Flashcarts are one of the best ways to play ROMs on classic consoles without relying on emulation. If you’ve ever wanted to play any game on a Game Boy, Super Nintendo, or Sega Genesis without swapping cartridges, a flashcart is the perfect solution. By using an SD card loaded with games, these devices allow you to run ROMs directly on the original hardware, preserving the authentic experience. Flashcarts also unlock access to fan translations, ROM hacks, mods, and even homebrew games that were never officially released.
Many gamers use flashcarts to protect their physical game collections since old cartridges can wear out over time. Additionally, some retro games are extremely rare and expensive, making flashcarts a much more accessible alternative. However, it’s essential to choose the right flashcart for each console and know which games are worth playing. This guide will explain how flashcarts work, the best models for each system, and the most-played ROMs of all time.
How Do Flashcarts Work?
A flashcart is essentially a custom game cartridge with an SD card slot. Instead of storing a single game like traditional cartridges, a flashcart can hold hundreds or even thousands of games on a single memory card. The console treats the flashcart like a normal game cartridge, allowing you to browse and launch ROMs directly from a menu.
Key Features of Flashcarts:
Multi-Game Storage – Load an entire library of ROMs onto one cartridge. Instant Game Loading – No need to swap cartridges; just select a game and play. Save State Support – Some flashcarts allow in-game save states, even for games that originally didn’t support saving. Homebrew and Hacks – Play fan-made games, mods, and enhanced versions of classics. Compatibility with Original Hardware – No emulation; the games run exactly as they would on an original cartridge.
Best Flashcarts for Each Retro Console
1. Game Boy & Game Boy Color – EverDrive GB X7
The EverDrive GB X7 is one of the best flashcarts for Game Boy and Game Boy Color. It supports instant loading, save states, and homebrew games. With this flashcart, you can play classics like The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, Pokémon Crystal, and even fan-translated versions of Japan-only Pokémon games.
Most-Played Game Boy ROMs:
Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow – The original Pokémon games remain some of the most popular ROMs ever. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX – A must-play action-adventure classic. Wario Land 3 – One of the best platformers on the Game Boy Color.
2. Game Boy Advance – EverDrive GBA X5 Mini
The EverDrive GBA X5 Mini allows you to play every Game Boy Advance title, along with fan-made hacks, enhanced ROMs, and unreleased prototypes. It’s perfect for playing Metroid Fusion, Fire Emblem, and Pokémon Emerald Kaizo, a brutally hard mod of the original game.
Most-Played GBA ROMs: Pokémon Emerald – The definitive third-gen Pokémon experience, often modded with QoL improvements. Metroid Fusion – One of the best Metroidvania games ever made. Advance Wars – A fantastic turn-based strategy game.
3. Super Nintendo (SNES) – FXPAK Pro (SD2SNES)
The FXPAK Pro is the best flashcart for the SNES, supporting special-chip games like Star Fox, Super Mario RPG, and Yoshi’s Island. With full compatibility and instant loading times, it’s the ideal way to experience the golden age of 16-bit gaming.
Most-Played SNES ROMs: Super Metroid – A masterpiece of exploration-based gameplay. Chrono Trigger – One of the most beloved RPGs ever made. Super Mario World – Still one of the most-played platformers of all time.
4. Sega Genesis – EverDrive MD Pro
For Sega Genesis and Mega Drive, the EverDrive MD Pro supports every official game, homebrew, and even Sega Master System titles. It’s perfect for playing classic Sonic games, Streets of Rage, and Japan-exclusive RPGs.
Most-Played Sega Genesis ROMs: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles – The complete version of Sonic’s best game. Streets of Rage 2 – The best beat ‘em up on the system. Gunstar Heroes – A fast-paced action game that still holds up today.
5. Nintendo 64 – EverDrive 64 X7
The EverDrive 64 X7 lets you play every N64 game from an SD card, including fan mods and unreleased prototypes. It even supports save states for games that didn’t originally have them.
Most-Played N64 ROMs: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Still considered one of the greatest games ever made. Super Mario 64 – Popular not just for nostalgia, but for countless fan mods. Mario Kart 64 – A must-play multiplayer classic.
6. PlayStation 1 – XStation (Optical Drive Emulator)
Unlike cartridge-based consoles, the PlayStation 1 uses discs, but you can replace the disc drive with an XStation ODE to load games from an SD card. This eliminates disc reading issues and improves loading times significantly.
Most-Played PS1 ROMs: Final Fantasy VII – One of the most downloaded PS1 ROMs of all time. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night – A defining Metroidvania experience. Metal Gear Solid – Still one of the best stealth-action games ever.
7. Dreamcast – GDEMU (Optical Drive Emulator)
The GDEMU mod for Dreamcast replaces the aging GD-ROM drive with an SD card solution, allowing you to play hundreds of games without disc swapping.
Most-Played Dreamcast ROMs: Shenmue – The game that introduced open-world gameplay. Sonic Adventure 2 – A fan favorite that still has an active modding community. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 – One of the most beloved fighting games of all time.
Is Using a Flashcart Worth It?
Flashcarts completely transform the way you experience retro gaming. Whether you want to play rare Japan-only RPGs, fan-modified versions of your favorite games, or just preserve your physical collection, they provide a convenient, high-quality way to enjoy classic consoles.
Have you ever used a flashcart? Which classic game would you play first? Drop a comment below and share your favorite flashcart experiences!