FireRed and LeafGreen share the same Kanto adventure and Sevii Islands post-game; the main difference is which Pokémon are available in each version. To catch species exclusive to the other game, you need to trade. The current Nintendo Switch editions support local wireless trading but not online play.
What is different between FireRed and LeafGreen?
Both are Generation III remakes of the Kanto games. Their core story and Sevii Islands content are shared; the practical distinction is the roster of version-exclusive Pokémon. “Available in” does not mean every listed species is an equally easy wild encounter: some entries are evolution stages, and some require evolving another species.
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Pokemon FireRed Version | $149.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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POKÉMON GO: THE ULTIMATE HUNTER'S GUIDE 2016: Expert Edition: AN UNOFFICIAL PLAYER'S GUIDE | $1.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The lists below follow the version-exclusive reference compiled by Bulbapedia. Deoxys is listed by form; that does not mean it is a routine wild encounter.
FireRed-exclusive Pokémon
| Evolution line or species | FireRed entries |
|---|---|
| Ekans line | Ekans, Arbok |
| Oddish line | Oddish, Gloom, Vileplume |
| Psyduck line | Psyduck, Golduck |
| Growlithe line | Growlithe, Arcanine |
| Shellder line | Shellder, Cloyster |
| Scyther line | Scyther, Scizor |
| Electabuzz line | Electabuzz, Elekid |
| Other species | Bellossom, Wooper, Quagsire, Murkrow, Qwilfish, Delibird, Skarmory |
| Deoxys form | Attack Forme |
LeafGreen-exclusive Pokémon
| Evolution line or species | LeafGreen entries |
|---|---|
| Sandshrew line | Sandshrew, Sandslash |
| Vulpix line | Vulpix, Ninetales |
| Bellsprout line | Bellsprout, Weepinbell, Victreebel |
| Slowpoke line | Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking |
| Staryu line | Staryu, Starmie |
| Other species and lines | Magmar, Pinsir, Marill, Azumarill, Azurill, Misdreavus, Sneasel, Remoraid, Octillery, Mantine, Magby |
| Deoxys form | Defense Forme |
Can you get the other version’s exclusives without trading?
No—not within a single copy of FireRed or LeafGreen. To obtain a species exclusive to the other version, trade with someone using that version or another compatible Generation III game that can provide it. The games alone do not provide every National Pokédex species; some Johto and Hoenn Pokémon depend on post-game progression or trades with other Generation III titles.
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- Join up to 39 other wireless Trainers in the Union Room for a free-for-all, or connect with just two or three in the Direct Corner
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- Bring the Pokemon you capture in Fire Red to the worlds of Leaf Green, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, or Pokemon Colosseum for more challenge
Trading on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo says the 2026 Switch editions preserve broadly the original content and replace the old Game Boy Advance link-cable or Wireless Adapter connections with built-in local wireless. The Pokémon Wireless Club supports up to four other players for trading, battling, or a minigame. Nintendo’s FAQ states that “Online play is not supported.” Nintendo also says Pokémon HOME transfer will be supported; check current HOME guidance for transfer steps and availability.
Which roaming legendary do you get?
The roaming legendary is determined by your starter, not by choosing FireRed or LeafGreen. The reference lists Entei if you chose Bulbasaur, Suicune if you chose Charmander, and Raikou if you chose Squirtle. Choose your starter based on the roaming legendary you want; switching versions does not change this mechanic.
Which version should you choose?
- Choose FireRed if its exclusive Pokémon—such as Growlithe, Scyther, or Electabuzz—are the ones you most want to catch.
- Choose LeafGreen if you prefer its exclusives, such as Vulpix, Slowpoke, or Pinsir.
- Consider your trade access: if you cannot trade, prioritize the species you want to catch yourself, because the other version’s exclusives will not be available in that copy.
- Choose your starter separately: the starter determines the roaming legendary in either game.
There is no established broad gameplay advantage for one version. The best choice depends on your preferred exclusives and whether you have a way to trade.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are the Switch games physical releases?
No. Nintendo describes the current Switch editions as standalone digital software, says they are not planned for the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics collection, and says they will not receive physical releases. The original Game Boy Advance editions are separate physical cartridge releases. Nintendo Australia lists the Switch version as released on 28 February 2026 in Australia and playable on Switch 2; dates and store availability may vary by region. See the Nintendo Australia product listing for that regional information.
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For the shared setting and remake context, see The Pokémon Company’s FireRed and LeafGreen overview.
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