Pokemon Stadium 2 on N64: Transfer Pak Questions Answered
By Retro vGames | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Product Reviews
Wondering how the Transfer Pak works with Pokemon Stadium 2 on N64? Get clear answers on the GB Tower, using Gold and Silver saves, and what you need to play.
Quick answer
Pokemon Stadium 2 on N64 works as a standalone battling game, but the Transfer Pak unlocks its best features: importing your Gold, Silver, or Crystal team and playing the handheld games on the big screen via the GB Tower. You need the N64 cartridge, a Transfer Pak, and a compatible Game Boy Pokemon cartridge to use those extras.
What the Transfer Pak actually adds
Without a Transfer Pak, Pokemon Stadium 2 is still a complete 3D battle game with rental Pokemon and its own cups. The Transfer Pak is what lets you bring in your own trained team from Pokemon Gold, Silver, or Crystal, so your story progress and moves carry over. It also enables the GB Tower, which runs the Game Boy game on the N64.
The catch is that the Transfer Pak only works with compatible Game Boy Pokemon cartridges. You cannot load a save from Pokemon Red, Blue, or Yellow into Stadium 2, and the N64 game will not read a Game Boy Advance cartridge.
GB Tower: what it does and what it doesn't
The GB Tower is a built-in emulator that lets you play Pokemon Gold, Silver, or Crystal on your TV through the N64. It is handy for grinding levels or trading, but it is not a full replacement for a Game Boy: the Tower runs at a fixed speed and does not support link cable features between two Game Boy systems.
To use the GB Tower, insert the Game Boy Pokemon cartridge into the Transfer Pak, plug the Pak into controller port 1, and select GB Tower from the Stadium 2 menu. The game will read your save file and display it on screen.
When the Transfer Pak is not worth the trouble
If you only want to battle with friends using rental Pokemon, skip the Transfer Pak entirely. The rental roster in Stadium 2 is broad enough for casual matches, and you avoid the common issues of dirty contacts or dead save batteries in old Game Boy cartridges.
Also, if your Gold, Silver, or Crystal cartridge has a dead save battery, the Transfer Pak cannot read a save file. In that case, the GB Tower will still boot the game, but you will not be able to import your team until the battery is replaced.
Pokemon Stadium 2 FAQ
- Do I need a Transfer Pak to play Pokemon Stadium 2?
- No. Stadium 2 is fully playable without a Transfer Pak using rental Pokemon. The Transfer Pak is only required for importing your own team from Gold, Silver, or Crystal and for using the GB Tower.
- Which Game Boy games work with the Transfer Pak in Stadium 2?
- Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal are the compatible titles. Red, Blue, and Yellow are not supported by Stadium 2, and Game Boy Advance Pokemon games will not work with the N64 Transfer Pak.
- How do I set up the Transfer Pak for Stadium 2?
- Insert the Game Boy Pokemon cartridge into the Transfer Pak, plug the Pak into controller port 1, then turn on the N64. In Stadium 2, choose the Transfer Pak option from the main menu to read your save. Make sure the cartridge and Pak contacts are clean; a dirty connection is the most common reason the game fails to read your save.
- Why is my Gold/Silver save not showing up in Stadium 2?
- The most likely cause is a dead save battery in the Game Boy cartridge. If the battery is dead, the game cannot hold a save, so Stadium 2 has nothing to read. A dirty Transfer Pak or cartridge slot can also prevent detection.
- Can I play the GB Tower without a save file?
- Yes. The GB Tower will boot the Game Boy game even if the save battery is dead, but you will start from the beginning each time. You cannot import a team without a working save.
- What else do I need to play Pokemon Stadium 2?
- You need an N64 console, a controller, and the Stadium 2 cartridge. For multiplayer, add extra controllers. For Transfer Pak features, add a Transfer Pak and a compatible Game Boy Pokemon cartridge.
Product facts
- Pokemon Stadium 2 (Authentic)- N64 Game: This is the authentic cartridge, fully tested and guaranteed to work; it is cartridge only unless otherwise specified. You get a working Stadium 2 cartridge, but you will need your own Transfer Pak and Game Boy Pokemon game to use the GB Tower and team import.
Pokemon Stadium 2 (Authentic)- N64 Game
