Created custom Yellow, Crystal, and Emerald Legacy cartridges

Created custom Yellow, Crystal, and Emerald Legacy cartridges

Hi everyone!

I’ve been working on a fun project - building custom Pokémon cartridges for Yellow, Crystal, and Emerald Legacy Series ROM hacks developed by TheSmithPlays. These ROM hacks enhance the original games with improvements while staying true to their classic roots. Here are the links to his Youtube videos to learn more about these rom-hacks:

Yellow Legacy (RTC not required)

To build the Yellow Legacy cartridge:

  1. Backup the ROM from an official Pokémon Yellow cartridge using a flasher.
  2. Download the patch from the Yellow Legacy GitHub page.
    1. Find and click "releases" on the right side of the github page to find the latest patch released.
  3. Use the Rom Patcher JS tool to apply the patch to a clean ROM. I have a separate instruction on how to apply patch using the online rom patcher.
  4. Flash the patched ROM to a Flash Cart. No RTC is required for Yellow Legacy, so I recommend using GB/GBC flash cart without RTC.
  5. Design and print a custom label. I made this custom label using photoshop then printed using a inkjet printer with holographic laminated sheets. If you don't have the time or the skills, you can buy one from Etsy or Ebay. 
  6. Apply the label and test the cartridge on your console.

Crystal Legacy (RTC Recommended)

For Crystal Legacy:

  1. Backup the ROM from an official Pokémon Crystal cartridge using a flasher.
  2. Download the patch from the Crystal Legacy Github page. 
    1. Find and click "releases" on the right side of the github page to find the latest patch released.
  3. Follow the same patching and flashing process as Yellow Legacy
  4. Use GB/GBC flash cart with RTC to support day/night cycles and time-based events.

Emerald Legacy (RTC Recommended)

For Emerald Legacy:

  1. Backup the ROM from an official Pokémon Emerald cartridge using a flasher.
  2. Download the patch from the Emerald Legacy GitHub page.
    1. Find and click "releases" on the right side of the github page to find the latest patch released.
  3. Follow the same patching and flashing process as Yellow Legacy
  4. Use GBA flash cart with RTC to support day/night cycles and time-based events.

This project has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to keep building more custom cartridges. If you're interested in making your own or want a guide on designing custom labels, let me know—I’d love to share more!

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