For Pokémon fans who grew up with the original Red, Green, and Blue versions, few things are as nostalgic as revisiting the classics. Pokemon PureRGB offers a refreshing take on these iconic games while maintaining their classic charm. This romhack, which enhances the first-generation Pokémon games, is a dream come true for purists who want an updated experience without losing the essence of the originals. With new features, quality-of-life improvements, and thoughtful tweaks, Pokemon PureRGB is perfect for both veteran trainers and newcomers to the Kanto region.
Download Pokemon PureRGB
Downloading Pokemon PureRGB is straightforward. The romhack is hosted on GitHub, making it easily accessible for all players. Follow these steps to download the latest version of the romhack:
Visit the official Pokemon PureRGB repository on GitHub: Download here.
Scroll down to the Releases section, where you will find the latest version of the romhack. Click on the release title to expand the details.
Download the romhack file. It will typically be provided as a
.zip or .gbc file. Be sure to extract the .zip file if necessary, so you can access the ROM file.Once downloaded, you’ll be ready to install and start playing Pokemon PureRGB on your preferred device.
How to Install Pokemon PureRGB?
Installing Pokemon PureRGB is a simple process, whether you want to play it on an emulator or actual GameBoy hardware. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both setups:
For Emulators:
Choose an Emulator: You will need a GameBoy or GameBoy Color emulator. Popular options include:
- Visual Boy Advance (VBA) for PC
- mGBA for cross-platform compatibility
- My OldBoy! for Android devices
- GB Enhanced+ for macOS
Install the Emulator: Download and install your emulator of choice on your device. Make sure the emulator supports GameBoy Color (GBC) games if you wish to take advantage of the enhanced color palette features in the romhack.
Load the ROM:
- Open your emulator.
- Locate the Pokemon PureRGB ROM file you downloaded in the previous step.
- Load the ROM in the emulator, typically done by selecting “File” > “Open” and browsing to the ROM file.
Start Playing: Once the ROM is loaded, you can start your journey through Kanto with all the new enhancements and features. Don’t forget to explore the options menu for various customization features!
For Actual GameBoy Hardware:
Get a Flash Cartridge: Purchase a compatible flash cartridge, such as the EverDrive GB or EZ-Flash Junior. These allow you to load ROM files onto a physical cartridge that can be played on original GameBoy or GameBoy Color hardware.
Transfer the ROM to the Cartridge:
- Insert the flash cartridge into your computer via USB.
- Copy the Pokemon PureRGB ROM file onto the cartridge’s SD card.
Insert the Cartridge into Your GameBoy: Once the ROM is loaded onto the flash cartridge, insert it into your GameBoy or GameBoy Color.
Start Playing: Boot up your device, select Pokemon PureRGB, and start your enhanced adventure in Kanto.
What is Pokemon PureRGB?
Pokemon PureRGB (PureRed, PureGreen, and PureBlue) is a romhack based on the original Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green versions. It is designed to enhance the original games’ playability without introducing mechanics, visuals, or Pokémon from later generations. This hack retains the nostalgia of the original games while offering numerous improvements, making it the perfect blend of classic gameplay with modern quality-of-life features.
Key Features of Pokemon PureRGB
Expanded Pokémon Accessibility and Balanced Movesets: One of the standout features of Pokemon PureRGB is the enhanced accessibility to all 151 original Pokémon. In this romhack, players can catch all Pokémon earlier in the game, with improved movesets and better stats. Pokémon that were traditionally underpowered or difficult to use have been rebalanced to ensure that every Pokémon can hold its own in battle. The introduction of more bug, poison, and ghost-type moves ensures that even previously overlooked types now have their time to shine.
Updated Sprites and Enhanced Visuals: While the original sprites remain iconic, Pokemon PureRGB updates them to feature the best sprite sets from Red, Green, Blue, and the Spaceworld 1997 demo. These front sprites breathe new life into the game without deviating from its original aesthetic. Players can also choose from various color palettes, including Super Gameboy Colors, Pokémon Yellow colors, or the original palettes from the first-gen games. The added GBC support brings vibrant color to battle animations, ensuring that moves like Surf and Ember pop on screen.
New Gameplay Mechanics and Bug Fixes: Pokemon PureRGB introduces several quality-of-life fixes that improve gameplay without changing the core mechanics. The romhack keeps classic glitches like the Missingno item duplication glitch intact while preventing data corruption. Popular bugs that players have used to their advantage, such as the Leech Seed and Toxic bug, remain unchanged. Additionally, moves have been rebalanced, and HMs are now deletable, reducing potential softlocks.
Unique Features Like the New MOVEDEX: Players can track and learn about every move they encounter, and hidden post-game areas like Cinnabar Volcano make exploring Kanto even more exciting. Options to rematch gym leaders and challenge additional secret areas after becoming the Champion add replayability for seasoned players.
Customization and Optional Features: Players can fine-tune their experience by adjusting in-game settings, like tweaking type matchups to behave like Gen 1 or Gen 2, enabling enhanced music and graphics, and choosing region-specific color palettes. Additional features include the option to disable the bicycle song, smoother animations on GBC, and stereo-panned audio similar to Pokémon Yellow’s Earphone1 feature.
Why Choose Pokemon PureRGB?
A Nostalgic Yet Modern Experience: Pokemon PureRGB is the perfect mix of nostalgia and modern improvements. The game stays true to its original form while offering enhanced features that allow long-time fans to experience the game in new ways. Whether you want to play with the classic battle engine or explore the new post-game content, this romhack offers it all without sacrificing the essence of the original Pokémon games.
Improved Replayability for Gen 1 Enthusiasts: For players who have already completed the original games multiple times, Pokemon PureRGB offers something fresh. The ability to catch all 151 Pokémon, battle revamped gym leaders, and explore hidden areas like Cinnabar Volcano or Bill’s Garden ensures there’s always something new to discover. The multiple in-game customization options let you adjust the difficulty and gameplay to suit your style, adding layers of replayability to the classic experience.
How to Get Started with Pokemon PureRGB
Downloading the Romhack: The latest version of Pokemon PureRGB can be downloaded from the official GitHub page. Ensure that you have a compatible emulator or hardware to run the romhack. The ROM works on actual GameBoy hardware but may not guarantee perfect trading or battling functionality over link cables.
Accessing Resources and Support: Players can access a wealth of resources, including a Wiki for detailed information. For bug reports, feature suggestions, or reviews, players can use the GitHub issues page or Reddit for support.
Pokemon PureRGB: A Must-Play for Every Pokémon Fan
Pokemon PureRGB is more than just a romhack – it’s a labor of love designed for purists who want to experience the original Pokémon games with modern enhancements. With numerous customization options, balanced gameplay, and hidden secrets, it offers a fresh experience while respecting the integrity of the original games. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or new to the Kanto region, Pokemon PureRGB is a must-play for any Pokémon fan.
