Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Makes a Surprise Return to Switch Ahead of Pokémon Day

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are finally coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 through digital download. This was a surprise to fans. The news spread when the games showed up on the Nintendo eShop for a short time. 

There were reports that it might have been an error, but the Pokémon Company seemed to decide to go with it. Fans won't have to wait until Pokémon Day to relive their adventures in the Kanto area; the games will be out soon after the February 27, 2026, Pokémon Day Presents show.

The news, which was first shared on Twitter by Nintendo of America, revealed that both games will be available as separate digital downloads for $20 each. 

You can now place a pre-order, and you'll be able to download the games after the show at 6 a.m. PST (9 a.m. EST). The release price might not be the cheapest, but it gives players a chance to play these old games on new hardware without having to wait for possible remakes.

Every detail you might have missed.

Nintendo has added a Q&A part to the new games that answers some important questions. The games are mostly the same as the original Game Boy Advance versions, with only minor changes. Nintendo Switch devices now have built-in wireless connectivity for features that used to need a link cable or wireless adapter. While exploring the Kanto area, players can also use the Switch's game chat feature, but they won't be able to connect to the internet fully.

You don't need to be a member of Nintendo Switch Online to play these games, which is important to know. In the Union Rooms of Pokémon Centers, up to four players can join locally to trade, fight, or play minigames. This keeps the original multiplayer experience even though it doesn't connect to the internet. Nintendo has said that these games will not be added to their subscription service and are not part of the Nintendo Classics Collection. 

Why FireRed and LeafGreen, not the original Red and Blue?

In honor of Pokémon's 30th anniversary, FireRed and LeafGreen were released instead of the original Red and Blue. These are meant to be the "ultimate versions" of the Kanto adventures, with added content from the originals. Some old-school gamers may have liked the original Red and Blue better, but FireRed and LeafGreen have more features and run more smoothly on current consoles.

All areas will have the digital-only format, and there will be separate sales for English, European French, and European Spanish copies. Before finishing their order, players should make sure they are buying the right language version. There are no plans for physical copies at this time, and Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will not get any big updates beyond small ones like better performance and the ability to use game chat.

Fans who want to connect with other people online should be aware that the Pokémon Home connection is still not certain. Reports at first said it would be available, but later this information was taken down, making it hard to see when the full connection will happen. Local wifi is still the best way to trade and fight with other players, which means that friends must be in the same room with their own Switch in order to play.

There is a collector's version for Japanese fans that comes with themed Pokéballs and the first Pokémon from Generation 1.

However, this release is only available in Japan right now. No official word on a foreign collector's edition yet, but the digital versions will be available all over the world. 

Now that these great games are confirmed, people are getting more excited for the Pokémon Day Presents event. You can expect news about Generation 10, possible GameCube games for Nintendo Switch Online, mobile game releases, and maybe even new trading card sets. The sudden release of FireRed and LeafGreen before the introduction could be a sign of more surprises or remakes. Fans are now wondering what else the Pokémon Company has in store.

Trainers can now go back to Kanto, trade, fight, and experience the original Pokémon adventures with modern ease thanks to the official return of FireRed and LeafGreen to Nintendo Switch. These old games, each priced at $20, are must-plays for both longtime fans and people who want to experience the region for the first time.