Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Coming to Nintendo Switch for 30th Anniversary
Its a big month for Pokemon, with February 27 marking 30 years since the worlds highest-grossing media franchise first began. To mark the series 30th anniversary, Pokemon FireRed Version and LeafGreen Version are being re-released on Nintendo Switch.
The Ultimate Versions of the Original Adventures
The versions being released are the Game Boy Advance remakes from 2004, not the original Game Boy games. Nintendo said it thought Switch owners would like the opportunity to revisit the ultimate versions of the original Pokemon adventures in the Kanto region.
These are not modern remakes or remasters. Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen will look and play pretty much the same as they did in 2004, just on a superior display. Theres no online play, but the original games local multiplayer features return via the Switch built-in wireless features.
Standalone Release
In a move that might surprise some, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen will not be available as part of the Nintendo Switch Online GBA library. In fact, you do not even need an NSO membership to play them.
The games are being sold as standalone titles for $20 in the eShop. No physical release is planned outside of Japan.
Release Date
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen will be available after a Pokemon Presents showcase that will air on February 27 (the day of Pokemons 30th anniversary) at 9am ET.
