The save files
that raised us.

Ranked by nostalgia, highest first. Original North American release years shown. Originals and remakes get separate entries; filtered views keep their overall ranks.

3. 03

   The SP under the blanket pick

   Pokémon Emerald

   Game Boy Advance / SP · 2005 US · Hoenn · 8 badges

   Screen / 03● ●

   

   Hoenn in its richest shade of green. Secret Bases made it feel like your world, the Battle Frontier gave you a reason to stay, and Rayquaza gave the whole cartridge main-character energy. This is the GBA SP’s victory lap.

   The core memory

   Rayquaza tells the weather to calm down.

   The Sootopolis showdown: Rayquaza descends to stop Groudon and Kyogre. A tiny screen somehow manages a properly huge entrance.

   Gym flashback Tate & Liza. Two Gym Leaders, one double battle, and no room for a lazy team.

   Pick your first partner.

   • Treecko
   • Torchic
   • Mudkip

   Treecko, Torchic or Mudkip: choose one at the start.

   Pal’s pick: Mudkip. The face says harmless. The Hoenn run says otherwise.

   The legendary headliners.

   • Rayquaza
   • Kyogre
   • Groudon

   Rayquaza leads the story; Kyogre and Groudon are also obtainable in Emerald.

   Game notes & screenshot credit

   Gameplay image: Nintendo’s official archive ↗. Emerald · official gameplay capture. The screenshot illustrates the game; the memorable moment is described separately.

   Game references: Game overview ↗ · Additional official archive ↗. Copyright Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc. / The Pokémon Company. Editorial commentary and rank: Pallet.Club.

6. 06

   Kanto, freshly charged

   Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen

   Game Boy Advance / SP · 2004 US · Kanto + Sevii Islands · 8 badges

   Screen / 06● ●

   

   For plenty of ’90s kids, this was the first Kanto that really belonged to them. Bright colors, familiar routes, and trading without the old cable if you had the Wireless Adapter. The Sevii Islands made the old adventure feel like it still had a few new secrets.

   The core memory

   The eighth Gym Leader is Giovanni.

   Returning to the Viridian Gym and discovering who is finally behind that closed door. A familiar face turns your last badge into a proper story beat.

   Gym flashback Sabrina: the Saffron teleport maze is still a test of patience before the actual battle.

   Pick your first partner.

   • Bulbasaur
   • Charmander
   • Squirtle

   Choose Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle.

   Pal’s pick: Charmander. Sometimes the starter decision is made by the box art.

   The legendary headliners.

   • Mewtwo
   • Articuno
   • Zapdos
   • Moltres

   The classic Kanto legends return. Charizard and Venusaur are cover stars, not Legendary Pokémon.

   Game notes & screenshot credit

   Gameplay image: Nintendo’s official archive ↗. FireRed / LeafGreen · Japanese promotional gameplay. The screenshot illustrates the game; the memorable moment is described separately.

   Game references: Game overview ↗ · Additional official archive ↗. Copyright Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc. / The Pokémon Company. Editorial commentary and rank: Pallet.Club.

7. 07

   A whole new kind of blue

   Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire

   Game Boy Advance / SP · 2003 US · Hoenn · 8 badges

   Screen / 07● ●

   

   The leap to the GBA felt enormous: richer color, dramatic weather, secret hideouts and an ocean that seemed to go on forever. Emerald takes the higher slot here, but the original trip to Hoenn has a warmth that no revision can replace.

   The core memory

   Leaving the surface behind.

   Using Dive to explore Hoenn’s underwater routes. Familiar water becomes a second layer of the world. Suddenly every dark patch feels like an invitation.

   Gym flashback Norman in Petalburg. Your dad is a Gym Leader, and the family discount is zero badges.

   Pick your first partner.

   • Treecko
   • Torchic
   • Mudkip

   Choose Treecko, Torchic or Mudkip to help Professor Birch.

   Pal’s pick: Treecko. The cool kid of a very strong starter class.

   The legendary headliners.

   • Groudon · Ruby
   • Kyogre · Sapphire
   • Rayquaza · both

   Groudon and Kyogre are version counterparts; Rayquaza is a later encounter in both.

   Game notes & screenshot credit

   Gameplay image: Nintendo’s official archive ↗. Ruby / Sapphire · Japanese promotional gameplay. The screenshot illustrates the game; the memorable moment is described separately.

   Game references: Game overview ↗ · Additional official archive ↗. Copyright Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc. / The Pokémon Company. Editorial commentary and rank: Pallet.Club.