Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald rumored for Nintendo Switch release

Industry insider Shpeshal Nick has leaked reports suggesting that the third-generation Pokémon titles—Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald—may be released for the Nintendo Switch and potentially the Switch 2 in late September or October 2026. These Game Boy Advance classics are rumored to be sold individually on the eShop rather than being included in the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service.

Supporting these rumors, datamining of recent ports like Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen has revealed code prepared to interact with third-generation save files. The timing of the potential release also aligns with upcoming Pokémon Trading Card Game expansions focused on the legendary Pokémon Rayquaza.

Separately, The Pokémon Company has confirmed that Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch will gain support for Pokémon HOME in October 2026. This update will allow players to transfer Pokémon from those titles to other games in the series, though once transferred, they cannot be moved back to the original ports. Additionally, players who complete the Pokédex in FireRed or LeafGreen will be eligible to receive the mythical Pokémon Celebi via the mobile version of Pokémon HOME.