Get ready for a wave of nostalgia, Pokémon fans! Two iconic classics are making a comeback on the Nintendo Switch, and it’s happening sooner than you think. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, the beloved remakes that first graced the Game Boy Advance in 2004, are set to launch on the Nintendo Switch next week, priced at just $20 each. But here’s where it gets exciting: this release isn’t just a random drop—it’s part of the Pokémon series’ 30th-anniversary celebration, and fans are buzzing with anticipation.
These games will go live on the Switch shortly after this year’s highly anticipated Pokémon Presents broadcast, The Pokémon Company’s annual showcase held on February 27. Mark your calendars, because this year’s event is shaping up to be a big one. The Pokémon Company has confirmed the stream will kick off at 6 AM Pacific / 9 AM Eastern / 2 PM UK, giving fans worldwide a front-row seat to the announcements.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Unlike other retro games available through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription, FireRed and LeafGreen will be standalone releases, sold individually via the eShop. While local wireless play for battling and trading is supported, online features are notably absent. Is this a missed opportunity, or a smart move to preserve the games’ original charm? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Despite the lack of online play, there’s a silver lining: players will reportedly be able to transfer their Pokémon into Pokémon Home, the franchise’s cloud-based storage service. This means your nostalgic adventures can seamlessly connect to the modern Pokémon ecosystem.
And this is the part most people miss: next week’s Pokémon Presents isn’t just about FireRed and LeafGreen. Fans are eagerly awaiting big announcements to mark the 30th anniversary. While we’ll definitely hear more about the upcoming life sim spin-off, Pokémon Pokopia, the real question is whether the long-awaited 10th generation of Pokémon games will finally make an appearance. Expectations are through the roof, especially after last year’s Teraleak revealed tantalizing details about the new generation, including fresh Pokémon, innovative gameplay mechanics, and procedurally generated areas.
The celebrations have already started, though. Pokémon unveiled its first-ever LEGO sets (dropping on February 27, naturally) and even aired a Super Bowl ad featuring Lady Gaga singing the iconic Jigglypuff song. It’s clear The Pokémon Company is pulling out all the stops for this milestone year.
Join us next Friday as IGN brings you live coverage of Pokémon Presents. Will the announcements live up to the hype? Only time will tell. And remember, if you’ve got thoughts on the standalone release of FireRed and LeafGreen or the future of the franchise, we want to hear them!
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. Reach out to him at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social.
