Can Game Boy Advance Games Play Multiplayer on Nintendo DS?

Native GBA Multiplayer on DS: Not Supported

The DS’s GBA slot (Slot-2) runs GBA games in **single-player only**. The DS does **not** emulate the GBA Link Cable protocol between two DS systems or a DS + GBA.

Exceptions / Workarounds

• DSiWare / eShop GBA Titles (Japan only): A few GBA games re-released on DSi/3DS eShop added local wireless multiplayer—**not on original DS/DSi.
• Multi-Cart GBA Games: Titles like Pokémon Emerald, FireRed/LeafGreen, Advance Wars support link cable on real GBA/SP/Micro. **Two DS systems cannot link**—the DS lacks the physical link port and Slot-2 doesn’t expose it.
• Homebrew (GBARunner2 on NDS/DSi): Emulates GBA with **limited link-cable simulation over local Wi-Fi**—experimental, low compatibility, desyncs common.

Best Option for GBA Multiplayer

Use **original hardware**: two Game Boy Advances / SPs / Micros + **official Link Cable** (AGB-005), or two GBAs + **Wireless Adapter** (for compatible games: Pokémon, Zelda: Four Swords, Mario Kart: Super Circuit).

Authentic link play = zero latency, full compatibility, no hacks.