Would you like to play some classic Pokemon video games using your iPhone? With a special emulator and game files, you can play all versions of Pokemon video games with one device! You will be able to play all versions up to Black & White 2 on your iPhone. It is not currently possible to play Pokemon X and Y on the iPhone.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Without Jailbreak
Step 1. Do not upgrade the iOS to version 8.1
This version does not allow the use of the GBA4iOS application (i.e. the emulator). After the update, you will no longer be able to install or use the application. If you want to keep using the GBA4iOS emulator, do not update the iOS to version 8.1.
If you've already updated, you'll need to jailbreak your iPhone to install the emulator
Step 2. Open your iPhone Settings
In order to install the Gameboy Advance emulator on your phone, you will need to change the date. You will need to do this every time you restart the iPhone.
You can use this emulator to play Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen or games from the first two generations
Step 3. Press "General"
Step 4. Press "Date & Time"
Step 5. Disable "Set automatically"
Step 6. Reset the date by at least one day
To be sure, go back a month.
Step 7. Open Safari on your iPhone
Step 8. Visit the GBA4iOS website
Type gba4iosapp.com in the browser.
If you want to play the Nintendo DS versions of Pokemon (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HG SS, Black, White, Black 2 and White2), you will need the NDS4iOS emulator, which you can download from iEmulators.com. You will need to use the same date trick described in the previous steps
Step 9. Press "Download GBA4iOS 2.0"
Step 10. Hit the download link
If you are using iOS version 7 or 8, press the "Download GBA4iOS 2.0. X" button. If you are using iOS version 6, press the "Download GBA4iOS 1.6.2" button.
Step 11. Press "Install" to install the application
It may take some time for the operation.
Step 12. Open GBA4iOS
Once the installation is complete, you will be able to find the app on your phone's Home screen. Press it to open it.
Step 13. Press "Trust" when prompted to run the app
Step 14. Look for Pokemon game ROMs
These are the files you will need to download to play. Use Safari to search for ROMs to download.
- CoolROM is one of the best sites to download ROMs.
- You can legally download only the video game ROMs you physically own.
Step 15. Download the ROM
Once you've found a Pokemon version ROM you want, download it to your iPhone by pressing the download button on the site.
Step 16. Open the file with GBA4iOS
At the end of the installation you will be prompted to choose an application with which to open the file. Choose GBA4iOS from the list.
Step 17. Reset the correct date
After running the GBA4iOS emulator for the first time, you can go back to the settings and re-enable the automatic configuration of "Date & Time".
You will need to reset the date every time you reset your iPhone
Method 2 of 2: With Jailbreak
Step 1. Jailbreak your iPhone
The method to do this varies according to your device, but there are reliable jailbreaks for all versions of iOS.
- Read this guide for detailed information on how to jailbreak your iPhone.
- The jailbreak allows you to run applications not allowed by the Apple App Store, and this allows you to install GBA4iOS without changing the system date.
- Jailbreaking can be dangerous, and doing it will void the warranty. If this is not successful, you may lose access to the device.
Step 2. Launch Cydia on your jailbroken iPhone
This is the package manager that is installed with the jailbreak, and allows you to install applications and tweaks that are not allowed by the Apple App Store.
Step 3. Search for "GBA4iOS"
GBA4iOS has been included in the Cydia repository and this means that you can download it directly from the application. Search for GBA4iOS and then hit the app from the results.
If you want to play the Nintendo DS versions of Pokemon (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HG and SS, Black, White, Black 2 and White 2), you will need the NDS4iOS emulator which you can install in the same way
Step 4. Press "Install" to install the application
Press "Confirm" to start downloading the app.
Step 5. Open GBA4iOS
Once the installation is complete, you will be able to find the app on your phone's Home screen. Press it to open it.
Step 6. Search for Pokemon game ROMs
These are the files you will need to download to play. Use Safari to search for ROMs to download.
- CoolROM is one of the best sites to download ROMs.
- You can legally download only the video game ROMs you physically own.
Step 7. Download the ROM
Once you've found a Pokemon version ROM you want, download it to your iPhone by pressing the download button on the site.
Step 8. Open the file with GBA4iOS
At the end of the installation you will be prompted to choose an application with which to open the file. Choose GBA4iOS from the list.
