Leakers suggest that Nintendo will release the Game Boy Advance remakes Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Unlike other classics, these games will be available as paid downloads in the Nintendo eShop, without requiring a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The titles are anticipated to include connectivity with Pokémon HOME for transferring Pokémon to newer games.
According to information from leakers @Riddler_Khu and @CentroLeaks, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are set to launch soon for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. These remakes, originally released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, update the first-generation Pokémon games with third-generation mechanics, including new types, stats, and moves, along with enhanced graphics and detailed sprites for the Kanto region.
The games will not be included in the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, which already features titles like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team. Instead, they will be offered as paid downloads through the Nintendo eShop, a move that could signal the introduction of a subscription-free Virtual Console on the platform. Nintendo appears to be prioritizing revenue from direct sales over bundling with the online service.
Pricing details remain unavailable, though the remakes are expected to cost more than the $9.99 charged for Pokémon Red and Blue on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console. A key upgrade mentioned is integration with Pokémon HOME, enabling players to transfer captured Pokémon to modern titles such as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
This development follows the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, as well as the announcement of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, amid discussions of improving access to classic Pokémon content on current hardware.
