If you’re like me and you’ve been clinging to your old Game Boy Advance, but wanting to experience those games again on today’s tech, you can finally stop squinting at a tiny screen and pretending the no-backlight situation is ok.
Nintendo has confirmed that the much-rumoured Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen are being re-released for Nintendo Switch, landing on February 27, 2026. Yes, this is both Pokemon Day, and the 30th anniversary of the franchise, because of course it is.
Better still, they’ll drop after the Pokemon Presents livestream wraps up that same day, meaning this could be a watch the show, then immediately go to pick your starter kind of situation.
FireRed & LeafGreen won’t be on Switch Online
Now, here’s the small print you’ll want to take note of. These re-releases aren’t coming to Nintendo Switch Online’s retro libraries. They’re instead being sold as standalone eShop releases, priced at $19.99/£16.99 each, and you don’t need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to buy or play them.
While you might feel a bit aggrieved that it isn’t coming to Switch Online, we think it’s probably best if it is a separate purchase. You’re not burdened by a subscription, and you don’t need to have an internet connection to play.
Nintendo also notes the games are, broadly speaking, the original releases in content, but with connectivity modernised.
The old GBA link cable and Wireless Adapter setup is swapped out for built-in local wireless on Switch, letting you connect in the Pokemon Wireless Club with up to four players for trades, battles, and minigames. Sadly, online play isn’t supported, which is a shame.
While it hasn’t been officially stated, it is safe to assume that Mystery Gift content will be included. This was done with the Pokemon Crystal Virtual Console version on 3DS, and these two games’ soundtracks have been added to Nintendo Music, with Deoxys’ theme, so everything points in the right direction.
One last thing: Nintendo is also keeping things old-school in a slightly annoying way. Different languages are sold as separate versions, so double-check you’re buying the right one before you hit pre-purchase.
