Pokemon Day Marks Return of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch
On pokemon day, Feb. 27, Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version will return to Nintendo Switch systems, giving players a chance to revisit the Kanto region and the original 151 Pokémon. This release, timed for pokemon day and the franchise's 30th anniversary, brings the 2004 remakes of the first Pokémon games to modern hardware with familiar characters and classic gameplay.
Pokemon Day Release and Availability
The digital-only Switch versions will be available on Feb. 27. They will be offered individually in English, French and Spanish through official digital storefronts; each language version is separate and there are no in-game options to change language, so buyers are advised to verify language before purchase. The French and Spanish editions are presented in EU French and EU Spanish. Physical editions will also be available at select retailers during launch week with a suggested retail price of $19. 99 (USD). For more information, consult the publisher's official site.
Which Systems and Editions Are Playable
These releases are made for Nintendo Switch systems and are also playable on the Nintendo Switch 2 system. The Switch versions recreate the 2004 remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, which were first released in Japan in 1996.
What’s New in the Switch Versions
The Switch editions preserve the classic soundtrack and turn-based RPG gameplay while including updates introduced during the Game Boy Advance era. Those enhancements include abilities, natures, weather conditions, held items and the ability to select the player character's gender. The builds replicate the original release structure, which is why language versions are sold separately rather than offering in-game language switching.
Kanto, Characters and the Original 151 Pokémon
Players will explore the Kanto region and can encounter the games' original roster of 151 Pokémon. Familiar faces from the Kanto storyline—such as Brock, Misty, Professor Oak and Giovanni—appear in their original roles, making the titles a nostalgic return for longtime fans and an historical look for newcomers into the series' early character and setting introductions.
Local Co-op and Multiplayer Notes
On Nintendo Switch, players can link up with friends local co-op without needing a Game Link Cable like the original 2004 releases required. Multiplayer functionality requires additional games and systems, which are sold separately. Technical details and multiplayer limitations are included with the product releases and in official product information.
Price, Purchase Tips and Final Notes
- Release date: Feb. 27 (pokemon day).
- Formats: digital-only releases in separate English, French and Spanish versions; physical copies at select retailers launch week.
- Suggested retail price for physical editions: $19. 99 (USD).
- Language warning: language versions are separate and the French and Spanish versions use EU French and EU Spanish; verify language before purchase.
- Multiplayer: additional games and systems required for multiplayer; sold separately.
These Switch versions invite both veteran players and newcomers to experience Kanto and the foundations of the franchise on modern hardware, timed to coincide with pokemon day and the series' milestone anniversary.
