Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores, but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, all whilst including some lengthy gameplay, to give you, the reader, the chance to form your own impressions and views while reading and watching.
In this explanatory review, we’re covering Pokémon FireRed Version & Pokémon LeafGreen Version by developer, GAME FREAK:
Pokémon FireRed Version & Pokémon LeafGreen Version (Nintendo Switch)
Developed by GAME FREAK and originally released in 2004 for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance, there isn’t a Pokémon fan alive who hasn’t heard of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen. But unless you’re using ROMs, newer fans have never had the chance to revisit these classics—until now, with this exclusive digital-only release on February 27, 2026, for Nintendo Switch. And there’s a lot to unpack.
For the most part, this version stays true to the originals. It’s the classic Kanto story: you play as an aspiring Pokémon Trainer, exploring the region, catching Pokémon, raising them, and battling however you like. Team Rocket’s up to their old tricks, and only you can stop them. Obtain all eight Gym Badges, beat the Elite Four, and set sail for the Sevii Islands.
Based on Japan’s Izu Islands, this seven-island archipelago brings Johto Pokémon and post-game missions. Complete them to unlock trading with other Gen 3 games like Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald—so you can fill your National Pokédex. But here’s the first big issue: The only Gen 3 games on Switch right now are FireRed and LeafGreen. Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are MIA.
For a series whose tagline is literally “Gotta Catch ‘Em All!”, you… can’t. Pokémon HOME support is said to arrive in Spring 2026, but it’s one-way only — you can transfer Pokémon out of FireRed and LeafGreen, but you cannot move anything in. So, for anyone hoping to complete the National Dex using HOME transfers, that option simply isn’t there.
As for problem number two: anyone hoping these $20 ROMs would at least include online play is out of luck. By staying true to the originals, trading is done via local wireless only. That means unless you have a friend who owns one of the games and a second Nintendo Switch console—and you can physically meet up—the only way to trade for evolutions like Kadabra → Alakazam or Graveler → Golem is to own at least two Switch consoles and both versions of the game.
With one version on each console, you can head to a Pokémon Center’s Union Room, initiate a trade, and get the evolution. But here’s the catch: save files don’t transfer between consoles, and there are no save states. So if you want to do two playthroughs on a single console and trade between them, you can’t. You’ll need a second Switch to trade to, then trade back to your main save. It’s long-winded, expensive, and frankly annoying—but unless online trading or additional features are patched in later, this is currently the only way to complete your Kanto Pokédex.
On the plus side, with the Nintendo Switch’s local wireless functionality being used for trading and battling, players are no longer confined to using link cables. As for other known positives and improvements, performance is locked at 60 fps, with slightly enhanced graphics and richer colour that looks sharper on the Switch’s screen. Button remapping also lets you disable the help menu screens.
What’s more, upon beating the Elite Four, players automatically receive the Mystic Ticket and Aurora Ticket in their inventory, allowing them to go after Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Deoxys. These items were previously tied to special real-world events, so it’s nice to have them fully integrated into this newly revised ROM of FireRed and LeafGreen.
Speaking of the new revision, it comes with a profanity filter, so anyone hoping to name their characters creatively (or crudely) will need to think again. Also, when purchasing your preferred version of FireRed or LeafGreen, multiple language editions are listed separately on the eShop—double-check you’re buying the one in your preferred language to avoid a costly mistake. But negative points aside, it’s genuinely great to have these classic titles officially available again on modern hardware. Aside from the price tag, it’s a big win for preservation and accessibility—a whole new generation can now experience Kanto in its authentic 2004 form.
Nevertheless, it’s still the classic Pokémon we know and love. HMs must be taught. No on-the-fly PC access — boxes only at Pokémon Centers. For younger players diving in, it’ll feel like hard mode: descend into Safari Zone insanity chasing Chansey, or risk it all on the slots. Classic Kanto is back — but if you’d rather look forward, save your cash and patiently wait for Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves next year.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are still the brilliant games we remember, but after 22 years, it would’ve been nice if this “ultimate version” felt a little more ultimate. Toggleable game speed, and online trading/battling could’ve been simple additions without a full remake. Don’t get us wrong—we’ll play both versions to death, and their release is a sweet nod to 30 years of an iconic series—but playing devil’s advocate, we’d have preferred Sevii Islands DLC for Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! to experience those islands in glorious HD.
Game Specifications:
Developer: GAME FREAK
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch (Digital)
Genre: Role-playing
No. of Players: 1 (Single System) | 1 – 2 (Local Wireless)
Release Date: February 27, 2026
Price: $19.99
File Size: 39 MB
Nintendo.com Listing
