Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are set to make their highly anticipated debut on the Nintendo Switch eShop, landing just after the conclusion of the upcoming Pokémon Presents on February 27.
Originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004, these beloved titles have enjoyed a loyal following among Pokémon fans for decades.
Developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, the return of FireRed and LeafGreen to modern hardware continues the tradition of bringing classic Pokémon experiences to new generations of players on the Switch platform. While global fans celebrate this digital launch, Japanese audiences are receiving an extra treat with a Japan-exclusive 'Special Edition' boxed set.
Despite the collector’s box, the Special Edition does not include a physical Switch cartridge.
Instead, access to the games is provided exclusively through a bundled download code.
This unique package features meticulously crafted reproductions of the original Japanese Game Boy Advance cases for both Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. A major highlight of the Special Edition is a set of three elegantly laser-engraved glass balls, each containing a likeness of one of the iconic Kanto starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
When displayed on the included stand, these glass balls light up with green, red, and blue hues, evocative of the classic series’ color palette.
The entire collector’s set will be available through the Japanese Pokémon Center online store beginning Saturday, February 28, with each version priced at 19,800 yen (approximately £95 or $127 USD). At this time, the Special Edition is confirmed solely for release in Japan, though The Pokémon Company has stated it may become available at select Pokémon Center brick-and-mortar locations in the future.
There is currently no information regarding a Western release for this collector’s edition.
For now, fans outside Japan can access the games through the Nintendo Switch eShop, joining a growing list of classic Pokémon adventures reissued on the platform. The Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen release underscores the ongoing appeal of legacy content on Nintendo Switch while highlighting Nintendo’s commitment to honoring the franchise’s rich history.
With the eShop launch and this remarkable Special Edition, both seasoned trainers and new players have a chance to explore the Kanto region in new ways.
Originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004, these beloved titles have enjoyed a loyal following among Pokémon fans for decades.
Developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, the return of FireRed and LeafGreen to modern hardware continues the tradition of bringing classic Pokémon experiences to new generations of players on the Switch platform. While global fans celebrate this digital launch, Japanese audiences are receiving an extra treat with a Japan-exclusive 'Special Edition' boxed set.
Despite the collector’s box, the Special Edition does not include a physical Switch cartridge.
Instead, access to the games is provided exclusively through a bundled download code.
This unique package features meticulously crafted reproductions of the original Japanese Game Boy Advance cases for both Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. A major highlight of the Special Edition is a set of three elegantly laser-engraved glass balls, each containing a likeness of one of the iconic Kanto starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
When displayed on the included stand, these glass balls light up with green, red, and blue hues, evocative of the classic series’ color palette.
The entire collector’s set will be available through the Japanese Pokémon Center online store beginning Saturday, February 28, with each version priced at 19,800 yen (approximately £95 or $127 USD). At this time, the Special Edition is confirmed solely for release in Japan, though The Pokémon Company has stated it may become available at select Pokémon Center brick-and-mortar locations in the future.
There is currently no information regarding a Western release for this collector’s edition.
For now, fans outside Japan can access the games through the Nintendo Switch eShop, joining a growing list of classic Pokémon adventures reissued on the platform. The Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen release underscores the ongoing appeal of legacy content on Nintendo Switch while highlighting Nintendo’s commitment to honoring the franchise’s rich history.
With the eShop launch and this remarkable Special Edition, both seasoned trainers and new players have a chance to explore the Kanto region in new ways.
