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If you want to explore Hoenn, start by choosing between the original Game Boy Advance games, Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, and their Nintendo 3DS remakes, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. The remakes offer updated presentation and features, but their internet communication—including online Pokémon exchange—ended on April 9, 2024. Your choice depends on whether you want the original-era experience or a more modernized version, and which rival team’s story you prefer.
Which Pokémon games are set in Hoenn?
Hoenn is the setting for the original Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, released for Game Boy Advance, and the Nintendo 3DS remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Nintendo describes the remakes as new takes on the classic stories, with enhanced graphics and additional content (Nintendo UK’s Alpha Sapphire page; Nintendo UK’s 2014 announcement).
| # | 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 |
These are distinct editions, not interchangeable names for one release. Ruby and Sapphire are the original pair; Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are remakes for Nintendo 3DS-family systems. Nintendo’s pages cited here do not provide a complete comparison with Pokémon Emerald, so they do not establish that Emerald is the best choice or settle every story and content difference between it and the other games.
Should you choose the original games or a remake?
Choose Ruby or Sapphire for the original-era experience
The Game Boy Advance originals let you explore Hoenn in the games’ original form. Nintendo’s page for Ruby and Sapphire highlights double battles, Poké Blocks made using cultivated Berries, and compatibility with Pokémon Box; it does not provide a full feature-by-feature comparison with the remakes (Nintendo Japan’s Ruby/Sapphire page).
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Choose Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire for the 3DS remakes
The remakes keep the Hoenn setting and familiar story foundation while adding or foregrounding features such as Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion for Groudon and Kyogre, Pokémon-Amie, Contest Spectaculars, Super-Secret Bases, and soaring around the region. Nintendo describes progression through eight Gym Leaders and then the Pokémon League and Elite Four on its Alpha Sapphire game page.
Both remakes are Nintendo 3DS/2DS titles. A 2DS system displays the game in 2D; the stereoscopic 3D effect is available only on supported 3DS-family systems. Check that you have compatible hardware before choosing a copy.
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How do Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire differ?
The principal story distinction supported by Nintendo’s descriptions is which rival team takes the prominent role. Team Aqua wants to raise Hoenn’s oceans, while Team Magma wants to expand its landmass. Alpha Sapphire gives Team Aqua the stronger role; Omega Ruby makes Team Magma more prominent (Nintendo UK; Nintendo UK’s announcement).
If you are choosing one, pick the rival-team storyline that interests you more. The sources cited here do not establish a complete list of version-exclusive Pokémon, so this guide does not use exclusives to rank one edition over the other.
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- 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
Which Hoenn starter should you pick?
Both remakes offer the same three starter choices: Treecko (Grass), Torchic (Fire), and Mudkip (Water). Nintendo identifies their types but does not rank them as a universally best choice (Nintendo UK).
- Choose Treecko if you want the Grass-type starter.
- Choose Torchic if you want the Fire-type starter.
- Choose Mudkip if you want the Water-type starter.
For a first playthrough, choosing the Pokémon you like is a sound basis. The information here does not support a claim that one starter makes the game objectively easier or is optimal for every team.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you trade or battle online in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire now?
No. Nintendo says the Nintendo 3DS internet communication functions for these games—including Pokémon exchange and voice chat—ended at 9 a.m. on April 9, 2024. That means older release descriptions mentioning online trading and battles describe features as they existed at the time, not services players can rely on today (Nintendo Japan’s service notice; Nintendo UK’s 2014 release announcement).
Nintendo’s notice concerns internet communication. Local play is a separate mode; the notice does not say that all local communication ended. Do not confuse a local connection with global online trading or battling.
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