Twenty years after their original release on Game Boy Advance, the Pokémon are making a comeback on a hybrid device... The announcement of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch has been officially confirmed for February 27, 2026. This date marks the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. These remakes of the original Kanto versions, which first appeared on Game Boy Advance in 2004, will be available for download via the Nintendo eShop at a price of €20 per version, for both the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo confirms that the content and performance will be consistent across both consoles.
These versions take you back to the Kanto region, where it all began. You play as a "young Trainer" setting out on the roads to earn eight Gym Badges before challenging the Pokemon League. Compared to the original games, FireRed and LeafGreen already featured more polished colored graphics and introduced new elements to enhance the adventure, such as Pokémon breeding and the impact of their natures on their stats.
Players also had the chance to explore the Sevii Islands, an entirely new archipelago added after the Elite Four, featuring fresh areas to discover, additional quests, and Pokémon from different generations. Nintendo explained their choice of these versions over Red and Blue to provide a more comprehensive experience, celebrating 30 years of the franchise.
In terms of features, players will be able to team up locally via wireless local multiplayer, supporting up to four players for trading Pokémon, battling, or enjoying various mini-games. These titles will also support GameChat on Switch 2.
On the flip side, no online multiplayer mode will be available, meaning there's no need for a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Nintendo also clarifies that the original versions of Red and Blue will not be included in the Game Boy – Nintendo Classics collection. This release serves as a refreshed take on the classic Kanto adventures, designed both for longtime fans and newcomers eager to explore them today. Get your Poké Balls ready!
