According to Game-Science, the new issue of Koro Koro Comics in Japan has revealed the first information on Pokemon Emerald for Game Boy Advance, to be released in Japan on September 16. (Non-Pokemon fans should stop reading now to avoid dizziness.) Like Pokemon Yellow and Crystal, Emerald is a souped up version of its most recent predecessors, Ruby and Sapphire. In other words, it's not a true sequel in that it contains basically the same gameplay and Pokemon as Ruby and Sapphire, but it supports several new features, apparently including more significant upgrades than with the usual "third game".

The most notable addition is support for the GBA Wireless Adapter, which will be included with the game. Trainers can now join forces in two-on-two battles, and the second trainer can even join up mid-battle, a feature that will probably be utilized with the wireless support as well as against the computer. The heroes are all new, and according to Game-Science, "Both trainers can now attack at the same time." Could this be a major shift in how Pokemon battles take place?

Seven new "big" battle types will be available at Battle Frontier. The first two revealed are "Battle Dome" and "Battle Tube". These modes appear to be like mini-games that offer extra challenge to experienced players.

Koro Koro Comics is expected to give more information on Pokemon Emerald in the coming weeks. The game will also be on display at the upcoming Pokemon Festa, an event which tours Japan from July 17 through August 14.