RetroSync Wireless Adapter

Notify me at launch

Original hardware. New connections.

RetroSync connects an original Game Boy Advance to compatible Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch family of systems, allowing supported in-game wireless features to work between them.

Connect RetroSync to the GBA Link Port, plug in a USB-C cable for power, and use the games’ normal in-game wireless menus. RetroSync does not modify your GBA, Nintendo Switch, game cartridge, save data, or Pokémon data.

Supported In-Game Features

RetroSync currently supports joining only for the following game modes:

• Trading
• Single Battles
• Double Battles
  
• Multi Battles
• Berry Crush
• Pokémon Jump
• Dodrio Berry Picking

Not Supported

• Hosting game sessions from the GBA
• Union Room

RetroSync is designed for use with compatible versions of Pokémon FireRed, Pokémon LeafGreen, and Pokémon Emerald and supports firmware updates for future improvements and expanded compatibility.

Compatibility Notice

Last updated: October 1, 2026
RetroSync is designed to work with currently supported versions of compatible Nintendo Switch software and services. As system software, games, and network features continue to evolve, future updates may occasionally affect compatibility.

If a future update impacts RetroSync functionality, Drewworks will make reasonable efforts to evaluate the change and, where technically possible, provide a firmware update to restore compatibility. Compatibility with all future updates cannot be guaranteed.

If a firmware update is required, update instructions will be provided here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does RetroSync modify Pokémon data during a trade?
No. RetroSync passes the trade data between devices without modifying the Pokémon data. It acts as a bridge so the games can communicate in their native language. RetroSync does not generate, modify, clone, or inject Pokémon data. Trades are performed by the games themselves using their normal in-game communication functions.

What Nintendo Switch games are supported?
RetroSync is designed for use with the Nintendo Switch releases of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen. There are currently no plans to support non-Pokémon games.

Which Nintendo Switch systems are supported?
Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch OLED, and Nintendo Switch 2.

What Game Boy Advance games are supported?
RetroSync is designed for use with the GBA releases of Pokémon FireRed, LeafGreen, and Emerald. There are currently no plans to support non-Pokémon games.

Which Game Boy systems are supported?
Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, Game Boy Player, and Game Boy Micro (Game Boy Micro Game Link Cable Adapter required).

Can Pokémon traded from GBA to Switch be transferred to Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME compatibility is determined by Pokémon HOME and its own validation requirements, not by RetroSync. RetroSync does not modify Pokémon data. Acceptance by Pokémon HOME cannot be guaranteed.

Is any software setup required?
No. RetroSync is designed to be plug-and-play. However, if a firmware update is required for compatibility or support, the device will need to be updated before use.

Does RetroSync support emulators or third-party hardware?
No. RetroSync is intended for use with original Nintendo Game Boy Advance hardware, authentic Game Paks, and compatible Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch systems. Emulators, flash carts, clone systems, and other third-party platforms are outside the intended use of RetroSync and are not supported.

How many adapters do I need to be able to connect my GBA to my Switch?
Just one. The adapter connects to your GBA and handles the wireless connection to the compatible game on Switch.

Does RetroSync support firmware updates?
Yes. RetroSync can receive software updates via the USB-C port when connected to a computer.

How is the adapter powered?
RetroSync requires a USB-C power source. It can be powered from a Nintendo Switch or from a standard 5V USB power source. The USB-C connection is used only to supply power to RetroSync. No game data, Pokémon data, or other communication is transferred through USB-C to or from the Nintendo Switch.

Can two RetroSync adapters connect two GBAs together?
No. RetroSync is designed to bridge a GBA and a compatible Nintendo Switch system, not to connect two GBAs directly.

Does it work with the original Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire GBA Game Paks?
No. The original GBA Ruby and Sapphire Game Paks do not support the original Wireless Adapter communication that RetroSync requires. You can trade Pokémon from those games to a compatible game, such as Emerald, using a standard GBA Link Cable and then trade them to your Switch system with RetroSync.

Does it support Game Boy games such as Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Gold, Silver, or Crystal?
No. Those games do not support the wireless communication features RetroSync requires.

Disclaimer

RetroSync is an independent Drewworks product and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, or their affiliates. Nintendo, Pokémon, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Switch, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used solely to describe RetroSync's functionality.

RetroSync does not contain or distribute Nintendo copyrighted game code, ROMs, or game assets.