Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen Officially Announced for Nintendo Switch

Pokémon fans, it’s official — Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to the Nintendo Switch. After weeks of speculation, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company finally confirmed the release date: February 27, 2026, during Pokémon Day. But before you rush to pre-order, there’s a lot you should know about this launch.

A Nostalgic Return — But Nothing New

Early this morning, around 6 a.m., Nintendo dropped the official trailer for Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen. The announcement video was localized in Brazilian Portuguese, but the game itself will not include Portuguese language support.

In fact, this is the exact same version released on the Game Boy Advance back in 2004 — same graphics, same aspect ratio, same interface. The resolution hasn’t even been adjusted for the Switch’s 720p screen, keeping the original Game Boy Advance dimensions intact.

It’s a direct port — no remaster, no extra polish, just pure nostalgia.

Release Date and Availability

The game will launch right after the Pokémon Presents livestream on February 27 at 11 a.m. (Brasília time). The presentation should run for about 25 minutes, and the game will go live immediately after.

Pre-orders are already open on the Nintendo eShop. The digital version costs $19.99 USD (or R$121,00 in Brazil). That’s a steep price for a 2004 game, but predictable considering Nintendo’s pricing history.

Each version is language-locked, meaning you can’t change the language after purchase — so double-check before you buy.

Classic Gameplay, No Modern Features

This port preserves the original Game Boy Advance experience completely. That means:

• No save states

• No fast-forward options

• No graphical upgrades

• No online multiplayer

However, local wireless battles and trades will be available through the Switch’s built-in connection, similar to how link cables worked back in the day. You and your friends will need to be physically near each other to connect — no Switch Online subscription required.

The game will also include the Sevii Islands, featuring legendary Pokémon events like Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Deoxys. These events may come pre-unlocked, as seen in previous anniversary re-releases such as Pokémon Crystal on the Nintendo 3DS.

No Cloud Saves, No Physical Edition

Like all Pokémon titles on Switch, FireRed & LeafGreen won’t support cloud saves. If you change consoles, you’ll have to manually transfer your save data.

The release will also be digital-only outside Japan. A physical collector’s box featuring both versions (and replica Game Boy cartridges) will be sold exclusively in Japan for around ¥12,000, likely to become a valuable collectible.

For players in Brazil, the best deal is through Nuvem, where you can often find gift card discounts up to 20%.

Compatibility and Future Connections

Although Pokémon HOME integration won’t be available at launch, The Pokémon Company has confirmed it’s in development. Once added, you’ll be able to transfer your classic Pokémon into newer titles.

Interestingly, data leaks suggest that Pokémon Legends Z-A might receive HOME support first, followed by FireRed & LeafGreen.

What This Means for Future Pokémon Ports

The announcement almost certainly opens the door for Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald on Switch later in 2026.
When Nintendo re-released Red, Blue, and Yellow for the 3DS, the second wave — Gold, Silver, and Crystal — followed months later.

So, it’s safe to assume that FireRed & LeafGreen are just the beginning.

Final Thoughts

The lack of Portuguese support is disappointing, especially since adding localization would be simple for such an old title. But for fans who grew up on the Game Boy Advance classics, this re-release is a nostalgic dream.

If you want the original experience — bugs and all — FireRed & LeafGreen on Switch are exactly that. No filters, no shortcuts, just 2000s Pokémon magic preserved in its purest form.

Will you pay R$121 for nostalgia? Or wait for the next big Pokémon remake? Let’s see what Pokémon Presents brings next Friday.