Featured Image Credit: The Pokemon Company/Nintendo/Johnny Lockson via Twitter
Topics: Pokemon, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo
Topics: Pokemon, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo
Fans have gotten the best Pokémon Day gift a week early, with an announcement that Pokémon LeafGreen and FireRed will be released for the Nintendo Switch.
However, many are convinced the announcement was a mistake.
Pokémon gamers have been begging for the release of older games on the Nintendo Switch for years. The lack of accessibility for titles on consoles before the Nintendo 3DS has become a big issue for those wanting to dive back into the franchise’s original titles.
However, ports and re-releases for modern consoles have remained unannounced until February 20, 2026, when FireRed and LeafGreen were surprise-dropped onto the Nintendo eShop with no warning.
The Pokémon Company isn’t known for surprise drops, especially on announcements as big as an original game port.
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This has led fans to speculate that the announcement and pre-order release may have been a mistake.
One Pokémon fan has taken to social media, sharing absolute disbelief that has been shared by other fans of the series. JonnyLockson stats, “THERE’S NO WAY NINTENDO F*** UP THIS BAD LMFAOOOOOOOO.”
Other players in the comments have agreed, sharing their surprise that The Pokémon Company and Nintendo didn’t wait to shadow drop the game during the upcoming Pokémon Day Presents Livestream that will be happening on February 27, 2026 - the same day as the port release.
Others have expressed surprise that the games aren’t dropping as part of the Game Boy Advance library for Nintendo Switch Online Membership holders.
But I think I know why. Nintendo of America prepared a handy Q&A sheet, where they address all your questions. One big one I noticed - "Online play is not supported".
"The games will not receive physical releases" - somewhat true, but there is a special edition coming to one location.
"We have nothing to announce regarding any other potential titles".
"We remain focused on offering classic games through Nintendo Switch Online"
"We thought users will appreciate the ultimate versions of those original adventures" - I agree, I love Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.
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Despite the speculation and suspicions about the announcement, Pokémon fans are excited to see LeafGreen and FireRed finally return to a modern console.
The games are remakes of Red and Green, offering crisp pixelated graphics and stunning colors. The games were originally released in 2004 as part of Gen III, and benefit from the era's fantastic overall experience.
With only a week to go, players will be jumping back into the classic Kanto region just in time to celebrate Pikachu’s 30th birthday.