Nintendo Switch owners will get Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen next week. The two classic games launch digitally on February 27, 2026, priced at $19.99 each. They come right after a Pokemon Presents livestream. These 2004 Game Boy Advance remakes bring back the Kanto region adventures. Players catch Pokemon, battle gym leaders, and explore islands.
Key Takeaways
- Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen release on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on February 27, 2026, for $19.99 per game.
- Digital-only download from Nintendo eShop; no physical copies outside Japan special edition.
- Local wireless play for battles and trades; no online multiplayer.
- Pokemon Home support added later to transfer caught Pokemon to modern games.
Background
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen first came out in 2004 for Game Boy Advance. They remade the original Pokemon Red and Green from 1996. Those started the whole series with 151 Pokemon in the Kanto region. Kids everywhere grabbed Game Boys to catch 'em all. You start with one of three starters: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. Then you travel towns, beat eight gym leaders, and face the Elite Four.
These remakes added the Sevii Islands. That's extra land with more Pokemon and stories. They fixed some old bugs too. Back then, trading worked with link cables. Battles happened face-to-face. No internet needed. Over 12 million copies sold worldwide. Fans still love them for nostalgia. Simple graphics. Tough puzzles. That epic music.
Fast forward to now. Leaks hit online last week. Insiders shared Switch port details. The Pokemon Company confirmed it all today. They tie the launch to Pokemon Day 2026. That's a big fan event every year. This year, a short 25-minute stream at 6 a.m. PT kicks things off. Games go live right after. Perfect timing. Switch has seen other classics like Pokemon Let's Go. But FireRed and LeafGreen? Fresh meat.
And Japan gets extras. A special edition drops February 28 from Pokemon Center stores. It packs replica GBA boxes. Glass orbs with starters inside. They light up on a stand. Costs about $127. Download code still needed to play. No word on Western physicals yet. Fingers crossed.
Key Details
The games hit Nintendo eShop worldwide. Each version sells separate. FireRed in one buy. LeafGreen in another. No bundle. File size? Just 40MB. Tiny. Runs on Switch and Switch 2. Same behavior.
Play Features
Local wireless only. Head to Pokemon Wireless Club. Battle friends nearby. Trade Pokemon too. No online servers. No strangers from afar. Keeps it old-school. Save states? Rewind? Nope. Not here. Pokemon Company blocks those. Reason? Stops cheating with Pokemon Home.
Pokemon Home comes later. Serebii says soon after launch. Transfer your Kanto catches to Scarlet, Violet, or others. Huge for collectors. Every Pokemon in these games shows up in newer titles anyway. Easy swaps.
Times vary by region. North America East Coast at 9:30 a.m. ET. UK at 2:30 p.m. GMT. Japan late night 11:30 p.m. JST. Australia early February 28. Check your zone.
"Kanto is so back." – Pokemon.com announcement
Languages separate too. English version listed. Others likely follow. ESRB rating? Everyone. Role-playing genre. Pixel art style. Raise stats. Multiplayer local.
Nintendo Music drops soundtracks this week. Prep your ears. Gym themes. Route 1. Lavender Town chills.
But why not Red and Blue originals? Nintendo says no standalone for those. Maybe Game Boy classics later. No chat on that. FireRed and LeafGreen fill the gap. They mix Gen 1 and Gen 3 mons. Sevii has Hoenn catches.
Fans link this to Google Launches Gemini 3.1 Pro with Top Benchmark Scores. AI helps ports? Nah. Just timing. Or check Sony Confirms God of War Trilogy Remake in Development for remake trends.
What This Means
Players grab history cheap. $20 for a full adventure. No subscription. Beat the game in 20-30 hours. Replay endless. Trade locally at meetups. Kids today try Gen 1 pure.
Boosts Switch library. Fills Kanto hole. Home links mean legacy teams in raids. Competitive scenes buzz. VGC might see old mons.
Sales? Expect millions. Pokemon Day hype. Stream draws crowds. Digital sales easy. No shipping.
For newcomers, perfect entry. Tutorials gentle. Story hooks. For vets, nostalgia hit. Glitches fixed. Islands expanded.
Japan special teases more merch. Globes light up. Collectors salivate. West might import. Prices climb quick.
No NSO means full price. But features pure. No rewind cheats authenticity.
Developers watch. Ports work. Classics sell. More GBA? DS next?
Switch 2 ready. Games support it day one. Smooth frames.
Communities form. Local tourneys. Speedruns. Art shared.
Pokemon stays huge. 30 years strong. Kanto never dies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen release on Switch?
February 27, 2026, right after Pokemon Presents. Digital on eShop.
Can I play online or just local?
Local wireless battles and trades only. No online play.
Will there be physical copies?
Digital worldwide. Japan has special edition with download code February 28.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen release on Switch?
February 27, 2026, right after Pokemon Presents. Digital on eShop.
Can I play online or just local?
Local wireless battles and trades only. No online play.
Will there be physical copies?
Digital worldwide. Japan has special edition with download code February 28.
