Graphical Changes

• While similar in general design, the protagonists of "Pokemon Emerald" wear different clothing than in "Pokemon Sapphire." Their green accessories in "Emerald" reflect the color of the game's title. "Emerald" features other minute changes in graphics; for example, the Pokemon have animated movements at the beginning of each battle, as opposed to still-frames in "Sapphire."
  
  

Available Pokemon

• In "Sapphire" you can capture Surskit, Masquerain, Meditite, Medicham, Roselia and Lunatone; however, they are unobtainable in "Emerald." "Emerald" features Seedot, Nuzleaf, Shiftry, Mawile, Solrock and Groudon. In addition, after you receive the Pokedex upgrade in "Emerald," you can capture more exclusive Pokemon, including Stantler and Aipom. Most of these exclusive Pokemon appear in the Safari Zone area, which features more space than it does in "Sapphire." The Johto starting Pokemon and additional prehistoric Pokemon also appear in "Emerald."
  
  

Legendary Events

• "Emerald" features several changes to the events surrounding legendary Pokemon. For example, the newer version allows you to capture Rayquaza earlier in the game. Also, in "Emerald," the methods of summoning the Regis, a trio of golem Pokemon, are different. Items such as the Old Sea Map, Mystic Ticket and Aurora Ticket will grant you access to Mew, Lugia, Ho-oh and Deoxys.
  
  

Battle Changes

• In "Sapphire" the Pokemon battles are one-versus-one; "Emerald" allows room for team battles. The Pokemon Gym layouts and contest house locations also differ between the versions of the game. "Sapphire" features the Battle Tower, a building that offers extra challenges for trainers, while "Emerald" expands on that concept with the Battle Frontier, an island full of challenges. "Emerald" offers even more battle opportunities because you can use your new phone to challenge trainers and Gym Leaders to rematches.
  
  

Small Game Play Changes

• In "Emerald" Pokemon abilities serve purposes outside of battle. "Emerald" also features more Move Tutors, people who will teach your Pokemon attacks that are difficult or impossible to obtain otherwise. The Pokemon breeding system, item locations and the levels of your opponents' Pokemon also differ between the two versions. Team Aqua is the main antagonistic group in "Sapphire." In "Emerald," small changes in the plot force you battle Team Aqua and Team Magma.