Playing Pokemon FireRed on Nintendo Switch

Honestly, I can't remember the last time I was this excited for a game release. The moment I saw last week's announcement, I pre-purchased immediately, and every day until launch felt painfully long. It was exactly like being a kid again, counting down the days outside a toy store waiting for a new game to drop. I thought that feeling was gone forever -- but hearing that Pokemon FireRed was coming to Nintendo Switch brought it all rushing back.

And this time, the excitement wasn't mine alone. Waiting with my kid, hearing "When does it come out?" and "I want to play!" on repeat -- that made it an even more special experience. Getting to share something I loved as a child with my own kid? Pokemon's power to connect generations really hit home.

Pokemon 30th Anniversary Livestream and New Game Announcement

At 11 PM on the 27th, the Pokemon 30th Anniversary livestream kicked off. It had been ages since I watched a gaming event in real time, and that familiar feeling of sitting on the edge of my seat, heart pounding, waiting for each new reveal was wonderfully nostalgic. Following game news through articles is fine, but sharing the moment live with fans around the world is something else entirely.

The livestream also revealed that a brand-new Pokemon title is coming in 2027. As if getting to replay FireRed wasn't exciting enough, now there's a new game on the horizon. When I told my kid about the new Pokemon announcement, his eyes lit up with pure joy.

Let the Adventure Begin: Playing FireRed

After the livestream ended, it was finally time to dive in. Since there's no Korean language option, I went with the English version. The lack of Korean support is a minor disappointment, but Pokemon is the kind of game where knowing the basic flow means language is barely a barrier. If anything, it's a chance to pick up some English along the way.

The first thing that hit me when the game started was the pixel-art graphics. If you're used to today's slick 3D visuals, sure, it looks simple. But for me, those pixels are pure nostalgia. Each one triggers memories of scenes I'd nearly forgotten. And the original 151 Pokemon that appear in FireRed? These are the ones I know best -- the ones closest to my heart.

I'll admit something: as Pokemon kept adding new generations, I gradually lost track of the newer ones. I'm comfortable up through Gold & Silver, but beyond that, the names and designs start blurring together. Playing recent Pokemon games, I'd sometimes feel a disconnect when unfamiliar Pokemon appeared. FireRed is different. Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander -- I hear a name and the image instantly pops into my head. Playing the entire game felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket.

Professor Oak, Charmander, and the First Gym Victory

The game begins with meeting Professor Oak. Seeing him again after all these years genuinely put a smile on my face. When it came time to choose a starter, I picked Charmander -- of course. Bulbasaur and Squirtle are great, but my first partner has always been Charmander. Choosing Charmander again as an adult made me chuckle: "Some things never change."

In my first session, I made it through Brock (the Pewter City Gym Leader). I trained Charmander hard, got him to Level 16, and watched the evolution into Charmeleon. Seeing that evolution animation stirred up a surprising surge of pride. I played for about 30 minutes, but it felt like 5 -- that's how deeply absorbed I was. It's been a long time since a game pulled me in that completely.

Big Screen TV vs. Switch Handheld Mode -- Which Is Better?

My first play session was on the living room TV with the Switch docked. Playing Pokemon on a big screen was appealing in theory, but I'll be honest -- it felt slightly off. Pixel art blown up on a large display makes individual pixels very visible, which can feel jarring if you're accustomed to modern high-resolution graphics.

In handheld mode, though? Completely different story. Compared to the original GBA's sub-4-inch screen, the Switch's display offers a significant upgrade in both size and resolution while being much kinder on the eyes. The pixel art at this more moderate screen size actually looks charming and nostalgic rather than dated. I was pleasantly surprised. Personally, I think retro games like FireRed feel best in handheld mode rather than on a TV.

Wrapping Up

What struck me most playing FireRed again is that Pokemon's appeal goes far beyond just gameplay. It has the power to revive childhood memories, to bring parents and kids together across generations, and to deliver genuine excitement after 30 years. As Pokemon celebrates its 30th anniversary, I'm deeply grateful to Nintendo for making it possible to experience FireRed again.

I plan to take my time with the story, work through the Pokedex with my kid, and catch all the Pokemon that eluded me the first time around. If you're on the fence about picking this up -- especially if you have memories of the original 151 -- I'd strongly encourage you to give it a try. The nostalgia hits hard, in the best possible way.

I'll write a follow-up review once I've progressed further. Thanks for reading!