The first taste of gen 3 arrived in Pokemon GO during the popular Halloween event, but players have been eager to hunt down the rest of the Hoenn region creatures since then. After a few months of waiting, it sounds like the next small wave of gen 3 Pokemon are ready to make their debut on the mobile AR game.

According to a new press release from the developer, Pokemon GO with release the gen 3 starters later this week, along with a handful of other Pokemon from Ruby and Sapphire.

Here is the official statement from Niantic...

"Starting later this week, Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, and several more Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region in the Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire video games will start appearing in Pokémon GO for the first time ever—with even more to be discovered over the next several weeks!"

It sounds like gen 3 will continue a gradual rollout over the winter, which makes sense for the game. This should help keep players engaged during the chilly months, rather than tuning out all winter long. The combination of the new Pokemon and the new weather features should keep players busy for the next few weeks.

Many gamers are still holding out for PvP, updates to PvE, and trading; but it sounds like those enhancements or updates aren't arriving anytime soon. Check back for updates and news throughout the next few weeks.

Good luck out there, trainers!

Pokemon GO is available now on Android and iOS devices in select regions.