Can I Trade From Ruby to FireRed? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can trade between Pokémon Ruby and FireRed. However, there are a few key requirements you must meet before the option becomes available. You’ll need two Game Boy Advance (GBA) systems, a GBA link cable, and you must fulfill specific in-game conditions in FireRed. Let’s delve into the specifics.

Unlocking Trading: FireRed’s Requirements

The ability to trade with Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald in FireRed isn’t available right from the start. You need to complete a post-game questline to unlock this feature. This involves:

1. Defeating the Elite Four

This is the first, and most obvious, step. You need to conquer the Pokémon League and become the Champion of the Kanto region.

2. Obtaining the National Pokédex

After defeating the Elite Four, return to Professor Oak. He will upgrade your Pokédex to the National Pokédex, allowing you to register Pokémon from other regions. This is crucial for enabling the trade function.

3. The Sevii Islands Quest: Celio’s Machine

This is where the real work begins. You’ll need to undertake a quest involving Celio, a network machine technician on One Island (part of the Sevii Islands). He needs help connecting his machine to the network. Specifically, you need to find:

• The Ruby: Located in Mt. Ember on One Island. You’ll have to navigate through the mountain, defeat Team Rocket members, and retrieve the Ruby from the summit.
• The Sapphire: Located in the Ruin Valley on Four Island. Getting to the Sapphire is a bit more involved, and you’ll need to battle more Team Rocket members.

Once you’ve obtained both the Ruby and Sapphire and given them to Celio, his machine will be repaired, enabling the ability to trade with Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald versions.

Setting Up the Trade

With all the necessary requirements met in FireRed, you can now proceed with the trade.

1. Connect your GBAs: Use a GBA link cable to connect the two systems. Ensure both systems are powered on.
2. Visit a Pokémon Center: In both Ruby and FireRed, go to the Pokémon Center and head upstairs. Talk to the Link Cable Club Leader in the center of the room.
3. Save Your Game: You’ll be prompted to save your game before initiating the trade.
4. Enter the Trade Room: Both players should enter the trading room simultaneously.
5. Initiate the Trade: Select the Pokémon you wish to trade and confirm the trade.

Considerations

• Pokémon Versions: This guide specifically addresses trading between Ruby and FireRed. The same principles apply to trading between Sapphire and FireRed, and Emerald and FireRed.
• GBA and Cable: Remember that you must use a genuine Game Boy Advance and a link cable. Other consoles or adapters might not work.
• Pokémon Available for Trade: After the National Pokédex and Sevii Islands quest are completed, most Pokémon from Ruby can be traded to FireRed.
• Game Version Compatibility: Trading with other generation games like the earlier Red, Blue, or Yellow, or the later Diamond and Pearl versions, is not possible. These versions use different trading mechanics and are not compatible.
• Emulators: While trading is possible on emulators, it usually requires specific emulator settings and may not always be reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I trade Pokémon from Ruby to FireRed before beating the Elite Four in FireRed?

No, you must beat the Elite Four and complete the Sevii Islands quest in FireRed to unlock trading with Ruby.

2. What is the purpose of the Ruby and Sapphire in the FireRed trading process?

The Ruby and Sapphire are essential items needed to repair Celio’s network machine on One Island. Repairing this machine is the key to enabling trading between FireRed and Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald.

3. Can I use a wireless adapter for trading between Ruby and FireRed?

No, you must use a link cable to trade between Ruby and FireRed. Wireless adapters are not compatible with these older games.

4. Do I need the National Pokédex in both Ruby and FireRed to trade?

You only need the National Pokédex in FireRed. However, having a Pokémon available in your Ruby game is an assumed requirement.

5. Can I trade any Pokémon from Ruby to FireRed after unlocking the trading feature?

Most Pokémon can be traded. There might be very specific event-only Pokémon that are restricted, but generally, anything you can catch in Ruby can be sent to FireRed once the trading requirements are met.

6. What happens if I try to trade a Pokémon from Ruby to FireRed before completing the Sevii Islands quest?

The option to trade with Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald will not be available in the Pokémon Center in FireRed. You won’t be able to access the trading room necessary for the transfer.

7. Is it possible to evolve Pokémon that evolve via trading (like Haunter or Kadabra) between Ruby and FireRed?

Yes, absolutely! If you trade a Haunter or Kadabra from Ruby to FireRed (or vice versa), it will evolve into Gengar or Alakazam, respectively, during the trade.

8. Can I trade back Pokémon from FireRed to Ruby after trading them over?

Yes, you can trade Pokémon back and forth between Ruby and FireRed as many times as you like, provided you have met the prerequisites in FireRed and have the necessary link cable and GBA systems.

9. Do I need to complete the main storyline in Ruby to trade with FireRed?

No, you do not need to complete the main storyline in Ruby. As long as you have Pokémon to trade in Ruby and have reached a Pokémon Center, you can trade with FireRed (assuming the prerequisites are met in FireRed).

10. Can I trade eggs between Ruby and FireRed?

No, you cannot trade Pokémon Eggs in the Game Boy Advance Pokémon games. You can only trade hatched Pokémon.

11. Is there a limit to how many times I can trade Pokémon between Ruby and FireRed?

There is no limit to the number of times you can trade Pokémon between Ruby and FireRed, as long as you have the Pokémon to trade and the necessary hardware (GBAs and link cable).

12. Does the level of the Pokémon affect whether I can trade it between Ruby and FireRed?

The level of the Pokémon does not affect your ability to trade it. You can trade Pokémon of any level between Ruby and FireRed.

13. Are there any known glitches or issues when trading between Ruby and FireRed?

While the trading process is generally reliable, occasional disconnections can occur. It’s always recommended to save your game before initiating a trade to minimize potential data loss in case of an error.

14. Can I trade with other Game Boy Advance Pokémon games besides Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald if I have FireRed?

Once you’ve unlocked the trading feature in FireRed, you can trade with Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald only. Other GBA Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire, are not compatible for trading Pokémon.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?

You can discover the intersection of games and education at the Games Learning Society website. They explore how games can be used as tools for learning and development. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to find more about their research and initiatives.