Official Pokémon Video Sparks Rumours of Ruby and Sapphire Switch Ports
The Pokémon community is abuzz with speculation following the release of a high-definition clip from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, potentially hinting at their arrival on the Nintendo Switch. The intriguing video, released via an official Pokémon social media platform today, showcases a scene featuring Wingull, a player-controlled trainer, and Mr. Briney—all with visuals not reminiscent of their original Game Boy Advance format.
Community Reaction and Analysis
The clip immediately caught the attention of fans and influencers, with social media lighting up in response to the high-resolution footage. YouTuber That Bald Gamer noted the enhanced graphics were not possible on the original hardware, suggesting this could signify impending ports of the games to the Switch. A similar observation was shared by Centro LEAKS on Twitter, which noted the game being run on an unfamiliar emulator.
Speculation Bolstered by Nintendo Switch Features
The speculation is further driven by the nature of the Nintendo Switch’s recording capabilities, which automatically capture the last 30 seconds of gameplay—matching the length of the released clip. Additionally, the use of such footage by official channels is uncommon for promotional purposes unless related to upcoming releases.
Hints from Previous Releases and Sales Success
Adding weight to the possibility of a remastered release is recent datamined information suggesting that this year’s Nintendo Switch versions of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen integrated ROM support for third-generation games, which includes Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. Though this isn’t outright confirmation of new versions, it hints at preparatory measures being taken towards development.
The recent success of the FireRed and LeafGreen re-releases, which sold more than 4 million units within six weeks, further demonstrates the demand for classic Pokémon experiences on the Switch. Given this track record, a new opportunity to delve into the Hoenn region might be eagerly anticipated by fans, assuming the pricing aligns with market expectations.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.