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Hoenn is the setting for Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, and for their Nintendo 3DS remakes, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Choose the original pair for the Game Boy Advance-era games or a remake for a newer take on the story; in the remakes, the main version distinction is whether Team Magma or Team Aqua takes the leading role. You’ll need compatible Nintendo 3DS-family hardware, and the games’ former internet trading and other online communication features ended in 2024.
Which Pokémon games are set in Hoenn?
The Hoenn region appears in the original Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, released for Game Boy Advance, and in the later Nintendo 3DS remakes, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Nintendo described the remakes as new takes on the classic stories, with enhanced graphics and additional content. Nintendo’s Alpha Sapphire game page introduces the remake, while its 2014 release announcement places them in the context of the 2003 originals.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Pokemon Emerald Version (Renewed) | $348.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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GameBoy Advance - Pokemon Smaragd Edition / Emerald | $314.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pokémon Alpha Sapphire - Nintendo 3DS | $68.77 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Pocket Monsters Emerald (Pokemon), Japanese Game Boy Advance Import | $84.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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These are separate editions, not interchangeable names for the same release. Ruby and Sapphire are the original GBA games; Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are remakes for the 3DS family. Nintendo’s pages describe the originals’ Hoenn exploration, double battles, Berry-made Poké Blocks, and Pokémon Box compatibility, but do not provide a complete feature-by-feature comparison with either Emerald or the remakes. Nintendo’s Ruby and Sapphire page outlines some original-game details.
Should you choose an original game or a remake?
Choose Ruby or Sapphire for the original GBA-era adventure
The original pair is the direct option if you want to play the earlier Game Boy Advance releases. Their documented features include double battles and Poké Blocks made using cultivated Berries. The available official descriptions do not establish a complete comparison with Pokémon Emerald, so they are not enough to determine which of the three GBA editions is best for every player.
#1 Best Overall
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
- The game is an authentic copy and a new save battery has been installed!
Choose Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire for a remake
The 3DS games revisit the Hoenn story with enhanced graphics and features including Mega Evolution, the Primal Reversion forms of Groudon and Kyogre, Pokémon-Amie, Contest Spectaculars, Super-Secret Bases, and the ability to soar around Hoenn. Nintendo also describes the journey through eight Gym Leaders and onward to the Pokémon League and Elite Four. Nintendo’s Alpha Sapphire page gives an overview of these features.
How do Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire differ?
The clearest supported distinction is the story’s emphasis on the rival teams. Alpha Sapphire gives Team Aqua the stronger role; Omega Ruby makes Team Magma more prominent. Nintendo describes Team Aqua’s goal as raising Hoenn’s oceans and Team Magma’s as expanding the landmass. If you’re choosing between the remakes, use that story preference as your guide. The sources cited here do not establish a complete list of version-exclusive Pokémon, so this comparison does not attempt to rank the games by exclusives.
Rank #2
- Authentic Nintendo Product
Which Hoenn starter should you pick?
In Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the three choices are Treecko (Grass), Torchic (Fire), and Mudkip (Water). Nintendo identifies their types but does not rank them or name a universally best starter. Choose the Pokémon you like most, or the type you want to build your early team around; claims that one is objectively easiest or strongest go beyond what the cited official information establishes. Nintendo’s game page lists all three starter choices.
What hardware do you need?
Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are Nintendo 3DS-family titles. A compatible Nintendo 3DS or 2DS system is required. The stereoscopic 3D effect is available only on supported 3DS-family systems; 2DS systems display the game in 2D. The original Ruby and Sapphire are Game Boy Advance games, not 3DS releases.
Rank #3
- Games in 2D. Some areas also playable in 3D. For Nintendo 3DS systems, use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Suitable_for_all_users
Can you still trade or battle online?
No: Nintendo says the Nintendo 3DS internet communication features for Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, including Pokémon exchange and voice chat, ended on 9 April 2024. Older release descriptions mention online battles and trading, but those are historical features, not a current promise of global online play. Nintendo’s notice addresses internet communication; it does not say that local play ended. See Nintendo’s Japanese game page and service notice for the discontinuation information.
Quick Recap
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