Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen on Switch: Pokémon HOME Transfer Guide (2026)
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Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen are officially back on Nintendo Switch — and Pokémon HOME support is coming.
That makes the 2026 Switch releases much more than nostalgic ports. Pokémon you catch and train in Kanto will eventually be able to move forward into Pokémon HOME, giving collectors a new way to connect FireRed and LeafGreen with their modern Pokémon collection.
This guide explains what we currently know about Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch, the upcoming Pokémon HOME transfer support, what can already be done in the Switch versions, and what collectors should prepare before HOME connectivity goes live.
Important: Nintendo has officially confirmed that Pokémon HOME support is coming, but the full transfer feature is not yet available at the time of writing. This article will be updated as soon as Nintendo and Pokémon HOME publish the final transfer details.
Are Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch?
Yes. Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version were released digitally for Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2026.
The releases celebrate Pokémon's 30th anniversary and bring the classic Game Boy Advance adventures to Nintendo's current systems.
Both versions are also playable on Nintendo Switch 2.
Are These the Original Game Boy Advance Games?
The Switch releases are based on the original Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen versions released for Game Boy Advance.
They retain the classic Kanto adventure while also including the additional areas originally introduced in FireRed and LeafGreen.
That includes the Sevii Islands, which expand the adventure beyond the main Kanto storyline and add additional Pokémon and post-game exploration.
Do FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch Include the Sevii Islands?
Yes.
Nintendo specifically confirms that the Nintendo Switch versions include the Sevii Islands.
This matters for collectors because FireRed and LeafGreen are not limited to the original Kanto Pokédex experience. The Sevii Islands provide access to additional Pokémon and content after progressing through the game.
Can You Trade Pokémon in FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch versions support local wireless functionality through the Pokémon Wireless Club.
Players can use local wireless to:
- Trade Pokémon
- Battle other players
- Use supported multiplayer features
Nintendo lists local wireless support for 2–5 players.
This gives modern players a way to complete version-exclusive trades and other multiplayer requirements without using the original Game Boy Advance hardware and accessories.
Will FireRed and LeafGreen Work With Pokémon HOME?
Yes — Pokémon HOME support has officially been confirmed.
Nintendo states that players will be able to transfer Pokémon from the Nintendo Switch versions of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen into Pokémon HOME.
However, Nintendo currently describes the feature as coming soon.
That means the important distinction is:
- FireRed & LeafGreen are already available on Switch
- Pokémon HOME transfers are confirmed
- The HOME transfer functionality is not yet live
We will update this guide when the feature launches.
Can You Transfer FireRed Pokémon to HOME Right Now?
Not yet.
Nintendo has confirmed future HOME support, but the official product pages still describe Pokémon HOME connectivity as coming soon.
Until the feature is activated, Pokémon caught in the Switch versions of FireRed and LeafGreen remain inside those games.
If you're using Pokémon HOME today, read our Pokémon HOME Transfer Guide (2026) for the games and transfer rules currently supported.
Will FireRed and LeafGreen Transfers Be One-Way?
Nintendo has confirmed that Pokémon will be transferable from FireRed and LeafGreen to Pokémon HOME, but the full transfer rules have not yet been published.
Until official details are available, you should not assume that Pokémon moved into HOME will be able to return to FireRed or LeafGreen.
Pokémon HOME integrations can have direction-specific restrictions, so collectors should wait for the final compatibility information before transferring rare, sentimental or otherwise important Pokémon.
Once Nintendo or Pokémon HOME confirms the exact direction rules, this section will be updated.
Which Pokémon Will Be Transferable to Pokémon HOME?
The exact compatibility rules have not yet been published.
Nintendo confirms that players will be able to bring Pokémon caught and trained in FireRed and LeafGreen into Pokémon HOME, but it has not yet released a complete transfer list or detailed restrictions.
That means questions such as the following are still awaiting final confirmation:
- Whether every Pokémon obtainable in FireRed and LeafGreen can enter HOME
- How special Pokémon and event-related Pokémon will be handled
- How moves and other game-specific data will be translated
- Whether certain Pokémon will have destination restrictions after entering HOME
- Whether transferred Pokémon can ever return to FireRed or LeafGreen
For now, the safest approach is to prepare your collection without making assumptions about the final transfer behavior.
Why FireRed & LeafGreen HOME Support Matters
This is especially significant for collectors because FireRed and LeafGreen give players access to a classic Kanto-era adventure on modern hardware.
Once HOME support becomes available, Pokémon caught in these versions will be able to become part of a broader modern collection.
That creates several interesting possibilities:
- Adding FireRed and LeafGreen Pokémon to a Pokémon HOME Living Dex
- Preserving Pokémon from a new Kanto playthrough
- Collecting version exclusives from both games
- Building generation-themed collections
- Moving compatible Pokémon into other HOME-supported games where allowed
FireRed vs LeafGreen: Why Version Exclusives Still Matter
FireRed and LeafGreen are paired Pokémon games, meaning some Pokémon are exclusive to one version.
If you're building a complete collection, playing only one version may leave gaps that need to be filled through trading.
The Switch versions' local wireless support makes this particularly useful because players can trade between compatible systems without relying on original Game Boy Advance link hardware.
If your goal is a complete collection, identify version exclusives early rather than waiting until the end of the game.
FireRed & LeafGreen for a Living Dex
The upcoming HOME connectivity makes these releases particularly relevant to Living Dex collectors.
A Living Dex means keeping one representative of every Pokémon species simultaneously rather than simply registering each species once.
FireRed and LeafGreen can contribute Pokémon from Kanto and the wider pool available through their content, while Pokémon HOME can eventually act as the central storage location.
If you're building one, read our How to Complete a Living Dex in Pokémon HOME (2026) guide.
Should You Start Preparing a FireRed or LeafGreen Living Dex Now?
Yes, if you already plan to use these games for your HOME collection.
You do not need to wait for Pokémon HOME support before organizing your FireRed or LeafGreen save.
You can prepare by:
- Catching Pokémon you want to preserve.
- Keeping separate evolution stages if you're building a Living Dex.
- Completing version-exclusive trades.
- Organizing important Pokémon before HOME support launches.
- Keeping rare or sentimental Pokémon clearly separated until transfer rules are confirmed.
Once HOME launches, you'll then have a much cleaner collection ready to move.
Can FireRed and LeafGreen Help Complete the National Dex?
They can contribute to a broader cross-game collection, but a complete modern National Pokédex extends far beyond what is available in these two games.
For a full Pokémon HOME Living Dex, you will still need Pokémon originating from other generations, games, trades or distributions.
This is why HOME becomes so valuable: it allows compatible Pokémon originating from different titles to live in one centralized collection.
What Happens to Moves When Pokémon Enter HOME?
The final FireRed and LeafGreen transfer behavior has not yet been documented publicly in enough detail to answer this definitively.
Different Pokémon games use different move sets, mechanics and data structures, so Pokémon HOME may need to handle game-specific information when a Pokémon moves between titles.
Until the official compatibility documentation is released, avoid assuming that every old move or characteristic will behave identically after transfer.
Can FireRed and LeafGreen Pokémon Move Into Scarlet & Violet?
Potentially, but this will depend on two separate conditions:
- The Pokémon must successfully transfer from FireRed or LeafGreen into Pokémon HOME.
- The destination game must support that particular Pokémon.
Being stored in Pokémon HOME does not automatically mean a Pokémon can enter every HOME-compatible game.
The destination game's Pokédex and compatibility rules still apply.
You can browse our Pokémon Scarlet & Violet collection if you're looking specifically for Pokémon intended for Paldea.
Can FireRed and LeafGreen Pokémon Move Into Legends: Z-A?
The same principle applies.
Once FireRed and LeafGreen HOME connectivity is active, a Pokémon may be stored in HOME, but Pokémon Legends: Z-A must support that species or form before it can enter the game.
HOME compatibility and destination-game compatibility are two different things.
If you're playing Z-A, browse our Pokémon Legends: Z-A collection.
Will FireRed and LeafGreen Pokémon Work With Pokémon Champions?
Pokémon Champions also interacts with the broader modern Pokémon ecosystem, but eligibility depends on the Pokémon supported by the platform and the applicable battle rules.
A Pokémon coming from FireRed or LeafGreen does not automatically mean it will be usable in every competitive format.
If competitive battling is your goal, read our Pokémon Champions Competitive Guide (2026).
Are the Switch Versions Available Physically?
No.
Nintendo confirms that Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen are released as digital software through Nintendo eShop.
There are no physical Nintendo Switch versions of these releases.
What Languages Are Available?
The Switch releases are sold in multiple language versions.
Nintendo advises players to check the language before purchasing because the individual software versions correspond to specific languages.
This matters if you want a particular language for your playthrough or collection.
Do FireRed and LeafGreen Work on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes.
The games are Nintendo Switch software and can also be played on Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo states that there are no major gameplay-performance differences when playing these versions on Switch 2 compared with Nintendo Switch.
Can You Transfer From the Original GBA FireRed and LeafGreen?
This guide specifically covers the 2026 Nintendo Switch releases.
The upcoming direct Pokémon HOME support announced by Nintendo applies to those Switch versions.
Do not assume the same direct transfer process applies to an original Game Boy Advance cartridge.
Older-generation transfer chains are a separate topic involving different hardware, software and services.
We'll cover those older-generation routes separately in our upcoming guide to transferring Pokémon from older games into Pokémon HOME.
What Should You Do Before HOME Support Arrives?
If you're already playing FireRed or LeafGreen on Switch, this is the best time to prepare.
Use this checklist:
- Finish your main collection goals before worrying about transfers.
- Trade version exclusives while local wireless is available.
- Keep evolution stages separately if you're building a Living Dex.
- Organize valuable Pokémon so you don't transfer them accidentally.
- Wait for final HOME rules before moving sentimental Pokémon.
- Update Pokémon HOME when official support launches.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen release on Switch?
Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version released digitally on Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2026.
Will FireRed and LeafGreen work with Pokémon HOME?
Yes. Nintendo has officially confirmed that Pokémon caught and trained in the Switch versions will be transferable to Pokémon HOME. The feature is still described as coming soon.
Can I transfer FireRed Pokémon to HOME now?
Not yet. HOME connectivity has been announced but is not currently available at the time of writing.
Can Pokémon move back from HOME to FireRed and LeafGreen?
The final transfer-direction rules have not yet been officially detailed. Do not assume transfers will be reversible until Nintendo or Pokémon HOME confirms the full behavior.
Do the Switch versions include the Sevii Islands?
Yes. Nintendo confirms that the Switch releases include the Sevii Islands.
Can you trade Pokémon in FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch?
Yes. The games support the Pokémon Wireless Club through local wireless for trading, battling and supported multiplayer features.
Are FireRed and LeafGreen available on Switch 2?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch versions can also be played on Nintendo Switch 2.
Are FireRed and LeafGreen physical releases?
No. Nintendo lists them as digital-only Nintendo eShop releases.
Can FireRed and LeafGreen help with a Pokémon HOME Living Dex?
Yes. Once HOME support launches, compatible Pokémon from the Switch versions can contribute to a larger HOME-based collection.
FireRed & LeafGreen Are About to Become Part of the Modern Pokémon Collection
The return of FireRed and LeafGreen is already significant for players who want to revisit Kanto on modern hardware.
But Pokémon HOME support is what makes these releases especially interesting for collectors.
For the first time with these new Switch versions, Pokémon caught during a classic Kanto adventure will be able to move forward into a modern Pokémon HOME collection.
For now, play, collect and organize — but wait for Nintendo's final transfer documentation before moving anything you cannot afford to lose access to.
When Pokémon HOME support becomes available, this page will be updated with the exact transfer process, restrictions and compatibility rules.
In the meantime, read our Pokémon HOME Transfer Guide or start planning your larger collection with our Living Dex Guide.