Best Pokemon Games for GBA, Top 10 Recommended

The Gameboy Advance had a perfect run, and like any Nintendo console or handheld, it will have its own set of exclusive games. One of them is of course, the critically-acclaimed Pokemon series.

There are several Pokemon titles for the GBA, and the good thing is that there are some varieties. We have the main series games and a couple of spin-offs like the Mystery Dungeon series and Pinball.

Don’t worry, as we have our list of the best Pokemon games for GBA. We’re only sticking to the format used by the traditional Pokemon games.

Plus, we also included a couple of Pokemon ROM hacked games to add a little spice to this post.

Also see: All Pokemon Cheats Compilation

You may also want to check out our most recent popular ROM hack polls to see which Pokemon games have the highest votes. This is an excellent way to find out which Pokemon games you should play next.

Editor’s Update (August 2024): No matter how cool the newer Pokemon titles are, classic GBA games are still as appealing as ever. Check out this list of timeless Pokemon games and see if there’s something you haven’t played yet.

10 Best Pokemon Games for Game Boy Advance

10. Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire

The counterpart of Pokemon Ruby was Pokemon Sapphire. Both games introduced the Generation III Pokemon, maintained the traditional gameplay mechanics, and introduced many new features.

Ruby and Sapphire also featured the first Nature system for the franchise. It also added Pokemon abilities, double battles, and contests.

While we listed Ruby as the last in the list; these games are still one of the best Pokemon games for GBA.

9. Pokemon Emerald

Pokemon Emerald was released as the overhauled version of the Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire. It is still a part of Generation III and uses a lot of the assets from those games.

Obviously, Emerald featured a lot more things compared to its two predesessors.

While it has the new features from Ruby and Sapphire, Emerald adds more to the mix. It has a slightly edited story and new characters, and areas to explore.

8. Pokemon FireRed

Pokemon FireRed and its sister game LeafGreen are remakes of the very first game Pokemon Red and Green.

While the originals were Generation I, FireRed has some new features introduced from Ruby and Sapphire. FireRed still maintains the same story from the original but has some added story and more content.

It has new features like Pokemon Natures, Abilities, and more. The updated visuals and Pokemon from Gen II and III are always welcome if you like the originals.

Pokemon GBA ROM Hacks

We intentionally include Pokemon GBA ROM Hacks from our list of best pokemon gba games simply because they’re worth playing, and when paired with cheats, you will have a whole lot more fun experience.

In fact, over 70% of our readers are Pokemon rom hack players, and if you haven’t played any of these new pokemon gba games before, give these recommendations a try.

Another tip, when these games are paired with cheats, you can have a wholesome, fun gaming experience, and that’s a promise.

NOTE: PATCHING IS REQUIRED TO PLAY THESE GAMES!
We don’t share pre-patched rom hacks and roms – sharing these rom files is considered piracy, and it’s illegal!

Before you can play, you need to patch the ed file to a clean base rom. To learn more on how to patch, check this guide.

7. Pokemon Gaia

Pokemon Gaia is a hack of FireRed but features Pokemon from all six Generations but perhaps not all. The plot involves an earthquake trying to destroy the Orbtus Region.

You, as the chosen trainer, must find the cause of this and prevent it.

The game features many later bonuses like having Fairy Type and Mega Evolutions provided that you can find them.

6. Pokemon Radical Red

The game with massive features added is Pokemon Radical Red. A GBA ROM Hack based on FireRed which known for being a challenging game, but that doesn’t mean the overall quality of the game suffered.

Enjoy Physical/Special split + Fairy Typing and obtainable Pokemon up to Generation 8.

Ever heard of Isle of Armor DLC of Pokemon Sword/Shield? Try not to get shocked because you can also find the moves from that DLC in this game.

When it says massive, it’s purely a lot of features that you can enjoy with Pokemon Radical Red.

5. Pokemon Unbound

Pokemon rom hacking had gone a mile since when it was first introduced several years ago. More and more improvements have been released, making rom hacking a new thing.

Pokemon Unbound is another game that has been updated over time and improved over the years. The recent update of Unbound has pushed it to its maximum potential.

Unbound is a complete upgrade from its base rom FireRed with a unique mission system, daily events, mini-games, and challenging puzzles.

There’s much more to check out in this game; this is a must-play of the year. Don’t dare to exclude this game from your must-play game list.

4. Pokemon Adventures Red Chapter

Adventures Red Chapter is a FireRed rom hack, and it bases the story on the manga Pokemon Adventures Red.

Don’t worry, as you’re not restricted to the flow of the story as you can also do some exploring, and the Pokemon you get aren’t limited to Generation I.

In fact, the level cap for this game is 255, but much like the manga, you can only play as Red for the time being. It also includes the day and night cycle and Mega Evolution.

The recent version of Adventures Red Chapter that came out not too long ago is definitely a must-play. More new and exciting features are introduced in the latest release; check that out.

3. Pokemon Ash Gray (GBA ROM Hack)

Pokemon Ash Gray is a hack that is based on the Pokemon Indigo League anime series. This means that you can only play as Ash Ketchum, but you can name him differently.

The sprites are updated and look good. The story follows the anime, so if you what happens, then you have an idea of where to go.

Several changes were made, so instead of using HMs like Surf for traveling, Ash uses a raft. This applies to other HMs as well, like changing the Teleport for Fly, Climb Kit for Rock Climb, and more.

2. Pokemon Light Platinum (GBA ROM Hack)

Pokemon Light Platinum is a hack of Ruby, and despite the name, it isn’t a hack of Pokemon Platinum. The sprites are updated, and you can capture and use Pokemon from Gen I until Gen IV.

It features a unique story on its own, and the final battle, so to speak, is a Pokemon World Championship tournament, and that sounds very cool.

1. Pokemon Glazed (GBA ROM Hack)

Pokemon Glazed is an interesting ROM hack that you would want to play. First, you can choose from five starting Pokemons and capture Pokemons from the six Generations.

It also features classic content and Fairy Type and Mega Evolutions.

It has an interesting story, and you can even rematch trainers and Gym Leaders as many times as you want.

You can’t go wrong with this game, and that is why we listed Glazed as the first in the list of best Pokemon games for GBA.

More resources:

• Best Pokemon ROM Hacks (Updated)
• 10 Best Mythical Pokemon
• Best Pokemon Games For A Nuzlocke Challenge
• Top 10 Pokemon Rom Hacks With Mega Evolution

Final Thoughts

Just when you thought there weren’t enough Pokemon for your GBA, the Pokemon ROM hacks come in. We’re not saying that the default Pokemon games are bad, but the hacks breathe new life into these games.

From being limited to certain generations, the other games allow for more complex and more content.

You might be surprised why we recommend many ROM hacks; that’s because it’s great and, shall we say, better than the original version.