Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald Officially Return February 2027

Published Oct 31, 2026, 12:00 AM EDT

Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers.

It was back in 2002 that Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version launched on the Game Boy Advance as the first installment in Pokémon's third generation. Then, two years later came the arrival of Pokémon Emerald Version, and now, decades later, the Game Boy Advance entries are remembered fondly, and praised for introducing way over 100 brand-new 'mon to the Pokédex, as well as the introduction of new abilities.

Despite Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version receiving some criticism for their story decisions, it seems as though they were soon rectified in Pokémon Emerald Version, and now, the games are seen as a nostalgic trio, meaning it comes as no surprise that fans are eager to see them make their way to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Luckily, ports may just be on the way for the modern-generation of Nintendo hardware, as multiple rumors and strange instances have hinted at Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version as well as Pokémon Emerald Version finally receiving Nintendo Switch ports. Not only that, but with rumors suggesting that they could arrive as early as Fall 2026, an announcement may be just around the corner.

For now, however, this remains an unconfirmed report by either Game Freak or Nintendo, but that does not mean that there is not something to celebrate in the meantime.

Courtesy of the Pokémon Center Online, fans of the beloved trio of Pokémon games can now get their hands on brand-new merchandise that celebrates Gen 3 in style. Available for pre-order now, the Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald Package Pins are estimated to begin shipping in February 2027, and whilst they occasionally go out of stock, it is always worth keeping an eye on the listing to see when more are added.

However, what the pins will give you is a way to decorate your clothes and bags with Pokémon series' past game software titles by offering their logos decorated with sparkle. As the official listing reads, "This set includes Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald.

The packaging features the release year and the Game Boy Advance logo & icon! The packaging of past Pokémon game software titles has been brought together as merchandise. Check out the series you played, the series you want to play, and more!"

As such, not only can you expect the pins to feature logos of the three games, but the back of the pins also come with a Pokéball design. You may not see this from the front, but it just goes to show the attention to detail that has gone into these designs.

This merchandise has been released to help celebrate 30 years of the Pokémon franchise. As such, it is not the only listing available on the Pokémon Center Online website, and you are sure to find something that will showcase your favorite entries in the long-running franchise.

Not only that, but with us now being in the twilight months of 2026, it will not be long before we can finally get our hands on Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the first entries in Pokémon's 10th generation.