Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to Switch next week for the series’ 30th anniversary

Engadget

by Matt Tate

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, iconic remakes of the original 1996 Pokémon games, are set to arrive on Nintendo Switch in celebration of the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Originally released for Game Boy Advance in 2004, these enhanced versions of Pocket Monsters Red and Green will bring the classic Kanto region adventures to a new generation of players. Nintendo chose to re-release FireRed and LeafGreen rather than the original Game Boy titles due to their status as "ultimate versions" of the Pokémon series, offering familiar gameplay and charm but optimized for modern hardware. The games will retain their 2004 visuals and mechanics, with no significant changes or updates. They will support local multiplayer via Switch’s built-in wireless features and GameChat for Switch 2 users. Unlike previous retro releases, these titles won’t be part of the Nintendo Switch Online Virtual Console library or require an NSO membership to play. Instead, they’ll be available as standalone purchases on the eShop for $20 each, with no plans for physical releases outside Japan. The re-releases align with the franchise’s anniversary celebrations, set to launch on February 27, 1996, the same day the original Pokémon Red and Blue were released in Japan. The games will be available after a Pokémon Presents showcase airing at 9am ET that day. For fans eager for more Pokémon content, Pokémon Pokopia—a long-awaited life simulation game inspired by Animal Crossing—will arrive on March 5. This release marks Nintendo’s commitment to preserving retro titles while focusing on its Switch Online subscription service. FireRed and Leaf

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Originally published on Engadget on 2/20/2026