.765758
EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable	-24.251573	10.415138	33.530528
EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + Datel Wii HD Component Cable 4× Oversampling ADC	-22.960357	14.834729	33.419798
EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable 4× Oversampling ADC	-25.096515	15.800992	34.359395
EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + Datel Wii HD Component Cable + RetroRGB Comp2DVI v2.1	-24.907568	15.561495	34.606121
EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + HD Retrovision Wii Component Cable + RetroRGB Comp2DVI v2.1	-24.913004	15.472918	34.553406
Nintendo GameCube Component Video Cable	-24.041437	15.292785	33.665196
Nintendo GameCube Component Video Cable + RetroRGB Comp2DVI v2.1	-24.410816	15.181975	34.169963
GCVideo-DVI v2.4a and earlier	-22.692723	14.897314	32.201534
GCVideo-DVI v2.4b and later	-24.574659	15.673991	32.422744
EON GCHD Mk-II v2.4c.2 + HDMI Cable	-25.446269	18.384225	34.898211
GCVideo-DVI v3.0 and later	-24.562620	15.630643	32.150042

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1850

Using CX23888.

This 8-bit YC_BC_R 4:2:2 capture card show the advantages of 3D comb filtering.

• 

  Nintendo RF Modulator (NTSC-J)

• 

  Nintendo RF Modulator (PAL-M)

• 

  Nintendo Stereo AV Cable (NTSC-J)

• 

  Nintendo Stereo AV Cable (PAL-M)

• 

  Generic S-Video Cable (NTSC-J)

• 

  Generic S-Video Cable (PAL-M)

Sound emulation

Mega Man Zero 2

• Digital
• Game Boy Advance
• Game Boy Player Start-up Disc

Pokémon Sapphire

• Digital
• Game Boy Advance
• Game Boy Player Start-up Disc

3D lookup table

Pokémon Sapphire

• 

  Identity LUT
  lutrgb.png

• 

  Game Boy Advance
  lutrgb-gba.png

• 

  Game Boy Color
  lutrgb-gbc.png

• 

  Game Boy Player Start-up Disc
  lutrgb-gbp.png

• 

  Nintendo DS
  lutrgb-nds.png

• 

  VisualBoyAdvance-M
  lutrgb-vba.png

• 

  Wii U Virtual Console
  lutrgb-wiiu.png

Color matrix

Golden Sun

• 

  Identity matrix

• 

  Game Boy Advance

• 

  Game Boy Interface

• 

  Nintendo DS

• 

  Palm Treo 700p

• 

  PlayStation Portable

• 

  VisualBoyAdvance-M

Mario Kart: Super Circuit

• 

  Identity matrix

• 

  Game Boy Advance

• 

  Game Boy Interface

• 

  Nintendo DS

• 

  Palm Treo 700p

• 

  PlayStation Portable

• 

  VisualBoyAdvance-M

Pokémon Sapphire

• 

  Identity matrix

• 

  Game Boy Advance

• 

  Game Boy Interface

• 

  Nintendo DS

• 

  Palm Treo 700p

• 

  PlayStation Portable

• 

  VisualBoyAdvance-M

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

• 

  Identity matrix

• 

  Game Boy Advance

• 

  Game Boy Interface

• 

  Nintendo DS

• 

  Palm Treo 700p

• 

  PlayStation Portable

• 

  VisualBoyAdvance-M

Wario Land 4

• 

  Identity matrix

• 

  Game Boy Advance

• 

  Game Boy Interface

• 

  Nintendo DS

• 

  Palm Treo 700p

• 

  PlayStation Portable

• 

  VisualBoyAdvance-M

Examples

Color emulation

Game Boy Advance

Using a contrast ratio of 250:1.

--matrix=gba
--input-gamma=4.
--contrast=.74851331406341291833644689906823
--brightness=.25148668593658708166355310093177

Nintendo DS

Using a contrast ratio of 600:1.

--matrix=nds
--input-gamma=2.2
--contrast=.94539857500845076575010909270066
--brightness=.05460142499154923424989090729934

Palm Treo 700p

Using a contrast ratio of 75:1.

--matrix=palm
--input-gamma=2.2
--contrast=.85949252616415732890698972119636
--brightness=.14050747383584267109301027880364

PlayStation Portable

Using a contrast ratio of 750:1.

--matrix=psp
--input-gamma=2.2
--contrast=.95066513192721403818280764386444
--brightness=.04933486807278596181719235613556

Color restoration

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

This game reduces contrast when played with Game Boy Player enhancements.

--contrast=1.1

Super Mario Bros. 3: Super Mario Advance 4

This game reduces gamma when played without Game Boy Player enhancements.

--input-gamma=2.8

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons

This game reduces gamma when played on a Game Boy Advance. Due to Game Boy Color limitations, only shadows can be restored perfectly.

--input-gamma=4.

Mimicking

Game Boy Interface (ultra-low latency)

--delay-reset=0
--delay-video=0
--no-overlay
--scaler=nearest
--matrix=identity
--sound=digital
--format=custom,scaled-size=528:320,size=480:320

Game Boy Player Start-up Disc (60Hz)

Included as gbisr.cli.example. Transcribed below for reference.

--delay-video=2
--matrix=identity
--contrast=.78125
--vfilter=.5:.25:.25
--sound=analog=.000148021979839541018009185791015625:.00029604395967908203601837158203125:.000148021979839541018009185791015625:-1.965293407440185546875:.965885460376739501953125
--format=ntsc,scaled-size=666:448,size=608:448
--scan-mode=interlace
--enhance

Game Boy Player Start-up Disc (50Hz)

--delay-reset=63
--delay-video=2
--matrix=identity
--contrast=.78125
--vfilter=.5:.25:.25
--sound=analog=.000148021979839541018009185791015625:.00029604395967908203601837158203125:.000148021979839541018009185791015625:-1.965293407440185546875:.965885460376739501953125
--format=pal,scaled-size=670:530,size=608:448
--scan-mode=interlace
--enhance

Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program

F-Zero Maximum Velocity, Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, Mario vs. Donkey Kong and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

--matrix=identity
--contrast=.7
--blend=.75

Kirby & The Amazing Mirror

--matrix=identity
--contrast=.6
--blend=.5625

Mario Kart: Super Circuit

--matrix=identity
--contrast=.65
--blend=.75

Metroid Fusion

--matrix=identity
--contrast=.7
--blend=.5625

Wario Land 4 and WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$

--matrix=identity
--contrast=.65
--blend=.5625

Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3

--matrix=identity
--contrast=.6
--blend=.5

Video optimization

Datapath VisionAV & VisionRGB

GCVideo-DVI v3.0 and later

These settings provide a 1× scaled image in a 4:3 640×240p119.455 video output.

In the GCVideo menu under "Other settings", set "Enhanced DVI mode" to On.
In the GCVideo menu under "Advanced settings", set "Chroma Interpolation" to On, "Fix resolution" to Off, and "Digital color format" to YC444.

--vfilter=.5:.5:.0:.5:.0:.5
--format=custom,offset=0,scaled-size=0:0
--scan-mode=non-interlace,clock2x

• Color Adjustments
  • Brightness: 32
  • Contrast: 128
  • Colour Domain: YUV (601) Limited

Datapath VisionRGB

Nintendo GameCube Component Video Cable

These settings provide a 1× scaled image in a 3:2 240p119.455 video output.

--vfilter=.5:.5:.0:.5:.0:.5
--format=custom,offset=0,scaled-size=0:0
--scan-mode=non-interlace,clock2x

• Resolution and Refresh
  • Width: 320
  • Height: 240
  • Vertical Refresh: 119.45
• Video Adjustments
  • Horizontal Position: 85
  • Horizontal Size: 433
  • Phase: 27
  • Vertical Position: 18
  • Black Level: 245
• Cropping
  • Top: 40
  • Left: 40
  • Width: 240
  • Height: 160
• Color Adjustments
  • Brightness: 32
  • Contrast: 128
  • Colour Domain: YUV (601)
  • Colour Balance
    • All Colors
      • Brightness: 32
      • Contrast: 128
    • Red
      • Brightness: 158
      • Contrast: 158
    • Green
      • Brightness: 174
      • Contrast: 142
    • Blue
      • Brightness: 150
      • Contrast: 128

Open Source Scan Converter

These settings provide a 1× scaled image in a 3:2 240p59.7276 video output. Refer to FirebrandX for Open Source Scan Converter configuration.

Included as gbisr-ossc.cli, gbisr-ossc.dol+cli and gbisr-ossc.gci. Transcribed below for reference.

--vfilter=.5:.5:.0:.5:.0:.5
--format=custom,offset=0,scaled-size=0:0
--scan-mode=non-interlace

Important: Misuse will result in the wrong aspect ratio.

XRGB-mini Framemeister

These settings provide a 1× scaled image in a 3:2 240p59.7387 video output. Refer to FirebrandX for XRGB-mini Framemeister configuration.

Included as gbisr-xrgb.cli, gbisr-xrgb.dol+cli and gbisr-xrgb.gci. Transcribed below for reference.

--vfilter=.5:.5:.0:.5:.0:.5
--format=custom-m,offset=0,scaled-size=0:0
--scan-mode=non-interlace

Important: Misuse will result in the wrong aspect ratio.

High-definition televisions

GCVideo-DVI

These settings provide a 3× scaled image, line doubled in a 16:9 720×960i59.7188 video output.

Included as gbisr-gcdv.cli, gbisr-gcdv.dol+cli and gbisr-gcdv.gci. Transcribed below for reference.

--zoom=2.53125:3
--format=custom,offset=+2:-2,scaled-size=0:0
--scan-mode=non-progressive

Change the Aspect Ratio on the television to 16:9.

To improve the picture further, in the GCVideo menu under "Other settings", try setting "Enhanced DVI mode" to Off. You will lose embedded digital audio.

Labeling the input on the television as a PC may also work.

---

These settings provide a 3× scaled image in a 16:9 720×480p59.7276 video output.

--zoom=2.53125:3
--format=custom,offset=0,scaled-size=0:0
--scan-mode=progressive

Change the Aspect Ratio on the television to 16:9.

Video output

120Hz black frame insertion

--vfilter=.5:.5:.0:.0
--scan-mode=non-interlace,clock2x

480p hybrid scanlines

--overlay=frame.tpl.gz
--gamma=2.2:1.
--scan-mode=progressive

480p simple scanlines

--vfilter=.5:.5:.0:.0
--scan-mode=progressive

Video scaling

4:3 fullscreen (Game Boy Advance)

--zoom=2.375
--vfilter=.625:.1875:.1875
--scan-mode=interlace

--zoom=2.375
--scan-mode=progressive

4:3 fullscreen (Game Boy Color)

--zoom=3
--vfilter=.5:.25:.25
--scan-mode=interlace

--zoom=3
--vfilter=.5:.5:.0:.5:.0:.5
--scan-mode=non-interlace

--zoom=3
--scan-mode=progressive

16:9 fullscreen

--zoom=2.25:3
--scan-mode=progressive

FAQs

Progressive scan (720x480p)

How do I change Game Paks?

1. Hold the Reset Button.
2. Slide the Game Pak Ejector.
3. Insert a Game Pak into the Game Pak Slot.
4. Release the Reset Button.

Can I play Game Boy Advance Video?

Yes. You can do so by disabling Game Boy Player enhancements (--no-enhance, or "Rumble: No" in Swiss), or holding a direction while the Game Boy Player logo is visible.

What is the default video output?

• Interlaced Scan Mode: 1× in 4:3 720×240p59.8261 (reported by GCVideo-DVI as 704x240p60)
• Progressive Scan Mode: 2× in 4:3 720×480p59.7276 (reported by GCVideo-DVI as 704x480p60)

Why am I seeing a double split image?

Either progressive scan mode is enabled or, if using GCVideo-DVI, line doubling is by default.

If line doubling is at fault, the picture may also be scrolling with a slant.

Why is the input viewer barely visible on my capture?

If the input viewer has no discernible shape on black or white backgrounds, this is caused by a configuration issue.

If you're using analog video, set the video standard as "NTSC_M_J" rather than "NTSC_M" in the filter properties.

If you're using digital video, set the color range to full rather than partial. If this doesn't work, in the GCVideo menu under "Other settings", set "RGB Limited Range" to On.

How do I verify my Game Boy Advance ROM?

Original, counterfeit or reproduction cartridge

1. Remove any accessory from the External Extension Connector.
2. Hold Start + Select while the Game Boy logo is visible.
3. Wait until the checksum is computed.
4. Compare with No-Intro's DAT-o-MATIC.
5. Press any button to continue.

EverDrive-GBA

1. Turn off Quick Boot.
2. Select the ROM file.
3. Remove any accessory from the External Extension Connector.
4. Hold Start + Select while the Game Boy logo is visible.
5. Wait until the checksum is computed.
6. Compare with No-Intro's DAT-o-MATIC.
7. Press any button to continue.

EZ-Flash Omega

1. Select the ROM file.
2. Press L + A on Clean Boot.
3. Remove any accessory from the External Extension Connector.
4. Hold Start + Select while the Game Boy logo is visible.
5. Wait until the checksum is computed.
6. Compare with No-Intro's DAT-o-MATIC.
7. Press any button to continue.

How do I re-enable the dumping utility?

Pass default.mb.gz as command-line argument.

Changelog

January, 2021

• Added all devices search for GBI directory.
• Updated GBA-as-GC controller.
• Improved GBA multiboot support.

December, 2020

• Added return to loader support.
• Updated color matrices by Pokefan531.
• Updated 3D LUTs by Pokefan531.
• Improved system stability.
• Improved SD card compatibility.
• Changed default video format to avoid PAL-M with digital AV.
• Changed default 3D LUT order to GBR.

May–June, 2020

• Added control type E.
• Added disc spin-down.
• Added GC Loader read-only support.

April, 2020

• Changed default color matrix to GBI's original.
• Changed default sound mode to analog.
• Fixed Game Boy Player settings validation.

January–March, 2020

• Improved SD card compatibility.
• Reduced reset delay.

October, 2019

• Added N64 Controller support.
• Added GBA anti-sleep mode.
• Added subfolder search for GBI directory.

August–September, 2019

• Added Game Boy Player settings validation.
• Fixed default SD card with bad program name.

July, 2019

• Added SD2SP2 support.
• Fixed hang with no SD card inserted.
• Fixed hang upon SD card reinsertion.

June, 2019

• Improved video rendering.
• Renamed oversample scaler to area.
• Changed default scaler to area.

May, 2019

• Added GBA ROM checksummer.
• Added 960i and 1152i video modes.

April, 2019

• Fixed fade with background color set.
• Fixed a power issue.
• Enabled USB Gecko standard output.

March, 2019

• Updated color matrices by Pokefan531.
• Updated 3D LUTs by Pokefan531.
• Fixed Super Game Boy password order.
• Fixed NTSC 50 composite video.

August, 2018

• Updated color matrices by Pokefan531.
• Updated 3D LUTs by Pokefan531.

July, 2018

• Updated GBA-as-GC controller.
• Disabled component video DAC oversampling.

June, 2018

• Added analog sound emulation.
• Added Custom-M video format.
• Added Custom interlaced video modes.
• Merged vertical filter controls.
• Changed brightness/contrast controls to match BT.1886.
• Fixed some audio bugs.
• Enabled progressive scan in more cases to prevent display issues.

May, 2018

• Added Super Game Boy color palette setting.
• Changed scan mode semantics.
• Fixed Game Boy Player advertisement.
• Fixed rumble protocol handshake.

April, 2018

• Added movie recording/playback.
• Updated GBA-as-GC controller.

March, 2018

• Added control swapping for SNES Controllers.
• Added framebuffer size/offset setting.
• Replaced sample aspect ratio with scaled size.
• Improved per-field filtering in single-buffered mode.
• Improved multiboot implementation.
• Improved Game Boy sound quality.
• Improved audio rendering.
• Reduced audio latency.
• Fixed SD card compatibility.
• Fixed multiboot to rumble protocol transition.
• Disabled default multiboot.

February, 2018

• Added background color setting.
• Added video buffering setting.
• Added input viewer.
• Added color matrix from Gambatte.
• Added mono sound mode.
• Added 3D LUT auto-generation.
• Added GBR/BGR LUT order support.
• Added per-field gamma correction control.
• Changed some argument semantics.
• Fixed per-field settings with default video mode.
• Fixed wiiload autoboot with tiny GBA multiboot ROMs.
• Disabled machine checks.

January, 2018

• Updated 3D LUTs by Pokefan531.
• Improved Game Boy Player driver.
• Changed default component video modes.
• Tweaked control type C.

September, 2017

• Added overlay scale setting.
• Added Logitech Speed Force support.
• Added Active Life Mat support.
• Improved Game Boy Player driver.
• Changed zoom scale.
• Changed wiiload server to accept oversized DOLs.
• Fixed one random kernel crash.
• Fixed scaling without a 3D LUT.

August, 2017

• Added DK Bongos support.
• Adapted control type C for Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2.
• Added control type D for The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
• Added per-field vertical filter control.
• Added PNG 3D LUT support.
• Added LUTs by Pokefan531.
• Added LUTs from the 3DS Virtual Console.
• Improved Game Boy Player driver.

July, 2017

• Added CLI append support.
• Updated GBA-as-GC controller.
• Changed reset combo behavior.

June, 2017

• Added zoom & rotate.
• Added reset delay.
• Added reset combo.

April, 2017

• Added component video DAC oversampling.
• Added reset fade effect.
• Added TPL overlay support.

March, 2017

• Added rumble, disabled by default.
• Added USB Gecko wiiload server.
• Added Xboo Communicator.

February, 2017

• Added volume control.
• Added per-channel settings where possible.
• Changed volume to 75% to mitigate clipping.

November, 2016

• Updated GBA-as-GC controller.

September, 2016

• Added video options.
• Added control schemes.
• Added polling rate setting.

May, 2016

• Updated GBA-as-GC controller.
• Improved Game Boy Player driver.
• Fixed WaveBird Controllers.

April, 2016

• Replaced GBA-as-controller with GBA-as-GC controller.

March, 2016

• Added U+D/L+R cancelling.
• Added GBA-as-controller support.
• Recognized a half press of the analog triggers.

August, 2015

• Added executable compression.
• Added memory card distribution files.
• Reduced coil whine.

July, 2015

• Fixed Game Boy Player detection.