Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen on Switch: Pokémon HOME Transfer Guide (2026)

Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch now connect to Pokémon HOME.

You can move your Kanto collection forward into HOME. Decide which Pokémon you want to keep in your FireRed or LeafGreen save before you transfer.

This guide covers the 2026 Nintendo Switch releases, transfer restrictions, collection preparation and the difference between your own game transfers and PKTS delivery.

Updated October 2026: HOME support is live. Transfers are one-way: Pokémon cannot return to FireRed or LeafGreen. See the official Pokémon HOME connectivity announcement.

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.

Do FireRed and LeafGreen Work With Pokémon HOME?

Yes. Update Pokémon HOME before connecting your Switch save.

This connection is for the Nintendo Switch versions. It is separate from the older cartridge and Pokémon Bank transfer route.

Before you begin, distinguish three things:

  • FireRed & LeafGreen are already available on Switch
  • Your own save-to-HOME transfer
  • A PKTS order delivered to HOME, which does not supply Pokémon inside FireRed or LeafGreen

Can You Transfer FireRed Pokémon to HOME Right Now?

Yes, with the supported Nintendo Switch versions and an updated Pokémon HOME app.

Choose the Pokémon you intend to move and check the transfer confirmation in HOME carefully.

Keep anything you still need for a FireRed or LeafGreen team in that save.

If you're using Pokémon HOME today, read our Pokémon HOME Transfer Guide (2026) for the games and transfer rules currently supported.

Are FireRed and LeafGreen Transfers One-Way?

Yes. FireRed/LeafGreen → Pokémon HOME is one-way.

Pokémon moved to HOME cannot return to those games. Pokémon from other games cannot be sent into FireRed or LeafGreen through HOME either.

Separate your keep-in-Kanto team from the Pokémon you intend to store in HOME before confirming a move.

Check the Pokémon and Destination Before Transferring

Connecting a game to HOME does not make every Pokémon compatible with every other game.

For a particular Pokémon or form, check the destination shown in HOME and review any restrictions before moving it onward.

Use this checklist for valuable collection Pokémon:

  • Check the species and form you selected.
  • Check which destination game you intend to use.
  • Review moves and game-specific details when moving between titles.
  • Keep Pokémon you still need for the source game there.
  • Remember that the move out of FireRed or LeafGreen cannot be reversed.

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.

HOME can bring your Kanto collection together with Pokémon collected in other supported games.

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

HOME connectivity makes these releases 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 to a wider collection, with Pokémon HOME serving as its 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.

Organize your save before moving Pokémon out of it.

You can prepare by:

  1. Catching Pokémon you want to preserve.
  2. Keeping separate evolution stages if you're building a Living Dex.
  3. Completing version-exclusive trades.
  4. Separating the Pokémon to transfer from those to keep in your save.
  5. Keeping rare or sentimental Pokémon in the game where you still want to use them.

A clear box plan makes it easier to check your selection before confirming a transfer.

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?

Review the Pokémon’s details in HOME and in its intended destination rather than assuming a moveset will work identically across games.

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.

For a particular move or form, use the current in-app compatibility information before planning a team around it.

Can FireRed and LeafGreen Pokémon Move Into Scarlet & Violet?

Potentially, but this will depend on two separate conditions:

  1. The Pokémon must successfully transfer from FireRed or LeafGreen into Pokémon HOME.
  2. 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.

A Pokémon stored in HOME must be supported by Pokémon Legends: Z-A before it can enter that 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 direct HOME connection discussed here 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.

For older games, see our legacy Pokémon transfer guide.

What Should You Do Before Transferring?

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.
  • Keep Pokémon in FireRed or LeafGreen if you still want to use them there.
  • Update Pokémon HOME and read its transfer confirmation before proceeding.

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. The Nintendo Switch versions now connect to Pokémon HOME.

Can I transfer FireRed Pokémon to HOME now?

Yes. Update HOME and use a supported Switch save. Check your selection before confirming the transfer.

Can Pokémon move back from HOME to FireRed and LeafGreen?

No. Transfers from these games to HOME are one-way.

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. They can contribute to a larger HOME collection, but a full National Living Dex needs sources from other generations too.

Bring Your Kanto Collection Into Pokémon HOME

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.

Keep a clear record of the Pokémon you retain in Kanto and the Pokémon you move to your wider collection.

Before confirming a transfer, decide where you want to keep and use that Pokémon.

Shopping for a collection service? Browse FireRed & LeafGreen-origin Pokémon delivered to HOME. Read each listing’s delivery method; these orders are not delivered into the Switch FireRed or LeafGreen games.

In the meantime, read our Pokémon HOME Transfer Guide, start planning your larger collection with our Living Dex Guide, or browse Pokémon for Pokémon HOME.

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