As the Pokémon franchise nears its historic 30th anniversary, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have invigorated the fanbase with the announcement of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen returning as standalone releases on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
This revival of the beloved Game Boy Advance titles comes just ahead of Pokémon Day, cementing 27th February 2026 as a landmark date for trainers old and new. The Official Return to the Kanto Region Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen originally launched worldwide in 2004 as enhanced remakes of Pokémon Red and Blue, introducing a new generation of players to the Kanto region.
Their arrival on Nintendo Switch brings updated graphics alongside all the classic gameplay elements fans hold dear.
Notably, Nintendo has confirmed that both titles will be available digitally via the eShop at a price point of £16.99 / $19.99 each, with regional pricing equivalents where applicable.
In a statement released with the announcement, Nintendo explained, "The adventure and charm of the Kanto region, along with the iconic Pokémon, are just as memorable as ever with improved visuals in Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version.
Not only do these classics feature all of the original content, but the Sevii Islands—added in the Game Boy Advance versions—significantly expand the world and possibilities awaiting players.
We hope both longtime trainers and new fans enjoy these timeless Pokémon experiences on the Nintendo Switch." Updated Features and Availability For this release, Nintendo has shared additional gameplay footage on the official Pokémon YouTube channel, highlighting the side-by-side comparison of the opening themes and visual enhancements made for the Switch.
The faithful recreation of the graphics, paired with essential quality-of-life updates, aims to ensure the nostalgic appeal remains intact while modernizing the experience for today’s hardware. A comprehensive FAQ, now live on the official Pokémon website, addresses key details about the eShop release.
While a local physical edition will not be available in Western markets, Japan will see a code-in-box version at launch.
Nintendo emphasized that the digital eShop release is designed to maximize accessibility and bring the classic adventure to a new audience. Legacy Titles Meet Modern Play The return of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch continues Nintendo’s trend of reintroducing legendary titles to modern platforms, further expanding the Switch’s vast library of legacy games.
Training, trading, and exploring the Kanto and Sevii Islands will once again be possible for fans worldwide, blending nostalgia with new possibilities on Nintendo’s flagship console. As Pokémon celebrates three decades of global success, this re-release honors the brand’s rich history while inviting another generation of trainers to experience the magic of Kanto on Nintendo Switch.
Be ready to catch ‘em all once again when Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen arrive on the eShop on February 27, 2026.
This revival of the beloved Game Boy Advance titles comes just ahead of Pokémon Day, cementing 27th February 2026 as a landmark date for trainers old and new. The Official Return to the Kanto Region Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen originally launched worldwide in 2004 as enhanced remakes of Pokémon Red and Blue, introducing a new generation of players to the Kanto region.
Their arrival on Nintendo Switch brings updated graphics alongside all the classic gameplay elements fans hold dear.
Notably, Nintendo has confirmed that both titles will be available digitally via the eShop at a price point of £16.99 / $19.99 each, with regional pricing equivalents where applicable.
In a statement released with the announcement, Nintendo explained, "The adventure and charm of the Kanto region, along with the iconic Pokémon, are just as memorable as ever with improved visuals in Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version.
Not only do these classics feature all of the original content, but the Sevii Islands—added in the Game Boy Advance versions—significantly expand the world and possibilities awaiting players.
We hope both longtime trainers and new fans enjoy these timeless Pokémon experiences on the Nintendo Switch." Updated Features and Availability For this release, Nintendo has shared additional gameplay footage on the official Pokémon YouTube channel, highlighting the side-by-side comparison of the opening themes and visual enhancements made for the Switch.
The faithful recreation of the graphics, paired with essential quality-of-life updates, aims to ensure the nostalgic appeal remains intact while modernizing the experience for today’s hardware. A comprehensive FAQ, now live on the official Pokémon website, addresses key details about the eShop release.
While a local physical edition will not be available in Western markets, Japan will see a code-in-box version at launch.
Nintendo emphasized that the digital eShop release is designed to maximize accessibility and bring the classic adventure to a new audience. Legacy Titles Meet Modern Play The return of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch continues Nintendo’s trend of reintroducing legendary titles to modern platforms, further expanding the Switch’s vast library of legacy games.
Training, trading, and exploring the Kanto and Sevii Islands will once again be possible for fans worldwide, blending nostalgia with new possibilities on Nintendo’s flagship console. As Pokémon celebrates three decades of global success, this re-release honors the brand’s rich history while inviting another generation of trainers to experience the magic of Kanto on Nintendo Switch.
Be ready to catch ‘em all once again when Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen arrive on the eShop on February 27, 2026.
