Are Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald really coming to Switch?

Nothing is official. The information comes from a leak by insider Shpeshal Nick published on 12 August 2026. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have made no announcement on the subject.

What release date has been mentioned?

The leak points to a window between late September and October 2026, with no precise date. This still needs to be confirmed by an official announcement.

Would these be ports or remakes?

Sources point to ports of the Game Boy Advance versions, in line with what was done for Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version in February 2026.

Why is the second generation being skipped?

Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal are Game Boy Color games, whereas the titles already ported and those covered by the rumour all belong to the Game Boy Advance catalogue.

Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald Switch: What the Leak Says

Pokémon Ruby, Pokémon Sapphire and Pokémon Emerald are reportedly being prepared for Nintendo Switch consoles. According to a leak published on 12 August 2026, these ports would target a release between late September and October 2026. Neither Nintendo nor The Pokémon Company has commented so far, which means the claim remains a rumour. Here is what is known about the possible arrival of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald on Switch, where the leak comes from and why it is being taken seriously.

What the Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald rumour claims

The information comes from insider Shpeshal Nick, who stated on X that the Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald ports are currently planned for late September or October. No further details were shared about the content of these versions.

Games involved: Pokémon Ruby, Pokémon Sapphire and Pokémon Emerald
Window mentioned: late September or October 2026
Platforms cited: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
Likely format: ports of the Game Boy Advance versions, not remakes
Status: no official announcement to date

A source that recently got it right

Shpeshal Nick is not the most consistently reliable source in the industry, but his most recent Nintendo claims have held up. He previously mentioned the Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 and the matching anniversary Pro Controller, both of which have since leaked in image form. He states that the Hoenn information comes from the same contact. That track record explains the attention the rumour is getting, without turning it into a certainty.

Clues found inside FireRed and LeafGreen

Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version launched on 27 February 2026 on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, as digital-only releases marking the franchise's 30th anniversary. Shortly after they went live, players examined the game files and found references pointing to an interaction with the Hoenn titles. That kind of internal reference guarantees nothing, but it does indicate that compatibility between the two generations was prepared in advance.

Why Hoenn would come before Johto

If the rumour is accurate, Nintendo would move straight on to the third generation of Pokémon games, skipping Pokémon Gold, Pokémon Silver and Pokémon Crystal. The logic is hardware based: FireRed, LeafGreen, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald all belong to the Game Boy Advance catalogue, while the second generation sits on Game Boy Color.

Released in Europe in 2003, Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire introduced several mechanics that are still part of the series today: Abilities, Double Battles, Natures, Secret Bases and Pokémon Contests. Pokémon Emerald, which reached Europe in 2005, added the Battle Frontier, a post-League feature that remains one of the most discussed in the franchise. The Hoenn region also left its mark through its legendary Pokémon and its starter trio: Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip.

What still needs confirmation

Several key points remain unknown. It is unclear whether all three versions would launch simultaneously, whether they would include any additions over the originals, whether online play would be supported and whether Pokémon HOME compatibility would be included. The February 2026 precedent, with straight emulations offered without a rework, gives an indication of the likely direction, no more than that. The window mentioned also falls in a crowded period for the games market, which can push an internal schedule.

FAQ

Are Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald really coming to Switch?: Nothing is official. The information comes from a leak by insider Shpeshal Nick published on 12 August 2026. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have made no announcement on the subject.
What release date has been mentioned?: The leak points to a window between late September and October 2026, with no precise date. This still needs to be confirmed by an official announcement.
Would these be ports or remakes?: Sources point to ports of the Game Boy Advance versions, in line with what was done for Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version in February 2026.
Why is the second generation being skipped?: Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal are Game Boy Color games, whereas the titles already ported and those covered by the rumour all belong to the Game Boy Advance catalogue.

A credible leak is not an announcement. As things stand, the arrival of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald on Nintendo Switch remains a solid hypothesis, supported by technical clues found in the FireRed and LeafGreen files and by a source with a recent hit, but not validated by Nintendo. In an anniversary year already marked by the return of Kanto and by the announcement of Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves for 2027, another return to Hoenn would fit a consistent strategy. Pokedexia will update this article as soon as official information is published.

Source: My Nintendo News

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