Changes

The 3DS does include native firmware for a GBA mode which was mainly used to run ambassador releases instead of having to develop an emulator for them. So far, the only way to access this firmware is by injecting a GBA ROM as a VC application. This can be achieved through various programs such as [https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-ultimate-gba-vc-injector-for-3ds.438057/ this one]. Compatibility is high with the exception of cartridges with special hardware. The only downside is it can't provide features that are normally available on other emulators, such as savestates or screen filtering, and must inject and install each ROM individually. Also, save files will have to be injected/backed-up individual via [https://3ds.hacks.guide/godmode9-usage.html GodMode9]. If your you're using an old 3DS/2DS, this is the best option to play GBA games.

Instead of trying to emulate, you can instead use the firmware directly by using [https://github.com/DS-Homebrew/TWiLightMenu/releases TWiLightMenuTWiLight Menu++] which allows you to play games off of your SD card, a flash cart, or the cartridge itself. It function off the same idea as [http://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Emulators_on_Wii#Nintendo_GameCube Nintendon't] did for the Wii; rather than emulate the hardware, it hypothetically "bridges" to the already existing backwards-compatibility the system offers(in this case, the DSi's firmware). Compatibility is high with only a few games having small loading lags, <i>(i.e. GTA: Chinatown wars)</i>, or triggering anti-piracy protections.