Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen Return to Nintendo Switch — A 30-Year Legacy Returns to Kanto

Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen Return to Nintendo Switch — A 30-Year Legacy Returns to Kanto

Some games don’t just sit in your memory. They live there.

For many players, Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen weren’t just remakes. They were the version you replayed. The cartridge that rarely left your Game Boy Advance. The save file you refused to delete.

Now, as Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary, FireRed and LeafGreen are officially coming to the Nintendo Switch.

And just like that, the journey starts calling again. 


A Return To Kanto — Thirty Years On

When FireRed and LeafGreen launched in 2004, they did something special. They:

  • Respected the originals

  • Kept the 151 Pokémon

  • Kept the structure

But they also refined everything, with cleaner visuals, expanded post-game and mechanics that felt smoother without losing the heart of what made Pokémon special. 

They weren’t just re-releases. They were a careful rebuild.

And now, nearly three decades after Pokémon first launched in 1996, they return again. Not as relics, but as living parts of gaming history.


    Why This Anniversary Matters

    2026 marks 30 years since Pokémon first released in 1996.

    Bringing FireRed and LeafGreen back during this milestone year isn’t just nostalgic timing. It’s a celebration of the franchise’s legacy.

    These versions marked a turning point. They showed that you could rebuild something classic without stripping away what made it special, even when it's a 1 for 1 remake and you could modernise a game and still keep its soul.

    For longtime fans, this release is a return. And for newer players, it’s a chance to experience one of the most important chapters in Pokémon’s evolution.

    Why FireRed & LeafGreen Still Matter

    The Pokémon series has evolved dramatically over the years with open worlds, new regions and hundreds of new Pokémon.

    But there’s something timeless about Kanto. The structured journey, rival battles and the simplicity of collecting, training, and becoming Champion.

    FireRed and LeafGreen captured that essence perfectly. They weren’t just remakes. They were preservation done right.

    And that’s exactly why their return to Nintendo Switch feels significant.

    So Much Memorabilia To Mark This Milestone

    Fans are being treated to a treasure trove of memorabilia to mark the occasion. From highly anticipated LEGO sets that let trainers build their favourite scenes, such as the Charizard, Venasaur and Blastoise set, to Japan’s Poké Centre unveiling exclusive merchandise, the celebration spans every corner of the franchise.

    Highlights include a stunning frame showcasing all the Japanese game releases in one beautifully curated display, as well as a quirky monochrome Pikachu plush complete with pixelated cheeks that nods to the series’ retro roots. Whether you’re a long-time collector or a newcomer, the anniversary offerings promise to make this a truly unforgettable Pokémon year.

    More Than A Re-Release

    For many players, those original Game Boy Advance cartridges weren’t just part of a collection. They were milestones.

    With FireRed and LeafGreen arriving on Nintendo Switch, that era isn't being replaced. It's being recognised and whether you’re replaying it digitally or picking up a physical copy for your shelf, the story is still yours.

    At Frame-A-Game, we believe games aren’t disposable. They’re markers in your timeline which represent chapters in your life and deserve to be remembered properly. 

    If this return to Kanto means something to you, you can frame your own original Game Boy Advance copy soon with our Use Your Own Game display collection and turn that chapter into something you can see every day.

    Because some adventures deserve more than a save file. They deserve a place on your wall.