Part 3: Flash Cart and Linker

GBA Programable Cartridge: Flash2Advance Ultra Flash Cartridge

Every game cartridge you buy at the store contains compiled code that determines the behavior of the GBA. In order to run programs on the GBA's hardware you would typically need to "burn" them permanently into a cartridge. However, you can obtain flash memory cartridges that may be overwritten several times. This is the type of cartridge recommended for GBA development. There are many such cartridges in the market. I recommend the Flash2Advance Ultra (F2A) Flash Cartridge. You can order it online at Linker4U.

GBA Cartridge Writer: Flash2Advance USB Linker and Power Writer

Finally, in order to transfer your compiled code from your PC to your F2A Cartridge, you will need either the F2A USB Linker or the F2A USB Writer. You can also get these online at Linker4U.

You will also need to install windows drivers and the "F2A Power Writer" which will allow you to upload your compiled programs to the GBA. Click here to obtain the software. For Windows XP, you should use version 2.61 of the F2A Power Writer.

<< Part 2: GBA Software Development Kits | Part 4: The ARM Memory Map >>
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