Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Remakes Add a Swear Filter, Limiting Your Ability to Name Your Rival Something Rude

IGN

by Tom Phillips

March 2, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Nintendo's recent remakes of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for the Nintendo Switch have introduced a new feature—a swear filter designed to prevent players from naming their rival Pokémon with inappropriate terms like "Ass" or "Dick." If users attempt to input such names, the game ignores the input and defaults to preset names. This change is part of several updates in the remakes, which were released as part of the franchise's 30th-anniversary celebrations. Despite the filter, players have found creative ways around it by using alternate spellings like "azzhole" or "asshat," which bypass the restrictions. While certain harsh words are blocked entirely, milder curses and terms like "butt" remain acceptable. This workaround highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing content moderation with player creativity. The remakes also include updates beyond the swear filter, such as clarifying the connection to Pokémon Home and introducing new features. These changes aim to enhance nostalgia while integrating modern elements. However, fans are left waiting until 2027 for Switch 2 compatibility, delaying access to upcoming titles like Pokémon Pokopia and Winds and Waves. This update reflects Nintendo's efforts to maintain a family-friendly environment, which resonates with both parents and younger audiences. While the filter limits explicit language, it sparks discussions about censorship in gaming, particularly in beloved franchises. The mixed reaction from fans underscores the tension between preserving nostalgia and embracing modern content policies.

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Originally published on IGN on 3/2/2026