Pokemon Day 2026, happening on February 27th, is generating a lot of excitement because it marks the 30th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise. The annual event usually includes big announcements, and this year, many fans are hoping for a remake of the classic games Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen.
While some fans hoped these games would be added to the Nintendo Switch Online library, recent information suggests that’s unlikely. It appears full remakes are in development instead of simple updates, meaning players will probably have to purchase them as separate, new games rather than getting them for free with a subscription.
Why FireRed and LeafGreen Are Prime Candidates for a Comeback
First released for Game Boy Advance in 2004, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen gave the classic Kanto adventure a fresh look with improved graphics and gameplay. They also added new content after you beat the main game, like the Sevii Islands. Many fans consider these to be some of the best remakes in the entire Pokemon series.
While many classic games are now available through Nintendo Switch Online, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen stand out as some of the best 2D Pokémon games that haven’t been updated and re-released yet. This has led to a lot of discussion among fans, particularly as Nintendo keeps bringing back older titles.
Recent leaks from a well-known Pokemon insider, Riddler Khu, and others in the community have sparked a lot of conversation. Although The Pokemon Company hasn’t officially confirmed anything, the details of these leaks hint at something bigger than just a re-release of older games on the Nintendo Switch Online service, like a simple Game Boy Advance port.
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Why Paid Remakes Make More Sense Than NSO Versions
Nintendo Switch Online has added a growing number of older games, but classic Pokemon titles haven’t been included yet. Nintendo usually releases simple updates to existing games on NSO, but saves bigger, more updated versions for separate purchases. Fans continue to ask for Pokemon games on the service, but so far, Nintendo hasn’t added them.
If FireRed and LeafGreen were to receive a remake with improved graphics, helpful new features, and the ability to play online, it would follow a similar pattern as previous successful remakes.
- Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee
- Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Recent reports suggest that ILCA, the team behind Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, is working on remakes or updated versions of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.
Both games were sold as separate purchases in stores, not as part of a subscription service. From a financial standpoint, selling updated versions of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen as full-priced games would earn much more money than offering them as a bonus with the Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Why a Shadow Drop on Pokemon Day 2026 is Likely
Pokemon Day announcements sometimes include games being released right away. If remakes of FireRed and LeafGreen are finished, launching them on Pokemon Day would generate a lot of excitement. More significantly, 2026 is the 30th anniversary of the original Pokemon Red and Green in Japan. Releasing FireRed and LeafGreen, in some way, on February 27th would be a fitting way to celebrate this milestone.
If that happens, fans should be prepared for:
- Separate purchases for each version
- A potential price range of $30 to $40 USD per game, if not the full release price of $60
- A possible dual-pack bundle at a slight discount
- No automatic access through a Nintendo Switch Online subscription
This pricing strategy would put the games at a lower price point than brand new $60 releases, but still acknowledge the work put into remaking them. Players wanting both the original and remade versions might end up paying between $70 and $80 if there isn’t a discount for buying both. If these are more like updated versions of the original rather than complete remakes, a $60 price tag is probably unrealistic.
Why Leaks Point More Toward Remakes
What’s most interesting about the current rumors is how consistently people within the project describe their work. The way they talk in public suggests they’re actively building something new, not just repackaging old content.
As a big Pokémon fan, I’ve noticed Nintendo really likes to spread out the big game releases. It seems like they do this on purpose to keep us excited and playing throughout the year, instead of dropping everything all at once. It’s a smart way to keep the hype going!
Releasing a refreshed version of a Pokémon game in early 2026 would be a smart move, fitting nicely between major new releases and the continuous updates for other Pokémon games. If true, this would let Nintendo tap into fans’ love for classic Pokémon without only depending on the Nintendo Switch Online service for older titles, and fans would likely be very happy about it.
The Financial Reality Fans Should Consider
Wanting older games added to a service like Nintendo Switch Online is different than anticipating a brand new retail release. NSO additions usually just need an existing subscription, while remakes require you to buy them separately.
If you’ve been hoping for FireRed and LeafGreen to come back, it’s a good idea to start saving money now. If they’re announced and released on February 27th, you might not have much time to make up your mind if you want to play them right away.
Pokemon Day 2026 Could Set the Tone for the Franchise’s Next Phase
Image via The Pokemon Company Each year, the Pokemon Day announcements give fans a good idea of what to expect from Pokemon in the coming months. If a remake is announced, it would show that The Pokemon Company is still relying on beloved older games to attract players. While we shouldn’t fully believe any rumors until they’re officially confirmed, the fact that leaks keep appearing makes a remake seem increasingly likely.
If remakes of FireRed and LeafGreen are released as full games people have to buy, rather than just being added to the Nintendo Switch Online service, Pokemon Day 2026 might be more notable for what fans purchased than what they got with their subscription. For players excited to replay the original Kanto region on updated consoles, the way they get to do so might not be as important as the chance to do it at all. However, from a business perspective, it could have a big impact, particularly if rumors about the new Pokemon Wind and Wave games and the release of Generation 10 this year turn out to be true.
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2026-02-15 22:38