Tips to open GBA file

Can't open the GBA file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open GBA files as well as a list of programs that support GBA files.

GBA file extension

File Name Game Boy Advance ROM
File Category Game Files

The GBA file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the GBA files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the GBA file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 3
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0

What is GBA file?

The file in the GBA format belongs to the Game Files category. In addition to this file, the Game Files category includes 1509 related files. Game Boy Advance ROM is supported by 4 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Android, Linux, Mac OS, Windows. The VisualBoyAdvance application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Forgotten. There are also 7 alternative programs to handle the GBA file. You can use KiGB, BatGBA, RascalBoy Advance in case VisualBoyAdvance cannot be used.

How to open GBA file?

The main problem with Game Boy Advance ROM is that the GBA file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that GBA files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the GBA file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install VisualBoyAdvance

In this case, you should first verify that the VisualBoyAdvance application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name VisualBoyAdvance into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support GBA files.

Programs to open GBA file

Remember to download programs supporting GBA files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of VisualBoyAdvance with GBA files

If, despite the installed application, the GBA file does not start in the VisualBoyAdvance application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the VisualBoyAdvance application as the default for handling the GBA file.

Step 3. Update VisualBoyAdvance to the latest version

If, however, after binding VisualBoyAdvance with Game Boy Advance ROM there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the Forgotten website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the GBA file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The GBA file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the GBA file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the GBA file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected GBA files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the GBA file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair GBA file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting N/A, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted GBA files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. It is best to move GBA to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the GBA file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file GBA to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If nothing helps, please reset the device.