pret/pokeemerald
FreeDecompilation of Pokémon Emerald
FreeFree tier
About pret/pokeemerald
A complete decompilation of the Game Boy Advance game Pokémon Emerald, producing the original ROM binary from source code. The project is written primarily in C (75.7%) and Assembly (20.1%), with over 8,100 commits and active community contributions. It is maintained by the Pokémon Reverse Engineering Team (pret) and provides a fully modifiable, documented codebase for enthusiasts, modders, and researchers. The repository includes build tools, data files, and a Makefile to reproduce the exact game ROM (pokeemerald.gba) with a verified SHA1 hash.
Key Features
Builds the exact Pokémon Emerald GBA ROM from source
Entire game logic written in C and Assembly
Includes all original data, graphics, and scripts
Cross-platform build system with Makefile and installation guide
Actively maintained with over 8,100 commits and 3,300+ stars on GitHub
Part of the pret (Pokémon Reverse Engineering Team) ecosystem
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fully open source and free to use
- Accurate reproduction of the original game binary
- Large community with 4,300+ forks and active development
- Well-documented with INSTALL.md and inline comments
- Modular codebase allows easy modification and experimentation
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge of compiling and build tools
- Only targets Pokémon Emerald; does not cover other Pokémon games
- Setup process may be complex for beginners (requires dev environment)
- No graphical interface – all operations are command-line based
Best For
Creating custom ROM hacks and mods for Pokémon EmeraldLearning reverse engineering and game decompilation techniquesAcademic study of Game Boy Advance software architecturePorting Pokémon Emerald to other platforms or hardwareAnalyzing original game code for research purposes
FAQ
What is pokeemerald?
It is a decompilation project that recreates the source code of Pokémon Emerald for the Game Boy Advance, allowing you to build the original ROM.
How do I build the ROM?
Follow the instructions in INSTALL.md in the repository. It requires a compatible C compiler and build tools.
Is this project legal?
The project is a clean-room decompilation for educational and modding purposes. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to use the generated ROM.
Can I use this to create my own Pokémon game?
Yes, the decompiled code is fully modifiable, and many community hacks are based on pokeemerald.