The main Pokémon games set in Hoenn are Pokémon Ruby, Pokémon Sapphire, Pokémon Emerald, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald were released for Game Boy Advance; Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are Nintendo 3DS-family remakes. The paired versions share the region but differ in story focus and Pokémon availability, while Emerald adds the Battle Frontier and the remakes update the presentation and features.
Which Pokémon games are set in Hoenn?
For the main Hoenn releases, there are five version names across three release groups:
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- Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire — the original paired games for Game Boy Advance.
- Pokémon Emerald — a separate Game Boy Advance version that expands on Ruby and Sapphire.
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire — Nintendo 3DS/2DS remakes based on Ruby and Sapphire.
This guide covers those main releases, not every spin-off or other game that features Hoenn.
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How do Ruby and Sapphire differ?
Ruby and Sapphire share Hoenn and the broad adventure, but each gives a different villainous team the leading role. In Ruby, Team Magma seeks to expand land and pursues Groudon. In Sapphire, Team Aqua seeks to expand the sea and pursues Kyogre. Pokémon availability also differs between versions, so the choice affects more than the title-screen color. The Pokémon Company’s Ruby and Sapphire overview describes these version differences alongside the games’ shared features.
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![Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire Dual Pack - Nintendo 3DS Edition: DualPack Model: [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41+38Ql9T6L._SL160_.jpg)
- World Edition - plays in English and works on any region 3DS system
- Comes with both a copy of Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire
The pair introduced Pokémon Abilities, Double Battles, Pokémon Contests and Secret Bases. The official Japanese product page lists Ruby and Sapphire as released in Japan on 21 November 2002; that is a Japanese release date, not a universal launch date.
What does Emerald add?
Pokémon Emerald is a distinct take on the Ruby and Sapphire story, rather than simply a combination of the two games. Both Team Magma and Team Aqua appear, and Groudon and Kyogre are brought into conflict. Its major additional battle challenge is the Battle Frontier, a group of seven facilities that test different battle skills.
The Pokémon Company lists Emerald’s Japanese release date as 16 September 2004. Like Ruby and Sapphire, it is a Game Boy Advance game. See the official Emerald overview for its story and Battle Frontier details.
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Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire remake the paired Game Boy Advance adventures for Nintendo 3DS and 2DS systems. They retain the opposing Team Magma and Team Aqua story emphases, respectively, while adding updated graphics and new content.
Nintendo highlights Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion for Groudon and Kyogre, the ability to soar around Hoenn, Pokémon-Amie, Pokémon Contest Spectaculars and Super-Secret Bases. These are features of the remakes; their inclusion here should not be read as a claim that every named feature originated in them or is exclusive to them. Nintendo Japan lists the pair’s Japanese release date as 21 November 2014, while Nintendo UK gives Alpha Sapphire’s UK release date as 28 November 2014. Those dates refer to different markets.
Which Hoenn release should you play?
The best fit depends on the hardware you can use and which version-specific experience you want:
| Release | Platform | Story and distinguishing feature |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby / Sapphire | Game Boy Advance | Paired original versions: Ruby centers on Team Magma and Groudon; Sapphire centers on Team Aqua and Kyogre. Pokémon availability differs. |
| Emerald | Game Boy Advance | Both teams feature in an expanded story; adds the seven-facility Battle Frontier. |
| Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire | Nintendo 3DS/2DS | Remakes of the paired versions, with updated graphics and features including Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion and soaring. |
If you want the original GBA adventure with a single version’s story emphasis, choose Ruby or Sapphire. Emerald is the GBA option with both teams and the Battle Frontier. If you prefer updated graphics and the remake features, look to Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire. Within either paired set, select the version whose team and legendary Pokémon focus appeals to you.
Can you still buy or use the 3DS versions digitally?
Nintendo ended purchases on the Nintendo 3DS-family eShop on 27 March 2023. That is separate from the end of online services: Nintendo’s Japanese 3DS service notice says internet-based exchange and friend voice chat ended on 9 April 2024. The notices concern different services, so an eShop purchase shutdown should not be described as the online-play shutdown.
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- A complete walkthrough of all the Gym battles and much more!
- More Mega Evolutions and the mysterious Primal Reversion!
- List of TMs and HMs as well as all kinds of items and Mega Stones—including where to find them!
- Includes a Hoenn Region Poster Map!
- All the new game features including Super-Secret Bases!
Physical-cartridge availability and condition vary. Check the listing, region compatibility and seller details before buying; no current stock level is established here. Nintendo UK’s Alpha Sapphire product page includes its release information and the eShop notice.
How popular were Ruby and Sapphire?
Nintendo reported that Ruby and Sapphire had sold more than 13 million units worldwide in its six-month results for the period ending 30 September 2004. This is a historical figure from that reporting period, not a current lifetime sales total. The statement appears in Nintendo’s six-month results report.
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