If you’re like me and love revisiting classic Pokémon games, emulating them on your Android phone is the perfect way to do it. With RetroArch, you can bring all your favorite Pokémon memories back to life in no time.
Downloading and Setting Up RetroArch
RetroArch is an all-in-one emulator capable of running nearly every retro console you can imagine, ranging from the Game Boy Advance to the Nintendo 3DS.
The best way to install RetroArch on your phone is by downloading the APK directly from RetroArch’s official website and sideloading it onto your Android device manually. Although RetroArch is also available on the Play Store, that version is extremely outdated, making sideloading the recommended option for the best experience. You can install RetroArch by following these steps:
- Begin by opening Settings and going to Apps. Choose your preferred browser, scroll down to Install unknown apps, and turn on Allow from this source.
- Go to RetroArch’s downloads page and download the latest Android build. If a warning appears saying the APK file might be harmful, tap Download anyway to proceed.
- After the download finishes, a banner will appear at the top, prompting you to install the app. Tap Open, then tap Install to complete the process.
Running Your Pokémon Games on RetroArch
While using emulators to play games is legal in most regions, it’s crucial to note that downloading ROMs for games you don’t own is piracy.
With RetroArch now installed on your phone, ensure all your ROM files are stored in a directory you can easily access. If you don’t already have a file browser app on your phone, use Google’s Files app to create a new folder that keeps everything in one place.
While RetroArch has an on-screen controller, I highly recommend connecting an external controller to your phone, particularly for consoles that rely on a joystick. To start playing your games on RetroArch, follow these steps:
- Open RetroArch and navigate to Load Core > Download a Core. Here, you’ll find a list of all the consoles that RetroArch supports.
- Choose the console you want to emulate from the list, and the core will begin downloading automatically.
- Go back to RetroArch’s home screen and choose Load Content. Find the folder where your ROM files are stored, select the file, and the game will start.
But that’s not all RetroArch has to offer. You can also enable cheats, create save states, and even apply shaders to recreate the visual appearance of classic displays.
This makes your emulated games look and feel just as they were originally intended to be played. So now you can relive your childhood nostalgia: go ahead and catch ’em all!
