Nintendo Explains Why Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen Are $20 Each — And What That Could Mean for Future Classic Releases
Nintendo has published a surprisingly extensive FAQ to justify its decision to sell Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen individually for $20 each on the Nintendo Switch later this month. The explanation, released ahead of the games’ February 27 launch, aims to address fan frustration — but in classic Nintendo fashion, many of the answers seem to raise even more questions.
These GBA-era remakes of the original Kanto adventures are being positioned as premium standalone releases, not part of the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) service’s Game Boy Advance library. According to Nintendo, the motivation comes down to celebration rather than policy:
“In celebration of 30 years of Pokémon, we thought it would be fun to return to the ultimate versions of the original Pokémon adventures…”
However, fans have pointed out that this still doesn’t address why similar legacy titles aren’t bundled into the subscription service, especially given that nearly all other GBA releases have been added at no additional cost.
Below is a breakdown of the notable questions and answers from Nintendo’s FAQ, as presented in IGN’s reporting:
• Why sell FireRed & LeafGreen separately and not through NSO?
• Nintendo says this release format is intended as part of Pokémon’s 30th anniversary celebration.
• Will these titles come to the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics collection?
• Nintendo states they are standalone software, with no plans to include them in the existing Classics lineup.
• Why not re-release the original PokémonRed and Blue versions?
• Nintendo argues that FireRed and LeafGreen represent the “ultimate versions” of those original adventures, featuring added upgrades and features.
• Will Nintendo add the original Red/Blue or other Pokémontitles to the NSO Classics collection?
• Nintendo offers no commitments, stating, “We have nothing to announce regarding any other potential titles.”
• Is this launch strategy a one‑off?
• One response suggests Nintendo sees this approach as “special,” implying it may not become a standard model.
Looking Ahead: Could More Classic PokémonGames Release This Way?
While Nintendo hints that releasing FireRed & LeafGreen as separate paid titles may be a one-time move, there are clues suggesting this could evolve into a broader strategy.
Nintendo Life reports that the games are priced at $19.99 each and entirely sidestep the NSO platform, reinforcing the idea that the company is willing to treat Pokémon legacy releases differently from other retro content.
Given that anniversary‑driven marketing has historically shaped Nintendo’s distribution strategy — such as the 3DS re-releases during Pokémon’s 20th anniversary — it’s not far‑fetched to speculate that other enhanced‑version classics (e.g., HeartGold/SoulSilver, Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald, Black/White) might be primed for individual à‑la‑carte sales.
While Nintendo insists it has “nothing to announce,” history tells us that where there is demand, Nintendo is more than willing to capitalize. And with fans already vocal about wanting Generation III and IV updates, this pricing model could turn into a new revenue pillar for legacy Pokémon content — especially if these standalone releases integrate with modern systems like Pokémon Home, something NSO’s emulation layer is unlikely to support.
Nintendo’s FAQ attempts to reassure fans that the premium $20-per-version pricing for FireRed & LeafGreen is part of a thoughtful anniversary celebration. But with vague answers, missing commitments, and a clear avoidance of NSO integration, the explanation reads more defensive than definitive.
Still, the move may signal a turning point. As Nintendo modernizes classic Pokémon experiences for current hardware, fans may see more legacy titles revived — but at a cost. Whether this becomes the norm depends less on Nintendo’s messaging and more on how well these re-releases sell.
If Pokémon Day brings big announcements, fans might not have to wait long to find out.
Sources: IGN and Nintendo Life
