Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch: Release date and what to expect
Kan you believe it?
It's always a good time to return to Kanto, but with the upcoming releases of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch, that's especially true this week.
To celebrate Pokémon's 30th anniversary, the lovely folk at Nintendo have finally seen fit to deliver these Gen 3 remakes to modern hardware.
It'll be nice to have these around while we wait for Pokopia, and more importantly, Generation 10 to arrive.
If you're as excited to dive back into these classics as we are, here's what you need to know about the Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen release date, price and what you can expect from them.
When is the Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen release date on Nintendo Switch?
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will release on Nintendo Switch consoles on 27 February.
Beyond this, we also know that the games will become available at 2pm GMT.
For those of you in other time zones, here's what time the games will release for you:
- US West Coast (PST) – 6am
- US Mountain (MST) –7am
- US Central (CST) –8am
- US East Coast (EST) –9am
- Central Europe (CET) – 3pm
- Singapore (SGT) –10pm
- Japan (JST) –11pm
- Australia East Coast (AEDT) –1am, 28 February
- New Zealand (NZDT) –3am, 28 February
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How much does Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen cost on Nintendo Switch?
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen costs £16.99 each on Switch consoles.
Players in the US and EU will have to pay $19.99 / €19.99 respectively.
You can currently pre-order both games, and with no bundle available, players will have to shell out full price for each if you want all the exclusives from both versions.
Plenty of fans have already voiced their displeasure at having to shell out so much money for a game that is now over 20 years old, but considering how much cartridges of these bad boys go for on eBay, it's a trade-off worth making in our eyes.
What to expect from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch
Basically, what you can expect from these ports is the exact same Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen we all remember from the Game Boy Advance, but with the network capabilities of the Switch.
Instead of needing a Game Link Cable (or Wireless Adapter if you were really cool), you'll be able to trade with friends via local co-op.
Beyond that, improving on the prior method of transferring Pokémon that required catching in the Pal Park of the DS games, Pokémon Home functionality is coming to the games after release, so you'll be able to seamlessly move your beloved Pokémon to later generations with ease.
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Authors
Alex Raisbeck is a Gaming Writer at Radio Times, covering everything from AAA giants to indie gems. Alex has written for VideoGamer, GamesRadar+, PC Gamer, PCGamesN and more.
