If, like me, you would have expected to see hell freeze over before Nintendo released some of the Pokémon back-catalogue on Switch, think again.
Nintendo have announced that Legendary Game Boy Advance Pokémon duo, FireRed and LeafGreen will come to Nintendo Switch as digital only releases on 27 February 2026. The date marks 30 years since Red and Green debuted in Japan.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for Switch will not be part of the any Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) memberships, rather only paid releases. Pre-orders are now available, with the price set at $19.99 USD / £16.99 GBP.
In what appears to be little more than a straight port of the classics, players can expect to set off on a re-re-adventure of Kanto. The 2004 remakes of Pokémon Red and Blue were the first remakes in the franchises 30-year history. The ports will support Pokémon Home and wireless battles.
People online have pointed out this may be due to the developer not wanting players to be able to use NSO features like rewind to manipulate the game, for example enabling selection of the starter trio – Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmander
Another cynical reality is, of course, financial as Nintendo finally offer an avenue to play old school Pokémon games without the need for gamers to spend hyper inflated prices in the used games market.
As Pokémon turns 30 this year, we will surely see more from the mega franchise throughout 2026 including Pokémon Pokopia which launches 5 March. Last year finished strong for the franchise with critical and commercial success, Pokémon Legends Z-A, leaving Pokémon as strong as it has ever been.
Will you be replaying FireRed or LeafGreen? If so, what’s your starter Pokémon? Let us know in the comments below or join the friendly and active Gamer Social Club Discord to chat about all your favourite Pokémon games.
