Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald Officially Return February 2027 In New Collection

Published Oct 9, 2026, 8:30 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.

In an era where the Pokémon franchise was giving us every color of the rainbow, 2002's Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version and 2004's Pokémon Emerald Version were hits when they launched on the Game Boy Advance. Marking the first and last entries in Pokémon's third generation, they paved the way for the many entries that would come after, and with the franchise now celebrating its 30th anniversary, there has never been a better time to remember where it all began.

Game Freak

It has been three decades since Pokémon began with Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green launching in Japan for the Game Boy in 1996. Now, with 40 mainline/core games spanning nine generations, with the tenth expected to begin next year with the arrival of Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, it is safe to say that the Nintendo franchise is here to stay.

However, it is not just video games that Pokémon has made itself known for, as, including spin-offs, side games, remakes, apps, and more, there are over 120 video games that make up the franchise, and that is not to mention the television shows, movies, board games, and of course, the Pokémon Trading Card Game which has found itself being one of the most famous card collecting experiences of all time.

That being said, it is always worth remembering the original Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version and Pokémon Emerald Version, and it seems as though Nintendo wants to do exactly that by releasing some stunning new merchandise to help celebrate 30 years of Pokémon.

Over on the Pokémon Center Online website, fans can now pre-order pins inspired by Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. Featuring the logos from the games, they come bordered with sparkles and complete with a gloss finish, alongside their release year and Game Boy Advance logo and icon. Of course, this includes the appearance of Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza.

This news comes after recent rumors suggest that Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald ports will be arriving on the Nintendo Switch this Fall. In a report by insider Speshal Nick, all three Generation 3 titles are planned for release in September or October, but with no sign yet, it remains to be seen if this rumor comes true.

However, following the insider information, fans took to r/pokemonribbons to share their thoughts. "Been hoping for this for years. I never really ribbon-collected as a kid, but now I want to go back, and I don't have my old GBA games anymore," one comment read. However, another said, "As of right now, I’d much rather play these on my GBA. Being on the Switch means nothing if we don’t get connectivity with PokèBank. Also, that means your Gen 3 'mons skip multiple generations."

Whilst we wait to see if Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald ports will arrive on the Nintendo Switch, now is the perfect time to pre-order these stunning pins and help celebrate 30 years of the beloved Pokémon franchise.