Get ready, Pokémon trainers! Your beloved Kanto region is making a comeback on Nintendo Switch, but with a twist you might not expect!
Every year, the Pokémon universe celebrates its origins with a special presentation, commemorating the debut of the original Pokémon Red and Green games on the Game Boy in Japan. This year, however, holds particular significance as it marks 30 years since those iconic titles first graced our screens. The much-anticipated Pokémon Presents broadcast is set to air next week, on Friday, February 27th, at 2 PM UK time. For those on the other side of the Atlantic, that translates to 6 AM Pacific Time or 9 AM Eastern Time.
Now, for the big news! The company has officially announced that the beloved remakes of those classic 1996 Game Boy adventures, Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version, will be launching on both the current Nintendo Switch and its upcoming successor, the Switch 2. And here's where it gets a little controversial... these aren't coming to Nintendo Switch Online. Instead, you'll need to purchase them directly.
These eagerly awaited remakes will be exclusively available for purchase and download on Pokémon Day, immediately following the conclusion of the Pokémon Presents broadcast. You can get a sneak peek at the Switch editions by checking out the teaser trailer. If you're already excited and want to secure your copy, you can pre-order them now via the Nintendo eShop. They are priced at £16.99 each.
But the Pokémon Presents might have even more in store! We're also expecting to hear about Pokémon Pokopia, a new release slated for March 5th. This game is described as Pokémon's unique take on the life-simulation genre, akin to Animal Crossing. Our very own Alex has already expressed his enthusiasm, noting, "Mechanics I love mashed up with characters and a world I also have a great affinity for." He even compared the excitement to his feelings about Pokémon Conquest from 2012!
And this is the part most people miss... there's a high probability of updates for other popular Pokémon titles like Pokémon Go, Pokémon Sleep, Pokémon Unite, and Pokémon EX Masters. Could there even be news about the Pokémon park in Japan? While many are hoping for announcements regarding the next generation of Pokémon games (Gen 10), it's worth keeping an eye on all fronts.
So, what are your thoughts on this new release strategy? Are you excited to revisit Kanto on the Switch, or do you feel these remakes should have been part of the Nintendo Switch Online service? Let us know in the comments below!
