Rumored Switch Ports for Three Classic Pokémon Games on the Horizon

Nearly twenty-five years after the original Game Boy Advance titles hit the scene, it looks like fans might soon get the chance to play Pokémon Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire on a modern Nintendo platform.

This buzz comes from leaker Shpeshal_Nick, a well-known figure in the gaming community for his accurate Nintendo predictions. While details are limited, he suggests that these classic titles could launch sometime in September or October 2026. Although specifics are sparse, there’s some circumstantial evidence backing this rumor.

The timing seems perfect for revisiting the generation that brought us double battles. This year, both the Pokémon trading card game and Pokémon TCG Pocket are set to release a Rayquaza-themed set called Delta Reigns in November. Making the games that first introduced Rayquaza available would certainly ramp up excitement for those TCG releases.

Another point that adds weight to the rumor is the recent availability of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo eShop. A dataminer revealed in February that these games were programmed to check for the presence of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. While that generation was remade in 2014, there’s currently no way to play the originals on modern platforms. A new re-release could change that.

Despite the flurry of leaks, it seems Pokémon Winds and Waves won’t be arriving anytime soon. An eShop version of the Game Boy Advance titles could serve as a nice bridge until the tenth generation of Pokémon games arrives.

If the $19.99 price tag for FireRed and LeafGreen is any indication, a new port of Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald could be reasonably priced. While fans might hope these Pokémon ports would be included in the Nintendo Classics program, it’s likely that this rumored set won’t be part of it. Nintendo Classics typically feature added elements like online multiplayer or new mechanics, which a Pokémon port would struggle to incorporate without disrupting the balance of rare monsters.

If this rumor holds true, we should find out soon enough: Fall 2026 is just around the corner.

A shift in leadership at Game Freak might be just what this long-standing series needs.