Which handheld console first hosted Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire?

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were first released for the Game Boy Advance.

The games debuted in Japan on November 21, 2002, and began the third generation of the core Pokémon series. Their new Hoenn region, double battles, Pokémon Abilities, and Pokémon Contests expanded the mechanics established by the earlier Game Boy titles.

The Game Boy Advance was Nintendo’s successor to the original Game Boy line. Ruby and Sapphire used its improved hardware for more colorful graphics and more detailed environments, although they remained role-playing games built around exploration, battling, and collection.

The games were not released for the Nintendo DS, even though they later connected with DS-era Pokémon titles through transfer features. Their original platform is therefore a useful distinction when separating the third generation from later remakes and sequels.