Nintendo Explains Why Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Cost $20 Each

Nintendo has announced that it will be releasing Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen separately for $20 each, sparking questions from fans regarding this decision. In a recent Q&A, Nintendo clarified that these special standalone titles are part of the 30th-anniversary celebrations of Pokémon, providing players with the "ultimate versions" of the original Kanto adventures. However, this move diverges from their typical strategy of including classic games in the Nintendo Switch Online service, leading to confusion among fans. These re-releases will not be part of the Game Boy Advance - Nintendo Classics collection, nor will there be any plans to offer original versions like Pokémon Red and Blue in the future. Nintendo emphasizes its commitment to focusing on classic titles through its subscription service instead of a return to standalone Virtual Console offerings.

Nintendo is promoting Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen as standalone releases to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, presenting them as the ultimate versions of the original games to enhance the player experience. They have no current plans to include these titles in the Nintendo Switch Online service.

The original Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen games, released in 2004, are remakes of the classic Pokémon Red and Blue titles from 1996. They introduced enhanced graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and a wealth of additional content, making them beloved entries in the Pokémon series. The announcement comes just before Pokémon's 30th-anniversary livestream, which is expected to reveal more about the franchise's future. This strategy may signify a unique approach to anniversary celebrations, as fans continue to speculate on the implications of standalone releases.