Which Pokémon generation began with Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire?

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire began Generation III of the Pokémon video game series.

Released for the Game Boy Advance, Ruby and Sapphire first arrived in Japan on November 21, 2002. They introduced the Hoenn region, a new set of Pokémon species, and several systems that became important to later games, including Abilities, Natures, double battles, and Pokémon Contests.

The games were not direct versions of the original Kanto adventure. They established a new region and initially limited access to many Pokémon from previous generations, giving the third generation its own identity. Their setting also emphasized seas, islands, and water routes, reflecting Hoenn’s distinctive geography.

Generation III also includes Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, remakes of the first-generation games, and Pokémon Emerald, an expanded version of Ruby and Sapphire. The generation should not be confused with Generation II, which began with Gold and Silver and introduced the Johto region.