What is your Pokemon GBC and GBA emulator of choice? There are a lot of good ones out there, like the VBA, mGBA, MyBoy, and so much more.
You may want to know how to play Pokemon GBA/GBC games and ROM hacks on PC using RetroArch.
RetroArch is an emulator that can run numerous systems, which is quite practical since you don’t need to install various emulators when playing games from different consoles.
Using RetroArch to play GBA/GBC games is a complicated process, but we’re here to guide you with everything about this emulator for PC.
Other Related Topics:
- MyBoy Review
- Visual Boy Advance
- 5 Best GBA Emulators for PC
- Best Emulators for Playing Pokemon GB/GBC Games on PC
Table of Contents
More About RetroArch
RetroArch is a free emulator that you can get for PC and Android. But for this guide, we’ll just focus on RetroArch’s PC side.
RetroArch is a multipurpose emulator that can run different systems. We’re not just talking about GBA, GBC, DS, and other Nintendo systems.
You can play a lot of other consoles, ranging from SEGA systems to the Sony Playstation, Atari, and so much more.
If you have interests outside of Pokemon and Nintendo, then RetroArch is great for you to use.
How to and Install RetroArch
The emulator is available to from RetroArch’s official website.
In the image below, these are the options for you when it comes to what PC system you are using.
Depending on which type you , the installer can automatically put RetroArch on your PC.
The other one is by unzipping the file using a RAR program, which is very easy. It is important that you the version based on your system. That way, it will run with minimal to no problems.
How to Play Pokemon GBA/GBC Games and ROM Hacks on PC Using RetroArch
These are just the basic steps that will allow you to install and play the games on RetroArch. More detailed instructions on some of the important aspects will be added below.
Step 1: RetroArch
Step 2: Install or Unzip the RetroArch
Step 3: Launch RetroArch
Step 4: Select “LOAD CORE”
Step 5: Select “ A CORE”
Step 6: Choose any Emulator Core You Want
Step 7: Load the Core You ed
Step 8: Choose “LOAD CONTENT” (The ROM)
Step 9: Select Any ROM You Want
Step 10: You’re Done, the Game Is Running
What Is a Core in RetroArch?
A core is basically a type of system/emulator you want to use. You need a GBC or GBA core if you want to play those games and hacks for the system that you want.
For example, if you want to use a Playstation emulator, then you an appropriate core for it.
The cores are available right away for in RetroArch. All of these are free, and you can uninstall any core you no longer want to use. After all, some cores are good and some are just alright.
Just keep in mind that your save file will be saved to a specific core. You cannot load a file when using a different core.
The Pros and Cons of Using RetroArch for Your Pokemon Games and Hacks
Pros
It is convenient because it has different emulators for all of your Pokemon games.
We’re not just talking about GBC and GBA but also DS and the console ones. Think about Pokemon Arena for the N64 and others.
It has a ton of the basic and advanced features you would want. Basic features include loading save states for those easy load and save situations.
There’s also a turbo button, which includes hotkey options for other convenient stuff. Additionally, you can make your game look better with some shader options and more.
Cons
RetroArch is a bit complicated to use and hard for some. It isn’t your usual emulator since you have to cores and choosing the right one may take you some time.
Some of those features, like shaders, have to be manually ed.
Using cheats and hacks for Pokemon games can be a bit difficult, as the cheats are able, and some of them might not work.
It is harder for hacks since the cheats are built for existing Pokemon games. Different versions may also play a difficult part in all of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RetroArch have the tendency to bug out?
As far as we know, there aren’t any major problems with RetroArch. These emulators or cores that are used aren’t heavy on the system.
If you have too many of them installed and you feel that there are problems, just uninstall some of them and see if the problems persist.
Is RetroArch legal?
There haven’t been any legal woes with this emulator. Just that it is free and you can it with no issues.
Which core is the best for Pokemon games and hacks?
There are a couple of choices to make. We could recommend mGBA and VBA-M but it wouldn’t hurt if you’ll give the other cores a try.
Uninstalling the core can be easy anyway, as long as you feel that you’re not satisfied with it.
Will ROM Hacks Work on RetroArch?
The answer is yes, as long as the hack is in the file (.GBA/.GB) format, then it will run on its respective core.
If the ROMs (hacks or not) are not appearing on the Load Content, then they may not be compatible. Just find other versions and see if they work.
In Closing
Now that you know how to play Pokemon GBA/GBC games and ROM hacks on PC using RetroArch, what are you waiting for?
It is a perfect emulator if you play other games outside Pokemon and Nintendo’s systems. You may need to work on it, since some of the settings need a little tinkering.
If you just focus on Pokemon games and hacks, then there’s not much to do. Just the core, set your controls, and launch your game to enjoy.
