Head-to-head · Game Save Editors
PKHeX vs PKForge
PKHeX leads on 1 check, PKForge on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Free planboth
- Most featuresPKHeX · 4 of 4
Our editors rank PKHeX at #3 and PKForge at #8 for game save editors; PKHeX and PKForge have no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.
PKHeX offers automatic backup; PKForge doesn't publish it.
PKHeX is the better fit for pokémon save management and conversion. PKForge is the better fit for android Pokémon emulator workflows.
- PKHeX fits best
Pokémon save management and conversion
- PKForge fits best
Android Pokémon emulator workflows
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Side by side
| Feature | PKHeX —/10 Visit ↗ | PKForge —/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | — | — |
| Ranking | #3 in Game Save Editors | #8 in Game Save Editors |
| Best for | Pokémon save management and conversion | Android Pokémon emulator workflows |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows | Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features PKHeX 4/4 · PKForge 3/4 | ||
| Inventory editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Progression editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Character stats editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic backup | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows | Android |
| Supported games | Pokémon core series; GameCube Pokémon savegames | Pokémon Unbound; Pokémon Compass; Pokémon Colosseum; Pokémon XD; Pokémon FireRed; Pokémon LeafGreen |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | PKHeX is a Windows Forms application for editing decrypted Pokémon core-series save files. It is aimed at players and preservation-focused users who need to modify complete saves, individual Pokémon entity files, inventory data,… Read the review → |
PKForge is an open-source Pokémon save editor and cross-game bank for Android devices, including dual-screen handhelds. It is aimed at players managing saves from supported emulators or individual files, with tools for Pokémon data,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
PKHeX — where it wins
- Supports core-series saves, GameCube memory-card files, and entity files
- Converts data between generations and imports Mystery Gift and GO Park entities
- Batch editing includes undo and redo, with configurable automatic backups
Where it doesn't
- Runs on Windows only
- Edits decrypted save files only
- Automatic backups require configuration and an existing backup folder
PKForge — where it wins
- Connects with nine Android emulator integrations
- Combines editing, legalization, Showdown, QR, and mystery gifts
- Adds cross-game bank storage, restore points, and atomic saves
Where it doesn't
- Available on Android only
- Support is centered on six listed Pokémon titles
- APK releases are distributed through GitHub
- PKHeX—/10 · Free plan
A broad Windows toolkit for editing, converting, importing, and backing up Pokémon saves.
Visit PKHeXFull verdict → - PKForge—/10 · Free plan
A focused Android toolkit for editing, storing, and transferring Pokémon saves.
Visit PKForgeFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026