A reliable leaker with a proven track record regarding Nintendo properties has revealed when Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald ports are coming to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles.
All leaks live and die by their source, so it bears mentioning that this information comes via Shpeshal Nick. Nick is well known in the rumor mill and gaming leak space, but their recent accuracy for Nintendo leaks is remarkable. For example, Nick leaked the Zelda-themed Switch 2 and Pro Controller set well before they appeared online, adding more merit to his words—especially as it is implied these come from the same source. And according to Nick, there has been a long-standing plan for Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald on Switch.
New Pokemon Games Coming in September or October
Simply put, Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are coming to the Switch family of Nintendo consoles in late September or October, according to Nick, meaning fans could get an announcement in the coming weeks. It’s worth noting that Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen were announced for the Switch ports about a week before their addition, so it stands to reason that Game Freak will give a similar heads-up. Hardcore gamers should remain aware, though, simply because of how busy these months are. Game Freak is adding to a packed window of games, including Moonlighter 2, The Blood of Dawnwalker, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Marvel’s Wolverine, RuneScape Dragonwilds, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Silent Hill: Townfall, Control Resonant, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, Gears of War: E-Day, Valor Mortis, Final Fantasy Resonance, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Phantom Blade Zero, and more.
Scratch & Peek
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as
possible.
Of course, Nick’s word is not law. It’s possible something has changed since he was given this information, it’s possible that his source was wrong about this (if not the Zelda stuff), or it’s possible that any number of things could result in a delay of these ports. That said, it’s not like this is some surprise either. Shortly after Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen released on Switch, dataminers found key information: Pokemon FRLG were updated to interact with Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald on the Switch. Given that all of the games are needed for a collective Gen 3 on Switch, it simply makes sense for these upcoming ports to exist.
No matter how busy its release window is, assuming it is accurate, Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are going to sell like hotcakes. The Hoenn region has always been a fan-favorite, and it’s been several years since fans were able to check it out. They received remakes in the form of Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby in 2014, meaning it’s been 12 years since fans returned in a mainline game. And while those should come to Switch as well, Pokemon FRLG shows that fans will flock to the older games for nostalgia.
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen topped sales charts for weeks, passing 4 million sales between the two in just six weeks at last report. It remains to be seen how Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald compare, but they’ll easily sell well for the companies involved.
- Released
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March 19, 2003
- ESRB
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e
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
- Engine
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Unreal Engine
- Multiplayer
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Local Multiplayer
