gbdk-2020/gbdk-2020

Free

An updated version of GBDK, C compiler, assembler, linker and set of libraries for the Nintendo Gameboy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear.

FreeFree tier

Type

Open Source

Visit Website GitHub (38 stars)

About gbdk-2020/gbdk-2020

GBDK-2020 is an updated, open-source version of the Game Boy Development Kit (GBDK), providing a cross-platform development kit for sm83, z80, and 6502 based gaming consoles. It includes a C compiler (based on SDCC), assembler, linker, and a set of libraries tailored for retro game development. Supported consoles include the Nintendo Game Boy / Game Boy Color, Analogue Pocket, Sega Master System, Game Gear, Mega Duck / Cougar Boy, and NES (experimental). The project offers extensive documentation, example projects, community Discord servers, and a gallery of games made with GBDK. It is actively maintained with updated CRT and libraries, a custom SDCC build for Sega/NES support, and improved banked code/data handling.

Key Features

Cross-platform development kit for sm83, z80, and 6502 based consoles

Includes SDCC C compiler suite with custom patches for Sega GG/SMS and NES

Libraries and toolchain utilities for game development

Supports Nintendo Game Boy / Game Boy Color, Analogue Pocket, Sega Master System, Game Gear, Mega Duck / Cougar Boy, and experimental NES

banked code and data support for larger games

Extensive documentation and getting started guide

Example projects to help beginners

Community Discord servers and forums for support

Gallery showcasing games made with GBDK

Pros & Cons

Pros

Open source and free to use
Actively maintained with regular updates and migration notes
Supports multiple classic consoles with one toolchain
Includes a modernized C compiler (SDCC) with patches for retro targets
Comprehensive documentation and community resources
Backward compatible with older GBDK projects and code

Cons

Some consoles (e.g., NES) are experimental and not fully functional
Requires technical knowledge of C and retro hardware limitations
Windows users need to install MinGW to build from source
SDCC version compatibility needs careful attention when upgrading

Best For

Developing homebrew games for retro handheld and console systemsLearning low-level game programming for 8-bit architecturesPorting existing C code to Game Boy, NES, or Sega platformsCreating educational projects about vintage hardware developmentBuilding prototype games for Analogue Pocket and other FPGA-based systems

FAQ

What consoles are supported by GBDK-2020?

GBDK-2020 supports Nintendo Game Boy / Game Boy Color, Analogue Pocket, Sega Master System, Game Gear, Mega Duck / Cougar Boy, and NES (experimental).

Is GBDK-2020 free to use?

Yes, GBDK-2020 is completely free and open-source software, available on GitHub.

How do I get started with GBDK-2020?

Download the latest release, unzip it, then go to the examples folder and build them using compile.bat on Windows or running make. The documentation includes a Getting Started section.

Where can I get help or discuss GBDK development?

Join the gbdk/zgb Discord server or the gbdev Discord for Game Boy development. For Sega systems, there is the SMS Power! forum and Discord.

What is the license of GBDK-2020?

The repository includes a LICENSE file. The project is open source and available on GitHub.