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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHoenn is the setting for the original Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, as well as their Nintendo 3DS remakes, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Choose the original pair for the Game Boy Advance-era games; choose a remake for a refreshed version of the Hoenn story and its added features. The remakes’ online communication features, including internet trading, ended on April 9, 2024, so older descriptions of online play are no longer current.
Which Pokémon games are set in Hoenn?
Hoenn is the region explored in Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, originally released in 2003, and in the later remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Nintendo describes the remakes as new takes on the classic stories, with enhanced graphics and exclusive new content. Nintendo’s Alpha Sapphire overview introduces the Hoenn adventure and its progression from the region’s eight Gym Leaders to the Pokémon League and Elite Four.
| # | 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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Which version should you start with?
Choose the original Ruby or Sapphire for the GBA-era experience
Ruby and Sapphire are the original pair. Nintendo’s description of those games highlights Hoenn exploration, Double Battles, Poké Blocks made with cultivated Berries, and Pokémon Box compatibility. Those details help identify the originals’ context, but they do not establish a complete feature comparison with Emerald or the remakes. Nintendo Japan’s Ruby and Sapphire page covers the original games.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire for the remakes
The remakes revisit the Hoenn story with enhanced graphics and additional features. Their main story distinction is the rival team: Alpha Sapphire gives Team Aqua the more prominent role, while Omega Ruby foregrounds Team Magma. Team Aqua seeks to raise the oceans; Team Magma seeks to expand the landmass. If you have a preference between those storylines, use it to choose. This is not a complete list of version-exclusive Pokémon, so it should not be treated as one.
#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!
The remakes also feature Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion for Groudon and Kyogre, Pokémon-Amie interactions, Contest Spectaculars, Super-Secret Bases, and the ability to soar around Hoenn. Nintendo’s Alpha Sapphire game page describes these features and the game’s main progression.
What about Emerald?
Pokémon Emerald is another Hoenn-set game, but the Nintendo information cited here does not provide a full comparison between it and Ruby, Sapphire, or the remakes. There is not enough here to name one edition as the definitive choice or to claim that a particular version contains every story or content difference you might want. Decide first whether you want the original GBA games or a 3DS remake, then choose between the documented Magma and Aqua story emphasis in the remakes.
Rank #2
- Authentic Nintendo Product
Which starter should you pick?
In Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the starter choices are:
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- Treecko: Grass type.
- Torchic: Fire type.
- Mudkip: Water type.
Nintendo lists the three types but does not rank the starters. Choose the Pokémon you like, or the type you want as the starting point for your team; there is no source-backed universally best pick.
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
What hardware do the remakes need?
Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are Nintendo 3DS-family games, including compatibility with 2DS systems. The stereoscopic 3D effect is available only on systems that support it; 2DS systems display the games in 2D. A 3D effect is not required to play.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you still trade or battle online?
No. Nintendo says the Nintendo 3DS internet communication features for these games—including Pokémon exchange and voice chat—ended at 9 a.m. on April 9, 2024. That means you should not expect global online trading or battles in Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire to work now. Nintendo’s 2014 release material advertised online battles and trading when the games launched, but that is historical information, not evidence of current service. Nintendo Japan’s game page carries the service notice.
Internet communication and local play are separate. Nintendo’s notice addresses internet communication features; it does not say that local play ended. Treat local communication as a separate option rather than assuming that the old online services remain available.
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A practical starting choice
- Pick your era: choose Ruby or Sapphire for the original GBA-era games, or Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire for the remakes.
- If choosing a remake, pick the story emphasis: Omega Ruby foregrounds Team Magma; Alpha Sapphire foregrounds Team Aqua.
- Check your hardware: the remakes require a compatible Nintendo 3DS-family system, and 2DS models show the game in 2D.
- Choose a starter by preference: Treecko is Grass, Torchic is Fire, and Mudkip is Water.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
