Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire Switch Port Officially Teased

First released back in 2002 as the first installments in the third generation of Pokémon, Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version were later released as Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire in 2014 for the Nintendo 3DS. As such, they have become a staple of the Nintendo franchise, with the story focusing on defeating the Elite Four and becoming the Pokémon League Champion, all whilst attempting to defeat a criminal organization that attempting to take over the region.

However, over two decades since its initial launch, and it seems as though Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire are set to make a return, at least according to Twitter/X’s number one Pokémon leaker.

Shared by Centro LEAKS and reposted from an official Pokémon account, a video has been shared of Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire being played on an unknown emulator.

Since it was initially shared, there has been no further information about where this footage was recorded, and it seems a bizarre way of unveiling it, but many believe that this could be a sneak peek at an official Nintendo Switch port of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.

It would make sense that the 2002 hit would be heading to Nintendo’s latest hardware, especially if the Nintendo Switch 2 is part of these plans, but with no official confirmation from Nintendo or Game Freak, this is purely speculation as of now.

However, that has not stopped fans from taking to the comments to share their thoughts on what this footage could mean. “Ruby and Sapphire on the Switch, but not Emerald, would be weird but not out of character, I guess,” one comment read. Another wrote, “Why would I play Pokémon Ruby on a big a** slab like the Switch 2 when you can just play it on a compact device like a phone or one of those emulation devices?”

However, another user shared my sentiment, writing, “I’m not buying the rumors. This could be an internal emulator. If there’s a new announcement I’ll be happy, but I’m taking it with a grain of salt, so I’m not disappointed if it doesn’t happen.”

With Nintendo being against the emulation of their games, it seems unlikely that this footage is taken from one. However, the only other alternative is the suggested Nintendo Switch port. However, until we have official confirmation, this newly released footage remains just another Pokémon-shaped mystery.

What we do know, however, is that with the franchise currently enjoying 30th anniversary celebrations, there are plenty of things to look forward to. Not only have scalpers been thwarted after last week’s launch of the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Set for its trading card game, but next year kickstarts the 10th generation with the launch of Pokémon Winds & Waves.

Released

March 19, 2003

ESRB

e

Developer(s)

Game Freak

Engine

Unreal Engine

Multiplayer

Local Multiplayer