Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen

Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen on Switch are faithful remakes of the beloved Game Boy Advance classics, taking players back to the Kanto region. The world, story, and mechanics have aged very well, and there’s a satisfying depth to the gameplay that holds up even today.

Starting with the positives: the core gameplay remains engaging. Catching and training Pokemon, exploring towns and routes, and challenging Gym Leaders still feels rewarding. What makes this version particularly interesting is that it keeps the original mechanics intact, no EXP Share and each Pokemon earning experience individually by exemple, which adds a sense of accomplishment I didn’t realize I was missing in modern games. The addition of previously inaccessible event-exclusive Pokemon and tickets, as well as Pokemon Home integration, give veteran players new goals and more reason to revisit Kanto.

The audiovisual presentation is also strong. The music is nostalgic and charming, and the classic pixel art style translates well on Switch, retaining the look and feel of the original games while still being easy on the eyes.

That said, the Switch port is fairly barebones. Beyond the new event tickets and Home support, there are very few enhancements. Visuals are largely unchanged, and while that preserves the nostalgic feel, it also highlights that this is essentially a faithful re-release rather than a fully modernized experience. Players should know they are getting the original GBA games in digital form, with minor additions.

Regarding price, it’s marketed as a 20$ re-release, which might feel steep for what is essentially a 20-year-old game. Still, for fans of Kanto or newcomers wanting to experience the classic story, it’s a worthwhile purchase.

In summary, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen on Switch are timeless classics that have aged remarkably well. The lazy portting is noticeable, but the experience is saved by event Pokemon, Home integration, and the original mechanics. A solid pick for both nostalgic players and newcomers to Kanto.