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Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen Switch Versions to Link With Pokemon HOME in October 2026

The Celebi with the original trainer name Mitsurin was previously distributed in 2006 during the Pokemon Jungle Tours event in Japan, and this marks its first re-release through a modern service.

Key Facts

  • The Pokemon Company announced on August 13 that Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen Switch versions will link with Pokemon HOME in October 2026.
  • Completing the FireRed and LeafGreen Pokedex in the smartphone version of Pokemon HOME rewards players with a Celebi with the original trainer name Mitsurin.
  • Pokemon sent from FireRed and LeafGreen to Pokemon HOME cannot be returned to the Switch versions, and Pokemon from other software cannot be sent into FireRed and LeafGreen.
  • Boxes containing Pokemon holding items, Pokemon that know Hidden Machines, or Eggs cannot be transferred to Pokemon HOME.
  • Special Pokemon obtainable only once per playthrough are limited to one transfer per save file from FireRed and LeafGreen.

Reporting from 6 sources: GAME Watch (Impress), 4Gamer.net, Automaton, Denfaminicogamer, and 2 more.

Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen Switch Versions to Link With Pokemon HOME in October 2026

The Pokemon Company announced on August 13 that the Nintendo Switch versions of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen will begin linking with Pokemon HOME in October 2026. The connectivity will let players send Pokemon caught in the Game Boy Advance remakes to Pokemon HOME and then bring them into other Pokemon series titles. The company also confirmed that completing the in-game Pokedex for FireRed and LeafGreen within the smartphone version of Pokemon HOME will reward players with a Celebi whose original trainer name is Mitsurin. Celebi is a Mythical Pokemon that cannot be encountered through normal play in FireRed and LeafGreen. The announcement came with several restrictions. Pokemon sent from FireRed and LeafGreen to Pokemon HOME cannot be returned to the Switch versions. Pokemon caught in other software cannot be sent into FireRed and LeafGreen. Boxes containing Pokemon holding items, Pokemon that know Hidden Machines, or Eggs cannot be transferred. Special Pokemon that players can normally obtain only once per playthrough are limited to one transfer per save file. Pokemon obtained through unintended methods or illegal modifications, as well as Pokemon with other issues, cannot be sent to Pokemon HOME.

The Switch versions of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen are based on the Game Boy Advance originals released on January 29, 2004, with some specifications changed to make them playable on Nintendo Switch. The port launched on February 27, 2026. The October 2026 Pokemon HOME link was announced via the official Pokemon Company Twitter account and the Pokemon Information Bureau account.

Players can send Pokemon to Pokemon HOME in box units, but boxes with Pokemon holding items, Pokemon that know Hidden Machines, or Eggs cannot be sent. The restriction on special one-per-playthrough Pokemon limits transfers to one per save file. The company also stated that Pokemon obtained through unintended methods or illegal modifications, as well as Pokemon with other issues, cannot be sent. The Switch port had previously been reported to contain glitches including arbitrary code execution, and the transfer restrictions appear to be a response to Pokemon obtained through such means.

The Mitsurin Celebi was originally distributed in 2006 during the Pokemon Jungle Tours event themed around Diamond and Pearl, and its return is described as a revival of a rare Pokemon. The smartphone version of Pokemon HOME will track the FireRed and LeafGreen Pokedex for the completion reward.

Synthesized by Yomimono from the 6 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Pokémon HOME

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