“Pokemon Throwback Unofficial Expansion” is a Completed GBA Rom Hack made by Tybobeebo. Explore Kanto with modern features, full 386 Dex, expanded storylines, postgame regions, and nostalgic Game Boy charm.
Pokemon Throwback Unofficial Expansion Completed GBA Rom Hack
- Creator: RichterSnipes (Throwback) / Tybobeebo (Unofficial Expansion)
- Base ROM: FireRed
- Language: English
- Latest Version: v1.1
- Released on: July 24, 2025
- Status: Completed
Also Check Out: Pokemon Pisces
Description
Pokemon Throwback Unofficial Expansion is a fan-made ROM hack built on top of the original Pokemon Throwback. This unofficial expansion retains the core gameplay of the Kanto-based games while integrating numerous Quality-of-Life enhancements and nostalgic, retro-styled aesthetics.
The hack expands on the traditionally minimal storylines found in Generation I and its remakes by adding new narrative beats, characters, and references inspired by notable moments from across the franchise—such as Red at Mt. Silver, Cynthia in Undella Town, and Team Rainbow Rocket. It also draws from features found in games like XY, Let’s Go, and HeartGold/SoulSilver, aiming to provide a richer and more interconnected experience.
All 386 Pokemon from Generations I through III are available to be registered and obtained without trading, offering a complete and self-contained Pokedex experience. Care has been taken to introduce these Pokemon in a way that fits naturally within the game’s structure and progression, particularly in the pre-Elite Four segment of the game.
Developed over several years with a focus on preserving a “vanilla” Game Freak-like feel, this expansion is the result of extended ROM hacking experimentation and community feedback. While it may not aim to reinvent the genre, it provides an expansive and thoughtfully crafted journey for fans of classic Pokemon titles.
Key Features
- Classic GB Sounds: Instantly enjoy the iconic Gen I chirptune soundtrack anytime from your Bag, available from the start of the game.
- Catch ’em All: All Generation I and II Pokemon are available in the base game, with Generation III Pokémon added in this expansion!
- Updated Wardrobe: Player and rival models have been redesigned to better reflect the original Red, Blue, and Green concept art and sprites.
- Quality-of-Life Improvements: Numerous tweaks throughout the game enhance the overall experience.
- Expanded Postgame Areas: Explore Route 28, Mt. Silver, Route 26-27, Tohjo Falls, and New Bark Town after completing the Sevii Islands postgame. These areas include new trainers, items, encounters, and wild Pokémon. Challenge the GSC/HGSS protagonist atop Mt. Silver for a canonical ending.
- Expanded Team Rocket Plot: All “Admins” are now “Executives” to align with Johto games. Warehouse Admins are renamed Ariana and Archer, with new sprites inspired by Gen IV. Proton and Petrel appear as nameless grunts—see if you can spot them!
- Looker Joins the Story: The globetrotting International Police agent Looker features in several key story moments and cameo appearances as he investigates Team Rocket.
- Rocket Day-Care: Trade any Pokémon to Team Rocket for five Rare Candies each at the Rocket Day-Care (replacing the Cerulean Day-Care Center). The Four Island Daycare still functions as usual. This optional feature helps reduce grinding for players of all skill levels.
- Balanced Elite Four: Trainer levels have been adjusted to reduce the need for grinding. Postgame now includes challenging boss trainers from RSE and GSC/HGSS, and Gym Leaders and Elite Four teams have been improved with more interesting Pokémon.
- Full 386 National Dex: All Johto and Hoenn Pokémon, including legendaries, are available in the postgame. The Sevii Islands have been redesigned as a hub between Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn, with trainers using mixed regional teams.
- New Legendary Quests: Additional story events and dungeons allow you to capture the Regis, Weather Trio, Latios and Latias, Mew, Celebi, and Jirachi. Legendary events like Mewtwo, Navel Rock (Ho-Oh & Lugia), Birth Island (Deoxys), and the roaming Legendary Beasts now feature expanded questlines.
- More Convenience Features: Name Raters and Move Deleters are now found in every Pokémon Center, with a Move Reminder added at Indigo Plateau. HM learnsets have been greatly expanded, and roaming legendaries can be registered as “seen” in the Pokédex without needing to encounter them randomly.
- New NPCs & Dialogue: Additional characters expand the story, connecting to Gen II and other games, building on Game Freak’s original Fame Checker concept.
- All Kanto Starters Available: Obtain all Kanto starter Pokémon through their Yellow events in Cerulean, Route 24, and Vermilion—so you can use Red’s canonical team if you want!
Note: This game is built on top of Pokemon Throwback and retains many of its core features. For the best experience and full context, it’s recommended to check out Pokemon Throwback before playing this expansion.
What is “Oldhead Version”?
This version replaces all references to “Ethan” (the protagonist from GSC/HGSS) with “Gold.” Additionally, Gold’s Mt. Silver team is adjusted to better reflect Generation II rather than Generation IV. In New Bark Town, Lyra’s house is replaced with Elm’s House from GSC.
The Oldhead Version also retains the original battle mechanics by excluding the modern Physical/Special split, keeping moves categorized by type as in the classic games.
Known Bugs
Lots of locations display you being in the wrong place when you try to Fly or open the Town Map. Some of that’s because I repurposed unused Sevii Island location headers and can’t figure out how to change which map they display on, but some appear to be bugged (Mt. Ember for example). Shouldn’t really affect gameplay, but let me know if you know how to fix it.
Possible Future Updates
- Insert GBA versions of the original music for all new locations in the game. (Routes 26-28, Mt. Silver, Tohjo Falls, New Bark Town, Southern Island, Faraway Island). They would need chirptune versions for the GB Sounds, as well, and I’d have to figure out how RichterSnipes’ GB sounds stuff works.
- Fix which town map level the new location headers (repurposed Sevii maps) display to, and potentially add flying flags so you can fly to and from New Bark Town and Mt. Silver.
- Insert maps for the rest of Johto- most likely just as a New Austin in Red Dead 2-style easter egg/bit of fan service. I’m about out of flags and map headers, so there would be very little to do, and I think Red’s story ends here even with me stretching it as far as I can. Could still be fun just to hike to Blackthorn for giggles, though.
- Make Three Island gold prospector’s tunnel finish after you get the Sapphire instead of when you first get there (I haven’t figured this out yet, and I suspect if it was doable RichterSnipes would have done it in Throwback).
- Make it so Selphy has a small chance to give the player a Master Ball upon completion of her minigame.
- Make space and add an overworld sprite for Looker
- Get new sprites for Ethan/Gold and the Executives based on their Gen II appearances for the Oldhead Version.
Game Related Stuff
Download
Oldhead Version
Screenshots
