Nintendo has trumpeted the results of its controversial decision to sell Game Boy Advance titles Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen via the eShop for $20 each.
In just six weeks, the two retro games sold a combined total of more than 4 million copies. That’s around $80 million in revenue right there, and that’s despite the backlash to Nintendo’s release and pricing model for the games — which it previously defended as a “fun” celebration of Pokémon’s recent 30-year anniversary.
Nintendo revealed its plans to re-release FireRed and Leaf Green back in February, in a surprise move that saw the games go on to launch as individual eShop downloads. That’s despite other Game Boy Advance titles simply being added (at no additional cost) to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.
A subsequent Q&A article published by Nintendo sought to defend the company’s decision, though suggested the launch strategy was likely something of a one-off. “We remain focused on offering classic games through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack,” the company said at the time.
While there are good reasons why Nintendo may have decided not to just release the games as part of Nintendo Switch Online (which typically allows players to create alternate save files, something that could create havoc for duplicating Pokémon), Nintendo did not address these in its Q&A. Nor did it address the fact that selling these games separately would obviously just generate a pile of cash — which, indeed, they now have.
The fact they have were successful despite the backlash is no surprise, though the extent to which they have sold is stunning. Launched alongside Pokémon’s anniversary, the games are currently on par with the sales of Switch 2 mega hit Pokémon Pokopia (though Pokopia hit the 4 million sales mark in less time).
All of which begs the question — will this launch strategy be repeated? The obvious candidates with which to do so are Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald, also originally released for the Game Boy Advance, which feature fan-favorite creatures such as Groudon and Rayquaza. Nintendo has given no hint it is considering re-releasing these too, but fans have previously suggested their launch was likely as a way for players to fill out more of FireRed and LeafGreen’s post-game Pokédex.
While Pokopia continues to sell, Pokémon fans now have something of a wait on their hands until the franchise’s hugely-anticipated next-generation of adventures arrives in 2027, in the shape of Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves. Another retro release before then sure would help fill that gap.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
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