Could Pokémon Red and Blue make a triumphant return for their 30th anniversary? Or perhaps we might see the re-emergence of FireRed and LeafGreen?
As we dive into the celebrations marking three decades of Pokémon, fans are understandably eager to know how Nintendo and The Pokémon Company plan to honor the iconic titles that launched this beloved franchise. It's important to remember that without the original Pokémon Red and Blue games (and their Japanese counterpart, Green), the entire Pokémon universe—and consequently, these anniversary festivities—would not exist.
Looking back, during the 20th anniversary nearly a decade ago, Nintendo made a nostalgic move by releasing these classic Pokémon titles on the 3DS eShop on February 27, 2016. This allowed fans to purchase the games individually, well before Nintendo shifted towards subscription models for their retro game library. It was a fitting tribute to a significant milestone in gaming history.
Recently, an intriguing rumor has surfaced from a well-known Pokémon insider, Riddler_Khu, suggesting that Nintendo may be preparing to launch Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for the Switch in celebration of this anniversary. While it's still uncertain whether these titles will be available through Nintendo Switch Online or as separate purchases—or even if this rumor holds any weight—such a release would certainly enhance the Game Boy Advance catalog. It could also entice many existing Switch Online subscribers to upgrade to the pricier Expansion Pack tier.
Whether Riddler_Khu's claims can be trusted is up for debate, as past experiences indicate that their reliability is questionable at times. Regardless of the validity of this information, it has sparked exciting conversations about the potential return of classic Pokémon games for the 30th anniversary—and raises the question of what form such a release should take.
We invite you to share your thoughts! Participate in our polls below and leave your comments to let us know what you think about the possibility of these beloved titles making a comeback.
Meet Ollie Reynolds, a devoted horror aficionado who revels in the intricate lore of Resident Evil and Silent Hill. When he’s not immersed in gaming, he enjoys curling up with a chilling horror novel while savoring a comforting cup of tea. Ollie also loves taking long walks while listening to a diverse range of music, from TOOL to Chuck Berry.
