Classic Kanto Adventure Returns to Modern Consoles

Pokémon fans can return to the Kanto region this February 27 when Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen arrive on Nintendo Switch. The announcement comes as part of Pokémon Day, the annual celebration hosted by The Pokémon Company.

These beloved Game Boy Advance titles originally launched in 2004 as enhanced remakes of the original Red and Blue games. FireRed and LeafGreen introduced updated graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and additional storylines while maintaining the classic experience of becoming a Pokémon Champion in the Kanto region.

For newer fans, these games represent the definitive way to experience Ash Ketchum's home region, featuring the original 151 Pokémon plus species from later generations. Players follow the familiar journey of choosing between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle before setting out to challenge the Elite Four and champion Lance.

The February 27 release date holds special significance for the franchise, marking the anniversary of the original Pokémon Red and Green games' Japanese release in 1996. Pokémon Day typically brings major announcements and celebrations across games, anime, and merchandise.

This Switch release makes the Kanto remakes accessible to a new generation of trainers who may have missed them on handheld systems. With the anime series continuing to reference classic locations and characters from these early adventures, now's the perfect time to experience where it all began.

The games join an growing library of Pokémon titles available on Nintendo Switch, giving players multiple ways to catch 'em all on the popular console.