If you like to replay the classic Pokémon games, emulating them on your Android phone is the perfect way to do it. With RetroArch, you can revive all your favorite Pokémon memories in just a moment.
Download and set up RetroArch
RetroArch is an all-in-one emulator capable of running almost any classic console you can imagine, from Game Boy Advance to Nintendo 3DS.
The best way to install RetroArch on your phone is to download the APK directly from the official RetroArch website and sideload it manually to your Android device. While RetroArch is also available on the Play Store, that version is extremely outdated, making sideloading the recommended option for the best experience.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:
- Start by opening Settings and go ahead Apps. Choose the browser you like, scroll down Install unknown apps and turn on Allow from this source.
- Visit RetroArch's download page and download the latest Android build. If a warning appears that the APK file may be harmful, tap it Download anyway.
- Once the download is complete, a banner will appear at the top, prompting you to install the app. Click Openthen select Install to complete the process.

Run Pokémon game on RetroArch
Warning: While using emulators to play games is legal in most regions, it's important to note that downloading ROMs for games you don't own is copyright infringement.
Once RetroArch is now installed on your phone, make sure that all your ROM files are stored in a folder that you can easily access. If you don't have a file browser app on your phone, use Google's Files app to create a new folder to store everything in one place.
Although RetroArch has on-screen drivers, it is recommended that you connect an external controller to your phone, especially for consoles that use joysticks. To start your gaming on RetroArch, follow these steps:
- Open RetroArch and navigate to Load Core > Download a Core. Here you will find a list of all the consoles that RetroArch supports.
- Select the console you want to emulate from the list and the core will automatically start downloading.
- Return to the RetroArch home screen and select 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 look of the classic screen.
This makes your emulated games look like their original intent. So now you can relive your childhood memories. Go ahead and start playing all those games!