mGBA Emulator

Problem: mGBA doesn't write .sav files or save states aren't persisting.

Solutions:

• Run mGBA with administrative rights (right-click → Run as administrator)
• Ensure the emulator has write permissions in its installation folder
• Check that ROM and save file names match exactly (including file path)
• Verify .sav files aren't in a read-only location or cloud-synced folder
• For portable mode, ensure the folder isn't write-protected

Problem: Old .sav files don't show up until you create a fresh save.

Solutions:

• Create a fresh save from inside the game using mGBA
• Once created, rename/replace the old .sav file with the same name
• Old save formats may not match current mGBA expectations - this converts them
• Ensure save file size matches expected size for your game

Problem: Save files are larger than expected (e.g., Emerald being 129 KB instead of 128 KB).

Explanation: Recent mGBA versions append RTC (real-time clock) data to save files for games that support it.

Solutions:

• This is normal behavior for RTC-enabled games
• If you need compatibility with external tools (like PKHeX), use converters
• Consider using development builds that may allow disabling RTC data

Problem: mGBA crashes when saving, especially in ROM hacks or specific games.

Solutions:

• Try using a development build - more features may be implemented
• Use ROM dumps with the official BIOS where possible
• Some ROM hacks use unimplemented BIOS calls - report bugs to maintainers
• Check if the specific game/ROM hack is known to have issues

Problem: V-sync crashes, display artifacts, or audio desync.

Solutions:

• Change the display driver (Settings → Video → change from OpenGL to Software or vice versa)
• Adjust FPS target settings (try different values like 60, 120, or auto)
• Disable V-sync if it causes crashes
• Update your graphics drivers
• Try different rendering backends if available

Problem: Games run at incorrect speeds or emulator won't close properly.

Solutions:

• Disable "Fast Forward" mode (check keyboard shortcuts)
• Reset sync settings: try "Sync to Audio" or "Sync to Video"
• Set frame skip to 0
• Use proper FPS target (usually 60 for GBA games)
• Check if turbo button is stuck or enabled

Problem: Save states freeze the system or cause graphical glitches.

Solutions:

• Ensure save state files aren't corrupted
• Try different builds (stable vs development)
• Some games have known save state issues - use battery saves instead
• Don't use save states across different mGBA versions
• On 3DS/2DS, save states may have limitations - check platform-specific guides