Your Childhood Just Got a Switch Upgrade
Nintendo dropped big news this week. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to the Switch. This isn’t just another port. It’s part of the franchise’s 30th anniversary.
The Pokémon Company shared the release date. You’ll be able to download both games on February 27, 2026. That’s right after the Pokémon Day show ends. Mark your calendars now.
Here’s the twist nobody saw coming. These games won’t land on Nintendo Switch Online. Instead, you’ll buy them one by one on the eShop. This breaks from recent trends. Remember how other classics joined the subscription service? Not this time.
“I figured they’d stick it behind the Expansion Pack paywall,” my coworker said during lunch. “Buying them flat out feels like a better deal.”
How Much Will It Cost You?
Each game runs $19.99. That’s about £16.99 if you’re across the pond. The price feels fair for a piece of gaming history. You’ll get the full Game Boy Advance experience. No cuts. No missing content.
“Wait, do I need to buy both?” my friend asked me yesterday. That’s up to you. Each version has rare monsters. If you want to catch them all, you might need both copies. Or find a buddy with the other version.
Japan gets something special. They’re calling it the “Special Edition.” It costs roughly $127. That’s 19,800 yen. You get a physical box with artwork. Inside? Just a download code. No cartridge. It’s a collector’s item for die-hard fans. You can only buy it at Japanese Pokémon Center stores.
What’s Different This Time Around?
The graphics stay true to 2004. Those pixelated sprites look crisp on modern screens. The turn-based fighting returns just as you remember. But some things changed for the better.
Remember the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable? You don’t need it anymore. The Switch has built-in wireless features. You can trade Pokémon with friends nearby. You can battle without extra cords. It’s magic.
“So I can finally trade with my cousin without digging through old drawers?” Yes. Exactly that. No adapters. No cables. Just two Switches and some local wireless action.
Pokémon Home support is coming later. You can’t move your team on day one. The company promises this feature in a future patch. When? They haven’t said yet. But your Kanto Region favorites will later visit modern games.
The Language Lock Returns
Here’s a quirky detail. The eShop versions keep the old language limits. Buying in North America? You get English, French, and Spanish. European releases might differ. It’s a nod to the Game Boy Advance days. Purists will love this touch. Others might find it odd.
Why February 27 Matters
This date isn’t random. Pokémon Day marks the franchise’s birth. The first games hit Japan in 1996. Now, thirty years later, we return to Kanto. FireRed and LeafGreen remade the first games back in 2004. Now those remakes get fresh life on new hardware.
The timing makes perfect sense. Pokémon Presents will stream that morning. We expect news about other projects. Then the eShop updates. You can start your journey that same day.
Nintendo Switch 2 rumors swirl around this news. Will these games work on the new system? Nintendo hasn’t shared details yet. But current Nintendo Switch owners can play without worry.
Ready to Return to Kanto?
Pre-orders are live right now. You can reserve your copy on the eShop today. The games drop together worldwide. No region gets early access.
Think back to 2004. Maybe you played these under your covers with a flashlight. Maybe you never owned the first copies. Either way, this is your shot. The Kanto Region awaits. Your rival is already there. Professor Oak has a starter Pokémon with your name on it.
Grab your Nintendo Switch. Charge those Joy-Cons. The classic journey begins soon.
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