Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen are officially set to launch on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on February 27, but one user appears to have accessed the games nearly a week ahead of schedule due to what looks like a My Nintendo Store mistake.
While leaks had previously suggested that the beloved Game Boy Advance-era titles were heading to modern hardware, Nintendo only recently confirmed the ports. Despite the official timeline, one fan unexpectedly got an early hands-on preview — though it seems to have been entirely unintentional.
My Nintendo Store Code Sent Early
On February 20, a Twitter user shared video evidence showing a Switch 2 console running Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen before their scheduled release. According to the post, the user had pre-ordered the games through the official My Nintendo Store and received download codes approximately 30 minutes after purchase.
Unlike many retro titles available through Nintendo Switch Online, FireRed and LeafGreen are being sold as standalone digital purchases. Buyers must purchase each version individually, similar to their original Game Boy Advance releases.
Because My Nintendo Store sometimes distributes digital download codes via email rather than direct eShop activation, it appears the system may have accidentally issued active codes ahead of the embargo.
Interestingly, while both FireRed and LeafGreen codes were reportedly received, only LeafGreen successfully launched. This suggests Nintendo’s backend systems may not have fully unlocked both titles — further reinforcing the idea that the early access was unintended.
Nintendo Reportedly Reversed the Error
According to follow-up posts, Nintendo corrected the issue by February 21. The user claimed the game was remotely removed from the console once it reconnected to the internet.
Attempts by others to replicate the situation reportedly failed, with no additional early codes being sent out. This strongly suggests the incident was an isolated store-side error rather than a widespread release slip.
Given how quickly Nintendo acted, it is unlikely fans will be able to access the games early through similar means.
What’s Included in the Switch Versions?
While these releases are ports rather than full remakes, they do include some modern touches:
- Local wireless co-op support
- GameChat support on Switch 2
- Standalone digital purchase (not part of Nintendo Switch Online)
For longtime fans, this marks a convenient way to replay a fan-favorite Kanto adventure without needing original Game Boy Advance hardware.
Not the First Early Release Incident
This situation mirrors other recent early-access mishaps in the industry. Physical copies of Resident Evil Requiem reportedly appeared in stores nearly 10 days before release, frustrating publisher Capcom.
However, early digital access — especially through an official first-party storefront — is far less common. That makes this FireRed and LeafGreen incident particularly unusual.
Should Fans Expect More Early Access?
Probably not.
Nintendo’s quick response suggests the company has already taken steps to prevent a repeat of the mistake. With the official February 27 launch date approaching, most players will likely need to wait until release day to revisit Kanto.
For now, one lucky fan briefly got to experience Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch 2 ahead of schedule — but Nintendo made sure it didn’t last long.
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