A possible return to Hoenn
Nearly 25 years after the original Game Boy Advance releases, Pokémon Ruby, Pokémon Sapphire and Pokémon Emerald may be heading to a modern Nintendo platform. The reported release window is September or October 2026, although no formal announcement or detailed port information has been provided.
The claim comes from leaker Shpeshal_Nick, an online personality associated with several accurate Nintendo predictions. That track record is part of the reason the rumour has attracted attention, but it remains unconfirmed.
Why the timing makes sense
Hoenn is the setting that introduced double battles and the legendary Pokémon Rayquaza. In November 2026, both the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon TCG Pocket are scheduled to receive a Rayquaza-themed set called Delta Reigns.
Releasing the games that first featured Rayquaza shortly before that card-game push would give players a convenient way to revisit the character and could help build interest in the set. Fans can also keep up with broader Pokémon coverage while waiting for clearer information.
Clues from FireRed and LeafGreen
The strongest supporting detail may come from the recent arrival of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen on the Nintendo eShop. In February, a dataminer found that those two games were programmed to check whether Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald were present. You can review the reported finding in the dataminer’s post.
That discovery is not confirmation of a release, but it is notable because the original Hoenn games still have no official way to play them in their original form on current platforms. Their 2014 remakes, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, are available in a different form, but they do not replace the original GBA versions for every fan.
What the port could cost and include
FireRed and LeafGreen launched on the eShop at $19.99. If Nintendo follows that pricing, a collection containing Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald could be relatively affordable, though no price has been announced.
Some players may expect the games to join the Nintendo Classics programme. That outcome is uncertain: the programme generally highlights features such as online multiplayer or updated mechanics, while changing connectivity or Pokémon systems could disrupt the wider ecosystem of rare creatures. A more conservative port may therefore be the safer approach.
A stopgap before the next generation?
The rumoured release could also give Nintendo a way to fill the gap before the tenth generation of Pokémon games. Despite other leaks, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves do not appear to be launching soon based on the information available here.
For Australian retro players, the prospect is a reminder of how older handheld games continue to shape modern collections. Our arcade news and editorial coverage follows similar developments across the wider retro-gaming industry.
Anyone planning a dedicated gaming space can also explore compact bartop arcades or use the arcade machine buying guide when comparing options.
When will we know more?
If the report is accurate, the proposed autumn 2026 window is close enough that official information may arrive soon. Until Nintendo confirms the project, the release timing, price, platform and feature set should all be treated as speculation.
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