Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version are the first Generation III Pokémon games to be released (Japan November 21, 2002 - USA March 17, 2003 - Europe July 25, 2003). They are set in the Hoenn region and introduce new Pokémon and new items. Among the novelties are the Pokémon Competitions and the Battle Tower which will expand, in the next Pokémon Emerald version, in the Battle Park.

As with the other games, the story of these versions deals with the adventure of a ten-year-old boy who wants to become a Pokémon Trainer.

The story begins in the Hoenn region. The protagonist (whose gender can be chosen), who is the son (or daughter) of Petalipoli Gym Leader, Norman, moves with all his family to the city of Albanova.

The game begins with the character inside a moving truck, still moving.

Shortly after, he meets Professor Birch, who is being chased by some Poochyenas which he puts to flight. As a reward, he gets a Pokémon to start his journey with (which can be chosen from Treecko, Mudkip and Torchic).

During the adventure, the protagonist meets two criminal teams: Team Idro and Team Magma. Depending on the chosen version, one team will be the enemy team while the other will become an ally of the character you are playing with, in order to maintain order in the Pokémon world. Eventually the two teams will awaken Kyogre and Groudon, who will either be captured or defeated.

The player will also be able to obtain a Rayquaza specimen, after beating the league.