Pokemon Beta Emerald: Down + Dirty Cover GBA ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Beta Emerald: Down + Dirty is a sprite and Pokémon replacement-focused ROM hack built around the leaked Generation III beta Pokémon sprites. The main goal of the project is not to redesign Emerald’s gameplay or story, but to let players experience Hoenn using prototype-era Pokémon designs that never appeared in the final games.
This is intentionally described by the creator as a simple, fast, and “dirty” implementation. The hack prioritizes getting beta content into a playable Emerald framework over polish or mechanical overhauls. Core battle systems, progression, and balance largely follow vanilla Pokémon Emerald, with only light quality-of-life tweaks and encounter adjustments.
It is best viewed as a historical curiosity / visual novelty hack rather than a difficulty, story, or mechanics enhancement.
Story Overview
The main storyline is unchanged from Pokémon Emerald. You still travel across Hoenn, battle Gym Leaders, confront Team Aqua/Magma, and challenge the Pokémon League.
The difference lies in which Pokémon you encounter — many species now use beta-era designs or represent cut prototype Pokémon that replace existing species in the Pokédex.
Key Features
- Beta Gen III Sprites Implemented: Many standard Pokémon now use their leaked beta sprites instead of final designs.
- Cut Beta Pokémon Added: Prototype Pokémon that never made it into the official games replace existing species while keeping similar themes or typings.
- Custom English Names for Beta Mons: New names were assigned based on appearance and limited leak data; naming quality may vary.
- Stats & Mechanics Mostly Preserved: Replaced Pokémon generally keep the types, stats, and movepools of the species they substitute, with only a few documented exceptions.
- Type-Colored Poké Ball Menu Icons: All Pokémon menu icons were replaced with Poké Ball icons colored according to the Pokémon’s primary type.
- Hoenn Pokédex Fully Obtainable: All 202 Pokémon in the Hoenn Dex can be obtained in-game.
- Added Encounters for Missing Species: Extra wild encounters and slight map edits ensure Pokédex completion.
- Easter Egg Pokémon Included: A small number of Pokémon from the developer’s future project appear as hidden extras (details not fully disclosed).
- Run Indoors: Running shoes work inside buildings.
- Trade Evolutions Reworked: Trade evolutions now occur at Level 38.
- Stone Evolution Adjustment: Some stone-based evolutions instead occur at Level 40.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Sprite animations removed: Pokémon battle sprite animations are disabled.
- Back sprites for some beta Pokémon are mirrored edits of front sprites rather than unique art.
- No custom shiny sprites for beta Pokémon.
- Visual inconsistencies may appear due to rapid sprite integration.
- Only critical, game-breaking bugs are expected to be addressed by the creator.
Screenshots
Download Links
Download: MediaFire
Documentation
Documentation: MediaFire
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Missingno#0
Credits:
- The Leakers who posted all the various Beta Sprites
- Nintendo for saving everything for decades
- HexManiacAdvance
- Advance Series Sprite Editor
- Gen III Hacking Suite
- HxD Editor
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main purpose of Pokémon Beta Emerald: Down + Dirty?
A: To let players experience Hoenn using leaked beta Pokémon sprites and prototype designs, not to overhaul gameplay.
Q: Can I complete the Hoenn Pokédex?
A: Yes, all 202 Hoenn Dex Pokémon are obtainable.
Q: Are all 386 Pokémon available?
A: No. The focus is on the Hoenn Dex and beta replacements, not full National Dex access.
Q: Are the beta Pokémon fully custom-built?
A: No, most use the stats, types, and moves of the Pokémon they replace.
Q: Is this a difficulty hack?
A: No, difficulty is close to standard Emerald.
Q: Who is this hack for?
A: Players interested in Pokémon beta history, unused designs, and sprite curiosities rather than gameplay changes.
How to Play
Requirements
- A Game Boy Advance emulator
- A compatible ROM base
- Patch file (IPS / UPS / BPS)
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