Pokémon Emerald review

Pokémon Emerald Version closes our list. The Pokémon Company's page describes it as an expanded return to Hoenn in which you face both Team Magma and Team Aqua, with a story built around the Legendary Rayquaza and chances to catch Latios and Latias. Its biggest addition is the Battle Frontier, which the page calls an amusement park for Trainers, with arenas headed by the Frontier Brains. Pokémon from the Game Boy Advance games could also be moved into later DS Pokémon RPGs. It released on May 1, 2005 for the Game Boy Advance and lists 1 player. The game is well liked, but it is the hardest to justify on price: DKOldies lists a used cartridge at $549.99 before sales, more than nine times a new Switch game. That value score puts it last. Buy it as a collector piece or if Hoenn is your favorite region.

Who it is for

Collectors and Hoenn fans who want the original Battle Frontier on a Game Boy Advance.

Price

Used Game Boy Advance cartridge from $549.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $549.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Expanded Hoenn adventure against Team Magma and Team Aqua
• Story featuring the Legendary Rayquaza
• Chances to catch Latios and Latias
• The Battle Frontier and its Frontier Brains
• Transfer Pokémon to later DS Pokémon RPGs

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Both villain teams in one story
• Strength: The Battle Frontier made its debut here
• Strength: A Hoenn favorite among older fans
• Weakness: The most expensive pick at $549.99 used
• Weakness: Needs Game Boy Advance hardware
• Weakness: Single player listed

Key facts

• Platform: Game Boy Advance
• Release date: May 1, 2005
• Genre: RPG
• Players: 1
• Used price: $549.99

Where it ranks

Pokémon Emerald is No. 10 in our Best Pokémon Games verdict.