GBA Maker Lets Developers Create Games for Real GBA Hardware
GBA Maker, a new game development tool for the Game Boy Advance, has officially launched, allowing developers to create original games and export playable ROM files for Nintendo's handheld console.
Developer Artur Duleba announced the first public release on October 27, 2026, following his earlier GB Maker and GBC Maker projects.
According to the developer's original announcement, GBA Maker combines programming, sprite creation, map editing, music production, and game testing within a single development environment.
The software includes a code editor using a custom scripting language, alongside dedicated tools for pixel art, tile-based maps, fonts, and audio. It also supports WAV files for custom music and sound effects.
Completed projects can be exported as .gba ROM files compatible with GBA emulators and real Game Boy Advance hardware when used with suitable flash cartridges.
Beyond single-player games, GBA Maker supports link cable multiplayer for up to four players. Developers can also test multiplayer functionality directly inside the editor.
Additional features include perspective-style graphics using rotating and scaling backgrounds, making it possible to create racing games inspired by classic pseudo-3D arcade titles.
The developer has demonstrated the tool through projects including VORTEX GBA and a Game Boy Advance adaptation of Celeste Classic.
Games can also be exported for Windows, Linux, and HTML5, allowing developers to distribute their creations beyond Nintendo hardware.
GBA Maker is available for Windows and Linux, with a regular price of $7 and a launch discount. The developer does not require royalties or mandatory branding for commercially released games.
As an initial public release, the software may still contain bugs and requires programming rather than offering a completely no-code workflow.
