Which Pokémon games introduced the series’ ability system?

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire introduced the Pokémon ability system. The games were released for the Game Boy Advance in Japan in 2002 and internationally in 2003.

Abilities are inherent traits that can affect battles or exploration. For example, some abilities change how weather works, prevent certain status effects, improve attacks, or influence encounters outside battle.

The feature helped distinguish Pokémon of the same species and added another strategic layer beyond moves, types, statistics, and held items. Abilities became a standard part of the core series in later generations.

Ruby and Sapphire also introduced double battles, Pokémon Contests, natures, Secret Bases, and the Hoenn region. Their new mechanics marked a major expansion from the simpler battle systems of the first two generations.