How to Flash GBA Roms

    Flashing a Game Boy Advance (.gba) ROM to a blank flash cartridge requires careful attention to hardware compatibility, ROM properties, and save types. This guide outlines the steps and technical considerations needed to successfully flash and run a GBA game on original hardware.

    Requirements:

    • Flash Cartridge: A rewritable cartridge compatible with GBA systems.
    • Flashing Hardware: Devices such as GBxCart RW, EZ-Flash Omega, EverDrive GBA X5 Mini, or older programmer carts.
    • ROM File: A legally obtained GBA game file (typically .gba).
    • Flashing Software: Tools vary depending on the flash cart. For example, FlashGBX (for GBxCart RW).

    Key Considerations

    a. ROM Size: GBA ROMs typically range from 4 MB to 32 MB. Ensure your flash cartridge supports the ROM size.

    b. Save Type: GBA games use various save technologies. Compatibility with the correct save type is crucial.

    Save Type Typical Size Notes Examples
    SRAM 32 KB Requires battery (unless FRAM used) Advance Wars, Metroid Fusion
    Flash 64 KB/128 KB Common in later GBA games Pokémon R/S/E, FireRed/LeafGreen
    EEPROM 512 B–8 KB Rare; may require patching Mario Kart, F-Zero

    SRAM or Flash - If your cartridge uses SRAM for saves, it likely requires a battery to retain save data. Modern cartridges use FRAM, which does not need a battery and preferred for longevity and reliability. 

    Our flash carts supports 32MB Rom and 1MB (128KB) Flash Save. They will work with most games (SRAM and Flash save types) except for the ones that require EEPROM. 

    c. Real-Time Clock (RTC): Certain GBA games rely on an internal clock to track time-based events.

    RTC Games Functionality
    Pokémon R/S/E Day/Night cycles, berries, events
    Boktai series Sunlight-based puzzles (uses light sensor)
    Drill Dozer (minor use) Some RTC interaction


    Left is with RTC and Right is without RTC. Battery CR1616 is used for RTC, which should last three to four years. Games will work and run with the flash cart without RTC but the real time clock feature will be disabled.

    We recommend checking the gba games list to confirm the rom and ram size. 

    Flashing Procedure

    1. Connect the Flash Cartridge to the flashing hardware and then to your computer.
    2. Launch the Flashing Software and select the appropriate device.
    3. Erase the Cartridge Memory if required by the software.
    4. Load the ROM File into the flashing utility.
    5. Configure Settings: Select the correct mapper type based on the ROM header and enable save RAM if the game requires it.
    6. Initiate the Flashing Process and wait for completion.
    7. Verify the Flash (optional but recommended) to ensure data integrity.
    8. Safely Remove the Cartridge and test it on a GBA console.