The latest issue of Coro Coro Comic is full of details regarding Japan's next Pokemon title - Pokemon Emerald. Unlike Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, known as FireRed and LeafGreen in North America, Emerald is an original Pokemon adventure for the Game Boy Advance, not a remake. Little is known about the story, but it will deal with Team Magma and Team Aqua as they attempt to take over the world.

Featuring an entirely new main cast, Emerald introduces a number of additions to the traditional battle system. Before a battle, Pokemon can perform an attack that presumably affects the fight in some manner. It's now possible to join a battle already in progress, and two trainers can attack simultaneously. In addition, there are seven types of "big battle" to be fought at the Battle Frontier. Shown thus far is the Battle Dome, a tournament fought with only three Pokemon, and Battle Tube, where players choose one of three entrances and attempt to reach the goal.

Japanese gamers can play a demo of Pokemon Emerald at the Pokemon Festa, which begins in Nagoya on July 14th, touring across Japan until August 15th. The title is set for release in Japan on September 16, 2004 for 4800 yen and comes packed with the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter. A North America release for the game is likely, but has yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, North American gamers can busy themselves with Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, due for release on September 7 of this year.