Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Head to Nintendo Switch for 30th Anniversary
The Pokémon franchise is preparing to celebrate a massive milestone with the return of two beloved titles to modern hardware.
Fans around the world will soon be able to revisit the Kanto region with an upcoming digital release for the Nintendo Switch.
The highly anticipated launch coincides with Pokémon Day, an annual celebration marking the original Japanese debut of the very first games in the series in 1996.
This year is especially significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the global phenomenon that has captivated millions of players.
To honor this historic occasion, the classic Game Boy Advance titles Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version are making their triumphant return.
These titles were originally launched in 2004 as enhanced remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green games.
They brought the foundational adventure into the third generation of the franchise with updated graphics, new features, and a refined gameplay experience.
Players will once again have the opportunity to choose between Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle before embarking on their journey to become the Pokémon Champion.
The games faithfully recreate the nostalgic journey through cities like Pewter, Cerulean, and Saffron, while confronting the villainous Team Rocket.
Veterans and newcomers alike can look forward to exploring the Sevii Islands, a special archipelago introduced in these specific versions that offers extensive post-game content and challenges.
The Sevii Islands provide a unique opportunity to catch creatures originally discovered in the Johto region, expanding the standard collection goals.
The original Game Boy Advance releases were famous for pioneering wireless trading, and this new version adapts that spirit of connectivity for the Switch.
Trainers can easily engage in trading and battling with each other using the local communication features of the modern console.
This digital rerelease gives a new generation of players the chance to experience the region that started it all over two decades ago.
Each game will be priced at $19.99 USD (approx. £16 GBP).
The official Nintendo eShop pages for both versions are currently live for players to view.
These titles will be officially available to download from the digital storefront following the conclusion of an upcoming special Pokémon Presents broadcast.
The presentation and subsequent launch are scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026, at 14:00 UTC.
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