Nintendo's Switch release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen upsets NSO subscribers
Polygon
by Patricia HernandezFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Nintendo's recent release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch has sparked confusion among fans. While these retro titles are typically part of the Nintendo Classics program, which is included in Nintendo Online subscriptions, they are instead being sold as standalone games. This decision has left many Switch users puzzled, as they expected these classic Game Boy Advance titles to follow the usual pattern of retro releases.
The announcement was met with excitement due to the popularity of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen among both new and veteran players. However, the lack of clarity surrounding their availability outside of the Nintendo Classics program has led to frustration. Fans were expecting a seamless integration into the Switch's online library, similar to other retro titles like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or Super Mario World.
The decision to release FireRed and LeafGreen as standalone games raises questions about how Nintendo plans to handle classic Pokémon titles moving forward. This shift in strategy could have implications for fans who rely on the Nintendo Online service for access to retro content. For now, it remains unclear whether these games will ever be added to the program or if they are intended to remain exclusive to their own store listings.
Ultimately, this situation highlights the challenges of balancing legacy titles with modern gaming platforms. While some players appreciate the opportunity to experience FireRed and LeafGreen on the Switch, others feel let down by the lack of consistency in Nintendo's approach to retro releases.
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Originally published on Polygon on 2/20/2026