GB Test Lab is a diagnostic cartridge project for the original DMG-01 Game Boy. Its quick check runs memory, cartridge-slot, interrupt, and system tests, then reports PASSED, FAILED, or INCOMPLETE. It can help identify certain faults, but it cannot certify the whole console: several important parts, including the display, controls for contrast and volume, and audio hardware, are beyond what its software can measure.
What GB Test Lab checks
Created by Marcel Pflug, GB Test Lab examines the console it is plugged into and displays test findings. Its first public version was released in September 2026, according to the Game Boy Museum project article and changelog. The project’s documentation describes it as a tool for the DMG-01, the original Game Boy model—not the Pocket, Color, Advance, or later systems.
The quick check
The quick check runs four categories in sequence: memory, cartridge slot, interrupts, and system behavior. Pflug says it takes under a minute. A PASSED or FAILED result applies to those checks; INCOMPLETE means a check did not run, not that it failed.
Additional tests
The broader menu adds checks that may be useful when investigating a particular symptom:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Buttons: Measures contact bounce—the rapid changes in an electrical contact as a button is pressed or released. The documented observation window is about 30 milliseconds.
- Memory and graphics transfer: Runs additional memory tests and checks sprite-transfer behavior.
- Interrupts: Provides additional interrupt tests beyond the quick check.
- Cartridge slot: Checks named address and data lines, and can repeat slot tests while the user gently moves the cartridge.
- Cartridge board: Checks mapper and memory behavior on the inserted cartridge.
- Link port: Runs port tests and, with a second console, compares the timing of the two systems’ crystals.
- Burn-in: Repeats testing over a longer run.
- Display patterns: Shows visual patterns for a person to inspect.
- Printer: Checks communication with a Game Boy Printer and selected printer functions.
These are features described by the project creator; they are not independent test results. The visual patterns and some interactive checks require a person to look at the screen or use their senses, so they are observations rather than automatically measured findings.
What you need to run it on a real Game Boy
Pflug specifies a flash cartridge that supports MBC5 and 256 kilobytes. A cartridge with a more limited mapper or memory capacity may show a black screen. Check both specifications before choosing a cartridge; the project documentation does not establish compatibility for a particular EverDrive model.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Use fresh alkaline cells: a flash cartridge draws more power than a game, according to the creator.
- If you want saved records to remain after power-off, the flash cartridge needs a working battery.
Optional equipment
- Two-console timing test: Requires a second Game Boy, a link cable, and a second copy of the cartridge.
- Printed reports: Requires a Game Boy Printer and thermal paper. This is a legacy-hardware option, not an easy default: the creator notes that Game Boy Printer paper has not been manufactured since the turn of the century.
Using the browser version
The project also offers a browser version and a downloadable ROM. The browser version can show the interface, but it cannot reproduce the mechanical contact bounce of buttons on a physical Game Boy. Nor can it test a real link port or printer if those devices are absent. An emulator result therefore says nothing about the condition of an original console’s physical inputs or ports.
What a pass does—and does not—tell you
A quick-check pass means the four checks it ran passed; it is not a general certificate of health. Pflug specifically notes that a console can pass while still having a dead speaker or scratched screen. The DMG-01 also does not expose every condition to software:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- It has no analogue-to-digital converter for reading voltage.
- Software cannot read the contrast or volume wheels.
- The console cannot read back the image it has displayed, so screen patterns need human inspection.
- The speaker, amplifier, and headphone socket are outside the software-readable registers described by the project.
The practical implication is to use the cartridge as one diagnostic aid, then check the console’s visible, audible, and mechanical functions directly. A test it cannot access should not be treated as passed simply because the quick check passed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to interpret the two-console timing comparison
The link-cable test compares the timing of two consoles’ crystals over an interval of about 3.5 seconds. Pflug reports an estimated uncertainty of about four parts per million for the comparison. The project says two healthy crystals of the same grade can differ by about 100 parts per million, and labels consoles as matched when their difference is under 200 parts per million.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
This is a relative comparison, not an absolute calibration: it can show how two consoles differ, but without an additional reference it cannot identify which one, if either, is outside specification. These figures are the creator’s reported method and thresholds, not independent validation or general specifications for every Game Boy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
