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Emulation

Set Up mGBA for Game Boy Advance Games

mGBA is small, accurate and quick to configure. Four settings decide whether GBA games look sharp, save correctly and keep their save files.

by@guidox updated:10/31/26 time:15 min level:Beginner tested on:Windows 11 24H2, mGBA 0.10 works on:Windows 10, Windows 11, Linux, macOS tools:mGBA
TL;DR

Load the **BIOS** if you have it, set **integer scaling** with the LCD filter off, pick the **save type** for the odd cartridges, and keep saves in a **folder outside the emulator**.

Before you start

Requirements

  • mGBA
  • Your own game files
  • Two minutes
Step by step

Instructions

01

Add the BIOS file

Most games boot without it, but a few rely on it for the boot animation and for sound. mGBA names the file it expects and shows whether it found it.

Tools > Settings > BIOS
02

Scale by whole numbers

The GBA screen is 240 by 160 pixels. An integer multiple keeps every pixel the same size; a free scale smears text and makes sprites look uneven.

Video > Integer scaling, 4x
tipAt 4x the image is 960 by 640, which fits a 1080p window with room for the menu bar.
03

Choose the colour correction you prefer

The original handheld had no backlight and its palette was tuned for that. The correction filter darkens the colours to match a real console; purists often prefer the raw, brighter output.

Video > Colour correction
04

Fix the save type for stubborn cartridges

Automatic detection fails on a handful of games and they lose progress at shutdown. Set the save type manually from the list when a title reports a damaged save.

Tools > Settings > Save type
05

Point the saves somewhere permanent

The default saves sit next to the ROM, which is fine until you reorganise the library. A fixed save directory keeps progress when the game files move.

Tools > Settings > Paths > Save games
06

Try two players over the link

Two mGBA windows on one machine can link like two consoles for the multiplayer modes. Both need the same game and the same save type, and only one window may be focused for input.

Tools > Multiplayer > Link
Troubleshooting

Common issues

The image is blurry

Free scaling or a smoothing filter. Set integer scaling and disable the LCD filter.

Saves are lost on close

The save type is wrong or the directory is read-only. Check both before re-saving.

Sound is distorted or crackling

The sample rate does not match the device. Set 48 kHz and raise the audio buffer.

The game runs too fast

Frame skip or fast forward is active. Reset the speed to 100 percent.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Do I need the BIOS?

No for most games, yes for a few. It is one file and it removes a class of oddities.

Can I use my phone's controller?

Any XInput pad maps directly; the GBA only needs two face buttons and a D-pad.

How to undo this

Delete the mGBA configuration file to reset the emulator; saves in your chosen folder stay until you remove them.

Changelog · 1 entry
  1. 2026-10-31
    First version
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