Pokemon Emerald: Double Edition GBA ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Emerald: Double Edition is a full gameplay overhaul of Pokémon Emerald where every trainer battle is a Double Battle. Inspired heavily by Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD, the hack completely reworks trainers, wild encounters, difficulty progression, and battle strategy to revolve around two-on-two combat.
With an upgraded battle engine, expanded Pokémon availability, and a steep difficulty curve, this hack offers a fresh and demanding Emerald experience built around advanced mechanics and team synergy.
Story Overview
The main story follows the original Pokémon Emerald narrative, but the battles and progression are significantly altered. Gym Leaders, rivals, and Team Aqua/Magma bosses are redesigned to fully utilize double battle strategies, advanced moves, and synergy-based teams.
Legendary Pokémon are integrated more naturally into exploration, often tied to specific locations, puzzles, or secrets rather than simple static encounters.
Key Features
- Double Battles Everywhere: Every trainer battle in the game has been converted into a Double Battle with redesigned teams.
- Double Wild Battles: Most land-based areas feature double wild encounters, increasing unpredictability and challenge.
- Increased Difficulty & Steeper Level Curve: Expect Pokémon around level 40 by the 4th Gym, requiring careful team planning.
- Emerald Battle Engine Upgrade: Includes Physical/Special split, Fairy type, updated moves, abilities, and learnsets.
- Enhanced Boss Battles: Gym Leaders, rivals, and Maxie/Archie use advanced strategies and synergized teams.
- Extra Starter Option: Eevee is available as an additional starter, with early-game evolution methods including Espeon and Umbreon.
- Early Infinite TMs: TMs—especially double-battle-focused moves—are sold early and have unlimited use.
- Reduced HM Dependency: HM usage is minimized, with Surf, Dive, and Waterfall remaining required.
- Post-Game Enhancements: Improved Gym Leader rematches and secret encounters with Maxie and Archie.
- 386 Pokémon Availability: All Pokémon up to Generation 3 are obtainable through catching, breeding, or evolution.
- Secret Content & Legendary Hunts: Numerous hidden areas, legendary encounters, and optional challenges.
Known Bugs & Issues
- U-turn does not function: Engine-related issue and cannot be fixed; saving often is recommended.
- Single Pokémon Double Battles: If entering a double battle with only one usable Pokémon, cloning or fainted Pokémon glitches may occur; progression resumes normally after battle.
- Bag Sprite Glitches: Permanent but cosmetic visual bug.
- Incorrect Battle Text: In some single-trainer battles, incorrect Pokémon names may appear during replacements.
- Incomplete Rematches: Some standard rematches are missing by design.
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Saiklex
Credits:
- Everyone involved in the Emerald Battle Engine Upgrade project
- igorfs10 on pokecommunity for giving me a table for all the encounter tiles for wild double battles
- Discord testers again, specifically Midbus and MrSwizzE for all the feedback (if you have accounts you'd rather be credited as, let me know!)
- The creator of Hopeless Trainer Editor, the star of the entire hack
- The creators of Advance Map, Pokemon Game Editor, XSE, Advance Mart, VBA, VBA-M and NUPS for making this all possible
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=403158
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all trainer battles double battles?A: Yes. Every trainer encounter in the game is a Double Battle.
Q: Are wild double battles everywhere?
A: Almost everywhere on land. Water encounters remain single battles.
Q: Is this hack much harder than vanilla Emerald?
A: Yes. The level curve is steeper and trainers use advanced strategies.
Q: Can I obtain every Pokémon?
A: Yes. All 386 Pokémon are obtainable through gameplay, evolution, or secrets.
Q: Where do I evolve Eevee?
A: All Eevee evolution methods are explained in a house in Dewford Town.
Q: Are legendary Pokémon missable?
A: Yes. You must save before encounters, as many do not respawn.
How to Play
Requirements-
A Game Boy Advance emulator
- A compatible Pokémon Emerald ROM
- Patch file (IPS / UPS)
-
Obtain a clean Pokémon Emerald ROM
- Download the Double Edition patch
- Apply the patch using an IPS/UPS patching tool
- Load the patched ROM in a GBA emulator
- Save frequently and prepare for constant Double Battles
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