Nintendo is bringing a wave of nostalgia to the Switch with the release of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen on . These digital remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Green games, initially released for Game Boy Advance in 2004, will be available for download from the Nintendo eShop following the Pokémon Presents event. The games will be priced at $19.99 each.
The re-release marks a significant moment for fans, offering a chance to revisit the Kanto region with updated graphics and features. Players can expect to encounter the original 151 Pokémon, experience the classic turn-based gameplay, and reconnect with iconic characters like Brock, Misty, Professor Oak, and Giovanni. The Switch versions incorporate updates from the Game Boy Advance era, including abilities, natures, weather conditions, and held items, as well as the option to choose a player character’s gender.
Notably, the Switch versions will allow players to trade and battle Pokémon with friends using local communication, eliminating the need for a Game Link Cable, a requirement of the original Game Boy Advance releases. This streamlined connectivity aims to enhance the social aspect of the Pokémon experience for a new generation of players.
While the core gameplay remains faithful to the original, Nintendo is also leveraging the Switch’s capabilities to offer a more accessible experience. The games will be available in English, French, and Spanish. The titles will be compatible with both the standard Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2 console.
The decision to release FireRed and LeafGreen as digital-only titles has drawn some criticism, as Nintendo offers a Nintendo Switch Online subscription service that includes emulated Game Boy Advance games. Currently, the service features 27 Game Boy titles, but only one Pokémon game – Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, a spin-off title. Fans who have long hoped for the inclusion of the core series games on the subscription service will have to purchase these titles separately.
The original Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen sold a combined 12 million copies, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Kanto region and the first generation of Pokémon. These remakes were particularly popular as they offered an enhanced version of the original 1996 Pokémon adventure, which was initially released in black and white on the original Game Boy.
In Japan, physical editions of FireRed and LeafGreen will be available, mirroring the original 2004 packaging. These editions are expected to include a collectible set featuring the three starter Pokémon from the Kanto region.
This release strategy aligns with Nintendo’s previous efforts to evoke nostalgia for the early Pokémon games. In 2018, the company launched Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, a simplified recreation of the Kanto region designed to appeal to new players familiar with Pokémon Go and mobile gaming.
Beyond the games themselves, the soundtracks for FireRed and LeafGreen are now available on the Nintendo Music app, a subscription-based service similar to Spotify or Apple Music, allowing fans to enjoy the iconic music from the games.
The arrival of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch represents a significant moment for the Pokémon franchise, bridging the gap between classic gameplay and modern convenience. While the decision to release the games as individual purchases may not satisfy all fans, the opportunity to revisit the Kanto region with updated features and enhanced connectivity is sure to be welcomed by both longtime players and newcomers alike.
