How to Trade Pokémon on My Boy Emulator: A Complete Guide

Trading Pokémon has always been a fundamental part of the Pokémon experience, allowing players to evolve certain species, complete their Pokédex, or even swap favorite creatures with friends. However, trading Pokémon on an emulator, like My Boy for GBA games, adds an extra layer of complexity that requires some understanding of the process. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring that you can successfully trade Pokémon on your My Boy emulator without any hiccups. Whether you're aiming to evolve that Machoke into a Machamp or simply wish to exchange Pokémon with a friend, this article will cover all you need to know.

1. Understanding the Basics: What is My Boy Emulator?

The My Boy emulator is a popular Game Boy Advance (GBA) emulator for Android devices. It allows you to play GBA games directly on your smartphone, providing features like save states, fast forward, and link cable emulation. Trading Pokémon in My Boy involves using the link cable emulation feature to connect two instances of the emulator, whether on the same device or across two different devices.

2. Preparing for the Trade: What You Need

Before diving into the trading process, make sure you have the following:

• My Boy Emulator: Ensure that you have the paid version of My Boy, as the free version does not support link cable emulation.
• Two ROMs: You need two Pokémon game ROMs (e.g., Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen) installed on your device.
• Saved Game Files: Make sure you have saved games on both ROMs with Pokémon you wish to trade.
• A Friend (Optional): If you're trading with another person, they will need My Boy on their device as well.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Trading Pokémon

Step 1: Set Up My Boy

1. Open My Boy: Launch the My Boy emulator on your Android device.
2. Load the First Game: Open one of the Pokémon games (e.g., FireRed) and load your saved game.
3. Set Up Link Cable: Go to the options menu and select 'Link Remote' if you’re trading between two devices, or 'Link Local' for trading on a single device.

Step 2: Initiate the Trade on a Single Device

If you are trading between two ROMs on the same device:

1. Start Link Local: Select 'Link Local' from the My Boy menu.
2. Load Second Game: Load the second Pokémon game (e.g., LeafGreen) from the 'Link Local' menu.
3. Navigate to the Pokémon Center: In both games, head to the Pokémon Center and go upstairs to the Trade Center.
4. Start the Trade: On each instance, initiate the trade by talking to the receptionist and choosing the Pokémon you want to trade.
5. Confirm the Trade: Follow the prompts to complete the trade between the two games.

Step 3: Trading Between Two Devices

If you are trading between two different devices:

1. Connect Devices: Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Set Up Link Remote: On each device, go to the My Boy options and select 'Link Remote'. One device will need to host, and the other will need to join the link.
3. Load the Game: On both devices, load the respective Pokémon games and head to the Trade Center.
4. Start Trading: Follow the same process as trading on a single device—talk to the receptionist and choose the Pokémon to trade.
5. Complete the Trade: Confirm the trade on both devices to successfully swap Pokémon.

4. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue 1: Connection Problems

• Solution: Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network if using 'Link Remote'. Restart the emulator if connection issues persist.

Issue 2: Game Crashes During Trade

• Solution: This can happen if the ROMs are corrupt or if you’re using a save state instead of an in-game save. Use in-game saves to minimize crashes.

Issue 3: Pokémon Not Transferring

• Solution: Make sure the Pokémon you’re trying to trade are not in your party’s first slot, as this can sometimes cause issues. Additionally, ensure both ROMs are from the same region.

5. Advanced Tips for Trading on My Boy

Tip 1: Use Save States Wisely

While save states are convenient, they can sometimes cause issues with trading. Always save your game in-game before initiating a trade to prevent data loss.

Tip 2: Experiment with Different Games

Trading isn’t just limited to Pokémon games. My Boy supports link cable emulation for a variety of GBA games, so you can try trading in other multiplayer-supported games as well.

Tip 3: Backup Your Saves

Before attempting any trade, back up your save files. This ensures that even if something goes wrong, you won’t lose any progress.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I trade Pokémon between My Boy and another emulator?

A: Unfortunately, trading between different emulators is generally not supported. Both instances must be on My Boy for trading to work.

Q2: Is it possible to evolve Pokémon that require trading in My Boy?

A: Yes, you can evolve Pokémon that require trading, like Haunter or Machoke, by trading them in My Boy just as you would on a real GBA.

Q3: Why can't I find the 'Link' option in My Boy?

A: The link cable emulation feature is only available in the paid version of My Boy. If you’re using the free version, you’ll need to upgrade to access this feature.

7. Conclusion: Enhancing Your Pokémon Experience with My Boy

Trading Pokémon on My Boy emulator opens up a new dimension of gameplay that replicates the original GBA experience. While it requires a bit of setup, the process is straightforward once you know the steps. By following this guide, you’ll be able to trade and evolve your Pokémon, complete your Pokédex, or simply enjoy the nostalgia of trading with friends—no matter where you are.

Remember, the key to successful trading lies in preparation, patience, and a bit of trial and error. With this guide at your side, you’re well-equipped to handle any challenges that arise and enjoy a seamless Pokémon trading experience on your My Boy emulator.