Do you play your Pokemon games and hacks on emulators like MyBoy and JohnGBA? Those are two emulators for Android devices; however, have you heard of RetroArch?
This guide will detail the steps on how to play Pokemon GBA/GBC games and hacks on RetroArch for Android.
RetroArch is a very intricate and maybe even complex emulator for Android. While there are a lot of easy-to-use and convenient ones, you may want to check this out.
Some of its features might make you want to see what RetroArch can do for you.
Other Related Topics:
- Best GBC Emulators for Android
- 3 Best GBA Emulators for Android
- 5 Best Nintendo DS Emulators for Android
- How To Play ROM Hacks on Android
Table of Contents
Everything to Know About RetroArch Emulator
RetroArch is an emulator that is available for PC and Android devices. The hook and allure of RetroArch is that it can run a multitude of different systems.
It can run GBA, GBC, and even DS Pokemon games based on the system that you want.
While not related to Pokemon, the RetroArch can also run emulators on different systems. These systems would include the Playstation 1, Atari, SEGA systems, and so much more.
How to Get RetroArch?
Considering you will be playing on an Android device, it is easily found in the Google Playstore.
The emulator is free, and you don’t need to pay for anything. Just make sure that your Android device is capable of running the emulator. This is more for other systems because GBA and GBC emulators don’t really require high-end Android devices.
Why Use a RetroArch Emulator for Android
While one would argue that there are numerous emulators that are easier, RetroArch is perfect for players who love to play more than just one system.
Many retro gamers today love mixing things up by playing games on a GBA for today and hitting their Playstation 1 libraries the next day.
RetroArch is an all-in-one emulator in case you’re not just into Pokemon and GBA or GBC gaming.
Pros of RetroArch:
- A multitude of systems that are not just Nintendo or for Pokemon-related games.
- It has several good features like save states, speed boosters, and graphical modifiers.
- It has Bluetooth for controllers.
- It doesn’t have any ads for the free version.
Cons of RetroArch:
- It may be hard and confusing to use for some people.
- The cheats feature is automatic, so you cannot put your own cheats as they are ed and installed. In some cases, the cheats will not work.
How to Play Pokemon GBA/GBC Games and Hacks on RetroArch for Android
Step 1: Install RetroArch on Your Android Device
Step 2: Select “LOAD CORE”
Step 3: Select “ CORE”
Step 4: Choose the CORE That You Want
The cores are the systems or emulators for the GBA or GBC system that you want. Choose which one you feel is right for you.
Step 5: Choose “LOAD CONTENT”
Step 6: Select the Pokemon ROM/HACK You Want
Step 7: Launch the Game and You’re Done!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use RetroArch?
The answer is yes. It is free, so if you feel that you don’t like the emulator, simply uninstall it without paying for anything.
Can I and use more than one core in RetroArch?
You can a lot of different cores. However, you can only use one at a time. You cannot launch multiple cores at the same time.
You can always uninstall any core that you don’t want to use or you feel isn’t up to par.
Can I use one core for all save files?
The answer is no. When you use a core for one game, all the save files and states can only be accessible on that core.
You cannot use another core and load the same file or save state even if you’re using the same game ROM.
Which is the best core to use for GBA and GBC?
That is a subjective answer because there are different cores for GBA and for GBC.
Pretty much all of them are good and you can freely experiment with which one you want. Uninstall any core that you’re not too fond of.
Can the RetroArch run ROM hacks?
If the file format of the hack is .GBA, .GB, or a format that is ed by the core, then it will run ROM hacks for sure.
In Closing
There you have it, the steps on how to play Pokemon GBA/GBC games and hacks on RetroArch for Android. It isn’t that hard to install and run RetroArch.
The challenge may lie in which core and settings you want to consider.
The settings are easier on Android because it is a touch-screen mechanic compared to PC, where you have to do button configurations.
Nevertheless, you won’t have a hard time when you follow this guide, and you can start playing today.
