Pokémon's Best Game Duo Returns on Switch Next Week, Dreams Come True

It’s official. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are set to make their return next week.

In the last couple of hours, it was spotted that Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen had been added to the Nintendo Switch eShop, listed in the ‘Coming Soon’ section.

The ports were shown to be available for $19.99 each, with the launch date of 27 February provided.

Pre-Order FireRed and LeafGreen Now

“Set off on a grand adventure to become the Pokémon League Champion - now on Nintendo Switch,” read the FireRed description.

“Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with this Nintendo Switch version of the Pokémon FireRed Version game originally released on the Game Boy Advance system.

“Explore the Kanto region, discover wild Pokémon around every corner, and aim to complete your Pokédex as you battle your way to success.

“Earn badges as you develop winning strategies against each experienced Gym Leader, and uncover amazing secrets in your quest to be the best Trainer.”

The listing goes on to add, “This digital exclusive contains the Sevii Islands where even more Pokémon await,” with “support for Pokémon HOME” coming soon.

The eShop listings weren’t originally accompanied by any official announcements, leading many of us to wonder whether they’d been accidentally pushed live ahead of Pokémon’s 30th anniversary next week.

Nintendo

Both Nintendo and Pokémon have now confirmed the legitimacy of the ports though.

“Get ready to relive the Kanto region Trainers, Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version are coming to Nintendo Switch,” wrote Nintendo, linking to pre-orders.

The Pokémon Company’s post said much the same, but it also finally confirmed when we can expect to watch this year’s Pokémon Presents.

Pokémon Presents Returns on 27 February

The annual showcase returns as expected on Friday 27 February, where it’ll begin at 6am PST / 2pm GMT.

You have to wonder why the ports of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen weren’t saved for next week’s event.

I’m imagining that the Pokémon Presents must have a stellar line-up for Pokémon and Nintendo to sacrifice this announcement today.

Needless to say, fans are thrilled to see the return of these beloved classics.

“Let’s goooo! I’m ready to be the very best like no one ever was,” wrote one Twitter/X user.

“WHAT?! You're seriously announcing this BEFORE the Pokémon Presents??” added another.

When you pre-order the game, make sure you select the correct language version on the eShop.

“Because this version replicates the way the game was originally released,” a notice reads, “each language version is separate and there are no in-game options to change the language”.