Red Rescue Team, on Game Boy Advance, and Blue Rescue Team, on Nintendo DS, tell the same story. Their differences come down to the console, a handful of exclusive Pokémon and a few bonuses. The two versions can also communicate for rescues. Here are the details.
What sets the Blue version apart
- The second screen shows the floor map, team information and the latest events, such as experience gains.
- The touch screen can be used for certain commands.
- Languages: the Blue version follows the console’s language, among five languages; the French Red version is in French only.
- The Challenge Maze at the Makuhita Dojo appears if a Red cartridge has been inserted in the DS.
The exclusive Pokémon
| Red Rescue Team | Blue Rescue Team |
|---|---|
| Feebas | Magikarp |
| Mantine | Lapras |
| Roselia | Aipom |
| Porygon | Porygon2 |
| Plusle | Minun |
These Pokémon can appear in the other version thanks to a Wonder Mail in which they are the clients. In Red, evolving Porygon also gives you Porygon2.
Connections
When a player faints in a dungeon, a friend can come to the rescue, and the rescuer receives a reward. Rescues go through the Pelipper Post Office: SOS Mail to ask for help, A-OK Mail to confirm the rescue, Thank-You Mail to reward the rescuer.
| Versions | Connection method |
|---|---|
| Red and Red | Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable |
| Blue and Blue | Wireless communication between two Nintendo DS systems |
| Blue and Red | Both cartridges in the same DS |
| All versions | Passwords, with no cable or connection |
Playing today
Both versions were released in February 2016 on the Wii U Virtual Console, but the Wii U eShop closed in 2023. The remake Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, on Nintendo Switch, retells the story with redone graphics and many tweaks.
Our guide from back then on the differences and connections is still online.
