Quick Read
- Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will launch on Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2026.
- The games are standalone digital purchases, not part of the Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
- They are priced at $19.99 / £16.99 each and will not have physical releases.
- Local wireless connectivity for trading and battling is supported, but online play is not.
- Future compatibility with Pokémon Home is confirmed, allowing Pokémon transfers to modern titles.
- The games will feature GameChat on Nintendo Switch 2.
Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version are set to launch on Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2026, marking a significant return to the Kanto region for fans. These beloved Game Boy Advance remakes of the original Pokémon adventures will be available as standalone digital purchases via the Nintendo eShop, a decision that notably distinguishes them from other classic titles typically offered through the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription service. This release coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, prompting Nintendo to offer what it calls the “ultimate versions” of the original adventures.
The Return to Kanto for Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary
The highly anticipated re-release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will arrive digitally on February 27, 2026, immediately following the Pokémon Presents livestream scheduled for Pokémon Day. Priced at $19.99 / £16.99 each, these games are direct ports of the 2004 Game Boy Advance titles, bringing players back to the iconic Kanto region with updated graphics and features from their original release. Pre-purchase options are already available on the Nintendo eShop, with the games launching simultaneously across various global regions, including North America, Europe, and Japan.
Nintendo of America clarified that this special release celebrates 30 years of Pokémon, aiming to provide players with the definitive versions of the first generation’s adventures. While the core content remains largely consistent with the GBA originals, some specifications have been adapted for the Nintendo Switch hardware. Notably, the games will not receive physical releases, remaining exclusively digital.
Beyond Nintendo Switch Online: A Strategic Release
The most discussed aspect of this announcement is Nintendo’s decision to offer Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen as separate digital purchases rather than integrating them into the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, where other Game Boy Advance titles reside. This move has led to questions among fans regarding Nintendo’s strategy for classic game releases.
Nintendo, in a detailed FAQ, explained that this approach allows them to offer these titles as a special celebration, emphasizing the enhanced features of the remakes over the original Pokémon Red and Blue versions. The company reiterated its commitment to providing classic games through the Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack services for other titles, suggesting that this standalone model is a unique case for the Pokémon franchise’s milestone anniversary. Currently, other Pokémon titles available through NSO include Pokémon Trading Card Game on Game Boy – Nintendo Classics, and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, Pokémon Puzzle League, Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Stadium, and Pokémon Stadium 2 as part of the Expansion Pack.
Key Features, Connectivity, and Nintendo Switch 2 Compatibility
Despite being standalone releases, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will support local wireless connectivity, allowing up to four players to trade Pokémon, battle, and participate in minigames within the in-game Pokémon Wireless Club. However, online play is not supported, mirroring the original GBA experience while adapting for modern local wireless technology.
A significant feature confirmed for these re-releases is future compatibility with Pokémon Home, Nintendo’s cloud service for storing and managing Pokémon across various games. This integration means players can transfer Pokémon caught in FireRed and LeafGreen to other modern Pokémon titles, extending their utility beyond the classic games. While initial eShop listings briefly removed mention of Home support, sources like Serebii and Videogameschronicle confirm it will be available soon after launch. Additionally, when played on the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2, these games will leverage the system’s GameChat feature, enhancing the local multiplayer experience.
Nintendo also highlighted that the games retain their original language versions, meaning players must select the correct language (English, European French, or European Spanish in the Americas) before purchase, as multiple languages are not bundled into a single version. This echoes the development practices of the Game Boy Advance era.
The decision to release Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen as premium standalone titles, distinct from the Nintendo Switch Online subscription, signals a strategic flexibility in Nintendo’s approach to its extensive back catalog. This move, while celebrating a major franchise anniversary, tests the waters for alternative monetization models for classic games and could influence future re-releases, balancing the value proposition of NSO with targeted, premium offerings for highly anticipated titles.