Pokémon Red & Pokémon Green (Image: Ninetnedo)
Pokémon fans got a surprise when Nintendo added the Game Boy Advance classics Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The games are available in eight languages, including English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
Initially launched as an exact remake of the original Game Boy versions from 1996, the games also include updates to the Kanto region, such as updated sprite graphics, a higher-detail world map, and access to the exclusive Sevii Islands region after completing the main storyline.
In addition, players will have access to new locations, including Cerulean Cave, The Power Plant and other newly added locations to catch all 386 Pokémon available in the National Dex. The games also feature wireless trading and battling. When the titles originally launched, players needed a link cable to trade Pokémon. On Nintendo Switch Online, those features now work through the online service.
FireRed and LeafGreen are the first official digital re-releases of the fan-favorite 2004 remakes, now playable without GBA cartridges. They help fill the gap between Emerald and Gen 4’s Diamond/Pearl remakes. Multilingual support promotes global participation in the fun.
Nintendo has a serious commitment to its GBA catalog. Already building on recent GBA gems such as Golden Sun, Fire Emblem and Drill Dozer, this lays the foundation for GameCube Virtual Console speculation. FireRed and LeafGreen exemplify Nintendo’s plan to preserve classics while adding a modern feel to appeal to both new and nostalgic players.
“In celebration of 30 years of Pokémon, we thought it would be fun to return to the ultimate versions of the original Pokémon adventures in the Kanto region with these special releases,” Nintendo said in its official FAQ.
Switch users can now relive Kanto’s definitive adventure. In your Switch library, now Game Boy Advance’s Pokémon adventure lives on.
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