Pokemon Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the franchise's most watched annual celebrations thanks to Pokemon30th anniversary. Scheduled for February 27, the event traditionally brings big updates, and this year's rumors hint at something particularly nostalgic: a possible return Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen.
However, fans expecting titles to quietly join the Nintendo Switch Online catalog may want to temper their expectations. Recent leaks suggest that full remakes are more likely than simple ports, which would mean paid standalone releases rather than free access for subscribers.
Pokemon FireRed player discovers the clever way the game communicates difficulties to the player
A fan of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will note that the descriptions for the starter Pokémon indicate how each affects the difficulty of the game.
Why FireRed and LeafGreen are prime candidates for a comeback
Originally launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen reimagined the original Kanto journey with updated visuals, improved mechanics, and expanded post-game content such as the Sevii Islands. They remain widely regarded as some of the strongest remakes in the series.
Unlike other older items that have already reappeared via Nintendo Switch Online, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen they are some of the best 2D Pokemon games that have yet to receive a modern re-release. This absence has made them a frequent topic of speculation, especially as Nintendo keeps revisiting older generations.
Recent claims from established Pokemon leaker Riddler Khu and other community sources added fuel to the discussion. While none of the information has been officially confirmed by The Pokemon Company, the language surrounding these leaks suggests something more substantial than a Game Boy Advance NSO port.
Drag your weapons to fill the grid
Start
Drag your weapons to fill the grid
Easy to medium hard
Why paid remakes make more sense than NSO versions
Nintendo Switch Online has expanded its retro library in recent years, but it's never included the classics Pokemon titles. However, Nintendo's strategy has been consistent: straight ports tend to land on NSO, while complete reimaginings are listed as premium products. Pokemon games on NSO remain something the community wishes for, but it hasn't happened yet.
If FireRed and LeafGreen are being rebuilt with updated visuals, quality-of-life upgrades and potential online functionality, they will more closely match past paid restoration projects such as:
- Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee
- A brilliant diamond and a shining pearl
Both were sold as standalone retail releases rather than subscription bonuses. From a business perspective, the release is upgraded Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen remakes as paid games would generate significantly more revenue than their inclusion in NSO.
Why a Shadow Drop is Likely on Pokemon Day 2026
Pokemon Day announcements occasionally include instant releases. If FireRed and LeafGreen are ready, launching on the same day would create immediate momentum. More importantly, Pokemon Day 2026 is exactly 30 years since its release Pokemon red and green in Japan, so it would make perfect sense to repeat this historic event with a re-release FireRed and LeafGreen in some shape or form on February 27.
If this happens, fans should be prepared for:
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Separate purchases for each version
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Potential price range of $30-$40 per game if not $60 full release price
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Possible two-pack with a slight discount
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No automatic access via Nintendo Switch Online subscription
That price would put the games under the full $60, while still reflecting their remastered status. For players who prefer to own both versions, the total cost could be closer to $70-$80 if no bundle discount is offered. If the games are more remasters than remakes, then $60 is highly unlikely.
Why leaks are more towards remakes
The most compelling aspect of the current speculation is how consistently insiders formulate projects. The wording used in community discussions implies active development rather than a mere emulation or ROM-based distribution.
In addition, Nintendo showed the pattern of the placement of the main Pokemon to maintain annual engagement.
A mid-cycle remake launch in early 2026 would fit neatly between larger flagships and ongoing updates to live services in other Pokemon titles. If accurate, this approach would also allow Nintendo to capitalize on nostalgia without relying solely on NSO to carry older content, even though fans would welcome that.
Fans of financial reality should consider
There is a distinct difference between hoping for a retro catalog update and preparing for a retail launch. Adding an NSO usually requires no additional payment other than a subscription. Remodels, on the other hand, require upfront investment.
For the long time players who have been waiting FireRed and LeafGreen return, it may be prudent to budget before February 27th. If the games are revealed and released immediately, there may be little time to decide for those looking to jump in.
Pokemon Day 2026 could set the tone for the next phase of the franchise
Each Pokemon Day announcement builds anticipation for the year ahead. A remake reveal would signal that The Pokemon Company continues to use nostalgia as a mainstay of its release strategy. Until official confirmation comes, all rumors should be treated with caution. Still, the consistency of the leaks makes it hard to ignore.
If FireRed and LeafGreen return as paid remakes rather than add-ons for Nintendo Switch Online, Pokemon Day 2026 could be remembered less for what was added to the subscription service and more for what fans were told to purchase. For players eager to revisit Kanto on modern hardware, this distinction may ultimately be less important than the opportunity itself. But financially, it could make a significant difference, especially if Pokemon wind and wave leaks are correct and Gen 10 is dropping this year.
- Released
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November 19, 2021
- ESRB
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E
- Developers
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ILCA
- Publishers
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Nintendo
