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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11For a first Pokémon adventure on Nintendo 3DS, start with Pokémon X or Pokémon Y. Pick Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire if you specifically want a Hoenn remake; choose Sun or Moon for the original Alola adventure, or Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon for a later Alola version featuring Ultra Wormhole exploration. There is no established universal winner, so let the setting and type of adventure you want decide.
Which Pokémon 3DS game fits what you want?
| Your preference | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Your first main-series Pokémon game on 3DS | Pokémon X or Pokémon Y | A straightforward starting point among the Generation VI pair. No official comparative ranking establishes one as best. |
| A Hoenn remake | Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Choose this pair when a return to Hoenn is the specific draw. |
| The original Alola adventure | Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon | These are the original Alola pair, before the later Ultra versions. |
| A later Alola adventure with Ultra Wormhole exploration | Pokémon Ultra Sun or Pokémon Ultra Moon | Nintendo highlights Ultra Wormhole exploration as a feature of these games. |
How to choose between the four pairs
Choose X or Y for a first 3DS journey
If you do not already have a strong preference for Hoenn or Alola, X or Y is a sensible starting point. This is a practical recommendation, not an official ranking: the available official information does not compare the games or identify a universal best choice.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire - Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) | $59.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![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)
|
Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire Dual Pack - Nintendo 3DS Edition: DualPack Model:... | $114.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Pokémon X | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Pokémon Ultra Moon - Nintendo 3DS (World Edition) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61KyifjYbfL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Pokémon Ultra Moon - Nintendo 3DS (World Edition) [video game] | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Pokémon Ultra Sun - Nintendo 3DS | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Choose Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire for Hoenn
Pick Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire if the appeal is revisiting Hoenn in a remake. Nintendo’s compatibility listing includes both titles among its 3DS Pokémon games.
Choose Sun or Moon for the original Alola story
Sun and Moon are the original Alola pair. They suit a player who wants that version of the adventure rather than the later Ultra titles.
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#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.
Choose Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon for Ultra Wormholes
Nintendo’s feature page highlights Ultra Wormhole exploration in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Shigeru Ohmori, identified there as director of Sun and Moon, describes it as a feature players can enter and explore. Nintendo identifies Kazumasa Iwao as director of the Ultra games.
Can you buy and play these games now?
Nintendo ended new purchases through the Nintendo 3DS eShop on March 27, 2023. If you do not already have a game, expect to look for a physical cartridge rather than a new eShop purchase. Check a listing’s condition and region, and make sure the cartridge works with your hardware. Current stock, seller quality, and used prices are not established here.
Rank #2
- 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
What about Pokémon Bank and other online services?
Nintendo support pages list Pokémon Bank compatibility for these games, including Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. A compatibility listing does not confirm that Bank, transfers, or other online functions are currently available or will remain available. Check Nintendo’s current service notices before relying on network features.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A new light shines on the Alola region!
- Take on the role of a Pokemon Trainer and encounter Pokemon, uncover new tales, and Unravel the mystery behind the two forms reminiscent of the legendary Pokemon.
- These new titles power up the Pokemon Sun and Pokemon moon content with new story additions and features, earning them the name “ultra!” another adventure is about to begin!
- Destructoid: "A hallmark of excellence.";GameSpot: "...a fun-filled and uplifting Pokemon adventure…"
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Mild cartoon violence
Rank #3
- Fully 3D Pokémon world on Nintendo 3DS – Experience mainline Pokémon gameplay with fully 3D characters, battles, and environments for the first time in the series.
- New region & starters – Journey through the Kalos region and begin with one of three new starters: Grass-type Chespin, Fire-type Fennekin, or Water-type Froakie.
- New battle types & training options – Try Sky Battles and Horde Encounters, and improve your team with features like Super Training and other new training tools.
- Powerful new Pokémon & Mega Evolution – Encounter the majestic Legendary Xerneas and discover Mega Evolution, which temporarily powers up certain Pokémon in battle.
A quick decision
- No particular region or story preference? Start with X or Y.
- Want Hoenn? Choose Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire.
- Want the original Alola adventure? Choose Sun or Moon.
- Want the later Alola adventure and its Ultra Wormhole exploration? Choose Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon.
- Buying now? Check physical-copy condition, region, hardware compatibility, and any service you depend on.
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.
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