Omega Ruby vs Alpha Sapphire?

I know that each version has different exclusive Pokemon including the legendary (which I don't really care about), as well as a different villain, but what else is different in terms of the experience, if anything at all? I had Sapphire back in the day, as well as Emerald. Would I be getting any kind of fresh experience if I get Omega Ruby instead of Alpha Sapphire in terms of storyline or gameplay? Or does it really not matter?

Nope, as you've said the differences are minimal. Each game has access to different Pokemon and Legendary's, and there are minor differences in the story such as which group of villains you face, but everything else is the exact same.

I base my purchase of Pokemon games by the color of the box-art and the Pokemon on it. They are literally the same game with very minimal differences. I'm getting Sapphire because that's why I chose it back in the day. it was blue and because Groudon has weird T-Rex arms.

I wonder of Nintendo will release an emerald version.

@crimsonbrute: Very unlikely considering the games will have some kind of Emerald spin-off quest called Episode Delta for post game, which revolves around Rayquaza.

I've found it has never really mattered which version you get and this continues to be backed up generation after generation as they're making it easier than ever to trade with people to complete your Pokedex. Getting both versions is essentially if you like to collect games or have the money.

Agreed. I usually buy both, but that's because I like to have one game that I complete the Pokedex on and that stores all my Pokemon, and another that I can do Nuzlocke and challenge runs on.

it doesn't matter which one you get.