Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen Special Edition Announced for Japan
▼ Summary
– Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will be released on the Nintendo Switch eShop on February 27th, immediately following the Pokémon Presents event.
– Japan is receiving a special physical edition, which includes a download code to play the game rather than a physical cartridge.
– This special edition contains reproductions of the original GBA cases and three laser-engraved glass balls featuring Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle that light up.
– The Japanese release will cost approximately 19,800 yen (about £95 or $127) and go on sale from the Pokémon Center online store on February 28th.
– This special physical edition is currently announced only for Japan, with no confirmation of a Western release.
The announcement of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen arriving on the Nintendo Switch eShop is exciting news for fans, but a special collector’s edition exclusive to Japan has certainly captured attention. This unique package offers a nostalgic trip back to the Game Boy Advance era, though it comes with a premium price tag and a notable caveat regarding how you actually access the game itself.
While the release is described as a physical edition, it is important to understand that the box does not contain a game cartridge. Instead, players will find a download code to redeem the digital version on their Switch console. The true value of this special set lies in its commemorative items, designed for dedicated collectors.
The package includes two faithful reproductions of the original Japanese Game Boy Advance game cases. The standout feature, however, is a set of three laser-engraved glass spheres. Each orb contains a miniature figure of one of the classic starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. These spheres are designed to sit on a dedicated display stand, where they illuminate with a colored light corresponding to each creature, green, red, and blue respectively.
This special edition will be sold through the Japanese Pokémon Center online store starting Saturday, February 28th. Purchasers can choose between the FireRed or LeafGreen version, with the only difference being which game title is included on the download code. The set is priced at 19,800 yen, which translates to approximately 95 British pounds or 127 US dollars.
Currently, The Pokémon Company has confirmed this is a Japan-only release. They have noted it may later become available at physical Pokémon Center locations in Japan, but there is no announcement regarding a wider international launch. Fans outside of Japan will have to hope for a potential Western release in the future.
(Source: Nintendo Life)
