Pokémon Nintendo Switch release and update rumors

Reports have surfaced 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 2026. These titles are rumored to be sold individually on the eShop.

Regarding existing titles, The Pokémon Company has announced that the Nintendo Switch versions of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will connect to Pokémon HOME starting in October 2026. This update will allow players to transfer captured Pokémon to the cloud service and subsequently to other games in the series, though they cannot be moved back to the original ports once transferred.

Players who complete the Kanto Pokédex in these versions will receive the mythical Pokémon Celebi via Pokémon HOME. The update will also introduce new post-game content, including tickets to encounter legendary Pokémon such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Deoxys. Additionally, the Pokémon HOME version 4.1.0 update scheduled for October will increase storage capacity for premium plan users from 6,000 to 9,000 Pokémon.

This development occurs ahead of the scheduled shutdown of Pokémon Bank on February 25, 2027. While most Pokémon can be moved to HOME, certain species face limitations; for example, Spinda cannot be transferred from Pokémon Bank to HOME due to its unique pattern generation. Some specific Pokémon may require the FireRed and LeafGreen update to ensure compatibility with the cloud service.