'We Thought It Would Be Fun': Nintendo Has a Whole FAQ on Why It's Selling Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Separately for $20 Each

IGN

by Tom Phillips

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Nintendo has released a detailed Q&A addressing its decision to re-launch Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen as standalone titles on the Nintendo Switch, priced at $20 each, rather than including them in the Nintendo Switch Online service. The company explained that this move is part of celebrating 30 years of Pokémon by offering enhanced versions of the classic Kanto region adventures. However, fans have raised questions about why these games aren’t part of the broader Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics collection or included as free additions for Switch Online subscribers. In its Q&A, Nintendo emphasized that FireRed and LeafGreen are being positioned as special standalone releases to mark the milestone anniversary. The company also clarified that these titles won’t be added to the growing list of Pokémon games available through Switch Online’s Game Boy Advance library. While Nintendo acknowledged fans’ curiosity about other classic Pokémon titles, such as the original Red and Blue Versions, it reaffirmed its focus on offering a curated selection of titles through its online service. The decision to sell FireRed and LeafGreen separately has sparked speculation about Nintendo’s motivations. Some suggest that financial considerations or technical limitations may be at play, such as avoiding features like save state management and gameplay rewinding, which could complicate the games’ balance. Despite these unaddressed questions, Nintendo appears confident in its strategy, framing it as a one-time experiment rather than a broader shift in its approach to classic game releases. For gaming enthusiasts, this release highlights the ongoing debate over how classic titles are monetized and made accessible to modern audiences. While FireRed and LeafGreen’s standalone model may appeal to nostalgia-driven fans, the $20 price tag raises questions about affordability and value compared to other Switch Online offerings. As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary

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Originally published on IGN on 2/20/2026