- 9 Best Pokémon Emulators for Android
- 1. My Boy! & My Boy! Lite
- 2. John GBA & John GBC
- 3. GBA.emu & GBC.emu
- 4. RetroArch
- 5. Pizza Boy A/C & Pizza Boy A/C Pro
- 6. SuperGBC & SuperGBC Pro
- 7. MyOldBoy! & MyOldBoy! Lite
- 8. SuperNDS & SuperNDS Pro
- 9. Lemuroid
- How to Play Pokémon on Android Without Emulators
- FAQs About Android Emulators for Pokémon
- Conclusion
Pokémon games are a global cultural phenomenon, uniting trainers for decades with the excitement of capturing Pokémon and defeating gym leaders. Now, Android emulators let you relive these nostalgic adventures on your smartphone, from Pokémon Emerald to Pokémon X.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 9 best Pokémon emulators for Android (all can be downloaded from Google Play Store, which is quite safe for you), plus alternatives for those who prefer to play Pokémon games without emulators.
What Are Pokémon Emulators for Android?
Pokémon emulators for Android are applications that allow you to play classic Pokémon titles on your smartphone by mimicking older gaming systems such as the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS.
These apps load and run ROM files while providing handy features like save states, fast-forward options, and customizable on-screen controls, making it simple and convenient to enjoy retro Pokémon adventures on any Android device.
9 Best Pokémon Emulators for Android
Android emulators for Pokémon are powerful software tools that simulate classic gaming consoles, enabling you to play timeless Pokémon games on modern devices. In this guide, we'll introduce these Pokémon emulators by gaming systems.
From Game Boy classics to Nintendo DS adventures, here’s a closer look at the best Android emulators for Pokémon enthusiasts.
| Emulator | Compatibility | Price |
|---|---|---|
| My Boy! & My Boy! Lite | GBA | Free / Paid version $4.49 |
| John GBA & John GBC | GBA, GBC | Free / Paid version $2.99 |
| GBA.emu & GBC.emu | GBA, GBC | $4.99 & $2.99 |
| RetroArch | GBA, GBC, NES | Free |
| Pizza Boy A/C & Pizza Boy A/C Pro | GB, GBA, GBC | Free / Pro version $5.99 |
| SuperGBC & SuperGBC Pro | GB, GBC | Free / Pro version $2.99 |
| MyOldBoy! & MyOldBoy! Pro | GB, GBC | Free / Paid version $3.99 |
| SuperNDS & SuperNDS Pro | Nintendo DS | Free / Paid version $3.99 |
| Lemuroid | Nintendo 3DS | Free |
1. My Boy! & My Boy! Lite
For fans of Game Boy Advance classics like Pokémon Emerald or Fire Red, My Boy! reigns supreme. This emulator is celebrated for its speed, reliability, and advanced features, such as link cable emulation for trading Pokémon with friends.
It even comes with a battery-saving mode to keep your phone alive during extended gaming sessions. If you’re searching for the best Pokémon emulator for Android, My Boy! checks all the boxes.
My Boy! comes in two versions on the app store: a paid full version and a free Lite version. The Lite version is limited—it has ads, no save states, no fast-forward, and no link cable support. The paid version removes these restrictions and offers full features for the best gameplay experience.
Pros
- High speed
- Link cable emulation
- Battery-saving mode
- Cheat support
Cons
- (premium version works best)
2. John GBA & John GBC
John GBA is a fantastic option for those who prefer simplicity. It’s an easy-to-use emulator designed specifically for Game Boy Advance Pokémon games.
It is a popular Game Boy Advance emulator for Android, available on the Google Play Store in three versions. The full paid version, John GBA ($2.99), offers all features, including save states, fast-forward, and customizable controls for a complete gameplay experience.
The John GBA Lite version is free but comes with ads and limited functionality, lacking features like save states and fast-forward. Additionally, there is John GBC ($2.99), a separate emulator designed for Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, providing full functionality similar to the paid John GBA but focused on GB/GBC titles.
Pros
- Cheat code support
- Customizable control settings
- Offline interface without ads
- Save/load states
Cons
- Paid app
3. GBA.emu & GBC.emu
Another excellent choice for GBA Pokémon titles is GBA.emu, developed by Robert Broglia. This emulator boasts an impressive compatibility rate with Pokémon games and offers a host of features, including save states, customizable controls, and support for multiple ROM formats.
GBA.emu costs $4.99 on the Google Play Store. It allows you to play GBA games with features like save states, fast-forward, and customizable controls. The same developer also created GBC.emu, a separate emulator for Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, priced at $2.99.
While GBA.emu focuses on GBA titles, GBC.emu is specifically designed for GB and GBC games, offering similar functionality tailored to those platforms.
Pros
- Simple interface
- Cheat code support
- Lightweight
Cons
- No multiplayer support
4. RetroArch
RetroArch isn’t just an emulator but a comprehensive gaming ecosystem. This open-source project supports a range of consoles, making it a top choice for playing Pokémon games from various generations.
While its modular setup may seem daunting at first, RetroArch rewards patience with powerful features like advanced control customization and a seamless gaming experience. Best of all, it’s a free Pokémon emulator for Android, making it accessible to everyone.
Pros
- Free
- Open-source
- Multi-system support
Cons
- Complex setup for beginners
5. Pizza Boy A/C & Pizza Boy A/C Pro
Pizza Boy may sound whimsical, but this emulator is anything but lightweight. Known for its lag-free performance and high accuracy, Pizza Boy is ideal for Game Boy Advance Pokémon games.
It offers different emulator series for Android. Pizza Boy A Basic is a free version mainly for playing GBA games, while Pizza Boy A Pro is the paid version priced at $5.99, offering additional features such as save states, fast-forward, and an ad-free experience.
Similarly, Pizza Boy C Basic supports Game Boy and Game Boy Color games and is available for free, with a paid Pizza Boy C Pro version also priced at $5.99 that unlocks full functionality and removes ads. In general, the Basic versions are free but come with limited features and ads, whereas the Pro versions provide complete features for a smoother and more customizable gameplay experience.
Pros
- Accurate emulation
- Zero frame drops
- Minimal battery usage
Cons
- No link cable emulation
6. SuperGBC & SuperGBC Pro
For lovers of Pokémon Crystal and other Game Boy Color classics, SuperGBC delivers a blast from the past. This emulator is lightweight, fast, and offers features like save/load states and retro-style scanline filters. If you’re nostalgic for the simpler days of handheld gaming, SuperGBC will transport you back in time.
SuperGBC is a Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulator for Android that allows users to play GB and GBC games smoothly on their devices. The standard version is free and provides basic emulation features, while the paid SuperGBC Pro version, priced at $2.99, unlocks additional functionality such as save states, fast-forward, and an ad-free experience, offering a more complete and enhanced gameplay experience.
Pros
- Fast loading
- Save/load states
- Retro filters
Cons
- Basic user interface
7. MyOldBoy! & MyOldBoy! Lite
As its name suggests, MyOldBoy! is tailored for Game Boy and Game Boy Color enthusiasts. Whether you’re revisiting Pokémon Red or exploring Pokémon Gold, this emulator offers a reliable and user-friendly experience.
It is a Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulator for Android, available in two versions. The Lite version is free and offers basic emulation features with ads, while the paid version, priced at $3.99, unlocks full functionality including save states, fast-forward, link cable emulation, and an ad-free experience, providing a complete and enhanced gameplay experience.
Pros
- Turbo button
- Customizable layout
- Link cable support
Cons
- Premium features locked in paid version
8. SuperNDS & SuperNDS Pro
SuperNDS is a must-have for fans of Nintendo DS Pokémon games. It’s particularly optimized for high-end Android devices, offering smooth performance even during graphically intense battles.
With support for compressed files like .zip and .rar, it’s convenient to load your favorite Pokémon titles without hassle. Whether you’re diving into Pokémon Platinum or Black 2, SuperNDS has you covered.
The free version SuperNDS Emulator offers basic emulation with standard graphics and sound quality, but it lacks advanced features such as customizable control layouts, cheat code support, and high-speed fast-forward. The Pro version SuperNDS Pro (Emulator) ($3.99) unlocks these features, provides smoother performance, better audio emulation, and an ad-free experience, making it ideal for serious gameplay and extended sessions.
Pros
- Compatible with compressed files
- High performance
- Easy to use
Cons
- Requires high-end devices
9. Lemuroid
Lemuroid is a simple, intuitive emulator that’s perfect for beginners. It supports a wide range of gaming systems, including Game Boy and Nintendo DS, and is completely free to use.
Unlike many emulators, Lemuroid is ad-free, ensuring an uninterrupted gaming experience. If you’re just starting to explore Pokémon games for Android emulators, Lemuroid is an excellent place to begin.
Pros
- Free and open-source with no ads
- Supports multiple consoles
- Includes features like auto-save, cloud syncing, and controller support
Cons
- Performance can be inconsistent on lower-end devices
Bonus: How to Play Pokémon on Android Without Emulators
To play on Android without using Android emulators for Pokémon, AirDroid offers a unique way to enjoy the experience seamlessly. With AirDroid, you can mirror to Android device and play it.
- Step 1. Start by downloading AirDroid Cast on both your Android device and your PC. You can find the AirDroid app on the Google Play Store, while the desktop client is available for download on the official AirDroid website.
- Step 2. Open the app on your Android phone and sign in or create a new account. Make sure to grant all necessary permissions for file sharing, screen mirroring, and remote control.
- Step 3. Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for optimal performance. Enter the code to your Android app or scan the QR code.
- Step 4. Play your Pokémon on your Android phone.
FAQs About Android Emulators for Pokémon
Conclusion
Thanks to advancements in Android emulation, the Pokémon universe is more accessible than ever. From exploring the vast landscapes of Hoenn to battling elite trainers in Sinnoh, the 9 emulators listed here bring your favorite adventures to life.
Whether you’re using powerful tools like DraStic DS or diving into fan favorites like MyOldBoy!, there’s an emulator for every trainer. So, grab your Poké Balls and start your journey. Your Android device is now your portal to endless Pokémon adventures!
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