I love how Nintendo improved upon this idea so beautifully and turned it into DS remote play. It's basically the same exact thing, with one game cart for multiple systems, but without any of the link cables.
I have been making videos about Single-Pak linkable GBA games. Here is the Playlist in case you have not seen it. (More will be coming too). Thanks for watching and the comment. th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Yeah, just remember the smaller side is usually for the host GBA. For a list of all GBA Single-Pak games, check out my Playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Me and my brother used to play with link cable and it was so much fun. Those are mini games that works with 1 cartridge. But if u connect with 2 cartridges then u get the full game. Sonething unique on nintendo products
You should check out my GBA Single-Pak playlist. I covered every 1-cart GBA multiplayer game here: th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Thanks for watching and the comment. If you want to see more of these Single-Pak linking modes, check out my dedicated Playlist here (I spent the last year+ researching this obscure topic): th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Weirdly, it doesn't error out in the Single-Pak version of F-Zero GP legend. Instead, it just freezes the game until connection is restored, then it'll carry on almost as if nothing happened.
Hmm, interesting. As I have been covering these Single-Pak games, there were a couple times when the game wouldn't load properly when using a 3rd party link cable but would play fine using a 1st party Nintendo cable. As a recommendation, try another cable if possible.
@@newgameld2512 That is definitely a 3rd party link cable. You might have a more reliable experience with a 1st party Nintendo brand cable. In the GBA era, 3rd party cables often cost less and were longer than the Nintendo brand so they seemed like they were more widely used.
Can you connect a GBA (in my case a GBA SP) with the Gameboy Player of the Gamecube? It seems that the Gameboy Player has the same port for the Link Cable of the GBA so I have the little doubt.
@@ZackGaz And if I wanted (in my case) to play Sonic Battle in multiplayer with a single cartridge in the GBP and connected with the Link Cable Multiplayer to the GBA SP, would it work?
Yes. Just remember the host player needs the smaller purpler end of the GBA link cable. The empty GBA systems get the bigger gray end inserted. I also covered Sonic Battle’s gba single Pak link mode here on my channel if you wanted to see it.
I love your videos! 😄 They are an immense source of information about everything you need to know, to play multiplayer games on the Gameboy. Great work! One question. Maybe you also have a video about this, but I once tried linking two GBAs to play 'Nintendo World Cup' (the soccer game), from the original, oldschool Gameboy. Unfortunately, it would not work. It was only later, that I found out, that the protocol, which is used to let two original Gameboys play together, differs from the one, used on Gameboy Advances. So, I am very intrigued about that cable in this video, with that small switch, one side being labeled 'GBA' and the other one 'GBC'. Is it possible to play oldschool GB Games on two GBAs with this cable? Edit: I completely forgot! There also was a kind of wireless thingy for the GBA, for multiplayer! I'm gonna have to get two of those and test it. Fortunately they go for an ok price on ebay. Around 25 bucks a piece.
Hi, thanks for watching and the comment! Yes, in this video, I use a 3rd party link cable that has a tiny switch for GBC/GBA games. But to answer your question, yes, all the different Gameboy cables are different, which is why your GBA cable doesn't work with original GB games. I also have been doing research on the GBA wireless adapters. Unfortunately, I do not own any. But if I ever get my hands on a set, I would like to cover them in future videos. There are actually a couple Japan-exclusive games that only accept the wireless adapter - a physical link cable will not work... which I think is pretty interesting. So stayed tuned for future videos...
I am the only one in the history of planet Earth to document every GBA Single-Pak linkable game. Took me years to do all this so please help spread the word: th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
The 3rd party cable I used in this video, yes, you can play GB/GBC multiplayer on GBA if you flick that tiny switch to GBC mode. The Nintendo 1st party cable (gray/purple cable) in this video will only work with GBA multiplayer compatible games. Additionally, you can connect an original Nintendo 1st party GB link cable (it is an all black color and not shown in this video) into the GBA if you wanted to link GB games using the GBA's backwards compatibility mode. I know this can be a little confusing so I hope this helps.
Does that pelican link cable allow you to connect and play games between a gba sp and a gbc? Or is there such a cable/possibility? I'm assuming they would also probably have to be games that are either gameboy/gbc compatible only? Or could they play advance games too while connected?
To play linking GBA games, you must use a GBA link cable. To play linking GBC games, you must use a GBC link cable. Some 3rd party cables, like the one I used in this video, have a switch to change between GBA/GBC. First party Nintendo cables are either GBA (purple-ish color) or GBC (black) - they do not have backward compatibility. For example, if you wanted to trade Pokemon in Red and Blue, a GBC cable is needed. But to link, say, the GBA Pokemon games or any Super Mario Advance title, a GBA cable must be used. Hope this answers your question.
hey I really enjoy your content. I wanted to ask you for help in this topic, I'm in europe and I'd like to get some good link cable at some point, even for just two people. the cheap aftermarket black cable I keep seeing has many reported issues of not fitting properly, and I can't find anything else online, amd i cant get any from america. do you know what's my best option with aftermarket cables? is this black one fine too?
Even though 1st party Nintendo cables are often shorter and carry a higher cost than 3rd party cables, I recommend them because they are much more reliable. When I was making all my linking videos, I sometimes got errors using 3rd party cables. So instead of buying a new 3rd party cable that might not work well, I would check eBay and get the real thing. Thanks for watching and the comment.
@@ZackGaz I know the real cables are the best option, but they may be too expensive for me because of people pricing them. is there a cheaper alternative? it's fine if some games don't work
@@Saetta06 Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the European market. Maybe eBay? Or if there are any retro games shops... those might be your best bet. If there are ever any game conventions in your area, sellers always have goodies for sale.
No way I never knew about this, I remember my dad buying me this when I was younger so I could play multiplayer and I remember looking at him crazy like what? no! that’s just the trading cable its used to trade pokemon and that’s all I ever used it for once to trade pokemon with my cousin 😭
There are over 100 GBA games to support the Single-Pak Link multiplayer mode (definitely not just for Pokemon). And I covered all of them here: th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Hello, we are trying to play with single-pack, but when the loading screen start, our marios die and appear a scren saying ERROR! (drawing in coins, no as yours) Do you know why this happen?
Hmmm, a couple suggestions. First, make sure the link cable is firmly inserted into the GBAs. Listen for that last 1% click. Second, I have experienced rare issues when using 3rd party link cables. If possible, use Nintendo's 1st party link cable. Mixing 1st party with 3rd party cables when playing 3 or 4 player might cause issues too. Third, it is unlike, but possible, that the link port on your GBA is a little dirty/broken. Try maybe cleaning the link port before firmly inserting the link cable. Finally, if you have a repro cart, sometimes those can act funny. Hope this works! And thanks for watching my video!
A link cable must always be used to play multiplayer Gameboy games. It is just some multiplayer GBA games had the Single-Pak link mode, in which only 1 cart is needed. While others were Multi-Pak link, in which each player needs a copy of the game. I covered every Single-Pak compatible game here: th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
@@DdyDikkle I recommend going with 1st party Nintendo brand link cables as they are the most stable but usually carry a higher price. While covering all the Single-Pak linking games, my Pelican 3rd party cable on a rare occasion would not work whereas my 1st cable did. But 3rd party cables are often longer and sometimes have a GBC/GBA switch for more versatility. However, I still recommend ponying up and going with 1st party cables as they are the most reliable. eBay is probably the best bet these days vs low quality Amazon stuff from China.
Mario Kart Super Circuit has both Single-Pak and Multi-Pak link modes. I covered the Single-Pak link mode here, as well as every other GBA games that supports this 1-cartridge multiplayer feature: th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Doom and Doom 2 only offer Multi-Pak link mode because it is much too complex of a game to run with only 1 game pak. For a list of all Single-Pak compatible GBA games, check out my Playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html At the time of this post, I have covered most multi-boot compatible games. From my research, I only have about 10 or so more games left.
@@FrozenSaber5376 No worries! I am happy to help fellow GBA players; that is why I spent the last 2 years making this playlist! Single-Pak link, aka the Multi-boot mode, only requires 1 game pak for up to 4 players. A link cable needs to be connected into all GBAs. Watch my video here again to see a live example. So for 2 GBAs, you'll need 1 link cable. Multi-Pak link means that each player needs a copy of the game. Each player will also need to be connected with a link cable. As an example, Mario Kart Super Circuit has both a Single-Pak and Multi-Pak link mode. When playing the Single-Pak link mode, all players play as Yoshi and there are just a few courses available (see my Mario Kart SC Single-Pak video to learn more). However, if each player has their own copy of the game, then all tracks and all racers can be played. I find the Single-Pak mode fascinating because it often featured content not found anywhere else and I feel like not many players took advantage of it. Which is why I made my Single-Pak series because there was no documentation about this obscure topic anywhere on the internet. So please, check out my Playlist and tell your friends because more people should know about the GBA's special multiplayer mode and all the games that supported it.
That is called “Multi-Pak Link” in which each player needs a copy of the game. I’ve been covering the Single-Pak linkable games here on my channel - multiplayer games that only require 1 cartridge and can support up to 4 players.
All games are ROMs which means, yes, it will "work." However, if you are asking if this is possible to play on a emulator, perhaps on a PC, then not really... I know there is at least 1 emu out there that has virtual linked play but it is unstable and inconsistent and might only support 2 players, not 4. I purposely captured all my footage using official hardware for a genuine experience. Doing it this way requires much more effort but hopefully viewers will appreciate it. Thanks for watching.
To my knowledge, I do not believe any Pokemon game supports Single-Pak multiplayer. However, I know most, if not all, Pokemon games have a Multi-Pak link mode (trading/battling) of some kind. Thanks for watching!
Zelda Four Swords (found in the GBA version of A Link To The Past) is multi-cart only - there is no Single-Pak link option, unfortunately. Alternatively, Nintendo released Four Swords on the DSi eShop and the 3DS eShop which supports 4 player through local wireless communication. However, this version has since been delisted. Thanks for watching my video.
I love how Nintendo improved upon this idea so beautifully and turned it into DS remote play. It's basically the same exact thing, with one game cart for multiple systems, but without any of the link cables.
Yes, it was kicked up a notch with the DS' download play option. Puyo Pop Fever, for example, could support 8 play wireless from 1 cart. Really cool.
Side note, this can be done if the other GBAs have carts in them, as well.
During startup, hold Start and Select to put them in standby mode.
Yes, good call! I totally forgot to mention this in my video. Thanks for the comment.
pokemon distributions used this to modify save files on pokemon carts very cool
More, more, more! Has been years since I wanted to watch multiplayer videos like these.
I have been making videos about Single-Pak linkable GBA games. Here is the Playlist in case you have not seen it. (More will be coming too). Thanks for watching and the comment.
th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Thank you for this, I have an aftermarket cable and didn't realize there was a player 1 side lol ❤
Yeah, just remember the smaller side is usually for the host GBA. For a list of all GBA Single-Pak games, check out my Playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Great video!! I’ll be checking out that playlist
Here is my playlist of all the GBA Single-Pak link games I have covered so far:
th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Me and my brother used to play with link cable and it was so much fun. Those are mini games that works with 1 cartridge. But if u connect with 2 cartridges then u get the full game. Sonething unique on nintendo products
You should check out my GBA Single-Pak playlist. I covered every 1-cart GBA multiplayer game here:
th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
This is so cool. Thank you!
Thanks for watching and the comment.
If you want to see more of these Single-Pak linking modes, check out my dedicated Playlist here (I spent the last year+ researching this obscure topic):
th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Weirdly, it doesn't error out in the Single-Pak version of F-Zero GP legend. Instead, it just freezes the game until connection is restored, then it'll carry on almost as if nothing happened.
Hmm, interesting. As I have been covering these Single-Pak games, there were a couple times when the game wouldn't load properly when using a 3rd party link cable but would play fine using a 1st party Nintendo cable. As a recommendation, try another cable if possible.
@@ZackGaz I’m not entirely sure if my cable was even first party. They were basically all in one bundle with fixed 1-4P labeled on all connectors.
@@newgameld2512 That is definitely a 3rd party link cable. You might have a more reliable experience with a 1st party Nintendo brand cable. In the GBA era, 3rd party cables often cost less and were longer than the Nintendo brand so they seemed like they were more widely used.
@@ZackGaz Actually, that four player link cable never actually failed me ONCE.
I just unplugged it to see what would happen
Can you connect a GBA (in my case a GBA SP) with the Gameboy Player of the Gamecube? It seems that the Gameboy Player has the same port for the Link Cable of the GBA so I have the little doubt.
Correct. You can use the link port found on the GBP for multiplayer. This is actually how I record all my multiplayer GB videos for my YT Channel.
@@ZackGaz And if I wanted (in my case) to play Sonic Battle in multiplayer with a single cartridge in the GBP and connected with the Link Cable Multiplayer to the GBA SP, would it work?
Yes. Just remember the host player needs the smaller purpler end of the GBA link cable. The empty GBA systems get the bigger gray end inserted. I also covered Sonic Battle’s gba single Pak link mode here on my channel if you wanted to see it.
@@ZackGaz Okay, Thank You Very Much. c:
When I was kid (7 or 9) this was idea of using a cord without knowing what I was doing...I was just hope ans then! It work!
I love your videos! 😄 They are an immense source of information about everything you need to know, to play multiplayer games on the Gameboy. Great work! One question. Maybe you also have a video about this, but I once tried linking two GBAs to play 'Nintendo World Cup' (the soccer game), from the original, oldschool Gameboy. Unfortunately, it would not work. It was only later, that I found out, that the protocol, which is used to let two original Gameboys play together, differs from the one, used on Gameboy Advances.
So, I am very intrigued about that cable in this video, with that small switch, one side being labeled 'GBA' and the other one 'GBC'. Is it possible to play oldschool GB Games on two GBAs with this cable?
Edit: I completely forgot! There also was a kind of wireless thingy for the GBA, for multiplayer! I'm gonna have to get two of those and test it. Fortunately they go for an ok price on ebay. Around 25 bucks a piece.
Hi, thanks for watching and the comment!
Yes, in this video, I use a 3rd party link cable that has a tiny switch for GBC/GBA games. But to answer your question, yes, all the different Gameboy cables are different, which is why your GBA cable doesn't work with original GB games.
I also have been doing research on the GBA wireless adapters. Unfortunately, I do not own any. But if I ever get my hands on a set, I would like to cover them in future videos. There are actually a couple Japan-exclusive games that only accept the wireless adapter - a physical link cable will not work... which I think is pretty interesting.
So stayed tuned for future videos...
Only few youtuber doing this demo for Link cable
I am the only one in the history of planet Earth to document every GBA Single-Pak linkable game. Took me years to do all this so please help spread the word: th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
With that gba gbc link cable, can you use it to play link gb and gbc games using 2 gbas?
The 3rd party cable I used in this video, yes, you can play GB/GBC multiplayer on GBA if you flick that tiny switch to GBC mode.
The Nintendo 1st party cable (gray/purple cable) in this video will only work with GBA multiplayer compatible games.
Additionally, you can connect an original Nintendo 1st party GB link cable (it is an all black color and not shown in this video) into the GBA if you wanted to link GB games using the GBA's backwards compatibility mode.
I know this can be a little confusing so I hope this helps.
Is there any games that can be played on the same gameboy
Yes! It has been a while but I believe there are some Warewario Inc. mini games that 2-players can compete on one console.
Do you need four copies of Zelda Four Swords to play multiplayer? Thanks!
Yes. Zelda Four Swords is Multi-Cart only. Each player needs their own copy of the game.
@@ZackGaz thank you!
Does that pelican link cable allow you to connect and play games between a gba sp and a gbc? Or is there such a cable/possibility? I'm assuming they would also probably have to be games that are either gameboy/gbc compatible only? Or could they play advance games too while connected?
To play linking GBA games, you must use a GBA link cable.
To play linking GBC games, you must use a GBC link cable.
Some 3rd party cables, like the one I used in this video, have a switch to change between GBA/GBC. First party Nintendo cables are either GBA (purple-ish color) or GBC (black) - they do not have backward compatibility.
For example, if you wanted to trade Pokemon in Red and Blue, a GBC cable is needed. But to link, say, the GBA Pokemon games or any Super Mario Advance title, a GBA cable must be used.
Hope this answers your question.
hey I really enjoy your content. I wanted to ask you for help in this topic, I'm in europe and I'd like to get some good link cable at some point, even for just two people. the cheap aftermarket black cable I keep seeing has many reported issues of not fitting properly, and I can't find anything else online, amd i cant get any from america. do you know what's my best option with aftermarket cables? is this black one fine too?
Even though 1st party Nintendo cables are often shorter and carry a higher cost than 3rd party cables, I recommend them because they are much more reliable. When I was making all my linking videos, I sometimes got errors using 3rd party cables. So instead of buying a new 3rd party cable that might not work well, I would check eBay and get the real thing.
Thanks for watching and the comment.
@@ZackGaz I know the real cables are the best option, but they may be too expensive for me because of people pricing them. is there a cheaper alternative? it's fine if some games don't work
@@Saetta06 I sometimes use a Pelican brand that has been mostly reliable.
@@ZackGaz Those still seem a USA thing. do you know what i can look for in europe? because i'm really having some issue finding cables
@@Saetta06 Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the European market. Maybe eBay? Or if there are any retro games shops... those might be your best bet. If there are ever any game conventions in your area, sellers always have goodies for sale.
No way I never knew about this, I remember my dad buying me this when I was younger so I could play multiplayer and I remember looking at him crazy like what? no! that’s just the trading cable its used to trade pokemon and that’s all I ever used it for once to trade pokemon with my cousin 😭
There are over 100 GBA games to support the Single-Pak Link multiplayer mode (definitely not just for Pokemon). And I covered all of them here:
th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Hello, we are trying to play with single-pack, but when the loading screen start, our marios die and appear a scren saying ERROR! (drawing in coins, no as yours)
Do you know why this happen?
Hmmm, a couple suggestions.
First, make sure the link cable is firmly inserted into the GBAs. Listen for that last 1% click.
Second, I have experienced rare issues when using 3rd party link cables. If possible, use Nintendo's 1st party link cable. Mixing 1st party with 3rd party cables when playing 3 or 4 player might cause issues too.
Third, it is unlike, but possible, that the link port on your GBA is a little dirty/broken. Try maybe cleaning the link port before firmly inserting the link cable.
Finally, if you have a repro cart, sometimes those can act funny.
Hope this works! And thanks for watching my video!
Wow Do you have two AGS-101 GBA SP? Cool.
Yeah, I need them for all the GBA videos I have made over the years. Makes a huge difference.
if we both have the game pack do we need the link cable still?
A link cable must always be used to play multiplayer Gameboy games. It is just some multiplayer GBA games had the Single-Pak link mode, in which only 1 cart is needed. While others were Multi-Pak link, in which each player needs a copy of the game.
I covered every Single-Pak compatible game here:
th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
Can each of those cords be used to trade pokemon?
Yes, if trading from GBA games. However, if wanting to trade from Red/Blue or Gold/Silver, you will need to use a GBC link cable.
@@ZackGazokay cool! And what cables are recommended??? I see a ton of bad reviews on the cheap Amazon ones
@@DdyDikkle I recommend going with 1st party Nintendo brand link cables as they are the most stable but usually carry a higher price.
While covering all the Single-Pak linking games, my Pelican 3rd party cable on a rare occasion would not work whereas my 1st cable did. But 3rd party cables are often longer and sometimes have a GBC/GBA switch for more versatility. However, I still recommend ponying up and going with 1st party cables as they are the most reliable. eBay is probably the best bet these days vs low quality Amazon stuff from China.
@@ZackGaz thanks a ton dude! I bit the bullet and went with the OEM Nintendo GBA cable link wires
Was mario kart apart of the link
Mario Kart Super Circuit has both Single-Pak and Multi-Pak link modes.
I covered the Single-Pak link mode here, as well as every other GBA games that supports this 1-cartridge multiplayer feature:
th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
can you do this with games like doom 1 and 2?
Doom and Doom 2 only offer Multi-Pak link mode because it is much too complex of a game to run with only 1 game pak.
For a list of all Single-Pak compatible GBA games, check out my Playlist here:
th-cam.com/play/PL9exeo9gYxCaRwVKrU5yS6Zqrf9c15I_R.html
At the time of this post, I have covered most multi-boot compatible games. From my research, I only have about 10 or so more games left.
@@ZackGaz oh ok, sorry i was confused that there was a multi-pak and single pak, does that mean i have to buy 2 link cables? sorry im new to this
@@FrozenSaber5376 No worries! I am happy to help fellow GBA players; that is why I spent the last 2 years making this playlist!
Single-Pak link, aka the Multi-boot mode, only requires 1 game pak for up to 4 players. A link cable needs to be connected into all GBAs. Watch my video here again to see a live example. So for 2 GBAs, you'll need 1 link cable.
Multi-Pak link means that each player needs a copy of the game. Each player will also need to be connected with a link cable.
As an example, Mario Kart Super Circuit has both a Single-Pak and Multi-Pak link mode. When playing the Single-Pak link mode, all players play as Yoshi and there are just a few courses available (see my Mario Kart SC Single-Pak video to learn more). However, if each player has their own copy of the game, then all tracks and all racers can be played.
I find the Single-Pak mode fascinating because it often featured content not found anywhere else and I feel like not many players took advantage of it. Which is why I made my Single-Pak series because there was no documentation about this obscure topic anywhere on the internet.
So please, check out my Playlist and tell your friends because more people should know about the GBA's special multiplayer mode and all the games that supported it.
Does this work if it says it requires more than 1 game pack?
That is called “Multi-Pak Link” in which each player needs a copy of the game. I’ve been covering the Single-Pak linkable games here on my channel - multiplayer games that only require 1 cartridge and can support up to 4 players.
I have a HUGE! QUESTION?
Does this work with roms too?
All games are ROMs which means, yes, it will "work."
However, if you are asking if this is possible to play on a emulator, perhaps on a PC, then not really... I know there is at least 1 emu out there that has virtual linked play but it is unstable and inconsistent and might only support 2 players, not 4.
I purposely captured all my footage using official hardware for a genuine experience. Doing it this way requires much more effort but hopefully viewers will appreciate it.
Thanks for watching.
Does it work with pokemon games on gameboy andvance?
To my knowledge, I do not believe any Pokemon game supports Single-Pak multiplayer. However, I know most, if not all, Pokemon games have a Multi-Pak link mode (trading/battling) of some kind. Thanks for watching!
Thanks
They would never do this today. Missed milking fans opportunity.
0:09 Game Boy Advance SP not just Game Boy Advance
does it work for zelda four swords?
Zelda Four Swords (found in the GBA version of A Link To The Past) is multi-cart only - there is no Single-Pak link option, unfortunately.
Alternatively, Nintendo released Four Swords on the DSi eShop and the 3DS eShop which supports 4 player through local wireless communication. However, this version has since been delisted.
Thanks for watching my video.