How to Play Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow on Nintendo Switch with Gen1Recomp
Install Gen1Recomp on Nintendo Switch, import Pokemon Red, Blue or Yellow, manage saves and mods, and launch with title override.
What You Need Before Starting
The Nintendo Switch build is made for a console that can already run homebrew through custom firmware and the Homebrew Menu. It is not a normal Nintendo eShop installation, and this guide does not cover modifying a console or setting up custom firmware.
You need:
- a Nintendo Switch that can already open the Homebrew Menu;
- a microSD card used by that homebrew setup;
- the official Gen1Recomp Switch ZIP;
- your own compatible Pokemon Red, Blue or Yellow ROM;
- a way to transfer files through a card reader, MTP or FTP.
The official documentation says the porter validated an OLED system and community testing confirmed that the build boots on V1 / Erista hardware. Compatibility with Switch Lite and other setups is not confirmed by that record.
This guide keeps its step-by-step import examples focused on Red, Blue and Yellow because those are the games used by the site's 3D guides. Gen1Recomp v0.2.57 also provides launcher tabs for canonical US Gold, Silver and Crystal ROMs; all three remain Gen 2 Phase 1, and Crystal is labelled Beta.
Gen1Recomp does not include Pokemon game data. Use only a ROM that you are legally permitted to use. This website does not provide ROM files or instructions for obtaining them.
Step 1: Download the Nintendo Switch Package
Open the Gen1Recomp download page and choose Nintendo Switch — Download SD-ready ZIP. For the current release, the file is named gen1recomp-0.2.57-switch.zip.
The button on this website links directly to the asset published in the official Gen1Recomp GitHub release. If you want to check the file before copying it, compare it with sha256sums.txt from the same official release page.
Step 2: Extract Gen1Recomp to the microSD Root
Extract the Switch ZIP at the root of the microSD card. Do not place the ZIP itself inside the switch folder and do not add another outer folder. After extraction, the important paths should look like this:
| PURPOSE | EXPECTED PATH |
|---|---|
| Gen1Recomp application | sdmc:/switch/gen1recomp/gen1recomp.nro |
| ROM Import Inbox | sdmc:/switch/gen1recomp/pokemon-12v2d/imports/ |
| Mod ZIP Inbox | sdmc:/switch/gen1recomp/pokemon-12v2d/imports/mods/ |
| Save import and export folders | sdmc:/switch/gen1recomp/pokemon-12v2d/imports/saves/ |
Merge folders if your computer asks. The official guide supports three transfer methods:
- Direct microSD: use a card reader or Hekate USB Mass Storage.
- MTP: use DBI's MTP responder with a compatible computer client.
- FTP: transfer through an FTP setup already configured on the console.
Unmount the card or end the MTP / FTP connection cleanly before launching Gen1Recomp. The official Switch transfer guide provides operating-system-specific transfer details.
Updating an Existing Switch Installation
Updating uses the same extract-and-merge process. The new package replaces gen1recomp.nro and the small help files.
Do not delete the pokemon-12v2d folder when updating. Imported games, saves, options and mods are stored there. Back up that folder before a major update or before changing storage methods.
Step 3: Launch Through Title Override
Gen1Recomp needs the full memory available through title override. The smaller Album applet mode is not supported.
- 1. Return to the Nintendo Switch HOME menu.
- 2. Highlight an installed title.
- 3. Hold the R shoulder button and launch that title.
- 4. Keep holding R until the Homebrew Menu opens in title-override mode.
- 5. Select gen1recomp from the Homebrew Menu.
Do not start Gen1Recomp through the normal Album applet route. If the application does not appear, recheck that sdmc:/switch/gen1recomp/gen1recomp.nro is inside sdmc:/switch/gen1recomp/.
Install Community Mods on Nintendo Switch
The Switch build imports mods from a local ZIP inbox:
- 1. Download an installable mod ZIP from its official developer source. The Gen1Recomp Mods directory links to individual repositories and releases.
- 2. Keep the mod compressed unless its developer gives different instructions.
- 3. Copy the ZIP into
switch/gen1recomp/pokemon-12v2d/imports/mods/. - 4. Launch Gen1Recomp and open MODS.
- 5. Choose Scan again, enable the imported mod and select Play.
The remote FIND MODS and GitHub-download functions are disabled on Switch, so mod ZIPs must be transferred through microSD, MTP or FTP. Third-party mods can add their own controls and compatibility requirements; check each mod's README before enabling it.
Joy-Con Display Shortcuts
Hold Select (-) and press the listed button. Without Select held, the normal A and B gameplay controls continue to work.
| JOY-CON CHORD | MATCHING PC KEY | DEFAULT EFFECT |
|---|---|---|
| Select + A | 2 | COLORS |
| Select + B | 3 | TILT |
| Select + X | 6 | Mod shortcut if a mod registers key 6 |
| Select + L | 7 | Mod shortcut if a mod registers key 7 |
Performance and Troubleshooting
- If the game stutters with extra effects enabled, open Options -> Performance and try Low or Balanced.
- If Gen1Recomp closes or fails to load from Album, relaunch it through title override.
- If no game appears after scanning, confirm that the ROM is in the imports folder and that you selected the matching Red, Blue or Yellow tab.
- If an update appears to remove saves or imports, stop and restore your backup rather than deleting or recreating
pokemon-12v2d. - If a mod fails, disable the newest mod first and check its documented Gen1Recomp compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Gen1Recomp run on a Nintendo Switch without homebrew?
No. The Switch package requires a console that can already run custom firmware and the Homebrew Menu. It is not a normal eShop application.
Why should I use title override instead of Album?
Album opens homebrew in applet mode with limited memory. The official Gen1Recomp Switch instructions require title override so the game can use full memory.
Does the Nintendo Switch download include Pokemon Red, Blue or Yellow?
No. The package includes the Gen1Recomp application but no Pokemon ROM or extracted game data. You must import your own compatible game file.
Can I install Gen1Recomp community mods on Switch?
Yes. Copy a documented installable mod ZIP into the local imports/mods/ inbox, scan it from the Gen1Recomp MODS screen and enable it. Remote mod downloads are disabled on Switch.