Pokémon fans have a major reason to celebrate in 2026, as Nintendo and The Pokémon Company prepare to mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary with a highly anticipated rerelease of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch.
Precisely thirty years after the original release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan, February 26, 2026, will be both Pokémon Day and the official launch date for these beloved remakes on modern hardware. Originally debuting on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen quickly established themselves as classics for a new generation, reimagining the iconic Kanto region with enhanced graphics, updated mechanics, and fresh features that became mainstays in subsequent Pokémon titles.
Now, these enduring favorites are set to make their return—not just as Switch Online titles, but as individual standalone purchases on the Nintendo eShop. The decision to offer Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen as single-purchase titles instead of a Nintendo Switch Online subscription perk marks a notable shift in Nintendo’s approach.
Over recent years, many retro games have been accessible only through the subscription-based Switch Online platform, with access tied to an active membership.
For the Pokémon series’ milestone anniversary, however, both titles will be released separately for $19.99 each, granting fans the ability to own these revered adventures outright.
This move is likely to be well-received among long-time Nintendo and Pokémon enthusiasts who have expressed appreciation for permanent digital ownership of classic games. Both Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will be available for purchase on the Nintendo Switch as well as Nintendo Switch 2, ensuring compatibility with the current system and all eyes on Nintendo’s upcoming next-generation hardware.
Eager trainers can look forward to the games’ eShop debut immediately following the Pokémon Presents broadcast scheduled for the same day, February 26, 2026—adding to the celebratory spirit of the annual Pokémon Day festivities. A representative from The Pokémon Company International emphasized that these releases highlight the enduring popularity and influence of the Pokémon franchise, stating that the return of FireRed and LeafGreen, timed exactly to the series' 30th anniversary, allows both veteran and new players to experience—or re-experience—the Kanto region’s adventure in modern comfort. As the Pokémon series continues to grow year after year, the rerelease of these hallmark games stands as a testament to their lasting appeal and Nintendo’s commitment to delivering classic experiences alongside innovative new entries.
Expectations are high, and the community’s excitement is already palpable as the countdown to Pokémon Day 2026 begins.
Precisely thirty years after the original release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan, February 26, 2026, will be both Pokémon Day and the official launch date for these beloved remakes on modern hardware. Originally debuting on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen quickly established themselves as classics for a new generation, reimagining the iconic Kanto region with enhanced graphics, updated mechanics, and fresh features that became mainstays in subsequent Pokémon titles.
Now, these enduring favorites are set to make their return—not just as Switch Online titles, but as individual standalone purchases on the Nintendo eShop. The decision to offer Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen as single-purchase titles instead of a Nintendo Switch Online subscription perk marks a notable shift in Nintendo’s approach.
Over recent years, many retro games have been accessible only through the subscription-based Switch Online platform, with access tied to an active membership.
For the Pokémon series’ milestone anniversary, however, both titles will be released separately for $19.99 each, granting fans the ability to own these revered adventures outright.
This move is likely to be well-received among long-time Nintendo and Pokémon enthusiasts who have expressed appreciation for permanent digital ownership of classic games. Both Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will be available for purchase on the Nintendo Switch as well as Nintendo Switch 2, ensuring compatibility with the current system and all eyes on Nintendo’s upcoming next-generation hardware.
Eager trainers can look forward to the games’ eShop debut immediately following the Pokémon Presents broadcast scheduled for the same day, February 26, 2026—adding to the celebratory spirit of the annual Pokémon Day festivities. A representative from The Pokémon Company International emphasized that these releases highlight the enduring popularity and influence of the Pokémon franchise, stating that the return of FireRed and LeafGreen, timed exactly to the series' 30th anniversary, allows both veteran and new players to experience—or re-experience—the Kanto region’s adventure in modern comfort. As the Pokémon series continues to grow year after year, the rerelease of these hallmark games stands as a testament to their lasting appeal and Nintendo’s commitment to delivering classic experiences alongside innovative new entries.
Expectations are high, and the community’s excitement is already palpable as the countdown to Pokémon Day 2026 begins.
