Pokémon HOME update fuels speculation about Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald on Switch
A new Pokémon HOME update appears to hint at GBA games, sparking speculation about Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and possibly Emerald on Switch or Switch 2.
- The same reporting mentions Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and possibly Emerald, but there is no official confirmation from The Pokémon Company in the provided sources.
- The update context also references Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, plus a free Celebi in Pokémon HOME from October 7 after completing the Kanto Pokédex without Mew.
What happened
According to the provided reporting, a new update for Pokémon HOME added a label or section called “GBA games.” The source interprets that as a hint that Game Boy Advance games, including Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, may be coming to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
The same source also links Pokémon Emerald to the speculation, though not as a firm confirmation. In the available information, there is no official announcement from The Pokémon Company confirming Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald for Switch or Switch 2.
For context, the reporting also refers to Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen as titles that would already be available on Switch and Switch 2, and to a Pokémon HOME update that lets players claim a free Celebi from October 7 after completing the Kanto Pokédex, with Mew excluded. That is also described in the provided text as part of the update, but without direct official confirmation in the source material.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: according to the provided source, a free Celebi becomes available in Pokémon HOME for players who complete the Kanto Pokédex, excluding Mew.
Pokémon Day 2026: the reporting mentions Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen as re-released ports on Switch and Switch 2.
2026: the year The Pokémon Company is celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary, according to the provided context.
October 9, 2026: the date of the supplied article discussing the Pokémon HOME update and speculation around Ruby and Sapphire.
Background
The Pokémon Company announced a year-long campaign in 2026 to mark Pokémon’s 30th anniversary. The provided context also points to Pokémon Day 2026 as the moment when new franchise updates were shared.
The core of the current reporting is that a label in Pokémon HOME is being read as an indirect hint at support for older GBA titles. Based on the available sources, however, that remains an interpretation; there is no direct official confirmation of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald on Switch or Switch 2.
Sources
- Gamerant: article about Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and a possible Switch/Switch 2 release based on a Pokémon HOME update.
- The Pokémon Company International: official 30th anniversary announcement and Pokémon Day 2026 context.