Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen preorders go live — where to buy now for Nintendo Switch
Mashable
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Nintendo eShop has officially launched preorders for Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch, marking a significant milestone for fans of the iconic franchise. Available digitally for $19.99 each (or £16.99 in the UK), these classic Game Boy Advance titles are now optimized for modern gameplay on the Switch. The games will be released on Feb. 27, 2026, coinciding with Pokémon Day, and can be preloaded onto eligible consoles upon purchase, ensuring an immediate start to the adventure once available.
This release is part of the Pokémon franchise's 30th-anniversary celebrations, paying homage to the original Game Boy titles that launched in Japan in 1996. FireRed and LeafGreen are remakes of Pokémon Red and Green (Blue in the West), offering players a chance to relive their journey through Kanto, including classic elements like battling Team Rocket, defeating Gym leaders, and competing in the Pokémons League. The Switch port retains the core gameplay and updated visuals from the Game Boy Advance versions but removes the need for Link Cables or the GBA Wireless Adapter, instead integrating Nintendo's Poké Wireless Club for local multiplayer features.
One of the standout features of these remakes is their compatibility with the newly released Nintendo Switch 2 console. Players can enjoy the same seamless experience on both the standard Switch and the enhanced Switch 2 model. Additionally, both games include exclusive post-game content set on the Sevii Islands, introducing an additional storyline and new Pokémon to collect after defeating the Pokémons League.
The availability of these titles as standalone purchases at $19.99 each (or £16.99 in the UK) is a significant shift from previous releases tied to Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions. This makes them accessible to all Switch users, allowing them to permanently add FireRed and LeafGreen to their digital libraries without membership requirements.
For tech-savvy fans of retro gaming and Pokémon enthusiasts, this release is a must-have addition to
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Originally published on Mashable on 2/20/2026