Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire#Audio

{{See also|Gameplay of Pokémon{{!}}Gameplay of Pokémon}}

The basic mechanics of Ruby and Sapphire are largely the same as their predecessors. As with all Pokémon games for handheld consoles, the gameplay is in third-person, overhead perspective and consists of three basic screens: a field map, in which the player navigates the main character; a battle screen; and the menu, in which the player configures their party, items, or gameplay settings. Players begin the game with one Pokémon and can capture more using Poké Balls. They can also use their Pokémon to battle other Pokémon. When the player encounters a wild Pokémon or is challenged by a trainer to a battle, the screen switches to a turn-based battle screen where the Pokémon fight.{{cite web|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/389/389660p1.html|title=Pokemon: Ruby Version|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|first=Craig|last=Harris|date=March 17, 2003|access-date=August 2, 2008|archive-date=August 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822224748/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/389/389660p1.html|url-status=live}} During a battle, the player may use a move, use an item, switch their active Pokémon, or flee, although fleeing is not an option in battles against trainers. All Pokémon have hit points (HP); when a Pokémon's HP is reduced to zero, it faints and cannot battle until it is revived. If the player's Pokémon defeats the opposing Pokémon (causes it to faint), it receives experience points. After accumulating enough experience points, it will level up; most Pokémon evolve into a new species of Pokémon when they reach a certain level.Pokémon Sapphire Version instruction booklet, p. 35

Apart from battling, capturing Pokémon is the most essential element of Pokémon gameplay. During a battle with a wild Pokémon, the player may use a Poké Ball on them. If successful, the Pokémon will be added to the player's active party, or stored if the player already has the maximum six Pokémon in their party.Pokémon Sapphire Version instruction booklet, p. 37 Factors in the success rate of capture include the HP, status effects such as Paralysis or Sleep, and the strength of the Poké Ball used: the lower the target's HP and the stronger the Poké Ball, the higher the success rate of capture is.Pokémon Sapphire Version instruction booklet, p. 32 Other trainers' Pokémon cannot be captured.

{{See also|List of generation III Pokémon}}

The most prominent change in the battle mechanics is the introduction of double battles, in which the opposing parties each use two Pokémon at the same time. Consequently, certain Pokémon moves can affect multiple combatants at once.Hollinger, p.3 Multi battles were added alongside double battles. They are identical to double battles, but there are two trainers to a side, each controlling one of the two Pokémon sent out. Also new to the games are innate abilities and natures; the former is shared by every Pokémon of a certain species, while the latter may vary among a particular species. Abilities grant their holders certain powers in battle, such as immunity against certain types of moves or strengthening a certain type of move. Natures, like innate abilities, affect the strength of Pokémon in battle; however, they affect the stats of the Pokémon rather than directly affecting the strength of the moves.Hollinger, p.6 Another stat introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire is Condition, an important factor in Pokémon Contests, mini-games in which participants perform moves before a judge. Both Pokémon and their moves have a Condition, which is increased by using Pokéblocks, which are candies made from berries.Hollinger, p.76 Secret bases were added as a one-off feature where players could open up a hole in the world and customize the area with various items picked up in-game. Players who linked up with others who set up secret bases were able to battle an NPC version of that trainer within their secret base.

Like Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire keep track of real-life time; this influences events like tides and berry plant growth. However, unlike their predecessors, Ruby and Sapphire do not differentiate between day and night. Also, due to the differences in the technical specifications of Game Boy link cables and Game Boy Advance link cables, Ruby and Sapphire cannot be linked with Pokémon games of previous generations; one cannot battle with or trade with the previous generations.Pokémon Sapphire Version instruction booklet, p. 50.

File:Eon Ticket.jpg to go and catch either Latios or Latias, depending on the game.]]

Ruby and Sapphire have limited e-Reader support. Nintendo released Battle-e Cards, a set of e-Reader cards that contained trainer battles in which the player could see previously hidden Pokémon.{{cite web|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/437/437914p1.html|title=Pokemon Battle-e Cards|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|first=Craig|last=Harris|date=September 12, 2003|access-date=August 3, 2008|archive-date=September 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926215708/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/437/437914p1.html|url-status=live}} A special e-Reader card called the Eon Ticket was also released; obtained through the Mystery Gift function, the Ticket allows the player to reach a place called Southern Island. There, the player faces either Latios or Latias, depending on which version of the game is used.{{cite web|url=http://www.pokemon-games.com/eon.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819201845/http://www.pokemon-games.com/eon.html|archive-date=August 19, 2007|publisher=Nintendo|work=Pokemon-games.com|title=The Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire "EON Ticket" Summer Tour is coming to Toys 'R Us!|access-date=July 18, 2008}}

Ruby and Sapphire are also able to connect to the GameCube games Pokémon Colosseum, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness and Pokémon Box: Ruby and Sapphire. In the former two, once players reach a certain point in the game, they are able to transfer Pokémon between Colosseum / XD and Ruby / Sapphire.{{cite web|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/454/454914p1.html|title=Pokemon Colosseum Linkup Revealed|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|date=October 15, 2003|access-date=July 17, 2008|archive-date=June 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613233739/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/454/454914p1.html|url-status=live}} Additionally, those who pre-ordered Colosseum were able to access the Pokémon Jirachi and see a preview of the movie Pokémon: Jirachi Wish Maker. Pokémon Box allows players to store and organize their Pokémon on the GameCube.{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/533/533098p1.html|title=Pokemon Box: Ruby & Sapphire|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|first=Craig|last=Harris|date=July 3, 2004|access-date=July 17, 2008|archive-date=December 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205045048/http://cube.ign.com/articles/533/533098p1.html|url-status=live}} Also, in the European version of Pokémon Channel, players could receive a Jirachi at a certain point in the game, which they could then transfer over to Ruby or Sapphire.

{{Multiple image

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| caption1 = Ruby and Sapphire are set in the Hoenn region, designed to be similar to Japan's island of Kyushu if rotated 90°. (pictured below).

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| caption2 = Kyushu island, Japan

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Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire occur in the Hoenn region, some distance from the Kanto and Johto regions featured in previous games. The design of Hoenn was based on the Japanese island and region of Kyushu; however, Hoenn is rotated 90° relative to Kyushu, as Junichi Masuda felt that it would provide a better gameplay balance.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english/?p=29|title=Hidden Power of Masuda|publisher=Game Freak|date=September 9, 2004|access-date=August 2, 2008|archive-date=March 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311103537/http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english/?p=29|url-status=live}} Like Kyushu, Hoenn possesses many smaller islands, and part of the region is dominated by sea routes, several of which contain areas where the player can dive underwater.

{{See also|List of Pokémon characters{{!}}List of Pokémon characters|List of Pokémon}}

Like other Pokémon games, Ruby and Sapphire{{'}}s gameplay is linear; the main events occur in a fixed order.Hollinger, p.12 The protagonist of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire are Brendan and May, who have recently moved to a small town called Littleroot Town. At the beginning of the games, the player chooses either Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip to protect Professor Birch, the regional professor, from attacking Poochyena. After defending Birch, the player is taken to his lab and receives the chosen Pokémon as their starter Pokémon. After that, the player encounters May/Brendan, the child of Professor Birch. The player's rival, who appears as the professor's child, is also a Pokémon Trainer and occasionally battles the player.{{cite web|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/17508/page_6.html|title=Walkthrough: Badge #1|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|access-date=August 2, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709011448/http://guides.ign.com/guides/17508/page_6.html|archive-date=July 9, 2008}} The games' two main goals are defeating the eight Gym Leaders, proving oneself worthy of challenging the Elite Four and Hoenn League Champion to become the new Hoenn League Champion and completing the Pokédex by capturing, evolving, and trading to obtain all 202 Pokémon available between Ruby and Sapphire. It is possible to obtain all 386 Pokémon, but this requires trading with Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen or Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness and Pokémon Colosseum.{{cite web|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/17508/page_14.html|title=Guides: Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire Guide (GBA) Walkthrough: Pokemon League Championship|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|access-date=August 2, 2008|archive-date=August 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820082754/http://guides.ign.com/guides/17508/page_14.html|url-status=live}}

In addition to the main quest of defeating the Gym Leaders, there are side quests in which the player can aid NPCs by fulfilling tasks, usually by obtaining items. The most prominent subplot involves Team Aqua and Team Magma, crime syndicates who want to use Pokémon to alter the climate of Hoenn: in Ruby, the villains, Team Magma, want to use the legendary Pokémon Groudon to dry up the oceans of Hoenn and increase the region's landmass; in Sapphire, Team Aqua are the villains and they try to use Groudon's counterpart, Kyogre, to flood the landmasses of Hoenn and increase the region's ocean.{{cite web|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/17508/page_7.html|title=Walkthrough: Badge #2|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|access-date=August 2, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706153004/http://guides.ign.com/guides/17508/page_7.html|archive-date=July 6, 2008}} Prior to facing the eighth Gym Leader, the player has a showdown with Magma or Aqua where the team's leader uses a mystical orb that awakens the slumbering Pokémon, believing it has the power to enthrall their respective target, only for the Pokémon to become enraged and cause catastrophic, region-wide climate changes—a drought in Ruby, and heavy rainfall in Sapphire—until it is defeated or captured by the protagonist.Hollinger, pp. 61–62 The player's father also introduces them to Wally, a sickly young boy whom the player helps capture a Pokémon to be his companion as he moves away from the big city. Wally eventually overcomes his illness and becomes a successful Pokémon Trainer, ultimately becoming the final challenger the player must face before the Elite Four.

File:JunichiMasudaJI1.jpg

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were developed by Game Freak and Nintendo under the direction of Junichi Masuda. As with its predecessors, Ken Sugimori was the art director, although these were the first games in which he did not single-handedly produce all of the art.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/data/471243.html|title=Pokemon Ruby Version Info|website=GameFAQs|access-date=July 18, 2008|archive-date=August 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805131846/http://www.gamefaqs.com/gba/471243-pokemon-ruby-version/data|url-status=live}} When asked where his design team came up with the ideas for all of the new Pokémon, Sugimori stated that they got their ideas from past experiences in their childhood involving nature, animals, and the media and then base them on insects. Even looking at the world in a different perspective sometimes provided inspiration for the creatures. "First we select an insect and after that we add essential elements to the insects to make it more like Pokemon, such as adding some hard shape to it, to be more like steel," Sugimori said, describing the process of creating a Pokémon.{{cite interview |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=91965 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211042435/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=91965 |title=Nintendo Interviews: Game Freak on Pokemon! |work=Computer and Video Games |publisher=Future plc |first1=Junichi |last1=Masuda |subject-link1=Junichi Masuda |first2=Shigeki |last2=Morimoto |subject-link2=Shigeki Morimoto |first3=Ken |last3=Sugimori |subject-link3=Ken Sugimori |interviewer=Stuart Bishop |date=May 30, 2003 |access-date=July 18, 2008 |archive-date=February 11, 2007 |url-status=dead }}

As the Game Boy Advance was able to handle enhanced graphics, Ruby and Sapphire were the first games in the series that allowed up to four people to share information at one time, as opposed to the previous limit of two. However, the development team used a more basic graphics engine to keep the game simple and not overly confusing. The team wanted the games to appeal to a large audience, so the game was designed to be easy enough for younger generations of children to play, but new features were added to bring the veteran gamers back.

Masuda stated that the basic philosophy of all Pokémon games is communication; in the Pokémon series, this is manifested in trading and battling with other people. When asked about the new concept of double battles, the developers noted that they tried to focus more on the original one-on-one battles as the main type of competition and only added the double battles as a "new challenge". They stated that if they receive positive feedback about the double battles, the feature may appear more in future generations.

The games were the first in the series that did not contain all of the Pokémon from previous generations. Sugimori stated that the team tried to include all the new Pokémon as well as some from previous generations. When asked about any features that could not be included due to technical restrictions, Masuda noted that he wanted each individual Pokémon to make up to three different cries depending on its mood.

{{Infobox album

| italic_title = no

| name = Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire soundtrack

| type = studio

| artist = Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose and Morikazu Aoki

| cover =

| alt =

| released = April 26, 2003

| recorded =

| venue =

| studio =

| genre = Video game music, soundtrack, audio

| length =

| label = Media Factory

| producer = Unknown

| prev_title =

| prev_year =

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}}

The audio of Ruby and Sapphire consists entirely of game music and sound effects; all dialogue is on-screen. The music, composed by Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose and Morikazu Aoki, is completely instrumental except for two tracks with vocals, "Trick Master" and "Slateport City". The soundtrack of the game was released under the Mediafactory label in Japan on April 26, 2003; the album reached #297 on the Oricon charts and charted for one week.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/506402/1/|title=Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire Super Complete Music|publisher=Oricon|access-date=November 26, 2008|language=ja|archive-date=October 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018141030/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/506402/1/|url-status=live}} Junichi Masuda wrote only battle tunes, Go Ichinose wrote most of the town, route, fanfare & 'Spotted' tunes, whereas Morikazu Aoki did the remainder.

The soundtrack is noted for its heavy use of trumpets,{{cite web |title=The Internet Reacts To The New Pokémon Remakes |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2014/05/the-internet-reacts-to-the-new-pokmon-remakes/ |date=May 8, 2014 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=May 9, 2016 |archive-date=June 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601070209/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2014/05/the-internet-reacts-to-the-new-pokmon-remakes/ |url-status=dead }} but it also makes heavy use of French horns, strings ensembles, and even pianos.

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Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were released in Japan on November 21, 2002,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/pokemonrubyversion/similar.html?mode=versions|title=Pokemon Ruby Version for Game Boy|website=GameSpot|access-date=June 22, 2009|archive-date=March 6, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070306145819/http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/pokemonrubyversion/similar.html?mode=versions|url-status=live}} in North America on March 19, 2003,{{cite web|url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-ruby-version-and-pokemon-sapphire-version|title=Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version|website=Pokemon.com|access-date=May 27, 2018|archive-date=May 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201344/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-ruby-version-and-pokemon-sapphire-version/|url-status=live}} in Australia on April 3, 2003,{{cite web |last1=Kosmina |first1=Ben |title=Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire Australian Release Date |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/8179/pokemon-rubysapphire-australian-release-date |website=Nintendo World Report |access-date=January 15, 2003 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131200752/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/8179/pokemon-rubysapphire-australian-release-date |url-status=live }} and in Europe on July 25, 2003. Nintendo did not promote Ruby and Sapphire at E3 2002;{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/25010/pokemon-ruby-and-sapphire-versions|title=Preview: Pokemon: Ruby and Sapphire Versions|date=July 15, 2002 |magazine=GamePro|publisher=IDG Entertainment|access-date=November 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414111021/http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/25010/pokemon-ruby-and-sapphire-versions|archive-date=April 14, 2009}}{{cite web |last1=Villoria |first1=Gerald |title=E3 2002: Pokemon GBA details confirmed |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2002-pokemon-gba-details-confirmed/1100-2867055/ |website=GameSpot |publisher=Red Ventures |access-date=December 6, 2002 |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129031817/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2002-pokemon-gba-details-confirmed/1100-2867055/ |url-status=live }} however, it launched a {{USD}} $7 million promotional campaign that lasted from March to May 2003.{{cite news|last=Elkin|first=Tobi|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-23085650_ITM|title=Pokemon grows up with its demographic; Nintendo puts $7 mil behind latest versions.|publisher=Advertising Age, Bnet|date=March 2003|access-date=July 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112051426/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-23085650_ITM|archive-date=January 12, 2009|url-status=dead}} In July and August 2002 they were promoted through a tour across Japan at Pokémon Festa 2002.{{cite web |last1=Lake |first1=Max |title=It's Pokemon Festa 2002! |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7492/its-pokemon-festa-2002 |website=Nintendo World Report |publisher=NINWR, LLC. |access-date=April 4, 2021 |date=June 25, 2002 |archive-date=August 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801052800/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7492/its-pokemon-festa-2002 |url-status=live }} In addition to rewarding pre-orders of the games with merchandise, Nintendo held a contest in which participants submitted videos of themselves singing the Pokémon theme song with their own re-written lyrics; the grand prize for that event was a Lugia PT Cruiser.{{cite web|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/389/389147p1.html|title=Pokemon Hit the Road|access-date=July 18, 2008|date=March 12, 2003|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|first=Craig|last=Harris|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117214241/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/389/389147p1.html|archive-date=January 17, 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/385/385760p1.html|title=Pokemon Pre-Sell Goodies|date=February 11, 2003|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|access-date=July 18, 2008|first=Craig|last=Harris|archive-date=August 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808150335/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/385/385760p1.html|url-status=live}} Later that year, Nintendo launched the EON Ticket Summer Tour, in which 125 Toys "R" Us stores across the United States offered the Eon Ticket e-Card in stores from July 19 to September 1.{{cite web|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/435/435984p1.html|title=Nintendo Celebrates Pokemoniversary|access-date=July 18, 2008|date=August 29, 2003|first=Craig|last=Harris|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|archive-date=June 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613234811/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/435/435984p1.html|url-status=live}} Nintendo aired two television advertisements, "Faces" and "Names", on prime-time network, cable, and syndication. "Faces" featured Pokémon juxtaposed with human look-alikes; "Names" featured people shouting out the names of Pokémon and emphasized the fact that the games introduced 100 new Pokémon. Additionally, Nintendo collaborated with United Kingdom beverage brand Vimto to promote the games.{{cite news|url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/183606/nintendo-teams-vimto-new-pokemon-games|title=Nintendo teams up with Vimto for new Pokemon games|date=June 24, 2003|work=Brand Republic|publisher=Haymarket Group|access-date=December 2, 2008|archive-date=April 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416140006/http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/183606/nintendo-teams-vimto-new-pokemon-games|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Pokémon Emerald{{!}}Pokémon Emerald}}

{{nihongo foot|Pokémon Emerald Version|ポケットモンスター エメラルド|Poketto Monsutā Emerarudo|lit. "Pocket Monsters: Emerald"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a third version after Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, developed by Game Freak, published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. It was first released in Japan in 2004, and was later released internationally in 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/data/921905.html|title=Pokemon Emerald Info|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=GameFAQs|access-date=August 2, 2008|archive-date=August 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809044647/http://www.gamefaqs.com/gba/921905-pokemon-emerald-version/data|url-status=live}} Emerald received generally positive reception{{cite web |title=Pokemon Emerald Version |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-emerald-version/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |work=Metacritic |access-date=November 2, 2013 |archive-date=January 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106231301/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/pokemon-emerald-version |url-status=live }} and by fiscal year 2007 sales had reached 6.32 million units.{{cite web |title=Million-Seller Titles of NINTENDO Products |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070427e.pdf#page=6 |work=Nintendo Co. Ltd. |access-date=November 2, 2013 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927171153/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070427e.pdf#page=6 |url-status=live }}

{{Video game reviews

| GR = 84% (55 reviews){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages4/471243.asp|title=Pokemon Ruby Version Reviews|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=GameRankings|access-date=August 2, 2008|archive-date=August 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806113649/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/471243-pokemon-ruby-version/index.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages4/563596.asp|title=Pokemon Sapphire Version Reviews|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=GameRankings|access-date=August 2, 2008|archive-date=May 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513065410/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/563596-pokemon-sapphire-version/index.html|url-status=dead}}

| MC = 82% (33 reviews){{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/gba/pokemonsapphire|title=Pokemon Sapphire Reviews|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=Metacritic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080504025052/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/gba/pokemonsapphire|archive-date=May 4, 2008 |access-date=July 17, 2008}}{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/gba/pokemonruby|title=Pokemon Ruby Reviews|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=Metacritic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080504025047/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/gba/pokemonruby |archive-date=May 4, 2008 |access-date=July 17, 2008}}

| 1UP = B−{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3103339&p=19&sec=REVIEWS|title=Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire Review|date=January 1, 2000|work=1UP.com|publisher=Ziff Davis Media|access-date=November 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629063946/http://www.1up.com/reviews/pokeacutemon-ruby-sapphire_2|archive-date=June 29, 2011}}

| CVG = 9/10{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=90745|title=Review: Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire|first=Maura|last=Sutton|publisher=Future Publishing|work=ComputerAndVideoGames.com|access-date=November 13, 2008|date=May 8, 2003|archive-date=April 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416210323/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=90745|url-status=dead}}

| EuroG = 7/10{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=53163|title=Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire Review|first=Martin|last=Taylor|work=Eurogamer|access-date=November 13, 2008|date=September 8, 2003|archive-date=August 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804163804/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_pokemonrubysapphire_gba|url-status=dead}}

| Fam = 34/40ゲームボーイアドバンス - ポケットモンスター ルビー・サファイア. Weekly Famitsu. No. 915 Pt.2. Pg.120. June 30, 2006.

| GSpot = 8.1/10 (Ruby){{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/pokemonrubyversion/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary%3Breview&page=2|title=Pokemon Ruby Version|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=GameSpot|date=March 18, 2003|first=Greg|last=Kasavin|access-date=July 17, 2008|archive-date=October 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008101115/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/pokemon-emerald-review/1900-6123643/|url-status=live}}

| GameZone = 9.5/10 (Ruby){{cite web|url=http://gameboy.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20800_GBA.htm|title=Pokemon Ruby Review|publisher=Gamezone Online|work=GameZone|first=Louis|last=Bedigian |access-date=November 13, 2008|date=March 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104011045/http://gameboy.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20800_GBA.htm |archive-date=November 4, 2008}}

| IGN = 9.5/10 (Ruby){{cite web|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/017/017508.html|title=IGN: Pokemon Ruby Version|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|access-date=October 13, 2008|archive-date=July 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718164439/http://www.ign.com/games/pokemon-battle-e/gba-17508|url-status=live}}

}}

The games met with mostly positive reviews. IGN gave them an "Amazing" 9.5 out of 10 rating and awarded them the Editor's Choice Award; in 2007, the games were collectively named the tenth best Game Boy Advance game of all time in an IGN article.{{cite web|first=Craig|last=Harris|date=March 16, 2007|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/772/772284p4.html|title=Top 25 Game Boy Advance Games of All Time|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|access-date=March 18, 2007|archive-date=August 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827013819/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/772/772284p4.html|url-status=live}} GameZone also gave the games a 9.5 out of 10 rating and awarded them an Outstanding Award. GamePro gave the games 5 out of 5 stars and named them Editor's Choices. ComputerAndVideoGames.com gave the games a 9 out of 10, and GameSpot gave the games 8.1 out of 10, naming it the best Game Boy Advance game of March 2003.{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050123194209/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/040503/index.html | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/040503/index.html | title=GameSpot{{'}}s Month in Review: March 2003 | author=((The Editors of GameSpot)) | date=April 5, 2003 | work=GameSpot | archive-date=January 23, 2005 | url-status=dead }} Eurogamer and 1UP.com were less enthusiastic about the games, however; Eurogamer gave the games 7 out of 10, and 1UP.com gave them a B−.

Reviewers were divided in their critiques of the games, especially concerning the gameplay and graphics. IGN praised the "deep design" and noted that the addition of features such as double battles greatly increased the strategic aspect of the games. GamePro also thought that the addition of double battles "add[ed] challenge" and "made the harder battles far more strategic than before—the way the game should be".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gameboy_advance/games/reviews/28564.shtml|title=Review: Pokemon: Ruby and Sapphire Versions|publisher=IDG Entertainment|magazine=GamePro|date=March 17, 2003|access-date=July 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611061516/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gameboy_advance/games/reviews/28564.shtml|url-status=live|archive-date=June 11, 2008}} Likewise, ComputerAndVideoGames.com called the gameplay "incredibly compelling and addictive". GameZone noted that the gameplay was more refined and challenging than that of previous titles. However, GameSpot called the games "a cakewalk from start to finish" and claimed that Ruby and Sapphire "don't offer much of a challenge". Eurogamer also felt that the mechanics "[get] very tired, very fast". 1UP.com also felt that the games were formulaic and that double battles were underused.

ComputerAndVideoGames.com was enthusiastic over the graphics, calling them "gorgeous". Other reviewers were less enthusiastic, however. GamePro felt that the graphics were only "a fair bit prettier" than those of the Game Boy Color games; GameZone said that the games "still [use] the simple animations and basic character designs that were created for the original, color-less Game Boy". IGN and 1UP.com noted that the graphics had received only a minor upgrade, and Eurogamer felt that the graphics had been upgraded to a "functional level at best". The audio was generally well-received: GameZone and GameSpot both felt the audio was catchy; GameZone gave the audio an 8 out of 10 score, saying that while the music "was annoying at times, [...] it's also very good. [...] I found myself humming the music when I wasn't playing". Other complaints included the removal of the time system of Gold and Silver and the inability to import Pokémon from the games of previous generations.{{cite web|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/389/389660p3.html|title=IGN: Pokemon Ruby Version Review|last=Harris|first=Craig|date=March 17, 2003|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|page=3|access-date=November 26, 2008|archive-date=November 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116030356/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/17/pokemon-ruby-version?page=3|url-status=live}}

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were highly anticipated.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/27187/japan-catches-a-light-case-of-pokemania|title=Japan Catches A Light Case of Pokemania|date=December 21, 2002|magazine=GamePro|publisher=IDG Entertainment|access-date=December 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414113254/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/27187/japan-catches-a-light-case-of-pokemania|archive-date=April 14, 2009}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-22709780_ITM|title=America Braces for Next Huge Pokemon Wave; Pokemon Ruby, Pokemon Sapphire for Game Boy Advance Give New Game-Play and Learning Experience|work=AccessMyLibrary|access-date=November 30, 2008|publisher=Business Wire|date=March 17, 2003|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716174318/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/search/?q=America%20Braces%20for%20Next%20Huge%20Pokemon%20Wave;%20Pokemon%20Ruby,%20Pokemon%20Sapphire%20for%20Game%20Boy%20Advance%20Give%20New%20Game-Play%20and%20Learning%20Experience.|archive-date=July 16, 2012|url-status=dead}} In Japan, they sold 1.25 million units within the first four days of release and were the best-selling games of the 2002 holiday season;{{cite magazine |date=December 19, 2002 |title=EU Wraps Up Microsoft Inquiry |url=https://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2002/12/56928?currentPage=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120918075733/http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2002/12/56928?currentPage=2 |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |access-date=November 30, 2008 |magazine=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast Publications}} sales totaled around 4.4 million within six weeks of release. They also became the first games to sell 2 million copies in Japan since 2001's Final Fantasy X and the first games for a handheld console to do so since 2000's Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 4.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/27520/top-30-japanese-video-games-12-08-02|title=Top 30 Japanese Video Games 12/08/02|date=December 18, 2002|magazine=GamePro|publisher=IDG Entertainment|access-date=November 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414113259/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/27520/top-30-japanese-video-games-12-08-02|archive-date=April 14, 2009}}{{efn|If the two games are counted as one}}

In North America, Nintendo sold 2.2 million units by April 2003, less than one month after the games' release in that region.{{cite web|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/392/392355p1.html|title=Nintendo Makes Money|date=April 4, 2003|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|access-date=July 17, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040618035314/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/392/392355p1.html|archive-date=June 18, 2004}} In the United States, Ruby and Sapphire were the second- and third-best-selling games of 2003, respectively.{{cite web |last1=Riley |first1=David M. |title=The NPD Group Reports Annual 2003 U.S. Video Game Industry Driven By Console Software Sales |url=https://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_040126a.htm |website=The NPD Group, Inc. |access-date=January 24, 2004 |archive-date=February 9, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040209031659/http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_040126a.htm |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7679844_ITM|title=2003's top video games.|date=March 9, 2004|work=AccessMyLibrary|publisher=The Charlotte Observer|access-date=November 30, 2008|agency=Knight-Ridder/Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112030210/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7679844_ITM|archive-date=January 12, 2009|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |date=March 2003 |title=Financial Review |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2003/annual0303e.pdf |website=www.nintendo.co.jp/ |access-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-date=November 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128043740/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2003/annual0303e.pdf |url-status=live }} The games enjoyed success in Europe as well.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=March 27, 2006 |title=FROM THE MIND OF A JAPANESE SCHOOL BOY TO THE BIGGEST GAME FRANCHISE OF ALL TIME! |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/from-the-mind-of-a-japanese-school-boy-to-the-biggest-game-franchise-of-all-time |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102182604/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/from-the-mind-of-a-japanese-school-boy-to-the-biggest-game-franchise-of-all-time |url-status=live }} Even before release, European retailers imported cartridges from the United States to meet the high demand.{{cite news|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/04/28/importers_warned_over_gba_pokemon/|title=Importers warned over GBA Pokemon titles|date=April 28, 2003|work=The Register|publisher=Situation Publishing Ltd|access-date=November 30, 2008|archive-date=October 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003222909/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/04/28/importers_warned_over_gba_pokemon/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Rob |date=July 29, 2003 |title=UK Charts: Market boosted massively as Pokemon storms UK retail |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/uk-charts-market-boosted-massively-as-pokemon-storms-uk-retail |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102182603/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/uk-charts-market-boosted-massively-as-pokemon-storms-uk-retail |url-status=live }} Upon release, 500,000 copies were sold in its first weekend and sold {{nowrap|1.5 million}} within eight weeks.{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Craig |title=Pokemon Super Packs |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/27/pokemon-super-packs |access-date=November 5, 2021 |work=IGN |date=October 27, 2003 |language=en |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105072532/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/27/pokemon-super-packs |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Rob |date=July 31, 2003 |title=Pokemon sells half a million in Europe |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pokemon-sells-half-a-million-in-europe |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928084349/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pokemon-sells-half-a-million-in-europe |url-status=live }} They were the second-best-selling games of the holiday season in 2002.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/31990/game-boy-advance-shipments-hit-10-million-in-europe|title=Game Boy Advance shipments hit 10 million in Europe|date=December 9, 2003|magazine=GamePro|publisher=IDG Entertainment |access-date=November 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414111015/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/31990/game-boy-advance-shipments-hit-10-million-in-europe|archive-date=April 14, 2009}} The games were brought up at E3 2003 by Satoru Iwata as a symbol of how successful the Game Boy Advance was at the time.{{cite web |last1=Doree |first1=Adam |title=E3 2003: Nintendo Conference Report |url=http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/news/200305/033.asp |website=Kikizo |publisher=Superglobal Ltd. |access-date=April 4, 2021 |date=May 13, 2003 |archive-date=June 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610102723/http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/news/200305/033.asp |url-status=live }}

With 16.22 million units sold worldwide as of 2023, they are the best-selling games for the Game Boy Advance.{{cite web |last1=Harris |first1=Golin |title=Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Sell More Than 4 Million Units Worldwide in First Two Days |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20131015006009/en/Pok%C3%A9mon-Pok%C3%A9mon-Sell-4-Million-Units-Worldwide |website=Business Wire |date=October 15, 2013 |access-date=January 25, 2019 |archive-date=January 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126113801/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20131015006009/en/Pok%C3%A9mon-Pok%C3%A9mon-Sell-4-Million-Units-Worldwide |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/202366/Pokemon_X__Y_sell_4M_copies_in_first_weekend.php|title=Pokemon X & Y sell 4M copies in first weekend|last=Rose|first=Mike|date=October 15, 2013|work=Gamasutra|publisher=Think Services|access-date=October 16, 2013|archive-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019020122/http://gamasutra.com/view/news/202366/Pokemon_X__Y_sell_4M_copies_in_first_weekend.php|url-status=dead}} However, analysts noted that with "young kids...gravitating toward Yu-Gi-Oh!" at the time, Pokémon{{'}}s popularity was waning even before the American release of Ruby and Sapphire.{{cite news |last=Chronis|first=George T. |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-22555674_ITM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112035729/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-22555674_ITM|title=Pokemon pundits see luster fading: new games seen a solid, no record breakers|date=February 24, 2003|work=AccessMyLibrary|publisher=Video Business|access-date=November 30, 2008|archive-date=January 12, 2009 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite news |last=Finney |first=Daniel P. |date=July 13, 2003 |title=Made in Japan, Played in U.S.A.: Yu-Gi-Oh! Is the Latest Big Draw |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2003/07/13/made-in-japan-played-in-usa-yu-gi-oh-is-the-latest-big-draw/94c75b94-519e-4d8e-8fb5-8a6ceff00230/ |access-date=October 19, 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite web |title=CNN.com - Yu-Gi-Oh: An animation sensation - Jun. 27, 2003 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/26/yugioh/?fbclid=IwAR0LNr4Aaw6CgY8A5F0RYSeupBS0uQW5MF2Wq5mVrXUcYiuXsA-MLEKIyXc |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=www.cnn.com |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817145344/https://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/26/yugioh/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Yu-Gi-Oh is the next Pokemon for 4Kids Entertainment. - Dec. 4, 2002 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2002/12/04/news/holiday_yugioh/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR2TvlP16DcS-0iHhIy1jqvh5B1kV3ftqQToFjEVrxcY0Ehp2SLgVrq_fL0 |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=money.cnn.com |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102182603/https://money.cnn.com/2002/12/04/news/holiday_yugioh/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR2TvlP16DcS-0iHhIy1jqvh5B1kV3ftqQToFjEVrxcY0Ehp2SLgVrq_fL0 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2003 |title=Bye-bye Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh! is here |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2003-02-23-0302230229-story.html |access-date=October 23, 2023 |website=Baltimore Sun |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102182603/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2003-02-23-0302230229-story.html |url-status=live }} This was reflected in the games' sales compared to those of previous generations: Red and Blue sold nearly 31 million units worldwide,{{cite web|url=http://hdl.handle.net/10022/AC:P:28|format=PDF|title=Pokemania: Secrets Behind the International Phenomenon|publisher=Columbia Business School|author=Safier, Joshua|author2=Nakaya, Sumie |date=February 7, 2000|doi=10.7916/D8V12CPD |hdl=10022/AC:P:28 |access-date=August 5, 2011}} and Gold and Silver sold over 23 million units.{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-JPPlatinum.shtml|title=Japan Platinum Chart Games|publisher=The Magic Box|access-date=July 5, 2008|archive-date=August 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801030711/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-JPPlatinum.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml|title=US Platinum Chart Games|publisher=The Magic Box|access-date=July 5, 2008|archive-date=May 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509132932/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire{{!}}Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}

{{nihongo foot|Pokémon Omega Ruby|ポケットモンスター オメガルビー|Poketto Monsutā Omega Rubī|"Pocket Monsters: Omega Ruby"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} and {{nihongo foot|Pokémon Alpha Sapphire|ポケットモンスター アルファサファイア|Poketto Monsutā Arufa Safaia|"Pocket Monsters: Alpha Sapphire"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} are enhanced remakes of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. The new titles were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. They were released worldwide for the Nintendo 3DS on November 21, 2014, exactly twelve years after the original release date of Ruby and Sapphire, while the European release was the following week.{{cite web |url=http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-omega-ruby-and-pokemon-alpha-sapphire/ |title=Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=May 7, 2014 |archive-date=December 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219135518/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-omega-ruby-and-pokemon-alpha-sapphire/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/84410/pokemon-omega-ruby-and-alpha-sapphire-announced | title=Pokemon: Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire announced | publisher=Shacknews LTD | date=May 7, 2014 | access-date=May 7, 2014 | last=Watts | first=Steve | archive-date=May 11, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140511135824/http://www.shacknews.com/article/84410/pokemon-omega-ruby-and-alpha-sapphire-announced | url-status=live }}

{{Main|Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire{{!}}Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire|Pokémon Colosseum{{!}}Pokémon Colosseum|Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness{{!}}Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness}}

{{main|Pokémon Box: Ruby and Sapphire{{!}}Pokémon Box: Ruby and Sapphire}}

{{nihongo foot|Pokémon Box: Ruby and Sapphire|ポケモンボックス ルビー＆サファイア|Pokemon Bokkusu Rubī & Safaia|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} or simply {{nihongo foot|Pokémon Box|ポケモンボックス|Pokemon Bokkusu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}, is a spin-off Pokémon game for the GameCube, bundled with a GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable and a Memory Card 59.{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/532/532019p1.html|title=IGN: Pokemon Box: Ruby and Sapphire Preview|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|first=Craig|last=Harris|date=July 20, 2004|access-date=September 28, 2008|archive-date=April 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403025959/http://cube.ign.com/articles/532/532019p1.html|url-status=live}} It was released in Japan on May 30, 2003, and in North America on July 12, 2004,{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2004-06-08 |title=Pokemon Box Coming Stateside |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/08/pokemon-box-coming-stateside |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513125813/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/08/pokemon-box-coming-stateside |url-status=live }} but only through the New York Pokémon Center and its online store, and it is no longer available in either location.{{as of?|date=October 2019}} The game was released in some parts of Europe as Pokémon Memory Magic due to translation problems{{cite web|url=http://n-europe.com/news.php?nid=4558|title=N-Europe: News: Pokémon Name Change|publisher=N-Europe|author=Tim|date=September 28, 2008|access-date=February 15, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925223128/http://n-europe.com/news.php?nid=4558|archive-date=September 25, 2011}} and Europeans could only get the game by using points from Nintendo of Europe's loyalty program or by buying the Pokémon Colosseum Mega Pack.{{cite web|url=http://n-europe.com/news.php?nid=6515|title=N-Europe: News: Pokémon Box Gets Starring Role|publisher=N-Europe|first=Ashley|last=Boyd|date=May 15, 2004|access-date=September 28, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002121450/http://n-europe.com/news.php?nid=6515|archive-date=October 2, 2011}}

The game is essentially a storage system for the Game Boy Advance Pokémon games that allow players to trade and store Pokémon that they have caught in Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed and LeafGreen onto a GameCube memory card.{{Cite web |title=Pokémon Box E3 2003 Preshow Report |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokymon-box-e3-2003-preshow-report/1100-6027626/ |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629152009/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokymon-box-e3-2003-preshow-report/1100-6027626/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Pokémon Box Ruby and Sapphire Impressions |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokymon-box-ruby-and-sapphire-impressions/1100-6029812/ |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629152009/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokymon-box-ruby-and-sapphire-impressions/1100-6029812/ |url-status=live }} Players can then organize and interact with their Pokémon on the GameCube, such as allowing them to breed. Unique Pokémon can also be acquired. Another feature allows Ruby and Sapphire to be played on the television via the GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable. Options such as taking screenshots of the game are available in this mode.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/puzzle/pokemonbox/news.html?sid=6029812&mode=previews|title=Pokémon Box Ruby and Sapphire Impressions|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=GameSpot|date=July 10, 2003 |access-date=September 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106222726/http://www.gamespot.com/pokemon-box-ruby-and-sapphire/previews/pokmon-box-ruby-and-sapphire-impressions-6029812/|archive-date=November 6, 2012|url-status=dead}} Another addition is the "Showcase", where players can create and display game pieces of Pokémon.

Nintendo referred to the game as "the most exclusive Pokémon software ever offered to North American Pokémon fans," but it was generally considered to be unnecessary, receiving a score of 50% on GameRankings from 1 review.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/914971.asp|title=Pokemon Box: Ruby and Sapphire Reviews|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=GameRankings|access-date=September 28, 2008|archive-date=October 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011233119/http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/914971-pokemon-box-ruby-and-sapphire/index.html|url-status=live}} Craig Harris of IGN gave the game a "Meh" rating of 5.0 out of 10, praising the interface, which makes the organization of Pokémon much easier as compared to the Game Boy Advance interface, as well as the emulator which allows Ruby and Sapphire to be played on the GameCube. He also stated that the game was a good deal due to the inclusion of a memory card and link cable. However, Harris cited the "Showcase" as "entirely unnecessary and completely out of place", and said that overall the game lacked much to do. He wrote, "It's targeted specifically for the truly die-hard Pokemon fan, but it requires so many specific elements to actually be useful to anyone."{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/533/533098p1.html|title=IGN: Pokemon Box: Ruby and Sapphire Review|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN|first=Craig|last=Harris|date=July 23, 2004|access-date=September 28, 2008|archive-date=December 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205045048/http://cube.ign.com/articles/533/533098p1.html|url-status=live}} Allgame gave the game three and a half out of five stars.{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:43616|title=Pokémon Box > Overview|publisher=Macrovision Corporation|work=Allgame|first=Scott Alan|last=Marriott|access-date=September 28, 2008|archive-date=January 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102111731/http://allgame.com/game.php?id=43616|url-status=dead}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Refbegin}}

• {{cite video game|title=Pokémon Ruby|developer=Game Freak|publisher=Nintendo|date=March 19, 2003}}
• {{cite video game|title=Pokémon Sapphire|developer=Game Freak|publisher=Nintendo|date=March 19, 2003}}
• {{cite book|title=Pokémon Sapphire Version instruction booklet|publisher=Nintendo|year=2003}}
• {{cite book|publisher=Prima Games|year=2003|title=Pokémon Ruby Version [and] Sapphire Version: Prima's Official Strategy Guide|location=USA|first=Elizabeth M.|last=Hollinger|isbn=0-7615-4256-6|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/pokemonrubyversi00holl}}

{{Refend}}

• {{Official website|https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-ruby-version-and-pokemon-sapphire-version/}}

{{Pokémon Generation 3|state=expanded}}

{{Pokémon video games}}

{{Portal bar|Video games|2000s}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire}}

Category:2002 video games

Category:Game Boy Advance games

Category:Game Boy Advance-only games

Category:Game Freak games

Category:Japanese role-playing video games

Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games

Ruby and Sapphire

Category:Role-playing video games

Category:Video games developed in Japan

Category:Video game sequels

Category:Video games directed by Junichi Masuda

Category:Video games with gender-selectable protagonists

Category:Video games scored by Go Ichinose

Category:Video games scored by Junichi Masuda

Category:Video games scored by Morikazu Aoki

Category:Video games set in Japan

Category:Video games set on fictional islands

Category:Video games set underwater

Category:Games with GameCube-GBA connectivity