Nintendo seems to have accidentally leaked the upcoming release of two retro Pokémon games, which were likely intended to be a surprise release on Pokémon Day next week.
Nintendo Switch owners who boot up the Switch eShop will now see listings for Pokémon LeafGreen and Pokémon FireRed. These games, originally released on the Game Boy Advance, are available to preorder now, and cost $20 USD each. They will both be released on February 27, 2026, on the 30th anniversary of Pokémon.
According to the US eShop listing, players will be able to trade and battle locally – but not online – over wireless, and support for Pokémon Home is coming soon, which will allow players to upload their Pokémon from the classic games and use them in more modern titles. Unfortunately, each language version of the games will be a separate purchase, rather than a unified release including all languages.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen were initially released in the US in late 2004 for the Game Boy Advance. The games are remakes of the initial Japanese releases of the first games in the series – Pokémon Red and Green – and include updated graphics, a wider move pool, abilities, double battles, and new Pokémon and areas.
Neither game has seen a release on digital storefronts in the past, but many suspected Nintendo might start offering the games via its Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, which lets players download and play a host of retro games.
The Switch releases were likely to be a surprise announcement on Pokémon Day, which will take place on February 27 and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the franchise. A livestreamed Pokémon Presents showcase is expected to take place, as with previous years, where players are anticipating a first look at the next generation of Pokémon.
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