This article received an update on April 9, 2026, from Andrea Trama, who added an official graphic detailing the exclusive Pokémon available in FireRed and LeafGreen. The original article was first published on February 21.
After being originally released for the Game Boy Advance over two decades ago, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen are now available on the Nintendo Switch. Many Pokemon fans are wondering which version to choose. Like other main Pokemon games, FireRed and LeafGreen each have unique Pokemon that can only be found in that specific game, so you’ll need to trade with others to collect them all!
The classic games Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen were recently released on the Nintendo Switch for $20 each, rather than being included with the Nintendo Switch Online subscription like other Game Boy Advance titles. This decision sparked some debate, but many Pokémon fans still purchased one of the games. When choosing between FireRed and LeafGreen, some players prefer the version they originally played, while others base their decision on the unique Pokémon available in each version.
Choosing between Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen mostly comes down to personal preference when it comes to exclusive Pokemon. However, if you want the best value for your money based purely on version exclusives, Pokemon LeafGreen is the better choice, especially with the possibility of other Game Boy Advance Pokemon games coming to the Nintendo Switch. Simply put, LeafGreen has 23 Pokemon you can’t get in FireRed, while FireRed has 22. This slight difference might be enough to make LeafGreen the preferred version for many Pokemon fans.
Pokemon FireRed Exclusives
- Ekans
- Arbok
- Oddish
- Gloom
- Vileplume
- Psyduck
- Golduck
- Growlithe
- Arcanine
- Shellder
- Cloyster
- Scyther
- Electabuzz
- Bellossom
- Wooper
- Quagsire
- Murkrow
- Qwilfish
- Scizor
- Delibird
- Skarmory
- Elekid
Pokemon LeafGreen Exclusives
- Sandshrew
- Sandslash
- Vulpix
- Ninetales
- Bellsprout
- Weepinbell
- Victreebel
- Slowpoke
- Slowbro
- Staryu
- Starmie
- Magmar
- Pinsir
- Marill
- Azumarill
- Slowking
- Misdreavus
- Sneasel
- Remoraid
- Octillery
- Mantine
- Magby
- Azurill
The main reason to choose Pokemon LeafGreen is that it’s the only Generation 3 Pokemon game where you can catch Slowpoke and its evolutions. This means that if Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire or Pokemon Emerald are ever re-released on the Switch, you’ll need LeafGreen to complete the Pokedex up to that generation. While this gives LeafGreen a small advantage over FireRed, it ultimately depends on whether other Game Boy Advance Pokemon games are also released on Switch. Considering how popular FireRed and LeafGreen have been, it’s likely those other games will come eventually – it’s just a matter of time.
When it comes to which game has cooler Pokémon, I think FireRed has a slight edge with popular choices like Growlithe, Arcanine, Scyther, and Electabuzz. LeafGreen does offer some great Pokémon too, like Sandshrew, Sandslash, Vulpix, and Ninetales. The best choice really depends on which exclusive Pokémon you prefer, but for most players, LeafGreen is the better option.
Future Pokemon Games Will Almost Certainly Have Version Exclusives As Well
After being announced on February 27th for Pokémon Day, the next generation of Pokémon games—tentatively titled Pokémon Winds and Waves—are expected to receive more trailers before or during the summer of 2026. Like previous games, Winds and Waves will likely feature Pokémon unique to each version. We’ll probably learn what those exclusive Pokémon are when more details about the game are revealed.
It’s probable that details about Pokemon Winds and Waves will remain under wraps until the game is closer to release. Plus, since the Gen 10 Pokemon games aren’t expected until 2027, fans can anticipate receiving updates throughout 2026.
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2026-04-10 01:36