Rumour: Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald ports claimed for 2026

A fresh rumour circulating in the gaming community suggests that classic Game Boy Advance titles Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald could be heading to the Nintendo Switch. Industry insider Shpeshal_Nick claimed on X that ports of the Generation 3 RPGs are currently planned for release in late September or October 2026.

The claim has not been confirmed by Nintendo or developer Game Freak. If accurate, the release would follow the earlier re-release of fellow Game Boy Advance titles Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Switch ecosystem.

Currently, the ports of Pokemon Ruby/Emerald/Sapphire are planned for late September/October

Shpeshal_Nick via X

Hoenn history and future titles

Originally launched for the Game Boy Advance in 2002, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire introduced players to the tropical Hoenn region before being joined by Emerald as the generation's third version. As Gamereactor Sverige reports, the pair previously received full 3D remakes on the Nintendo 3DS in 2014 under the titles Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.

The rumoured 2026 release window for the ports would position them ahead of Game Freak's next major mainline generation. Dexerto reports that the developer's Generation 10 game, Pokémon Winds and Waves, is scheduled for release in 2027.

ComicBook.com notes that Shpeshal_Nick previously provided leaked information regarding a Legend of Zelda Switch 2 console. However, critical details regarding this latest rumour remain unannounced. The target platforms, release formats, and any potential plans for Generation 2 Pokémon ports have not been confirmed, and neither Nintendo nor Game Freak has commented on the claims.