Why FireRed and LeafGreen Just Smashed Sales Records on Switch
The $20 Gamble: Nintendo’s “FireRed” Success Defies Online Backlash
In a stunning financial update released on May 8, 2026, Nintendo revealed that the Switch ports of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen have moved a staggering 4 million units since their launch on February 27 (Pokémon Day). The news has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, as the release was initially marred by a loud “online pricing backlash” regarding its absence from the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription.
The Sales Surge: Cracking the Top 10
The additional 4 million sales have pushed the lifetime total for FireRed and LeafGreen to 16 million copies, officially making them the 9th best-selling Pokémon games of all time.
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The Milestone: The GBA remakes have now surpassed the lifetime sales of Pokémon Black and White (15.6 million).
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The Next Target: They are currently only 200,000 units away from overtaking Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (16.2 million) for the #8 spot.
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A “Kanto” Hunger: Analysts suggest that because these are “direct ports” of the beloved 2004 remakes rather than the “simplified” Let’s Go versions, older fans flooded the eShop to reclaim their childhood teams.
The “Pricing Backlash” Explained
At zyproo.online, we analyze the disconnect between internet outrage and consumer behavior. The controversy centered on three main points:
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Individual Pricing: Unlike other GBA games available “for free” with an NSO + Expansion Pack subscription, Nintendo priced these titles as standalone digital purchases at $19.99 / ₹1,650 each.
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No Bundle Discount: There is no official “Kanto Bundle,” forcing completionists to pay $40 to own both versions.
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Minimal Upgrades: The Switch version is a “faithful port” with no graphical enhancements, leading many to argue that a 22-year-old ROM should not cost nearly half the price of a modern AAA game like Scarlet or Violet.
Why It Succeeded Anyway
Despite the “stupid and never satisfied” label given to the backlash by some Reddit communities, the “silent majority” clearly voted with their wallets. The 2026 port includes several key “hidden” value additions:
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Pokémon HOME Integration: For the first time, players can move Pokémon caught in the “Sevii Islands” directly into modern games through the cloud.
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Event Access: The previously ultra-rare Aurora Ticket (Deoxys) and Mystic Ticket (Lugia/Ho-Oh) are now built into the post-game, no special codes required.
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Local Wireless: The Switch versions mimic the original GBA “Wireless Adapter” functionality, allowing for seamless trading and battling without cables.
The 30th Anniversary Momentum
The success of these ports is part of a larger “Green Win” for Nintendo’s fiscal year ending March 2026. Alongside these remakes, the Switch 2 exclusive life-sim Pokémon Pokopia also cleared 4 million units, signaling that the franchise’s 30th anniversary year is on track to be its most profitable in history.
Whether you’re a critic of the $20 price tag or a fan who immediately hit “buy,” one thing is clear: the charm of the 16-bit Kanto region is officially invincible.