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 game’s normal wireless menus. No modification to your GBA or game cartridge is required.

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is any software setup required?
No. RetroSync is designed to be plug-and-play.

How is the adapter powered?
RetroSync needs a USB-C power source. Powering it from the Nintendo Switch is recommended, but a standard 5V USB power supply also works.

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.

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.

What Nintendo Switch games are supported?
RetroSync is designed for use with the Switch releases of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.

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

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?
That is currently unknown. HOME compatibility cannot be confirmed until HOME support is available for these games on Switch.

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.

Does RetroSync work on an emulator on non-Nintendo systems?
No. RetroSync is designed to provide as authentic an experience as possible by connecting original Game Boy Advance hardware and Game Paks with compatible Pokémon games rereleased on Nintendo Switch systems. Supporting third-party emulators or non-Nintendo platforms falls outside the scope and goals of RetroSync.

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 have and describe RetroSync's functionality.