Best Pokémon Emulator for PC, iPhone, Android & Chromebook (2026 Guide)
Want to play Pokémon on a device that was never meant to run it? You’re not alone. Whether it’s reliving Pokémon Red on your phone, running Pokémon Sword on PC, or squeezing a DS emulator onto a Chromebook — this guide covers every platform with the best working option in 2026.
We’ve tested each emulator for speed, compatibility, and ease of setup. If you’re new to emulation, start with our complete emulators hub which covers every platform and system. And if you’re wondering whether any of this is above-board, we have a full breakdown of whether emulators are legal.
Quick Picks by Platform
| Platform | Best Emulator | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Windows) | Ryujinx / Citra | Switch & 3DS games |
| Mac | Citra / mGBA | 3DS & GBA games |
| iPhone (iOS) | Delta | GB, GBA, DS games |
| Android | MyOldBoy! / Lemuroid | GBA & multi-system |
| Chromebook | RetroArch | All generations |
| Browser | EmulatorJS | Quick play, no install |
Best Pokémon Emulator for PC (Windows & Mac)
PC is the gold standard for Pokémon emulation — more power, more options, and the widest emulator support of any platform. For a broader look at PC emulation beyond Pokémon, see our guide to the best GBA emulators for PC and our complete mGBA setup guide.
1. Ryujinx — Best for Nintendo Switch Pokémon Games
If you want to play Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Legends: Arceus, Sword & Shield, or Brilliant Diamond on PC, Ryujinx is the most stable Nintendo Switch emulator available in 2026.
Why it stands out:
- Runs most Switch Pokémon titles at 60fps on mid-range hardware
- Higher frame rates and resolution than actual Switch hardware
- Active development with frequent compatibility patches
- Built-in multiplayer support
System requirements: Windows 10/11 or Linux, 8GB RAM minimum (16GB recommended), GPU with Vulkan support.
Setup: Download from ryujinx.org → install firmware → add your game files. Takes about 15 minutes.
2. Citra — Best for Nintendo 3DS Pokémon Games
Citra is the definitive emulator for the entire 3DS Pokémon library — X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon.
Why it stands out:
- Upscales 3DS games to 4K resolution
- Online trading and battling via Citra’s multiplayer feature
- Runs smoothly on hardware as old as a 2015 laptop
- Enormous compatibility database — virtually every 3DS Pokémon title works
Note: As of 2024 the official Citra project was taken down. The community fork Lime3DS continues development and is the recommended download.
3. DeSmuME — Best for Nintendo DS Pokémon Games
For Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black, White, Black 2, White 2 — DeSmuME remains the most compatible DS emulator on PC. If you play Pokémon Diamond, our Pokémon Diamond cheats guide works perfectly with DeSmuME’s built-in cheat engine.
Why it stands out:
- Runs virtually every DS Pokémon game without issues
- Save states let you retry any battle instantly
- Cheat code support for Rare Candy, Master Ball, and encounter modifiers
- Debugging tools loved by ROM hackers and speedrunners
Alternative: melonDS is a newer option with better accuracy and actual Wi-Fi emulation for online features.
4. mGBA — Best for Game Boy Advance Pokémon Games
For the GBA classics — Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen — mGBA is the most accurate and actively maintained emulator available. Our full mGBA setup and optimisation guide walks through every setting. Once you’re set up, check our Pokémon Ruby cheats and Pokémon FireRed EXP Share guide for the best mGBA experience.
Why it stands out:
- Near-perfect accuracy compared to real GBA hardware
- Link cable emulation for trading between games
- Extremely lightweight — runs on almost any PC
- Built-in cheat support and controller mapping
5. VisualBoyAdvance-M (VBA-M) — Best for Original Game Boy & GBC
For the originals — Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal — VBA-M handles Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA in one package.
Why it stands out:
- Covers three Game Boy generations in one emulator
- Extremely low system requirements — runs on any PC made in the last 20 years
- Fast-forward feature to speed through grinding
- Still receives community updates
Best Pokémon Emulator for iPhone & iOS
iOS emulation has changed dramatically in 2024–2026. Apple’s App Store policy changes now allow emulators — meaning legitimate, no-jailbreak options exist for the first time. For a full breakdown of iOS emulation beyond Pokémon, see our beginner’s guide to iPhone, iPad and Apple TV emulators.
1. Delta — Best Overall iOS Pokémon Emulator
Delta is the best Pokémon emulator for iPhone by a significant margin. It supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color, GBA, DS, SNES, and N64 — covering the entire classic Pokémon library through Generation V.
Why it stands out:
- Free, available directly on the App Store (no jailbreak needed)
- Supports controllers via Bluetooth
- Cloud sync via Google Drive or Dropbox
- Cheat code support built in
- Pokémon-specific skin support for authentic handheld feel
You can also learn how to get skins on Delta Emulator and how to play Delta games on your TV for the full setup. If you want to use your iPhone’s Action Button to launch emulators instantly, we have a guide for that too.
Supported Pokémon games: Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black, White, Black 2, White 2.
2. Folium — Best for 3DS Pokémon on iPhone
Folium is a Nintendo 3DS emulator for iOS — one of the first to bring 3DS emulation to iPhone without jailbreaking.
Why it stands out:
- Runs Pokémon X, Y, ORAS, Sun, Moon on iPhone 15 Pro and above
- Available on the App Store
- Still in active development — compatibility improves regularly
Note: Requires a newer iPhone (A15 chip or higher) for playable performance.
3. Provenance — Best Multi-System iOS Emulator
Provenance covers virtually every retro system in one app — Game Boy through DS, plus Sega, Atari, and more. Available via AltStore without jailbreak.
Best Pokémon Emulator for Android
Android has had mature emulation support for years — the options here are the most polished of any mobile platform. For budget Android emulation devices, see our BlueStacks alternatives comparison.
1. MyOldBoy! — Best for GBA Pokémon on Android
MyOldBoy! (Game Boy Advance emulator) is the highest-rated GBA emulator on Android with near-perfect accuracy and a polished interface.
Why it stands out:
- Link cable emulation — trade between two Android devices
- Fast-forward up to 16x speed (invaluable for EV training)
- Hardware controller support
- BIOS-free operation — works without additional files
- Free version available, Pro version ($3.99) removes ads
Best for: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen. Pair it with our Pokémon Ruby cheats guide and best starter in Ruby/Sapphire guide.
2. DraStic DS Emulator — Best for DS Pokémon on Android
DraStic is the most compatible and best-performing Nintendo DS emulator on Android.
Why it stands out:
- Runs every DS Pokémon game at full speed on any modern Android phone
- 2x resolution upscaling
- Custom screen layouts — stack, side-by-side, or swap screens
- Save state and fast-forward support
- One-time purchase ($4.99) — no subscription
Best for: Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black, White, Black 2, White 2. Use alongside our Pokémon Diamond cheats and Pokémon White 2 cheats guides.
3. Lemuroid — Best Free Multi-System Android Emulator
Lemuroid is a free, open-source emulator that covers Game Boy through DS in one clean interface.
Why it stands out:
- Completely free and open source
- Covers GB, GBC, GBA, DS, and more
- Modern Android UI — feels native
- Controller support out of the box
- Available on the Play Store
4. Yuzu (Android) — Best for Switch Pokémon on Android
Yuzu for Android brings Nintendo Switch emulation to high-end Android phones. For dedicated Switch handheld emulation, check our best handhelds for PS2 emulation guide which also covers Switch performance on handheld devices.
Realistic expectations:
- Requires a flagship Android phone (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or higher)
- Pokémon Sword/Shield runs well; Scarlet/Violet is playable with tweaks
- Frame drops expected in open-world areas
Best Pokémon Emulator for Chromebook
Chromebooks can run Android apps natively, which opens up the full Android emulator library. Most modern Chromebooks (2019 and newer) support Android apps. For a complete guide, see our dedicated best emulators for Chromebook article.
Method 1: Use Android Emulators via Google Play (Easiest)
Enable the Google Play Store on your Chromebook (Settings → Apps → Google Play Store) then install:
- MyOldBoy! for GBA games
- DraStic for DS games
- Lemuroid for a free all-in-one option
Method 2: RetroArch via Linux (Most Powerful)
If your Chromebook supports Linux (Beta), you can install RetroArch — a multi-system emulator that covers every Pokémon generation ever released.
Setup:
- Enable Linux in Chromebook settings
- Open the Linux terminal
- Run:
sudo apt install retroarch - Download cores: mGBA (GBA), DeSmuME (DS), Citra (3DS)
Best Pokémon Emulator for Browser (No Download)
EmulatorJS — Play Pokémon Directly in Your Browser
Sites running EmulatorJS let you load ROM files and play directly in Chrome, Firefox, or Safari — no extension, no install. Supported systems include GB, GBC, GBA, NES, SNES, N64, DS. GBA and earlier runs perfectly in any modern browser.
Which Pokémon Games Can You Emulate?
| Generation | Games | Best Emulator |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 1 (GB) | Red, Blue, Yellow | VBA-M, Delta (iOS), MyOldBoy! |
| Gen 2 (GBC) | Gold, Silver, Crystal | VBA-M, Delta (iOS), MyOldBoy! |
| Gen 3 (GBA) | Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FR/LG | mGBA, Delta (iOS), MyOldBoy! |
| Gen 4 (DS) | Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HG/SS | DeSmuME, melonDS, DraStic |
| Gen 5 (DS) | Black, White, B2/W2 | DeSmuME, melonDS, DraStic |
| Gen 6 (3DS) | X, Y, ORAS | Citra / Lime3DS, Folium (iOS) |
| Gen 7 (3DS) | Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun/Moon | Citra / Lime3DS, Folium (iOS) |
| Gen 8 (Switch) | Sword, Shield, Legends: Arceus | Ryujinx (PC), Yuzu forks |
| Gen 9 (Switch) | Scarlet, Violet | Ryujinx (PC) — variable performance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a Pokémon emulator?
Emulators themselves are legal. For the full legal picture, read our dedicated guide on whether emulators are legal.
Do I need a powerful PC for Pokémon emulation?
For everything up to DS — no. A basic laptop handles it. For 3DS games via Citra, a mid-range PC from 2018 or newer is fine. For Switch games via Ryujinx, you’ll want at least an 8th-gen Intel or Ryzen 5 CPU with a dedicated GPU.
Can I trade and battle online using emulators?
Yes — several emulators support this. Citra has built-in multiplayer for 3DS games. melonDS supports Wi-Fi emulation for DS games. MyOldBoy! supports link cable emulation between two Android devices.
What’s the best emulator for Pokémon ROM hacks?
mGBA for GBA ROM hacks (Pokémon Unbound, Radical Red, Emerald Rogue) — our mGBA setup guide covers configuration for ROM hacks specifically. DeSmuME or melonDS for DS hacks.
What handheld devices can run Pokémon emulators?
Dedicated retro handhelds are brilliant for Pokémon emulation. Our reviews cover the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, Anbernic RG28XX, Anbernic RG34XX, and the R36S — all of which run every Pokémon generation up to DS perfectly.
Final Recommendation
- PC users: Start with mGBA for GBA games, melonDS for DS, Citra/Lime3DS for 3DS, and Ryujinx for Switch. See our full emulators hub for more.
- iPhone users: Install Delta from the App Store — covers Gens 1 through 5 for free. Read our iPhone emulator guide for setup.
- Android users: MyOldBoy! for GBA, DraStic for DS, Lemuroid if you want everything free.
- Chromebook users: See our dedicated Chromebook emulation guide.
- Want a dedicated handheld? Check our best handhelds for PS2 emulation guide — the same devices handle every Pokémon game perfectly.
Every emulator listed here is free or under $5. Pokémon emulation in 2026 has never been more accessible — pick your platform and start playing.
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