GB Operator Review – Big Things Come in Small Packages

I’m a simple man who seeks simple ways to play games from his childhood. The GB Operator by Epilogue hits that mark ever so sweetly. The small device sits neatly, confidently showcasing its innards thanks to the clear case protecting the guts within. What exactly is the GB Operator? 

While it’s small in size, it’s a robust gadget that works not only as a means to play your Gameboy cartridges (regardless of region) but also allows you to back up ROMs and saves. In the simplest way to put it, you can throw on your Golden Sun cart, upload the room and create multiple saves outside of the confines of the game’s three-slot limit. Additionally, the GB Operator allows for the use of a Game Boy Camera and a means to validate the legitimacy of your cartridge.

Trying to overlook these traits as a collector is impossible. There have always been ways to inspect your games to see if they are fake or, but having the ability to simply pop them into a device, scan it and see the results is a godsend. That idea of simplicity is where the GB Operator thrives.

Supporting Windows, Linux, and MAC, the GB Operator is USB-C to USB-A with the only software required being offered via the Epilogue store. After the installation is complete, plug in the device and you are ready to go. The software is clean, displaying the inserted cart, its region, game bio, legitimacy and box art. Gamepad inputs can be edited to your suiting but the keyboard is currently fixed to a set layout.

Data options are found near the top of the UI with the option to download the game. The software will test the data integrity to ensure the reproduction is an accurate build of the game’s content. Saves can also be downloaded and uploaded, a nice touch for save scummers like me.

The current options offered all work. After testing three games from Game boy, Colour and Advanced, each game was replicated point to point successfully. Save downloads and uploads worked smoothly with no issues discovered. Quick and simple…a pattern the GB Operator often repeats. Additional options planned for future releases include device settings and emulator settings.

Of course, the most important feature is how the GB Operator plays. The tests included three games from each generation of Gameboy. An extra game from each generation from regions outside of PAL was also tested. There are no issues to report in terms of play, but there are one or two cases of some audio crackling. Minor gripes include slightly slow loading from game to game, but this is some real nitpicking. 

The Good: 
Simple to use, fantastic UI
A real asset to collectors, as well as Retro traders and store owners 
Great Emulation performance in every aspect
Fantastic price point
Good utility offered with simple, quick, processes 

The Bad:
Short cable provided with unit
That’s it...no really.

The Final Word:

With further features promised in the near future, and essentially perfect emulation, it’s hard to be negative about the GB Operator. The simplicity of software is more than welcome, along with the physical size of the device. For $49.99, the GB Operator is a great piece of kit that fits into any collectors toolset, especially for those running retro streams from time to time.

Small, simple, great. GB Operator is a fantastic little thing for a fair price, with promised tools coming in the future. 

Source: https://monstervine.com/2021/11/gb-operator-review-big-things-come-in-small-packages/