Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Return to Nintendo Switch: Everything You Need to Know
In a special announcement that delighted longtime Pokémon fans, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have revealed that Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen are making a much-anticipated comeback on the Nintendo Switch.
Revealed during the recent Pokémon Day celebration, both titles will be available on the Nintendo eShop starting next week, marking a highlight for the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Why FireRed and LeafGreen Are Back The decision to reintroduce Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen—instead of the iconic Pokémon Red and Blue versions—reflects the publisher’s goal of offering the most complete rendition of the original Kanto region adventure.
According to a company spokesperson, the games are seen as “the ultimate versions of those original adventures,” offering enhanced features and improvements over the initial releases.
This ensures that fans will experience the classic journey with the benefits of later refinements. Authenticity with Modern Touches Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch retain the core content and gameplay found in their original Game Boy Advance releases.
While there may be minor differences due to platform hardware, no significant modifications have been made.
The essential gameplay remains faithful to the classic experience, with a few changes to adapt to the Switch’s modern capabilities.
Notably, all connectivity features—originally requiring a Game Link cable or Wireless Adapter for the Game Boy Advance—now utilize the built-in local wireless functionality of the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
Multiplayer features, including trading, battling, and mini-games within the Pokémon Wireless Club, remain intact and can be accessed via local wireless connection with up to four players.
Online multiplayer, however, is not supported. No Nintendo Switch Online Needed A key advantage for players is that a Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required to purchase or play Pokémon FireRed or LeafGreen.
Both versions will be offered exclusively as standalone digital downloads via the Nintendo eShop, with pre-purchase options available now.
There are no plans to release these titles as part of the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics collection, or to offer physical editions. Language Versions and Support In keeping with the original Game Boy Advance releases, each version of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen is available in three separate language editions for the Americas: English, European French, and European Spanish.
Players are advised to verify their language selection before completing a purchase, as this matches how the games were distributed historically.
In case of an incorrect purchase, Nintendo encourages users to reach out for support. Compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen can be played on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
While performance is generally consistent across both systems, players on Nintendo Switch 2 can also take advantage of the GameChat feature for enhanced multiplayer communication.
No additional upgrades or visual enhancements have been introduced for the newer hardware. Celebrating 30 Years of Pokémon This return of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen celebrates three decades of Pokémon, allowing fans old and new to relive or discover a refined version of the classic Kanto journey.
As Nintendo confirms, these standalone releases commemorate the legacy of the franchise with faithful adaptations for the current generation of hardware. Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen launch next week, exclusively on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, inviting Trainers to experience the beloved adventure once again.
Revealed during the recent Pokémon Day celebration, both titles will be available on the Nintendo eShop starting next week, marking a highlight for the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Why FireRed and LeafGreen Are Back The decision to reintroduce Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen—instead of the iconic Pokémon Red and Blue versions—reflects the publisher’s goal of offering the most complete rendition of the original Kanto region adventure.
According to a company spokesperson, the games are seen as “the ultimate versions of those original adventures,” offering enhanced features and improvements over the initial releases.
This ensures that fans will experience the classic journey with the benefits of later refinements. Authenticity with Modern Touches Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch retain the core content and gameplay found in their original Game Boy Advance releases.
While there may be minor differences due to platform hardware, no significant modifications have been made.
The essential gameplay remains faithful to the classic experience, with a few changes to adapt to the Switch’s modern capabilities.
Notably, all connectivity features—originally requiring a Game Link cable or Wireless Adapter for the Game Boy Advance—now utilize the built-in local wireless functionality of the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
Multiplayer features, including trading, battling, and mini-games within the Pokémon Wireless Club, remain intact and can be accessed via local wireless connection with up to four players.
Online multiplayer, however, is not supported. No Nintendo Switch Online Needed A key advantage for players is that a Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required to purchase or play Pokémon FireRed or LeafGreen.
Both versions will be offered exclusively as standalone digital downloads via the Nintendo eShop, with pre-purchase options available now.
There are no plans to release these titles as part of the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics collection, or to offer physical editions. Language Versions and Support In keeping with the original Game Boy Advance releases, each version of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen is available in three separate language editions for the Americas: English, European French, and European Spanish.
Players are advised to verify their language selection before completing a purchase, as this matches how the games were distributed historically.
In case of an incorrect purchase, Nintendo encourages users to reach out for support. Compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen can be played on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
While performance is generally consistent across both systems, players on Nintendo Switch 2 can also take advantage of the GameChat feature for enhanced multiplayer communication.
No additional upgrades or visual enhancements have been introduced for the newer hardware. Celebrating 30 Years of Pokémon This return of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen celebrates three decades of Pokémon, allowing fans old and new to relive or discover a refined version of the classic Kanto journey.
As Nintendo confirms, these standalone releases commemorate the legacy of the franchise with faithful adaptations for the current generation of hardware. Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen launch next week, exclusively on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, inviting Trainers to experience the beloved adventure once again.
