The Release
Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen are coming to the Nintendo Switch as standalone eShop downloads on February 27, 2026 — Pokémon Day, marking 30 years since the originals launched in Japan. The games unlock immediately after the Pokémon Presents broadcast at 6:00 a.m. PST.
These are straight ports of the 2004 GBA originals, originally released on September 9, 2004 — no graphical enhancements, no save states, no rewind. They bypass Nintendo Switch Online entirely as individual purchases. Local wireless trading and battling is supported via the Pokémon Wireless Club, but there is no online play. Pokémon HOME support will follow later. Each language version is a separate listing with no in-game switching, so check before you buy.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | February 27, 2026 |
| Price | $19.99 / £16.99 / ¥2,000 each |
| Format | Digital only — 40MB download |
| Multiplayer | Local wireless only (trades & battles) |
| Pokémon HOME | Coming later |
| Switch 2 | Compatible |
Japan-Exclusive Special Edition
Japan is getting a Special Edition bundle at ¥19,800 (~$127), available exclusively from the Pokémon Center Japan Online Store from February 28. The game is still a download card — the bundle is all about the collectibles.
The centrepiece is a set of three glass Poké Balls with 3D laser-engraved Kanto starters — Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Each sits on an individual base inside a display case with acrylic plates and LED lighting in each starter’s type colour. The bundle also includes replica Japanese GBA packaging for both games in plastic cases, and a collector’s box featuring the 30th anniversary logo with Charizard and Venusaur in foil stamping. All collectibles are identical across both versions — only the download card differs.
TCG Relevance
Every time the original games get a fresh release, collector interest in Kanto-era cards follows. The EX FireRed & LeafGreen expansion from 2004 is already among the more sought-after vintage sets, and a major anniversary tends to accelerate that trend. Pokémon’s 20th anniversary produced both the Generations set and planted the seeds for Pokémon 151 years later — the 30th anniversary Pokémon Presents could signal something on a similar scale.