Pokémon FireRed & Pokémon LeafGreen Launch on Nintendo eShop for Pokémon Day
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have officially announced that Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version will launch digitally on the Nintendo eShop on February 27th—just in time for Pokémon Day.
Originally released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, these beloved remakes of the classic Kanto region adventures are now making their debut on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, giving a new generation access to these timeless Pokémon journeys. Feature Parity and Modern Connectivity In a statement posted via a comprehensive FAQ on Nintendo's official website, the leading developers clarified that the contents of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen remain largely unchanged from the original Game Boy Advance releases.
While core game specifications are consistent, certain features have been updated to take advantage of Nintendo’s current hardware.
For example, where the original titles relied on the Game Boy Advance Game Link cable or Wireless Adapter for multiplayer features, the eShop versions enable local wireless connectivity on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
This adjustment allows players to connect for trades and battles without the need for classic accessories. Accessible Multiplayer and GameChat Support Nintendo confirmed that players do not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership to purchase or play Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.
However, all original connectivity functions are preserved via modern local wireless play.
Up to four players can participate in the Pokémon Wireless Club, located on the second floor of a Pokémon Center in-game, where Union Rooms allow for trades, battles, and a traditional minigame.
It is important to note that online play over the internet is not supported for these titles.
Additionally, when played on Nintendo Switch 2, users can enjoy the GameChat feature, mirroring general platform capabilities. Standalone Releases Celebrate 30 Years of Pokémon Unlike other classic Pokémon releases offered through subscription-based collections, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are being released as standalone purchases on the Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo explained that these specific releases honor the franchise's 30th anniversary, giving fans a return to the "ultimate versions" of Kanto adventures.
Notably, while these remakes are arriving, the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue games are not.
According to Nintendo, the company believes that FireRed and LeafGreen deliver the definitive enhanced experiences fans will appreciate. Classic Game Availability and Supported Languages Nintendo reaffirmed its focus on delivering classic games primarily through Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack memberships.
Titles such as Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, and classics like Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Snap are already available in these collections.
For Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, the eShop launch mirrors the original Game Boy Advance language options: three regional versions in English, European French, and European Spanish are available for purchase in the Americas.
Players are strongly encouraged to confirm their preferred language before purchasing, as each version is sold separately.
In the event of an accidental purchase in the wrong language, Nintendo advises contacting customer support for assistance. Digital-Only Release and Pre-Purchase Details Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will be accessible exclusively as digital downloads from the Nintendo eShop, with no plans for a physical release.
Pre-purchase is currently live, allowing dedicated players to secure these celebrated titles ahead of Pokémon Day.
Performance between Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 remains consistent, except for the inclusion of GameChat functionality on the latest hardware. With this announcement, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company continue to honor their history while leveraging modern Nintendo Switch features, providing both longtime fans and newcomers a chance to revisit or discover the Kanto region’s famed adventures.
Originally released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, these beloved remakes of the classic Kanto region adventures are now making their debut on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, giving a new generation access to these timeless Pokémon journeys. Feature Parity and Modern Connectivity In a statement posted via a comprehensive FAQ on Nintendo's official website, the leading developers clarified that the contents of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen remain largely unchanged from the original Game Boy Advance releases.
While core game specifications are consistent, certain features have been updated to take advantage of Nintendo’s current hardware.
For example, where the original titles relied on the Game Boy Advance Game Link cable or Wireless Adapter for multiplayer features, the eShop versions enable local wireless connectivity on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
This adjustment allows players to connect for trades and battles without the need for classic accessories. Accessible Multiplayer and GameChat Support Nintendo confirmed that players do not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership to purchase or play Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.
However, all original connectivity functions are preserved via modern local wireless play.
Up to four players can participate in the Pokémon Wireless Club, located on the second floor of a Pokémon Center in-game, where Union Rooms allow for trades, battles, and a traditional minigame.
It is important to note that online play over the internet is not supported for these titles.
Additionally, when played on Nintendo Switch 2, users can enjoy the GameChat feature, mirroring general platform capabilities. Standalone Releases Celebrate 30 Years of Pokémon Unlike other classic Pokémon releases offered through subscription-based collections, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are being released as standalone purchases on the Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo explained that these specific releases honor the franchise's 30th anniversary, giving fans a return to the "ultimate versions" of Kanto adventures.
Notably, while these remakes are arriving, the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue games are not.
According to Nintendo, the company believes that FireRed and LeafGreen deliver the definitive enhanced experiences fans will appreciate. Classic Game Availability and Supported Languages Nintendo reaffirmed its focus on delivering classic games primarily through Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack memberships.
Titles such as Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, and classics like Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Snap are already available in these collections.
For Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, the eShop launch mirrors the original Game Boy Advance language options: three regional versions in English, European French, and European Spanish are available for purchase in the Americas.
Players are strongly encouraged to confirm their preferred language before purchasing, as each version is sold separately.
In the event of an accidental purchase in the wrong language, Nintendo advises contacting customer support for assistance. Digital-Only Release and Pre-Purchase Details Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will be accessible exclusively as digital downloads from the Nintendo eShop, with no plans for a physical release.
Pre-purchase is currently live, allowing dedicated players to secure these celebrated titles ahead of Pokémon Day.
Performance between Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 remains consistent, except for the inclusion of GameChat functionality on the latest hardware. With this announcement, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company continue to honor their history while leveraging modern Nintendo Switch features, providing both longtime fans and newcomers a chance to revisit or discover the Kanto region’s famed adventures.
