Pokemon Fire Red and LeafGreen Return to Switch on Pokémon Day
pokemon fire red will be released on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on Feb. 27, timed for Pokémon Day, Nintendo announced, bringing the Game Boy Advance remakes back to modern consoles and offering players the original roster of 151 Pokémon.
Pokemon Fire Red headed to Switch and Switch 2
Nintendo said Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version will be available as digital-only releases on My Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop on Feb. 27. The company noted the titles are also playable on the Nintendo Switch 2 system. Nintendo listed a suggested retail price of $19. 99 (USD) and said the games will be available at select retailers during launch week.
Kanto, 151 Pokémon and Game Boy Advance updates
These Switch versions are the 2004 remakes of the original games (the originals first released in Japan in 1996) and let players encounter the original 151 Pokémon while retaining classic turn-based gameplay and the series' soundtrack. Nintendo highlighted familiar characters such as Brock, Misty, Professor Oak and Giovanni, and noted Game Boy Advance-era gameplay features carried over into the remakes, including abilities, natures, weather conditions, held items and the option to select the player character’s gender.
Local co-op and language editions
The Switch releases add a modern convenience: local co-op without the need for a Game Link Cable, Nintendo said. Each language version is sold separately in English, French and Spanish, and the company warned there are no in-game options to change language after purchase; the French and Spanish versions are presented in EU French and EU Spanish.
Pokémon Presents timing and availability
The Pokémon Presents presentation will air at 9 a. m. ET (6 a. m. PT) on Feb. 27, and the titles will be available to play after the presentation concludes, the announcement said. Players looking to buy on launch day can find the download-only games on the eShop or My Nintendo Store, with retail availability noted for launch week at the $19. 99 price point.
For players planning a return trip to Kanto, the confirmed next events are the Pokémon Presents broadcast at 9 a. m. ET on Feb. 27 and the availability of Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version on the My Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop that same day, with select retailers carrying the games during launch week.
