Pokémon is in a fascinating place just now. The series has spent the last few years experimenting with open worlds, massive maps and real-time catching mechanics. But, sometimes the best way forward is to look backwards.

Enter Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen… again. The pair have been re-released on the eShop to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the series for €19.99 each.

For this review, we are taking them for a spin on the Nintendo Switch 2, as this sees the beloved Game Boy Advance titles being remade to run even better on modern hardware and reminds everyone why the series became a global phenomenon in the first place.

Unlike some recent entries, Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they focus on what Pokémon has always done best. You capture creatures, build a team and set off on an adventure to become the very best.

The result is a game that feels refreshingly pure in a lot of ways in 2026. There are no giant open worlds, no complicated gimmicks and no endless tutorials getting in the way. It’s just you, your starter Pokémon and the long road ahead through the Kanto region.

Timeless Loop

What immediately stands out is just how well the core gameplay has aged. The addictive loop of exploring routes, battling trainers and hunting down new Pokémon remains every bit as compelling today as it was over twenty years ago.

The Switch 2 version also benefits from modern upgrades, with improved performance and cleaner visuals all helping to make the experience more accessible than ever.

That said, its age does show in places. Compared to newer Pokémon titles, the Kanto region can feel a little basic. Routes are often straightforward, side content is limited and the story is about as simple as they come don’t expect deep character development or emotional storytelling. This is very much Pokémon in its most straightforward form.

Visually, Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen sit in a sweet spot between nostalgia and modern presentation. The colourful sprite work still has huge charm and looks fantastic on the Switch 2 screen. While it lacks the visual spectacle of some recent releases, there is a timeless quality to the art style that many fans will likely prefer.

The soundtrack is equally brilliant, packed with memorable tunes that instantly transport you back to those wet afternoons after school, one note at a time.

Perhaps the biggest strength of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen is that they understand exactly what they are. They don’t chase trends or overcomplicate things. Instead, they deliver one of the tightest and most enjoyable Pokémon adventures ever created.

While some modern players may find its old-school design a little restrictive, this remains a masterclass in Pokémon game design and a welcome reminder that sometimes simpler really is better.