Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire is not really a game: it is a GameCube utility that lets you store up to 1,500 Pokémon from Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed and LeafGreen. Released in Europe on May 14, 2004, it was mostly distributed in the Pokémon Colosseum pack. Handy for collectors, it also offers a few highly sought-after bonus Eggs.
A huge Pokémon PC
Connected to the GameCube by the GameCube–Game Boy Advance cable, your handheld deposits its Pokémon into 25 Boxes of 60 slots. Each stored Pokémon can be examined in detail: level, moves, original Trainer, capture location, Contest stats and friendship. The Boxes can be customized, and Pokémon can be displayed in showcases in 3D settings.
Bonus Eggs
Storing a large number of Pokémon earns you Eggs containing Pokémon with an unusual move: a Zigzagoon with Extreme Speed, a Skitty with Pay Day and, above all, a Pichu that knows Surf, for a long time the only way to get a Surfing Pikachu in Generation III. See bonus Eggs.
Playing Ruby and Sapphire on the TV
Pokémon Box also lets you play Ruby or Sapphire on your television screen, without a Game Boy Player. Emerald, FireRed and LeafGreen are not compatible with this feature.
Is it worth buying today?
For Generation III collectors, it is a lovely object and a practical tool. To transfer your Pokémon to later generations, you have to go through Pal Park in Diamond and Pearl anyway, then Pokémon HOME for recent games.
Our verdict
A well-designed utility, and a treasure for Generation III collectors, especially for its bonus Eggs.
What we like
- 1,500 storage slots
- Detailed summaries for every Pokémon
- Rare bonus Eggs, including Surfing Pichu
- Ruby and Sapphire on the TV
What we like less
- A utility, not a game
- A specific cable is required
- Playing limited to Ruby and Sapphire
Our article from the time is still online.
