Pokemon SoulGold

Compatibility guide

Pokemon SoulGold Emulators

Pokemon SoulGold does not run correctly on every GBA emulator. Use one of the tested supported options below.

Last updated

Quick choice

Which emulator should I use?

DesktopmGBA
AndroidRetroArch + mGBA core · Lemuroid · Pizza Boy A Basic
iPhone & iPadRetroArch + mGBA core · Manic EMU
Real HardwareSupported
Advertisement
Advertisement

Tested options

Supported Pokemon SoulGold emulators

mGBA is the recommended desktop choice. On RetroArch, use the mGBA core specifically.

mGBA emulator icon

mGBA

Recommended
WindowsmacOSLinux

The preferred desktop emulator for Pokemon SoulGold. Use mGBA on Windows, macOS or Linux for the simplest supported desktop setup.

Download mGBA
RetroArch emulator icon

RetroArch + mGBA core

Recommended / Supported
WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

RetroArch is supported when Pokemon SoulGold is run with the mGBA core. Do not select an arbitrary GBA core for this game.

Pokemon SoulGold: Install RetroArch, install or load the mGBA core, then open your patched Pokemon SoulGold ROM with that core.

Get RetroArch
Lemuroid emulator icon

Lemuroid

Supported
Android

A supported Android option for playing the patched Pokemon SoulGold ROM.

Get Lemuroid

Manic EMU

Supported
iOS

A supported iPhone and iPad option for Pokemon SoulGold when the game is run with Manic EMU's mGBA core.

Pokemon SoulGold: Select the mGBA core for Pokemon SoulGold.

Get Manic EMU
Pizza Boy A Basic emulator icon

Pizza Boy A Basic

Supported
Android

A supported Android GBA emulator for opening the patched Pokemon SoulGold ROM.

Get Pizza Boy A Basic
Advertisement

Also supported

Real Game Boy Advance hardware

Pokemon SoulGold can also be played on compatible real hardware when your legally created patched ROM is loaded using appropriate compatible hardware.

Real Hardware
Supported
Advertisement

Compatibility

Emulators not supported by Pokemon SoulGold

Pokemon SoulGold relies on behavior that some older GBA emulators do not reproduce correctly. Use one of the tested supported options above rather than assuming another emulator will work.

My Boy!

Not Supported
Android

My Boy! is currently not supported by Pokemon SoulGold.

Delta

Not Supported
iOS

Starting with v1.0.5, Delta can proceed past the emulator-inaccuracy warning by pressing Start, but Pokemon SoulGold still considers Delta inaccurate and does not recommend it over mGBA-based options.

VisualBoyAdvance / VBA

Not Supported
WindowsmacOSLinux

VisualBoyAdvance / VBA is currently not supported by Pokemon SoulGold.

Advertisement

Setup

How to Play Pokemon SoulGold in an Emulator

  1. Patch Pokemon SoulGold

    Apply the SoulGold patch to your compatible Pokemon Emerald base ROM.

    Open Pokemon SoulGold Download

  2. Save the Patched Game

    Save the completed Pokemon SoulGold .gba file after patching.

  3. Choose a Supported Emulator

    Install one of the supported Pokemon SoulGold emulators listed on this page.

  4. Open Pokemon SoulGold

    Open or import the patched .gba file in your emulator.

  5. Start Playing

    Launch Pokemon SoulGold from the emulator's game list.

Advertisement

FAQ

Pokemon SoulGold emulator questions

What is the best emulator for Pokemon SoulGold on PC?
mGBA is the recommended desktop emulator for Pokemon SoulGold on Windows, macOS and Linux.
What emulator should I use for Pokemon SoulGold on Android?
Supported Android options are RetroArch with the mGBA core, Lemuroid and Pizza Boy A Basic.
Can I play Pokemon SoulGold on iPhone or iPad?
Yes. Supported iOS options are RetroArch with the mGBA core and Manic EMU using its mGBA core.
Does Pokemon SoulGold work with Delta?
Starting with v1.0.5, Delta can proceed past the emulator-inaccuracy warning by pressing Start, but Pokemon SoulGold still considers Delta inaccurate and does not recommend it over mGBA-based options.
Does Pokemon SoulGold work with My Boy!?
My Boy! is currently not supported by Pokemon SoulGold.
Does Pokemon SoulGold work with VisualBoyAdvance?
VisualBoyAdvance / VBA is currently not supported by Pokemon SoulGold.
Can I play Pokemon SoulGold on real Game Boy Advance hardware?
Yes. Compatible real hardware is supported when you load your own legally created patched Pokemon SoulGold ROM using appropriate compatible hardware.
Advertisement
Image preview