Nintendo has officially announced that Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen, the beloved Game Boy Advance remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Blue, will launch on the Nintendo Switch eShop next week as standalone digital titles.
Marking the franchise’s 30th anniversary, these releases invite both new and longtime fans to explore the classic Kanto region adventures once again, but with a distribution approach that has prompted questions from the Pokémon community.
Unlike other Game Boy Advance (GBA) games offered through the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) + Expansion Pack service, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will not be included in the existing NSO Game Boy Advance library.
Instead, these titles are available for individual purchase, priced at $19.99 / £16.99 each.
This deviation from standard NSO curation has sparked curiosity about Nintendo's plans for classic Pokémon and retro titles on Switch.
In response to fan inquiries, Nintendo of America shared an extensive FAQ outlining key details behind the release.
Addressing whether more classic Pokémon games—such as the original Red, Blue, or Yellow—might also come to Switch, an official statement clarified: Nintendo currently has "nothing to announce regarding any other potential titles" for the service or as separate digital releases.
The company reiterated its ongoing focus: "We remain committed to offering classic games through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack." For the 30th anniversary, Nintendo explained the choice of FireRed and LeafGreen over the original games: "We believed players would most appreciate the enhanced versions of the original adventures, which include additional features and upgrades beyond what was available in Pokémon Red and Blue." Key Features and Release Information: - Both games will be released as digital-only titles on the Nintendo eShop; no physical editions are planned.
Pre-purchase is available now. - No Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to purchase or play these games. - Local wireless play is supported for trading and battling up to four players, replicating the classic Pokémon Center experience.
However, online play is not supported. - Pokémon HOME support is confirmed to be in development, enabling players to transfer Pokémon from FireRed and LeafGreen into modern applications. - NSO Save Data Cloud backup is not compatible with these titles. - Language options are split into separate versions: English, European French, and European Spanish, mirroring the original GBA releases.
Players are encouraged to confirm their language preference before purchase. Nintendo also clarified that while minor hardware-specific differences may exist, the content and gameplay experience of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 remain faithful to the GBA originals.
Unique to Switch 2, GameChat functionality is supported.
Within the current Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack libraries, other Pokémon classics—such as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, Pokémon Puzzle League, Pokémon Stadium, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game—are available to subscribers, but these latest releases stand apart as premium purchases.
While some fans may be disappointed by the absence of broader online functionality or a return of the Virtual Console, FireRed and LeafGreen’s arrival gives both nostalgic and new trainers a definitive opportunity to revisit the Kanto region, with Nintendo’s carefully managed approach ensuring clarity for Switch owners ahead of launch.
Marking the franchise’s 30th anniversary, these releases invite both new and longtime fans to explore the classic Kanto region adventures once again, but with a distribution approach that has prompted questions from the Pokémon community.
Unlike other Game Boy Advance (GBA) games offered through the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) + Expansion Pack service, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will not be included in the existing NSO Game Boy Advance library.
Instead, these titles are available for individual purchase, priced at $19.99 / £16.99 each.
This deviation from standard NSO curation has sparked curiosity about Nintendo's plans for classic Pokémon and retro titles on Switch.
In response to fan inquiries, Nintendo of America shared an extensive FAQ outlining key details behind the release.
Addressing whether more classic Pokémon games—such as the original Red, Blue, or Yellow—might also come to Switch, an official statement clarified: Nintendo currently has "nothing to announce regarding any other potential titles" for the service or as separate digital releases.
The company reiterated its ongoing focus: "We remain committed to offering classic games through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack." For the 30th anniversary, Nintendo explained the choice of FireRed and LeafGreen over the original games: "We believed players would most appreciate the enhanced versions of the original adventures, which include additional features and upgrades beyond what was available in Pokémon Red and Blue." Key Features and Release Information: - Both games will be released as digital-only titles on the Nintendo eShop; no physical editions are planned.
Pre-purchase is available now. - No Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to purchase or play these games. - Local wireless play is supported for trading and battling up to four players, replicating the classic Pokémon Center experience.
However, online play is not supported. - Pokémon HOME support is confirmed to be in development, enabling players to transfer Pokémon from FireRed and LeafGreen into modern applications. - NSO Save Data Cloud backup is not compatible with these titles. - Language options are split into separate versions: English, European French, and European Spanish, mirroring the original GBA releases.
Players are encouraged to confirm their language preference before purchase. Nintendo also clarified that while minor hardware-specific differences may exist, the content and gameplay experience of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 remain faithful to the GBA originals.
Unique to Switch 2, GameChat functionality is supported.
Within the current Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack libraries, other Pokémon classics—such as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, Pokémon Puzzle League, Pokémon Stadium, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game—are available to subscribers, but these latest releases stand apart as premium purchases.
While some fans may be disappointed by the absence of broader online functionality or a return of the Virtual Console, FireRed and LeafGreen’s arrival gives both nostalgic and new trainers a definitive opportunity to revisit the Kanto region, with Nintendo’s carefully managed approach ensuring clarity for Switch owners ahead of launch.
