Are you looking for a Pokemon Emerald emulators? Check out our guide to find the best one for your device.
For many Trainers, Pokemon Emerald was their first Pokemon game. This generation was jam-packed with so many new mechanics, features, and Pokemon that it left an unerasable mark in our hearts that even time cannot remove.
From the Battle Frontier and double battles to catching a dozen Legendary Pokemon including the weather trio, there’s a long list of what makes this release memorable.
Over the years, I have used various emulators to relive the Hoenn experience. In this article, I’ve compiled the best ones for playing Pokemon Emerald. Let’s check them out!
More from Pokemoncoders:
- 4 Best DeSmuME Alternatives for Playing Pokemon ROM Hacks
- Best Emulators for Playing Pokemon GB/GBC Games on PC
Table of Contents
For Android
MyBoy! Lite
Why look further than the Play Store when you have a free emulator that comes with all the essentials for playing Pokemon Emerald? Yes, MyBoy! Lite is the free version of MyBoy!, but if you’re planning to play Emerald on it, then there’s no point in paying a single cent.
With local, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi link cable , you can play with your friends and even trade with yourself.
I also tried using Pokemon Emerald cheats from Pokemoncoders, and they work flawlessly with this emulator.
Pizza Boy
I have replayed Pokemon Emerald countless times already, and I have nothing to show for it, besides my save files, of course. If only there was a way to keep your achievements and memories in Hoenn intact as a remembrance.
That’s why Pizza Boy’s strongest suit for me is its RetroAchievements . Being able to earn and track your achievements in classic games gives you another excuse to play them yet again.
Pizza Boy also has the lowest input lag in any Android emulator, so if you’re into fighting and fast-paced GBA games, that’s a huge plus.
John GBA Lite
If you just want a quick way to fire up Pokemon Emerald and enjoy it, John GBA Lite can be a great choice as well. It comes with a sleek, simple, and -friendly interface.
Using cheats has never been easier, and it s raw, GameShark, and CodeBreaker cheat codes.
The only downside is the limited options and features that might make the customization end lackluster for you.
For Windows
mGBA
mGBA’s strongest suit is its developer’s dedication and consistency. While VBA dominated the Windows GBA emulation scene for so long, mGBA was able to catch up, and I daresay sur it, with continuous improvements and updates.
With loads of customization options, mGBA offers the ultimate PC GBA emulation experience. But the part I’m most excited about is when they finally add online multiplayer in late 2025. Yes, it’s coming according to their official website.
VBA
VBA, or Visual Boy Advance, has been with me for over a decade, and I still use it to this day.
If you’re looking for an easy emulator to set up and fire up Pokemon Emerald faster than a Ninjask, VBA won’t disappoint.
Cheats? No problem. Fast-forward? You can even set a hotkey. However, it falls behind mGBA for me because it lacks consistent development and progress.
RetroArch
RetroArch is for the complete emulation nerds who want to squeeze every drop of functionality a PC can give them.
Not only can RetroArch emulate the GBA, but it can also utilize cores and bring a wide selection of gaming systems and handhelds to your Windows computer.
NetPlay lets you play with others from anywhere, and you can even spectate games. However, you’ll need a bit of practice and a few YouTube videos to set it up and get used to it. So, if you’re a beginner in emulation, I suggest you go with mGBA or VBA.
Related article: How to Play Pokemon GBA/GBC Games and ROM Hacks on PC Using RetroArch
For iOS
Delta Emulator
Finally, Apple decided to bless iOS s with a working emulator by letting Delta into the App Store in 2024.
This seven-in-one emulator lets you play Pokemon Emerald on your iPhone or iPad along with all the GBA games. Not only that, you also get access to six other systems, and the devs are still planning to add more.
Delta is quite easy to pick up and very beginner-friendly. The controls are pretty responsive, and you can even hook up an external controller easily. This emulator is free in the App Store and works with any Pokemon game from GBA to NDS.
Related article: How to Play Pokemon ROM Hacks on iOS with Delta Emulator
RetroArch
The best thing about RetroArch is it’s cross-platform. It’s also available on iOS devices and comes with all the good stuff as well.
If you want more freedom and options to tinker with to customize your GBA emulation experience, this is the better choice. I won’t recommend this Pokemon Emerald emulator for beginners since it requires setting up and understanding.
For macOS
mGBA
mGBA is also the best when it comes to Mac devices. It offers the same performance, accuracy, and cool features as its Windows version.
MGBA, however, has fewer bugs and glitches than VBA on Mac. It also has a rewind option, perfect for undoing your mistakes in battle when you mistakenly faint a Legendary in Pokemon Emerald.
OpenEmu
run Pokemon Emerald with no problems. It’s also a multi-system emulator—a large library of retro games.
I love how the interface shows the cover art of the games along with their ratings. If you have a third-party controller, you can use that without any issues as well.
Conclusion
So, are you ready to replay Pokemon Emerald once again? From cartridges and memory cards, you can now play your favorite game and relive your childhood memories with any of your devices.
These Pokemon Emerald emulators have been proven and tested by our team, and they are completely safe, free, and deliver the best performance possible.
So what are you waiting for? The entire Hoenn region is awaiting your return!
If you are an aspiring Pokemon Master or just want to become a better Trainer, Pokemoncoders is your number one resource.
We are a team of experienced Trainers who help players like you through guides, walkthroughs, tutorials, and listicles. So, make sure you bookmark and browse through our library of Pokestuff!
