Pokémon HOME Update Fuels Ruby Sapphire Port Rumors

Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version can now connect with Pokémon HOME on Nintendo Switch, allowing players to transfer Pokémon from the games into newer titles. The Oct. 7 update also added a Celebi gift feature and sparked speculation about future Game Boy Advance releases.

According to pokemon.com, transferred Pokémon from FireRed and LeafGreen cannot return to their original games after moving into Pokémon HOME. Pokémon from other series titles also cannot be transferred into those versions.

The official Pokémon website said players who register Pokémon in the FireRed or LeafGreen Pokédex can have those entries appear in Pokémon HOME without transferring the creatures. Completing the Pokédex requirements also allows users of the mobile app to receive Mythical Pokémon Celebi as a gift.

Reports from nintendojo.com and tech.yahoo.com said fans are connecting the update with possible ports of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. The speculation centers on a new Pokémon HOME menu option and earlier discoveries involving compatibility references.

The phrase "Why have it there if it isn’t going to be used" was used by nintendojo.com to describe fan interpretations of the discovered compatibility data.

Fans highlighted that the new menu label uses the words "GBA games" instead of naming only FireRed and LeafGreen, according to tech.yahoo.com. The outlet reported that some players believe the broader wording could leave room for additional Game Boy Advance titles.

Tech.yahoo.com also reported that a Japanese Pokémon X account shared Ruby and Sapphire gameplay footage that appeared unusually clear for 2002 Game Boy Advance releases. The report noted that the footage length matched the duration of clips saved on Nintendo Switch consoles.

The same report cautioned against overinterpreting the clues, referring to the possibility of a misleading assumption with the phrase "downer" while noting that the evidence remains unconfirmed. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have not announced Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald Switch ports.

Another cited detail from tech.yahoo.com was the menu wording "GBA games" as a possible sign of broader support, although the label could also simply be a shorter way to identify the FireRed and LeafGreen feature.