GBA File Extension

What is GBA file?

GBA file extension is used by Nintendo Game Boy Advance game console. It is a video game image file saved in ROM format. GBA file contains exact copy of the game files.

GBA file emulation

Games saved as GBA files can be run on dedicated emulators available for various operating systems, e.g. Windows or Mac OS. Originally the games were only to be run on Game Boy Advance console, so to run GBA file on any other computer systems one needs to use proper emulating software.

Other file extensions

Extensions such as GB or AGB are less popular, but they are in principle identical to GBA format.

Programs which support GBA file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open GBA files divided into 4 categories according to system platform supported. GBA files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 12/13/2021

How to open file with GBA extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening GBA files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with GBA files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with GBA files.

Step 1. Install BatGBA software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening GBA files is that no program that can handle GBA files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install BatGBA or one to the listed programs: VisualBoyAdvance, KiGB, RascalBoy Advance. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download BatGBA installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update BatGBA to the latest version

If the problems with opening GBA files still occur even after installing BatGBA, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of BatGBA is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why GBA files are not compatible with BatGBA. The most recent version of BatGBA is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Game Boy Advance ROM files with BatGBA

If you have the latest version of BatGBA installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage GBA on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the GBA file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where BatGBA is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open GBA files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected GBA file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with GBA extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the GBA file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper GBA file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the GBA file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the GBA is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the GBA file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the GBA file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the GBA file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with GBA extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open BatGBA

If the systems has insufficient resources to open GBA files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Game Boy Advance ROM files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle GBA files.

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