But they don’t come cheap.
With the annual Pokémon Day Pokémon Presents announced, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have also revealed that the rumours pertaining to Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen coming to the eShop, were correct. The 2004 titles are confirmed to release on the Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2026 after the Pokémon Presents presentation.
Both games are 40MB to download and are said to have local wireless support, allowing players to “visit the Pokémon Wireless Club to trade, battle, and chat with other players.” They do not, however, feature online play. It was initially reported they will have Pokémon HOME support, which is “coming soon,” but all mention of Pokémon HOME has since vanished.
Each game is set to retail at $19,99 USD / £16.99 GBP each and are digital only, however, in Japan their will be a special release of the two titles bundled together. A trailer for the upcoming releases can be seen here:
Nintendo has shared an FAQ regarding both titles, which can be seen here:
Are these the original versions of the games? Have they been enhanced or modified in any way?
- Some specifications may differ, but broadly speaking, the contents of Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version are the same as in the games’ original release.
- Due to the differences in hardware, the following features operate differently:
- Whereas the games’ connectivity features required the Game Boy Advance Game Link cable or Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter on the Game Boy Advance system, those features can now be enjoyed on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch via built-in local wireless connection.
- As with games played on Nintendo Switch 2 in general, Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version can be enjoyed while using the GameChat feature.
Is a Nintendo Switch Online membership required to purchase or play these games?
- No, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is not needed to purchase or play these games.
Will it be possible to trade or battle Pokémon with other players? How will it work?
- All of the games’ original connectivity features will work just as they did on Game Boy Advance via local wireless connection.
- It will be possible to connect with up to four other players in the Pokémon Wireless Club, located on the second floor of a Pokémon Center. Players can access Union Rooms to trade, battle, or play a minigame.
- Online play is not supported.
Will these games also be coming to the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics collection?
- These games are being offered as standalone software and are not planned for release as part of the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics collection.
Why are you handling these classic games differently?
- In celebration of 30 years of Pokémon, we thought it would be fun to return to the ultimate versions of the original Pokémon adventures in the Kanto region with these special releases.
If these titles are meant to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon, why aren’t you releasing the original Pokémon Blue Version and Pokémon Red Version games that launched 30 years ago?
- We thought users will appreciate the ultimate versions of those original adventures, which add various features and upgrades to the contents of Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version.
Will you add the original Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version or other Pokémon games to the Nintendo Classics collections available with Nintendo Switch Online?
- The following Pokémon game is currently part of the Game Boy – Nintendo Classics collection, available with a Nintendo Switch Online membership:
- Pokémon Trading Card Game
- In addition, the following Pokémon games can be enjoyed with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership:
- Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics:
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team
- Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics:
- Pokémon Puzzle League
- Pokémon Snap
- Pokémon Stadium
- Pokémon Stadium 2
- We have nothing to announce regarding any other potential titles.
What about other classic games beyond Pokémon titles? Is this the return of standalone Virtual Console types of offerings?
- We remain focused on offering classic games through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Why are different versions of the games being released for each language? Shouldn’t all languages be selectable within a single version, as with other games?
- The games remain unchanged from their original release on Game Boy Advance, and as was often the case in that era, different versions of the games needed to be created for each supported language.
- In total, there are three different language versions of each game available in the Americas: English, European French, and European Spanish. These are the same language versions that were offered with the games’ original release on Game Boy Advance.
- We encourage people to verify the language of the game before completing their purchase.
What if someone accidentally purchases a version with the wrong language?
- We encourage people to verify the language of the game before completing their purchase.
- If a mistake is made, we encourage people to contact us for support.
Where can I purchase these games? Will there be physical versions?
- Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version will be available as digital software in Nintendo eShop. The games will not receive physical releases.
- Pre-purchase is available now on Nintendo eShop.
Will the games receive any enhancements when played on Nintendo Switch 2?
- There are no major differences in how the games perform on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.
- As with games played on Nintendo Switch 2 in general, Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version can be enjoyed while using the GameChat feature.
Will you be picking up either title? Let us know!
About Pokémon FireRed Version:
Set off on a grand adventure to become the Pokémon League Champion—now on Nintendo Switch™!
Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon™ with this Nintendo Switch™ version* of the Pokémon FireRed Version game originally released on the Game Boy™ Advance system! Explore the Kanto region, discover wild Pokémon around every corner, and aim to complete your Pokédex as you battle your way to success. Earn badges as you develop winning strategies to use against each experienced Gym Leader, and uncover amazing secrets in your quest to be the best Trainer.
This digital exclusive contains the Sevii islands, where even more Pokémon await. You can also visit the Pokémon Wireless Club to trade, battle, and chat with other players via local wireless**!
AboutPokémon LeafGreen Version:
Set off on a grand adventure to become the Pokémon League Champion—now on Nintendo Switch™!
Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon™ with this Nintendo Switch™ version* of the Pokémon LeafGreen Version game originally released on the Game Boy™ Advance system! Explore the Kanto region, discover wild Pokémon around every corner, and aim to complete your Pokédex as you battle your way to success. Earn badges as you develop winning strategies to use against each experienced Gym Leader, and uncover amazing secrets in your quest to be the best Trainer.
This digital exclusive contains the Sevii islands, where even more Pokémon await. You can also visit the Pokémon Wireless Club to trade, battle, and chat with other players via local wireless**!
Every Nintendo Game, Application & DLC Releasing in 2026:
- (NS2) Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: January 15, 2026
- (NS2) Mario Tennis Fever | Release Date: February 12, 2026
- (NSW & NS2) Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics | Release Date: February 17, 2026
- (NSW, NS2, Android & iOS) Hello, Mario! | Release Date: February 19, 2026
- (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: February 19, 2026 (Digital)
- (NSW & NS2) Pokémon FireRed Version | Release Date: February 27, 2026
- (NSW & NS2) Pokémon LeafGreen Version | Release Date: February 27, 2026
- (NS2) Pokémon Pokopia | Release Date: March 5, 2026
- (NS2) Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park | Release Date: March 26, 2026
- (NSW & NS2) Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream | Release Date: April 16, 2026
- (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: April 16, 2026 (Physical)
- (NSW & NS2) Pokémon Champions | Release Date: April 2026
- (NS2) Yoshi and the Mysterious Book | Release Date: Spring 2026
- (NS2) Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave | Release Date: 2026
- (NSW & NS2) Rhythm Heaven Groove | Release Date: 2026
- (NS2) Splatoon Raiders | Release Date: in Active Development
Every amiibo Releasing in 2026:
- Meta Knight & Shadow Star amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | Release Date: March 5, 2026
- Ratha amiibo (Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection) | Release Date: March 13, 2026
- Ratha V amiibo (Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection) | Release Date: March 13, 2026
- Rudy amiibo (Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection) | Release Date: March 13, 2026
- Captain Toad & Treasure Tracker amiibo (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) | Release Date: March 26, 2026
- Elephant Mario amiibo (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) | Release Date: March 26, 2026
- Poplin & Prince Florian amiibo (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) | Release Date: March 26, 2026
- Mario and Luma amiibo (Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2) | Release Date: April 2, 2026
- Rosalina and Lumas amiibo (Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2) | Release Date: April 2, 2026
- Diana amiibo (PRAGMATA) | Release Date: April 24, 2026
- Grace Ashcroft amiibo (Resident Evil Requiem) | Release Date: July 30, 2026
- Leon S. Kennedy amiibo (Resident Evil Requiem) | Release Date: July 30, 2026
- Chef Kawasaki & Hop Star amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | Release Date: 2026
- King Dedede & Tank Star amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | Release Date: 2026
- Mineru’s Construct amiibo (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) | Release Date: TBD
Source: Nintendo PR & Nintendo
