Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how GoGBA ("we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our mobile application ("App").

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

GoGBA is designed with privacy in mind. We do not require you to create an account or provide personal information to use the App.

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

The App may collect the following information:

  • Game Files: The App accesses game ROM files (.gba files) that you select through your device's file system. These files remain on your device and are never transmitted to us or any third party.
  • Save Files: Game save files (.sav files) are stored locally on your device. By default, we do not access, collect, or transmit your save data. If you enable the optional Cloud Save feature (requires Premium), save files may be uploaded to Google Drive or iCloud, depending on the provider you choose.
  • App Configuration: Settings such as theme preferences, language selection, and orientation preferences are stored locally on your device.
  • Game Covers: Game cover images may be downloaded from the libretro database and cached locally on your device for faster loading.

1.3 Crash Reports

If you enable crash reporting (via Firebase Crashlytics), we may collect anonymous crash reports to help improve the App's stability. These reports do not contain personal information or game data.

1.4 RetroAchievements

If you choose to log in to your RetroAchievements account, your username and password are transmitted securely to RetroAchievements' servers for authentication, and GoGBA stores your RetroAchievements username and a secure login token on your device to maintain your session until you sign out in GoGBA settings. Your password is never stored on your device.

Any data transmitted to RetroAchievements is sent to their servers, which are located in Nuremberg, Germany.

Gameplay information, such as game identification, achievement progress, and leaderboard scores, may be sent to RetroAchievements so these features work.

GoGBA does not transmit personal data to its own servers. Any data sent to RetroAchievements is managed by RetroAchievements, who provide mechanisms for data access, correction, and deletion in accordance with GDPR.

1.5 Cloud Save (Optional)

If you enable Cloud Save (a Premium feature), your game save files (.sav) may be synced to Google Drive or iCloud Documents, depending on the backend you select. This involves your Google account (for Drive) or Apple ID (for iCloud). GoGBA does not store your account credentials; authentication is managed by the respective platform (Google Sign-In or iCloud). Save data is transmitted only to the provider you choose and is subject to that provider's privacy policy.

1.6 In-App Purchase

If you purchase the Premium upgrade (iOS/Android only), the transaction is processed by the App Store or Google Play. GoGBA does not collect, store, or process payment information. Purchase verification is performed locally on your device via the platform's in-app purchase API. We do not receive or retain any payment or billing data.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected solely for the following purposes:

  • To provide and maintain the App's functionality
  • To improve the App's performance and stability
  • To provide technical support when requested

3. Data Storage and Security

All data associated with GoGBA is stored locally on your device:

  • Android: Data is stored in the app's private directory and external storage (for save files).
  • iOS: Data is stored in the app's Documents directory.

We implement appropriate technical measures to protect your data, including atomic write operations for save files to prevent data corruption.

4. Third-Party Services

The App uses the following third-party services:

  • Firebase Crashlytics: For crash reporting (optional). See Firebase Privacy Policy.
  • libretro Database: For game cover images. Cover images are downloaded from public databases and cached locally.
  • RetroAchievements: For achievement tracking and leaderboards (optional). If you choose to log in, your RetroAchievements account information and gameplay data may be transmitted to RetroAchievements' servers. See RetroAchievements Privacy Policy.
  • Google Drive: For optional Cloud Save (Premium feature). If you enable Cloud Save with Google Drive, save files are stored in a folder in your Google Drive. See Google Privacy Policy.
  • iCloud: For optional Cloud Save on iOS (Premium feature). If you enable Cloud Save with iCloud, save files are stored in your iCloud container. See Apple iCloud for privacy details.
  • App Store / Google Play: For in-app purchases (Premium upgrade). Payment processing is handled entirely by Apple or Google. See the respective platform's terms and privacy policies for purchase-related data handling.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your information to third parties. Your game files and personal information remain on your device unless you explicitly enable optional features.

Data is only transmitted to the services you explicitly connect: RetroAchievements (for achievements), and for Cloud Save, to Google Drive or iCloud—whichever provider you choose. Cloud Save data is sent only to the selected provider's servers, never to GoGBA's own servers. You can use the App without signing in to RetroAchievements, enabling Cloud Save, or making any in-app purchases.

6. Children's Privacy

GoGBA is not specifically directed to children under 13.

The App may be used by people of all ages, but we recommend parental guidance for younger users.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Features that involve signing into RetroAchievements or enabling Cloud Save require an account (RetroAchievements, Google, or Apple), which should be managed by a parent or guardian if used by a child under 13.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your data stored locally on your device
  • Delete the App and all associated data at any time
  • Disable crash reporting in your device settings
  • Sign out of RetroAchievements at any time in GoGBA settings
  • Manage or delete your RetroAchievements account directly through the RetroAchievements website
  • Disable Cloud Save at any time in GoGBA settings to stop syncing save files
  • Manage or delete your Cloud Save data through your Google Account or Apple ID settings
  • Contact us with questions about your privacy

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: hamberluo@gmail.com