SYDNEY, 21 February 2024 – In a move that has caught the gaming world by surprise, Nintendo has officially confirmed that the classic Game Boy Advance titles Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen are coming to the Nintendo Switch. The announcement, which surfaced via eShop listings and official social media channels over the last 24 hours, marks the first time these 2004 remakes have been legally available on a modern console.
Latest Updates: Switch Release and 30th Anniversary
The timing of the release is set to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. According to the latest reports from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, both titles will launch on 27 February 2026, immediately following the conclusion of the scheduled Pokémon Presents broadcast.
Unlike other Game Boy Advance titles currently available on the platform, FireRed and LeafGreen will skip the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription service. Instead, they will be available as standalone digital purchases on the eShop for A$29.95 (US$19.99) each. Nintendo has clarified that there are currently no plans for a physical release, though the digital versions are expected to support local and online trading to replicate the original wireless adapter experience.
Version Exclusives: Which One Should You Choose?
As with the original 1996 releases, the primary difference between the two versions lies in the Pokémon available in the wild. To complete the Kanto Pokédex, players will need to trade with someone owning the opposite version.
| Pokémon Name | National Dex # | Exclusive Version |
|---|---|---|
| Ekans / Arbok | #023 / #024 | FireRed |
| Oddish / Gloom / Vileplume | #043 / #044 / #045 | FireRed |
| Psyduck / Golduck | #054 / #055 | FireRed |
| Growlithe / Arcanine | #058 / #059 | FireRed |
| Shellder / Cloyster | #090 / #091 | FireRed |
| Electabuzz | #125 | FireRed |
| Sandshrew / Sandslash | #027 / #028 | LeafGreen |
| Vulpix / Ninetales | #037 / #038 | LeafGreen |
| Bellsprout / Weepinbell / Victreebel | #069 / #070 / #071 | LeafGreen |
| Slowpoke / Slowbro | #079 / #080 | LeafGreen |
| Staryu / Starmie | #120 / #121 | LeafGreen |
| Magmar | #126 | LeafGreen |
Public Reaction and Legacy
The decision to sell the games individually rather than including them in the NSO library has sparked debate among the community. While some fans are frustrated by the additional cost, others have praised the move, noting that standalone purchases ensure the games remain playable even if a subscription lapses. Public insights from Reddit and gaming forums suggest a high level of nostalgia, particularly for the Sevii Islands post-game content which was unique to these remakes.
Lead developers at Game Freak recently reflected on the legacy of these titles, noting that FireRed and LeafGreen were “revolutionary” for their time due to the introduction of the Wireless Adapter, a feature Nintendo aims to preserve through the Switch’s internal wireless capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the release date for Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch?
The games are scheduled for release on 27 February 2026, following the Pokémon Presents broadcast.
Will these games be available on Nintendo Switch Online?
No. Nintendo has confirmed these will be standalone eShop purchases and will not be part of the GBA library for NSO subscribers.
Can I trade Pokémon between FireRed and LeafGreen on the Switch?
Yes, the eShop listings indicate that the games will support trading and battling, though it is currently unclear if this will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for the internet-based features.
Are there any new features in the Switch version?
While the core gameplay remains identical to the 2004 GBA originals, the Switch versions are expected to include standard emulator features such as save states and display filters.