Recommended
mGBA
Windows · macOS · Linux
A straightforward starting point for playing GBA games on a computer. Choose the download for your operating system, then open the game file.
Our first choice for desktop play.
Choose your way to play
Your device. Your adventure.
Find a GBA emulator for Pokemon Water Blue, with direct links to the software’s own project pages and app stores.
Page updated
Recommended means a useful starting point for that platform. Compatible lists other options in the project’s intended emulator set. These labels are guidance, not a claim that every device and emulator build has been tested.
01 / Desktop
A bigger view of Kanto.
Windows, macOS and Linux. Start with mGBA, or use one of the alternatives below.
Compatible
RetroArch
Desktop · Android · iPhone & iPad
A flexible frontend for many emulation cores. For Water Blue, select the mGBA core and load the game through it.
More setup options; useful if you already use RetroArch.
Compatible
VisualBoyAdvance-M
Windows · macOS · Linux
The maintained VBA-M project continues VisualBoyAdvance. Use a current build from the project instead of an old download carrying the VBA name.
A desktop alternative for players familiar with VBA.
02 / Android
Take the adventure with you.
Android phones and tablets. Pick a GBA emulator, then give it access to the folder containing the game.
Compatible
RetroArch
Desktop · Android · iPhone & iPad
A flexible frontend for many emulation cores. For Water Blue, select the mGBA core and load the game through it.
More setup options; useful if you already use RetroArch.
Recommended
Lemuroid
Android
An open-source multi-system emulator with a simple library. Select the folder containing your game and let Lemuroid scan it.
A convenient starting point on Android.
Recommended
Pizza Boy A
Android
A GBA-focused Android emulator from Pizza Emulators. Choose the A edition for Game Boy Advance games.
The developer offers different editions; check the store listing before choosing.
Compatible
My Boy!
Android
A GBA emulator from Fast Emulator. Browse to the downloaded game file to open it.
Use the developer’s Google Play listing for availability and pricing.
Compatible
John GBAC / John GBA
Android
John GBAC is the successor to John GBA and John GBC. Both GBA options are included here for players who already use them.
John GBAC is the newer combined app.
03 / iPhone & iPad
Kanto on iPhone and iPad.
Import the downloaded game from Files. Follow each project’s distribution instructions for your region.
Compatible
RetroArch
Desktop · Android · iPhone & iPad
A flexible frontend for many emulation cores. For Water Blue, select the mGBA core and load the game through it.
More setup options; useful if you already use RetroArch.
Recommended
Manic EMU
iPhone · iPad
An iPhone and iPad emulator with multiple systems and GBA core choices. Select its mGBA core for Water Blue.
Import the game from Files after installing the app.
Compatible
Delta
iPhone · iPad
A multi-system emulator for Apple devices. Add the downloaded GBA game through its import control.
Distribution can vary by region; follow the project’s current instructions.
Once you’ve picked one
Bring the game into your emulator.
- Get the current game from the Pokemon Water Blue Download page.
- Keep the .gba file in an accessible folder. On mobile, use the file picker to grant the emulator access where needed.
- Choose Open, Import, Add Game or the equivalent command. In RetroArch or Manic EMU, choose the mGBA core.
- Open the game and choose English, Spanish or Portuguese on its opening screen.
Can’t find the game?
Check the folder where your browser downloaded it. If the emulator scans folders, point it to that folder and refresh its library. The game file has a .gba extension.
Emulator availability and store editions can change. The linked project pages are the best place for current installation instructions and pricing.