Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version Reviews
There’s a reason why Pokémon are so beloved. LeafGreen and FireRed Versions are both still undeniably enjoyable, evergreen releases and have aged well, because their mechanics were so carefully designed from the very beginning. At their best, they take me back in time to a more carefree life – for example to those moments when I was a kid and sat on the yard swing for hours, playing with my Game Boy. As a re-release however, it is too lazy and cynical, topped off with a price tag that’s a bit too high.
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Despite the shortcomings and the lack of opportunities for improvement, simply immersing yourself in FireRed and LeafGreen for a while is enough to understand why Pokémon is what it is. Everything seems to revolve around simple, yet highly engaging (or addictive) premises. The collectability, the phenomenon of evolution, and the beauty of seeing the creatures grow and evolve as we battle and adventure, the reward for each challenge overcome, and the ingenuity of the social factor of needing to trade to fill the Pokédex have helped make the franchise the legend it is today. FireRed and LeafGreen deliver what they need to. But it's undeniable that we must continue to demand more and better from the companies involved, so that they deliver these titles in the best possible way and right from launch.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
FireRed & LeafGreen remain very good games, and I would even say that with a good sale these re-releases might be worthwhile, but there's a feeling of missed opportunity to transform these versions of the games into something even more special.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
All told, this FireRed & LeafGreen re-release is undoubtedly a lazy way to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon. For the asking price, Game Freak and The Pokémon Company could've included some extra goodies, like a hard mode or online functionality.Still, this is the most convenient way to experience the charm of the original Kanto adventure, and going back in time to see how much the Pokémon series has grown gave me a newfound appreciation for all the catchin' I've done over three decades, and all that there is to come. Now give us Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver, please.
Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen have their fair share of annoyances, especially for people who have only played the modern games, but once you get adjusted to them, there's a solid and fun Pokémon experience to be had. Anyone with a nostalgia for Kanto will be right at home here, but the slower pace might make it trickier for newbies to get on board. Just be ready to take off the rose-tinted glasses.
Some games never lose their magic, and Pokémon FireRed is one of those gems. It is still as compelling capturing Pokémon now as it was back then, and this GBA remake of the original title enhances the experience in many ways. The Nintendo Switch version’s lack of display options or other features that could have helped bring the game up to scratch diminish the value, but it looks the part on the Switch 2’s screen, and the endgame inclusions make up for many of the shortcomings. A perfect portable companion ideal for short and lengthy play alike.
I think it's great that Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen are available on a modern platform. It's a great way to relive the classic formula from the comfort of your own home, and it also serves as reference material for newer players who discovered the franchise on the Nintendo Switch and want to know how the original games worked.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
The re-release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch is, first and foremost, a preservation effort. On the one hand, it allows a new generation of gamers to discover two of the most solid and representative chapters in the saga. On the other, it offers long-time fans the opportunity to return to Kanto and relive an adventure that marked an entire era of gaming. However, the feeling remains that more could have been done. Some online features, greater integration with the modern ecosystem of the series, or even just minor technical improvements could have made these re-releases even more significant. As they stand, FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch remain two timeless classics re-released in their purest form. And perhaps, ultimately, that is precisely why they continue to work so well.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Whether you’re revisiting the game from 2004 or you’re a young trainer who would like to know how the pinnacle of classic Pokémon plays like, FireRed or LeafGreen is the way to go. You’ll find them on the eShop for $20 each. The price is up for discussion, and I leave that up to you on some forum, but I do understand that the decision raises some eyebrows. The reason they’re not included in the NSO is probably because that system allows “rewinds and save states”. Something GameFreak isn’t keen on. And with the addition of the Pokémon Home compatibility, which will be able to receive Pokémon from these re-releases, it’s only fair. Home will probably be able to send Pokémon to the upcoming Pokémon Champions game, which will be a competitive game in the series, so I understand the fairness in teambuilding that is implied with this decision. Now we need Pokémon Emerald to complete the set of Advance games to fully explore the classic Pokémon feel!
A pure hit of 16-bit nostalgia, these ports preserve Kanto’s foundational charm while exposing the friction of aged design. The inclusion of rare Legendaries is a welcome treat, but the lack of modern speed toggles and the rigid HM system make this a "purist-only" journey through Pokémon’s history.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen take me back to the old Pokémon games, which were strategic, hard, and very gratifying. Whether that purity makes you feel nostalgic or out of date depends on whether you value old-fashioned challenge or modern ease more. At the end of the day, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are both great. They are classic experiences, but they are released in a controversial way. They are still worth going on, though, if you can accept them for what they are.
Pokémon LeafGreen is one of the best Pokémon games full stop, and even in 2026 it's an absolutely delightful experience.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen returns 22 years after its initial release to commemorate the franchise's 30th anniversary. This game is a perfect port of the original, allowing players to enjoy the experience just as it was in 2004, even completing the Pokédex by trading with players who own the other version of the game locally.
Review in Spanish | Read full review