Best Pokemon NDS ROM Hacks 2026
The definitive ranked list of the best Nintendo DS Pokemon ROM hacks. Every pick is free to download and playable on melonDS, DeSmuME, DraStic, or Delta.
Pokemon Renegade Platinum
HardBase: Pokemon Platinum · by Drayano
The definitive Sinnoh experience. Renegade Platinum keeps the Platinum story intact while making all 493 Pokémon available, revamping every trainer for a real challenge, and removing trade evolutions. The best way to replay Sinnoh.
Pokemon Blaze Black 2
HardBase: Pokemon Black 2 · by Drayano
Drayano's finest work. Blaze Black 2 self-contains all 649 Pokémon, features revamped trainer rosters throughout, and takes full advantage of Black 2's rich post-game. The gold standard of Unova enhancement hacks.
Pokemon Sacred Gold
HardBase: Pokemon Heart Gold · by Drayano
The director's cut of Heart Gold. Sacred Gold makes every Pokémon available, adds new scripted events, revamps trainers for a genuine challenge, and delivers a HGSS experience that fully realizes the potential of the engine.
Pokemon Storm Silver
HardBase: Pokemon Soul Silver · by Drayano
The Soul Silver counterpart to Sacred Gold — identical in content, Soul Silver in aesthetic. Choose this if you prefer Lugia's story or the silver color palette. Both are essential NDS hacks.
Pokemon Volt White 2
HardBase: Pokemon White 2 · by Drayano
The White 2 companion to Blaze Black 2. Volt White 2 is identical in content — all 649 Pokémon, revamped trainers, no trade evolutions. Pick White 2 if you prefer Zekrom and White Forest.
Pokemon Blaze Black
HardBase: Pokemon Black · by Drayano
The hack that started Drayano's Unova legacy. Blaze Black was among the first Gen 5 hacks to self-contain all Pokémon with revamped trainers. Still excellent for the original Black and White story.
Pokemon Distorted Platinum
HardBase: Pokemon Platinum · by Hiraeth
The best pure difficulty hack for Sinnoh. Every gym leader has a full team of six, the game reaches level 73 by the Elite Four, and all Pokémon are obtainable before the end. Demanding but fair.
Pokemon Perfect Platinum
NormalBase: Pokemon Platinum · by Roland
A gentler Sinnoh enhancement — more Pokémon available, slightly tougher trainers, but preserving the vanilla Platinum feel. Great for players who want a light upgrade without a full difficulty overhaul.
Pokemon Moon Black 2
NormalBase: Pokemon Black 2 · by JrFort
A fun crossover hack that lets Sun/Moon's protagonist travel to Unova. Built on Blaze Black 2's expanded world, it's a satisfying continuation for players who finished Alola and want more.
Pokemon Silver Yellow
NormalBase: Pokemon Soul Silver · by brtatu
The Yellow remake that Game Freak never made — built in the Soul Silver engine. Start in Pallet Town with Pikachu, retrace Ash's journey through Kanto with DS-quality graphics and sound.