Unofficial RetroSync Adapter for Switch and GBA Pokémon Trading and Battles Set for December Release

Independent developer, modder, and custom hardware creator Drewworks has announced the unofficial RetroSync adapter, which is scheduled for release in December 2026.

Starting in December, the unofficial RetroSync adapter will allow gamers to connect Nintendo Switch and Game Boy family consoles to trade Pokémon, participate in battles, and use other features in Pokémon FireRed, Pokémon LeafGreen, and Pokémon Emerald.

The device makes it possible to connect an original Game Boy Advance to compatible Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch family systems and use wireless in-game features between them. It will be available for purchase at $50.

RetroSync currently supports a “join-only” mode for the following gameplay modes: trading, single battles, double battles, multi-battles, Berry Crush, Pokémon Jump, and Dodrio Berry Picking. The device is designed for use with compatible versions of Pokémon FireRed, Pokémon LeafGreen, and Pokémon Emerald, and it supports firmware updates for future improvements and expanded compatibility.

RetroSync is built for plug-and-play operation. It requires a USB-C power source. Powering it via the Nintendo Switch is recommended, but a standard 5V USB power adapter will also work. It is designed to connect a GBA and a compatible Nintendo Switch system, rather than directly connecting two GBAs.

Original GBA cartridges of Ruby and Sapphire do not support the wireless adapter connection required for RetroSync to function. Gamers can transfer Pokémon from those games to a compatible game such as Emerald using a standard GBA Link Cable, and then transfer them to their Switch using RetroSync.

RetroSync does not support Game Boy games such as Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal, as they lack the wireless communication support required for the device to operate. The following Switch systems are supported: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch OLED, and Nintendo Switch 2.

The following Game Boy systems are supported: Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, Game Boy Player, and Game Boy Micro. Using the device with Game Boy Micro requires a Game Boy Micro Game Link Cable Adapter. RetroSync transfers trade data between devices without altering Pokémon data. It acts as a bridge, allowing the games to communicate in their native language.

RetroSync does not work on emulators and non-Nintendo systems. Furthermore, RetroSync is an independent product by Drewworks and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Nintendo or The Pokémon Company. Nintendo, Pokémon, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Switch, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used solely to describe the functionality of RetroSync.