SYDNEY, 20 February 2026 – The Pokémon franchise continues its dominant run on Nintendo hardware, with today marking a significant milestone for fans of the classic Kanto region. As the Nintendo Switch 2 begins to settle into homes across Australia, The Pokémon Company has officially confirmed that the beloved Game Boy Advance remakes, Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen, are heading to the Nintendo eShop next week.
Latest Updates: FireRed and LeafGreen Return
In a surprise announcement today, 20 February 2026, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company revealed that Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen will be released digitally on 27 February 2026. The launch is timed to coincide with “Pokémon Day,” the annual celebration of the franchise’s anniversary.
The games will be priced at A$29.95 (US$19.99) each and will be fully playable on both the original Nintendo Switch and the newly released Nintendo Switch 2. While these are digital-only releases, they include the original Sevii Islands post-game content, though no major graphical overhauls have been reported beyond standard HD upscaling for modern displays.
Current Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch library has become the most comprehensive home for Pokémon titles in the history of the series. From mainline RPGs to experimental spin-offs, the console covers every style of play. Below is the definitive list of major Pokémon releases available on the platform as of February 2026.
| Release Year | Game Title | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Pokkén Tournament DX | Fighting |
| 2018 | Pokémon Quest | Action / Free-to-Start |
| 2018 | Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee! | Mainline RPG (Remake) |
| 2019 | Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield | Mainline RPG (Gen 8) |
| 2020 | Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX | Dungeon Crawler |
| 2021 | New Pokémon Snap | Photography / Simulation |
| 2021 | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl | Mainline RPG (Remake) |
| 2022 | Pokémon Legends: Arceus | Action RPG |
| 2022 | Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet | Mainline RPG (Gen 9) |
| 2023 | Detective Pikachu Returns | Adventure / Puzzle |
| 2025 | Pokémon Legends: Z-A | Action RPG |
| 2026 | Pokémon Pokopia | Spin-off (Omega Force) |
The Next Generation: Pokémon Pokopia
Looking ahead, the next major release is Pokémon Pokopia, scheduled for 5 March 2026. Developed by Omega Force (the studio behind the Dynasty Warriors series), this spin-off is being described as the developer’s most ambitious project to date. Early insights suggest a grander scale than previous spin-offs, focusing on large-scale battles and exploration optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
Competitive Scene: Legends Z-A Season 7
For competitive players, Pokémon Legends: Z-A remains the primary focus. Season 7 of Ranked Battles officially commenced yesterday, 19 February 2026. This season is a “two-week sprint” ending on 12 March 2026, offering exclusive rewards including the highly sought-after Blazikenite for those who reach the Master Ball Tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the original Switch?
Yes. While the announcement highlighted compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2, the eShop listings confirm the games will also be available for the standard Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite on 27 February 2026.
Is there a new Pokémon Presents coming up?
Yes, a new Pokémon Presents broadcast has been scheduled for 27 February 2026. Fans expect updates on the Pokémon Pokopia launch and potential teasers for the next mainline “Generation 10” games.
Are there special edition consoles available?
Currently, collectors can find the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition (OLED Model) and the Dialga & Palkia Edition (Lite). Rumours suggest a new Switch 2 bundle featuring Pokémon Legends: Z-A may be announced during the upcoming Pokémon Day event.