The Pokémon Company announced that classic Game Boy Advance titles Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to Nintendo Switch as digital downloads. The games launch on February 27, 2026, immediately following the Pokémon Presents livestream at 6:00 AM PST. This release celebrates 30 years since the original Pokémon Red and Green debuted in Japan on February 27, 1996.
Both titles are priced at $19.99 each and are available for pre-order through Nintendo eShop. The games support local wireless play for trading and battling, with Pokémon HOME compatibility planned for a future update. Each language version requires a separate purchase, with English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian options available across different regions.
Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen Return to Nintendo Switch
Classic Kanto Adventures Celebrate 30 Years of Pokémon
Originally released in Japan on January 29, 2004, for Game Boy Advance, FireRed and LeafGreen were the first enhanced remakes in the Pokémon franchise. These games revisit the original Pokémon Red and Green, bringing the Kanto region to a new generation with improved graphics, the Sevii Islands expansion, and wireless connectivity features. The Switch versions maintain the same content while adding compatibility with modern systems and future Pokémon HOME integration.
Players will explore the Kanto region, collect eight Gym Badges, battle the Elite Four, and complete the Pokédex with all 151 original Pokémon. The games include the Sevii Islands archipelago, where additional Pokémon species from later generations can be encountered. Local wireless play enables trading and battling between players without requiring internet connectivity, similar to recent gaming updates that enhance multiplayer experiences.
Release Details at a Glance
Journey Through Kanto Region History
What’s Included in the Switch Release
Local Wireless Play
Trade and battle with nearby players using local wireless connectivity. Visit the Pokémon Wireless Club to connect with other trainers for multiplayer features without internet requirements.
Sevii Islands Included
Explore the exclusive seven-island archipelago where additional Pokémon species from Johto region await discovery beyond the main Kanto region map.
Multiple Language Options
Available in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian. Each language version sold separately to replicate the original Game Boy Advance release format.
All Play Modes Supported
Compatible with TV mode, tabletop mode, and handheld mode on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 systems for flexible gameplay options.
Complete Kanto Adventure
Battle through eight Gym Leaders, challenge the Elite Four, and complete your Pokédex while exploring every corner of the Kanto region.
Future HOME Integration
Upcoming Pokémon HOME support will allow trainers to transfer captured Pokémon into modern games and store them in the cloud-based service.
The Switch release bypasses Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, making both games available as standalone digital purchases. North America offers English, French, and Spanish versions, while European regions add German and Italian options. Japanese players receive the games in Japanese only. Each language version requires a separate purchase with no in-game language switching options, replicating how the original 2004 Game Boy Advance versions were distributed.
Nintendo of America confirmed these games will not receive physical releases outside Japan. The digital-only approach mirrors recent digital distribution strategies across gaming platforms. Pre-orders are available now through Nintendo eShop, with the games requiring approximately 40 MB of storage space. Cloud save functionality is not supported for these releases.
Choose Your Kanto Adventure
- ✓ Charizard box art mascot
- ✓ Full Kanto region access
- ✓ Sevii Islands included
- ✓ Local wireless trading
- ✓ Future HOME support
- ✓ 151 original Pokémon
- ✓ Venusaur box art mascot
- ✓ Full Kanto region access
- ✓ Sevii Islands included
- ✓ Local wireless trading
- ✓ Future HOME support
- ✓ 151 original Pokémon
🇯🇵 Exclusive Japan Special Edition
A premium collector’s package available exclusively in Japan features the game with special physical collectibles commemorating the 30th anniversary
Digital code for your choice of FireRed or LeafGreen (Japanese version only, redeemable on Japanese eShop)
Authentic reproductions of both original FireRed and LeafGreen GBA packaging from 2004
Features 3D laser-engraved images of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle with LED lighting that illuminates in colors matching each Pokémon’s type. Includes dedicated display case with 30th anniversary logo and foil-stamped artwork of Charizard and Venusaur, plus acrylic base plate.
* Available from Pokémon Center Online Japan starting February 28, 2026
* Japan exclusive release with Japanese language only
* Download code redeemable exclusively on Japanese eShop
* May become available at physical Pokémon Center stores at later date
The 30th anniversary celebration marks three decades since Pokémon Red and Green launched in Japan, establishing the franchise that would grow into one of the world’s highest-grossing media properties. The February 27 release date aligns with Pokémon Day, the annual celebration commemorating the original 1996 launch. FireRed and LeafGreen originally sold over 12 million copies worldwide on Game Boy Advance, becoming the system’s second best-selling games after Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.
These remakes were the first in the Pokémon franchise, paving the way for future enhanced versions of earlier games. The Switch release maintains compatibility with both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles, similar to cross-generation gaming releases announced for 2026. The Pokémon Presents livestream on February 27 at 6:00 AM PST may reveal additional 30th anniversary surprises beyond these classic game releases.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen versions arrive on Nintendo Switch as digital-exclusive titles on February 27, 2026, priced at $19.99 each. The releases support local wireless multiplayer and will receive Pokémon HOME integration in a future update. Pre-orders are available through Nintendo eShop in multiple language versions, with each requiring separate purchases.
The games were discussed as part of Pokémon’s 30th anniversary celebration, launching on the same date as the original Pokémon Red and Green in 1996. Japan receives an exclusive special edition featuring replica packaging and commemorative collectibles for ¥19,800.