Cannot Connect DS and Game Boy Directly: Hardware Differences & Workarounds

No direct connection exists. DS uses Wi‑Fi; Game Boy uses Link Cable (serial). Different hardware, different cartridges.

Workarounds

• Emulation on DS: Flashcart + Goomba Color or GBARunner2 plays GB/GBC/GBA ROMs (requires owned games)
• Modern emulation: Phone/PC/Steam Deck — mGBA, SameBoy, RetroArch — better screens, save states, shaders
• Game Boy Player (GameCube): Plays GBA carts on TV via GameCube — best official big‑screen option

For multiplayer: GB/GBC/GBA link cables only work between same‑generation hardware.