Pokemon Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the franchise’s most closely watched annual celebrations, thanks to Pokemon‘s 30th anniversary. Scheduled for February 27, the event traditionally delivers major updates, and this year’s rumors suggest something particularly nostalgic: the possible return of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen.
However, fans expecting the titles to quietly join the Nintendo Switch Online catalog may want to temper expectations. Recent leaks indicate 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 Clever Way Game Communicates Difficulty to the Player
A fan of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen notices that the descriptions for the starter Pokemon hint at how each one affects the game’s difficulty.
Why FireRed and LeafGreen Are Prime Candidates for a Comeback
Originally launched on Game Boy Advance in 2004, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen reimagined the original Kanto journey with updated visuals, refined 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 legacy entries that have already resurfaced through Nintendo Switch Online, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen are some of the best 2D Pokemon games that have yet to receive a modern re-release. That absence has made them a frequent topic of speculation, especially as Nintendo continues revisiting older generations.
Recent claims from established Pokemon leaker Riddler Khu and other community sources have 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.
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Why Paid Remakes Make More Sense Than NSO Versions
Nintendo Switch Online has expanded its retro library in recent years, but has never included classic Pokemon titles. However, Nintendo’s strategy has been consistent: straightforward ports tend to land on NSO, while full reimaginings launch as premium products. Pokemon games on NSO remain something the community wants, but that has yet to happen.
If FireRed and LeafGreen are being rebuilt with updated visuals, quality-of-life upgrades, and potential online functionality, they would align more closely with past paid revival projects such as:
- Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee
- Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Both were marketed as standalone retail releases rather than subscription bonuses. From a business perspective, releasing upgraded Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen remakes as paid games would generate significantly more revenue than including them with NSO.
Why a Shadow Drop on Pokemon Day 2026 is Likely
Pokemon Day announcements occasionally include immediate releases. If FireRed and LeafGreen are ready, a same-day launch would create instant momentum. More importantly, Pokemon Day 2026 marks exactly 30 years since the release of Pokemon Red and Green in Japan, so it would make perfect sense to recreate this historic occasion by re-releasing FireRed and LeafGreen in some shape or form on February 27.
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
That pricing would position the games below full $60 releases while still reflecting their remake status. For players who prefer owning both versions, the total cost could approach $70 to $80 if no bundle discount is offered. If the games are more remasters than remakes, then the $60 pricetag is most unlikely.
Why Leaks Point More Toward Remakes
The most compelling aspect of the current speculation is how consistently insiders frame the projects. The wording used in community discussions implies active development rather than simple emulation or ROM-based distribution.
Additionally, Nintendo has shown a pattern of spacing out major Pokemon releases to maintain annual engagement.
A mid-cycle remake launch in early 2026 would fit neatly between larger flagship entries and ongoing live-service updates 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, though it would be welcomed by fans.
The Financial Reality Fans Should Consider
There is a notable difference between hoping for a retro catalog update and preparing for a retail launch. NSO additions typically require no extra payment beyond a subscription. Remakes, on the other hand, demand upfront investment.
For longtime players who have been waiting for FireRed and LeafGreen to return, budgeting ahead of February 27 may be prudent. If the games are revealed and released immediately, there may be little time to decide for those who want to jump right into them.
Pokemon Day 2026 Could Set the Tone for the Franchise’s Next Phase
Every Pokemon Day announcement shapes expectations for the year ahead. A remake reveal would signal that The Pokemon Company is continuing to leverage nostalgia as a core pillar of its release strategy. Until official confirmation arrives, all rumors should be treated cautiously. Still, the consistency of the leaks makes the possibility difficult to ignore.
If FireRed and LeafGreen do return as paid remakes rather than Nintendo Switch Online additions, Pokemon Day 2026 could be remembered less for what was added to a subscription service and more for what fans were asked to purchase. For players eager to revisit Kanto on modern hardware, that distinction may ultimately matter less than the opportunity itself. But financially speaking, it could make a significant difference, especially if the Pokemon Wind and Wave leaks are correct and Gen 10 drops this year.
- Released
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November 19, 2021
- ESRB
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e
- Developer(s)
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ILCA
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
