- gen1 recomp compatible pokemon gb versions: Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow are the supported Generation I targets.
- Required data: Import a clean ROM dump from a game you legally own; Gen1 Recomp does not provide ROM files.
- Engine type: Gen1 Recomp is a native Lua and LÖVE2D recreation, not a traditional Game Boy emulator.
- Best first test: Launch the unmodified game and create a normal save before installing mods.
- Compatibility rule: Avoid ROM hacks and mismatched mod packages during initial setup.
gen1 recomp compatible pokemon gb versions
Gen1 Recomp recreates the original Generation I experience through a handwritten Lua engine powered by LÖVE2D. It uses game data extracted from a player-provided ROM, rather than emulating the original Game Boy hardware or distributing Nintendo game files.
The current supported target list covers the three main Western Generation I releases: Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, and Pokémon Yellow. These versions should be treated as separate game selections during import. A Red-compatible file is not automatically interchangeable with a Yellow-compatible file, especially when a mod or save profile targets a specific version.
| Pokémon version | Compatibility status | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Red | Supported target | Base playthrough and version-specific content |
| Pokémon Blue | Supported target | Base playthrough and version-specific content |
| Pokémon Yellow | Supported target | Pikachu-focused version and its unique progression |
| Unlisted ROM hacks | Not automatically supported | Test only when a project page specifically confirms support |
| Other Game Boy Pokémon games | Not confirmed by the provided project information | Do not assume compatibility |
Pokémon Red
- Supported Generation I target
- Suitable for a clean legal ROM dump
- Version-specific encounters remain relevant
Pokémon Blue
- Supported Generation I target
- Uses its own version data
- Keep the file separate from Red saves
Pokémon Yellow
- Supported Generation I target
- Includes Yellow-specific gameplay content
- Requires a matching Yellow-compatible setup
Keep clean Red, Blue, and Yellow ROM dumps in separate folders with clear names. This makes version selection, save backups, and troubleshooting easier.
How to Import a Compatible ROM
The safest setup begins with the official Gen1 Recomp release page and a clean ROM dump created from a game you legally own. The project supplies the native application and tools, but it does not include copyrighted Pokémon ROM data.
Choose the Official Release
Open the official Gen1 Recomp repository or its GitHub Releases page. Select the release asset for your operating system instead of downloading a source-code archive or a package reposted by an unrelated website.
Prepare a Clean Game File
Use an unmodified dump of your legally owned Pokémon Red, Blue, or Yellow cartridge. Keep an untouched backup outside the Gen1 Recomp folder. A ROM hack, patched file, or damaged dump can produce an import failure even when the base version appears correct.
Launch Gen1 Recomp
Extract the complete release archive before launching on desktop systems. Keep the executable, libraries, and data folders together. On Android, install the official APK release and grant file access only when the application needs to locate your game data.
Select the Matching Version
Use the first-launch prompt or game-selection interface to choose Red, Blue, or Yellow. Select the version that matches the ROM you are importing. Do not select Yellow for a Red file simply because both belong to Generation I.
Verify the Base Game
Wait for the import process to finish, then confirm that the title screen, audio, menus, movement, and saving work normally. Test the unmodded game first, because early mod installation can make it harder to identify the original problem.
| Setup stage | Correct action | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Release download | Use the official GitHub release asset | Download a reposted or incomplete package |
| ROM preparation | Use a clean legal dump | Use a ROM hack or patched file |
| Version selection | Match Red, Blue, or Yellow exactly | Select a different Generation I version |
| First launch | Test the base game before modding | Enable several mods immediately |
| Save creation | Make a normal in-game save | Update before confirming save behavior |
Gen1 Recomp does not provide Pokémon ROMs. Do not download copyrighted game files from unofficial sources, and do not upload ROM data when asking for technical support.
Platform Compatibility and File Handling
Gen1 Recomp has release targets covering desktop computers, Android, and several handheld configurations. The core version compatibility remains the same: the application must accept a supported Pokémon Red, Blue, or Yellow ROM, while the release package must match the operating system.
| Platform | Release package | Input options | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Official Windows archive | Keyboard, controller, remapped controls | Extract the complete archive; security warnings may appear |
| macOS | macOS application bundle or archive | Keyboard, USB controller, Bluetooth controller | Gatekeeper may require manual first-launch approval |
| Linux | Linux archive or executable package | Keyboard, SDL-compatible controller | Executable permissions and system libraries can vary |
| Android | Official APK release | Touch controls, Bluetooth, USB controller | Storage access and sideloading permissions are required |
| Steam Deck and Linux handhelds | Linux build | Built-in controls, Steam Input, touchscreen | Desktop Mode is easier for first-time file setup |
| Windows handhelds | Standard Windows archive | Built-in controls, touchscreen, keyboard | Manual controller mapping may be needed |
Save data is stored separately from the original ROM. The exact location depends on the operating system and the LÖVE application-data directory used by the build. Back up the complete Gen1 Recomp user-data folder before changing versions, replacing an Android package, or adding major mods.
Desktop Setup
- Best for file management
- Easier ROM selection and backups
- Convenient keyboard and controller remapping
Android Setup
- Portable installation
- Touch and external-controller support
- Protect saves before reinstalling the APK
Handheld Setup
- Comfortable controller play
- Linux or Windows package selection
- Desktop Mode helps with initial configuration
There is no single universal package for every device. Always match the release asset to the operating system, then test ROM import and save creation before moving an existing profile.
Version, Save, and Mod Compatibility
The base game version and the mod version are separate compatibility checks. A Red, Blue, or Yellow ROM may be accepted by Gen1 Recomp while a particular mod supports only one version or one application release.
Gameplay-changing mods require the most care because they can modify Pokémon data, moves, maps, scripts, battles, or persistent save information. Visual and interface changes may be less disruptive, but every mod should still be checked against its stated Gen1 Recomp version.
| Compatibility check | What to compare | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Game version | Red, Blue, or Yellow | Select the exact matching version |
| ROM condition | Clean dump versus modified file | Test a clean file first |
| Application release | Installed Gen1 Recomp build | Read release notes before updating |
| Mod target | Gen1 Recomp compatibility | Avoid assuming emulator or ROM-hack support |
| Mod version | Package version and dependency notes | Update dependencies before dependent mods |
| Save profile | Base or modded save | Keep separate backups for each profile |
Use the built-in Mod Manager to import, enable, disable, and update compatible packages. Preserve the original ZIP structure when the manager expects a packaged archive. Import one mod at a time and confirm that the game still launches before adding another.
Before Adding a Mod:
- Confirm the mod was made for Gen1 Recomp
- Check whether it supports Red, Blue, Yellow, or a specific version
- Read required application and dependency versions
- Back up the current save and user-data folders
- Test the unmodded game before enabling the package
Build a working profile gradually: base game first, one compatible mod second, then additional packages only after each change has been tested.
Fixing ROM Import and Compatibility Problems
Most compatibility problems can be narrowed down by returning to a clean baseline. Close Gen1 Recomp, preserve your current save and mod folders, then test the original application with a clean Red, Blue, or Yellow ROM.
| Symptom | Likely cause | First fix |
|---|---|---|
| ROM is rejected | Unsupported, damaged, or modified file | Test a clean legal dump |
| Wrong title or game appears | Version selection does not match the file | Re-import and select the correct version |
| Program will not launch | Incomplete extraction or missing files | Extract the full release archive |
| Game works without mods only | Mod conflict or outdated package | Disable all mods, then re-enable individually |
| Save is missing | Wrong user-data folder or profile | Check the active application-data directory |
| Save fails after editing | Invalid or incomplete save values | Restore the backup and repeat smaller edits |
| Android cannot find the ROM | Storage permission or picker issue | Grant access and select the file again |
| Controller behaves incorrectly | Platform-specific mapping | Rebind controls and test every required input |
When reporting a problem, include the operating system, Gen1 Recomp release, selected Pokémon version, active mods, and repeatable steps. Do not attach copyrighted ROM files. The official GitHub Issues page is the appropriate place to check existing reports or submit a reproducible issue.
A safe update workflow is:
- Back up saves, configuration, and installed mods.
- Install the new release separately when possible.
- Launch without mods and confirm ROM recognition.
- Load a copied save and verify normal saving.
- Re-enable compatible mods one at a time.
- Keep the previous working installation until testing is complete.
Do not overwrite your only save backup while troubleshooting. Keep the failed save available for comparison, restore the last known-good copy, and test changes in small groups.
Gen1 Recomp Compatibility FAQ
Q: Which Pokémon Game Boy versions work with Gen1 Recomp?
The supported Generation I targets identified for Gen1 Recomp are Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, and Pokémon Yellow. Select the exact version that matches your legally owned ROM dump.
Q: Is Gen1 Recomp a traditional Game Boy emulator?
No. Gen1 Recomp is a native recreation built with a handwritten Lua engine and LÖVE2D. It extracts required game data from a player-provided ROM instead of emulating the original hardware.
Q: Can I use a Pokémon ROM hack with Gen1 Recomp?
Do not assume compatibility. Test clean Red, Blue, or Yellow files first, and use a ROM hack only when a reliable Gen1 Recomp project page specifically confirms support.
Q: Why does a mod work with one Pokémon version but not another?
Mods can target specific game data, scripts, maps, or application releases. Check the mod's supported version, dependencies, and required Gen1 Recomp release before enabling it.
For the most reliable setup, use an official Gen1 Recomp build, a clean legal Red, Blue, or Yellow ROM dump, and a separate backup before every major change.