Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire Nintendo Switch Port Release Date Teased

The Pokémon series obviously has a lot of high points over the years, with opinion split on the best based on the gameplay features, roster of collectible creatures, and regional preference. That said, Ruby and Sapphire (as well as Emerald) are widely seen as some of the better releases in the history of the franchise.

The addition of Kyogre and Groudon still serve as two of the most iconic Legendary Pokémon of all time, and the games that facilitated their arrival are well-rounded, with interesting narratives and solid gameplay. That said, they are somewhat stuck in the past, a relic of their own time, but that could all be about to change if new rumors are to be believed.

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Over on Twitter/X, Shpeshal Nick, who regularly releases updates purported to be from internal sources at Nintendo and its orbiting companies, shared a post confirming that Nintendo Switch ports of Pokémon Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire are planned for late September or October.

There are a surprising amount of historical Pokemon games that don’t have Nintendo Switch ports, given how much money they could potentially make the company. Everything from the Gen 1 originals all the way up to Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are unavailable right now, and their arrival on the platform would be huge for those who missed the experience first time around.

There were plenty of responses from fans weighing in on the potential of the games releasing onto the platform, and most were delighted at the prospect. “I knew they’d be released this year. It was only a matter of time. Emerald alone will sell massive numbers,” one comment read.

While another added, “Hopefully they stick to the $20 price tag if so I’ll buy all 3 day one.”

Others thought that Ruby and Sapphire shouldn’t have been targeted first, suggesting other games that Game Freak should prioritize bringing back. “Weird. I feel like they should do HeartGold and SoulSilver. Then OmegaRuby and AlphaSapphire later,” one comment put forward.

At the end of the day, new Pokémon releases are new Pokémon releases, and it’s always nice to have something fun to do to tide us over while we wait for the first game of Generation 10, Winds and Waves. Though it’s obviously possible to play Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald in 2026, the convenience offered by the handheld isn’t to be underestimated, particularly for those who are a little less tech-savvy.