Pokémon Red/Blue: Will Gen 1 Finally Hit Switch with 30th Anniversary?

For dedicated Pokémon fans, the possibility of revisiting the original Game Boy adventures on modern Nintendo consoles remains a compelling, yet uncertain, prospect. The initial Pokémon games – Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow – arrived on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console on February 27, 2016, coinciding with Pokémon Day and the franchise’s 20th anniversary. However, with the Nintendo 3DS eShop closure on March 27, 2023, official access to these classic titles has been removed.

A Legacy on Hold

Currently, nearly three years have passed without these foundational Pokémon games appearing on Nintendo Switch Online. While hope persists among the fanbase, the upcoming 30th anniversary of the franchise on February 27, 2026, could represent a final opportunity for Nintendo to revisit these titles. A similar strategy was employed a decade prior, with the original games arriving on the 3DS to mark the 20th anniversary.

Did You Know? Pokémon Yellow was the best-selling game on the Nintendo 3DS eShop, while Pokémon Crystal held the second position.

Though a few Pokémon spin-offs for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance are available through Nintendo Switch Online, the core RPG experiences have yet to be included. The release of titles like Gold, Silver, and Crystal on the 3DS occurred between September 22, 2017, and January 26, 2018, demonstrating a phased rollout of older titles.

The Potential for a Re-Release

Fans would likely welcome even just the first generation of Pokémon games – those set in the Kanto region – on Nintendo Switch or a potential Switch 2. Beyond Nintendo Switch Online, there’s a willingness within the community to purchase these games again, either as a physical collection or a digital release. Features like accelerated gameplay, similar to the “GB Tower” function in Pokémon Stadium, would be a welcome addition.

Expert Insight: The continued unavailability of these foundational titles highlights the strategic decisions surrounding retro game access. The Pokémon Company’s approach suggests a careful balance between honoring the franchise’s history and driving engagement with newer releases.

The ability to trade and battle between modernized versions of the classic games, and to transfer Pokémon to Pokémon Home – mirroring the functionality of Pokémon Bank on 3DS – would further enhance the experience. However, whether The Pokémon Company or Game Freak will prioritize celebrating the past remains uncertain, especially with the potential for a new generation exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Looking Ahead

There is a clear desire among Pokémon fans for a return to the series’ 2D roots, the art style of Ken Sugimori, and the iconic sprites. While this isn’t anticipated in upcoming mainline games, a celebration of the franchise’s history with the original titles on modern systems would be a fitting tribute to the most profitable entertainment property of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the original Pokémon games first become available on a Nintendo Virtual Console?

The original Pokémon games for Game Boy arrived on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console on February 27, 2016.

What happened to the original Pokémon games when the Nintendo 3DS eShop closed?

With the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop on March 27, 2023, Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, and the second generation games were officially removed from sale.

Is there any indication that the original Pokémon games will come to Nintendo Switch Online?

Currently, there are no confirmed plans for the original Pokémon RPGs to be added to Nintendo Switch Online, though the 30th anniversary in 2026 could present an opportunity.

Considering the enduring popularity of the Pokémon franchise, what role do you think nostalgia will play in its future releases and accessibility?