The beloved Game Boy Advance classics Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version are making a triumphant return, this time on modern hardware with their arrival on the Nintendo Switch family of systems, including the upcoming Switch 2.
Originally launched in 2004, these titles were enhanced remakes of the original Generation I adventures and quickly became fan favorites thanks to their expanded features, improved visuals, and deeper gameplay mechanics. Now, longtime fans and newcomers alike will have the opportunity to revisit one of the most important eras in Pokémon history in a format that preserves the spirit of the originals while making them more accessible than ever.
According to the official Pokémon website the Game Boy Advance remakes still have the same charm they once did over 20 years ago. Both games feature updated graphics, refined battle mechanics aligned with Generation III standards, and a variety of gameplay improvements. Players once again step into the role of a young Trainer exploring the vibrant region of Kanto, setting out to collect Gym Badges, thwart Team Rocket’s schemes, and complete the Pokédex by capturing and evolving Pokémon.
The return to Kanto means players will challenge iconic Gym Leaders such as Brock and Misty, whose Rock- and Water-type specialties have tested Trainers for decades. Along the way, fans will encounter the original 151 Pokémon that helped define the franchise’s explosive rise in popularity. From choosing between Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle at the beginning of the journey to facing the Elite Four, the experience remains faithful to what made these games so memorable.
Beyond nostalgia, FireRed and LeafGreen were notable at the time for modernizing the classic formula. They introduced abilities, held items, updated move sets, breeding compatibility with other Generation III titles, and the Sevii Islands, an entirely new post-game area that expanded the adventure beyond the main storyline. These additions gave players more to explore after defeating the Pokémon League and strengthened connectivity within the broader Pokémon ecosystem of the era.
On Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, the games are being made available digitally, preserving their original structure while adapting them for contemporary play. Players can expect wireless features that replicate the trading and battling once done with link cables, allowing friends to connect more conveniently. The titles will be accessible through the Nintendo eShop, making it easy for players to download and jump back into the adventure.
This release represents more than just a nostalgic rerelease, bringing these games back highlights the enduring appeal of early Pokémon design. FireRed and LeafGreen are often praised for striking a perfect balance between simplicity and depth. Their streamlined progression, memorable soundtrack, and colorful sprite work remain charming even decades later. For veteran players, this launch offers a chance to relive childhood memories with greater convenience. For newer players who may have started their journey in later generations, it provides an opportunity to experience the foundational storylines and mechanics that shaped the global phenomenon Pokémon would become.
As the franchise continues to evolve, bringing these Game Boy Advance classics to modern systems reinforces how timeless their design truly is. Whether players are revisiting Kanto for the hundredth time or stepping into Professor Oak’s lab for the very first time, Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen’s return ensures that the adventure that started it all remains alive and accessible for a new generation of Trainers.