Pokémon Emerald Classic
Game Boy Advance · RPG
Pokémon Ruby
Deep cut
| System | Game Boy Advance |
|---|---|
| Released | 2003 |
| Genre | RPG |
| Developer | Game Freak |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Players | 1–4 players |
| Commitment | Epic journey (20+ hours of adventure) |
| Series | Pokémon |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 3 |
Pokémon Ruby is a role-playing game released in 2003 for the Game Boy Advance, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Pokemon: Ruby Version.
It landed about 2 years into the GBA's life. Other notable GBA releases from 2003 include Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and Sonic Battle.
It is part of the Pokémon series; on the GBA you can also try Pokémon Emerald, Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire and Pokémon FireRed. The series also appears on other systems with Pokémon Yellow (Game Boy) and Pokémon Crystal (GBC). Game Freak also made Drill Dozer for the GBA.
Pokémon Ruby supports up to 4 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to get lost in a long quest
- you have time for an epic journey (20+ hours of adventure)
- you have a friend to play against
- you've played the GBA hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you want instant action rather than menus, story and grinding
- you only have a few minutes at a time
What playing Pokémon Ruby is like
Role-playing games trade reflexes for strategy and story. You build a party, level up, manage equipment and travel across a large world, usually through menu-based battles.
Tip for newcomers: Retro RPGs can require some level grinding and rarely tell you exactly where to go next. Talk to every townsperson, save often and use a guide if you get stuck: there is no shame in it.
Pokémon Ruby cheats & codes
25 codes on file (GameShark). Here are a few GameShark codes to start with:
| Fast Hatching | 320287EA
00FE |
|---|---|
| No Random Battles | 8202E8C0
0000 |
| Have Running Shoes | 32026A60
0001 |
| Free Day Care | 8202E8CE
0000 |
| Max Hearts in Contests | 320192B6
00FF |
| Master Code | 0000B138
000A
10000428
0007 |
Pokémon Ruby walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Pokémon Ruby.
If you like Pokémon Ruby, the Matrix also picks…
Pokémon Crystal Classic
Pokémon Platinum Classic
Pokémon FireRed Deep cut
Pokémon LeafGreen Deep cut
Pokémon Sapphire Deep cut
Pokémon Yellow Classic
Pokémon Blue Classic
Playing GBA games today
The GBA is one of the best-value retro libraries around, with deep RPGs and tactics games that suit portable play. A growing selection is on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and Rec0m88 supports GBA if you own the games.
Pokémon Ruby FAQ
When did Pokémon Ruby come out on the GBA?
Pokémon Ruby was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2003.
Who made Pokémon Ruby?
It was developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo.
Is Pokémon Ruby multiplayer?
Yes. Pokémon Ruby supports up to 4 players.
How long does Pokémon Ruby take to play?
As a role-playing game, Pokémon Ruby typically falls into the "Epic journey" category: 20+ hours of adventure. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Pokémon Ruby on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.