Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to Switch next week for the series’ 30th anniversary

Source: Engadget

Background

February 27 marks the 30th anniversary of the launch of the world’s highest‑grossing media franchise, which began in Japan with Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green (later released in the West as Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue). To celebrate, the original turn‑based RPGs are being re‑released on Nintendo Switch—specifically the Game Boy Advance remakes, Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version, originally released in 2004.

Nintendo explained its decision to bring back the enhanced GBA titles rather than the original Game Boy versions in an FAQ, noting that Switch owners will appreciate the chance to revisit the “ultimate versions of the original Pokémon adventures in the Kanto region.”

Release Details

• Release date: After the Pokémon Presents showcase on Friday, February 27, 2026 (the day of the 30th anniversary) at 9 a.m. ET.
• Pre‑order: Available through the Nintendo eShop.

Pre‑order here: https://t.co/WzCCWh1fn8 https://t.co/5SdXjg75is https://t.co/XVYS5wVZYp
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 20, 2026

Gameplay and Features

• The games will look and play almost exactly as they did in 2004, but on the Switch’s superior display.
• No online multiplayer, but the original local multiplayer returns via the Switch’s built‑in wireless features.
• On Switch 2, players can also use GameChat for communication.
• Aside from these minor updates, there are no notable differences between the Switch and Switch 2 versions.

Availability and Pricing

• Standalone purchase: The titles are sold individually for $20 each in the Nintendo eShop.
• No physical release is planned outside of Japan.
• The games will not be part of the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) GBA library, meaning an NSO membership is not required to play them.

Nintendo added in its FAQ that there are currently no plans for additional old‑school Virtual Console‑style releases beyond these titles, as the company remains focused on expanding its NSO subscription offerings.

Future Pokémon Releases

• Following the FireRed/LeafGreen launch, Pokémon Poképia—a cozy, Animal Crossing‑style spin‑off—arrives on March 5, 2026.