With the release of the tenth generation of Pokémon likely just a year or two away, many players are revisiting where they began their adventures. This often depended on the console they first played on, from the original Game Boy Color to the Nintendo Switch. Fortunately, recent re-releases of older games on modern consoles now give players a chance to start with titles that offer a clearer and more accessible introduction to the fundamental ideas of Pokémon.
As a huge Pokémon fan, I’m so excited that the Nintendo Switch 2 is letting me replay the Gen 3 games, FireRed and LeafGreen! It’s awesome to have those classics alongside the Gen 4 remakes, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, all on one handheld. With so many generations now available on the Switch 2, it’s actually sparked a lot of debate about which Pokémon game is the best starting point for new players – and honestly, there are good arguments for a bunch of them!
The 23rd Anniversary Of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, & Emerald Shows Why Gen 3 Is The Perfect Starting Point
The Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire games, part of Generation 3, will be 23 years old on March 19, 2026, counting from their original release in North America. FireRed and LeafGreen are nearly the same age, celebrating their 22nd anniversary. And Pokémon Emerald, which improved upon Ruby and Sapphire, was released just a year after the remakes of the original Kanto games.
With so many Pokémon games available, and some being quite old, fans might think they feel outdated. While certain things have changed over the years – like how quickly you can level up your Pokémon – these games are still surprisingly easy to pick up and play, even after decades. In fact, the Generation 3 games might actually be a better place to start than some of the newer ones, because they have a more manageable number of Pokémon to learn about.
The Pokémon games from Generation 3 have a straightforward and focused design. Progressing through the game involves overcoming clear challenges, unlike the more expansive and open-ended newer titles. These older games emphasize what players can do, guiding them toward specific goals like following certain events or battling particular Gym Leaders. Exploring the game world and revisiting areas is also simpler and quicker, making it easier to find items and rare Pokémon.
Gen 3 Pokémon games are welcoming to new players because they’re shorter, giving people more time to learn the game’s mechanics. The simple, classic graphics aren’t just appealing – they also make it easier to navigate and explore. Unlike the sprawling 3D worlds in later games, the 2D environments in Gen 3 are easier to search, helping players find hidden areas and characters that offer important clues and story details.
Improvements Over Past Pokémon Games Made The GameBoy Advance Titles Far Easier To Get Into
As a Pokémon gamer, I always noticed a huge jump in quality with the Gen 3 games. The older games on Game Boy Color were pretty limited graphically – even when I play them now through emulators, they look really rough around the edges. Games like Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal were cool for their time, but Gen 3 really took advantage of the Game Boy Advance to give us much smoother animations and way better-looking environments. It was a big step up!
Compared to the original Pokémon games, Ruby and Sapphire were a huge step forward visually, particularly with their detailed pixel art. The Pokémon battles looked very fluid, making fights move along quickly whether you were battling another Trainer or wild Pokémon. Conversations and interactions with characters also felt faster-paced, sometimes even quicker than in newer Pokémon games. This contributes to a smoother overall experience, even if you’re accustomed to the longer loading times and more extensive tutorials found in modern games.
Original Gen 3 Games Are Still Some Of The Most Played Pokémon Titles Out There
The popularity of the Switch releases of FireRed and LeafGreen shows that many players still begin their Pokémon journey with Generation 3. While the Kanto region is the classic starting point and a near-perfect introduction to the series, Hoenn is also an excellent choice for new players. Both regions offer a balanced number of Pokémon and simple, easy-to-learn gameplay that isn’t as complicated as in later games.
Despite being relatively focused in their design, the Generation 3 Pokémon games still offer a substantial and engaging experience. They’re actually quite accessible, making them ideal for portable consoles like the Switch 2. Because these games – Ruby, Sapphire, FireRed, LeafGreen, and Emerald – feature smaller Pokémon rosters, developers don’t feel as much pressure to include every Pokémon from previous generations. This allows for more creative design choices and a fresh, exciting experience for new players.
Looking for a great place to start playing Pokémon? Let us know which games you’d recommend for newcomers in the comments, or discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-03-23 18:13