New Pokémon Game Includes Kanto, Johto, And Hoenn In One Multi-Region Adventure

Published Sep 17, 2026, 7:22 AM EDT

Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

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Pokémon Emerald Version was first released back in 2004 for the Game Boy, but despite being over two decades old, it is still remembered fondly by fans. However, as with any classic Pokémon entries from this time, it lacks some quality-of-life features that we take for granted in modern-day gaming. That being said, one stunning download aims to rectify that, by not just adding those much-needed upgrades, but also featuring new and exciting content at absolutely no cost.

The Modern-Day Pokémon Emerald We Have Been Waiting For

Pokémon Emerald Extended Cut is a completed ROM hack for Pokémon Emerald Version, but perhaps most exciting is the fact that it includes a whopping four regions to explore: Hoenn, Johto, Kanto, and the Sevii Islands.

As a completely fan-made, non-profit project, the scale is out of this world, as players can dive into the adventure on Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Mac, consoles and handhelds that support the Game Boy Advance.

Created by user Francis III, Pokémon Emerald Extended Cut was first released back in December 2025, but thanks to a recent update in July of this year, the ROM hack is finally complete and available to be played from start to finish.

"Pokémon Emerald Extended Cut is a ROM hack based on Pokémon Emerald that adds the Johto, Kanto and the Sevii Islands into the game," the game description reads. "Being a semi-open world hack, it gives you the chance to explore each region in any order you like. Along with that, it also adds 30+ new cities, 70+ new routes and 45+ new dungeons."

With some of the older maps redesigned to give them a fresh new look, you will be able to explore these regions for the first time all over again, and not only that, but Team Rocket even makes some appearances in Hoenn along with Team Aqua and Team Magma.

There are now fewer forced battles in order to make exploration a lot easier, and now, players can only expect to run into more of the major battles, such as with Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, and notable Trainers.

Overall, the game is designed to give you the chance to explore Hoenn, Johto, Kanto and the Sevii Islands in a single game and a single playthrough with ease.

The Ultimate Experience For Pokémon Fans

Overall, Pokémon Emerald Extended Cut includes all 386 Pokémon from Generation 1 to 3, and as such, the brand-new Pokédex includes an impressive 489 Pokémon as opposed to the original 386. The ROM hack also includes brand-new Starter 'mons, 24 Gym Battles, three Pokémon League Championships, improved town maps, the ability for your Pokémon to follow behind you on your adventures, and much more.

Put simply, even if you are familiar with Pokémon Emerald Version, Pokémon Emerald Extended Cut is still a completely new experience, and better yet, it is yours to play at absolutely no cost.