A new "Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen" update for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 has left fans with a single question in their heads lately: Pokémon Home compatibility may finally be on the horizon.
Although Nintendo has not released official patch notes, the unexpected update has prompted many fans to believe it could be laying the groundwork for long-awaited Home integration and possibly the arrival of additional Generation 3 Pokémon games.
It's a relief to see the Game Boy Advance games returned to modern Nintendo consoles during Pokémon Day 2026 as faithful ports of the classic RPGs. The re-release was welcomed by longtime fans, but it also retained several limitations from the original versions that continue to impact gameplay.
Players Still Can't Complete the National Pokédex
One of the biggest issues facing players is the inability to complete the National Pokédex, GameRant writes.
During the original Game Boy Advance era, "FireRed and LeafGreen" relied on connectivity with "Pokémon Ruby," "Pokémon Sapphire," "Pokémon Emerald," and other Generation 3 titles to obtain every available Pokémon. Since those games have not yet arrived on Switch or Switch 2, players currently have no legitimate way to complete the National Pokédex.
The lack of Pokémon Home support has only added to the frustration, preventing trainers from transferring Pokémon into their long-term collections or preserving them across modern Pokémon games.
Shadow Update Fuels Pokémon Home Rumors
The latest speculation began after Pokémon content creator Light_88_reported that a new update had been released for nearly every version of "FireRed and LeafGreen," except for the English and Japanese editions.
🚨 Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen have received a surprise update on Nintendo Switch!
— Light (@Light_88_) July 16, 2026
Every version except the English and Japanese releases has been updated. There's no official changelog, so it's unclear if this is just bug fixes or preparation for Pokémon HOME compatibility.... pic.twitter.com/yfGWIanXM9
Nintendo has not published any patch notes explaining the changes. However, fans pointed out that similar shadow updates have appeared before Pokémon Home compatibility was added to previous "Pokémon" titles.
With several months having passed since "FireRed and LeafGreen" launched on Switch, many players believe the timing could indicate that Home support is now in active preparation.
Could 'Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald' Be Next?
The update has also renewed speculation that "Pokémon Ruby," "Sapphire," and "Emerald" could eventually arrive on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
Some fans believe the recent patch may be preparing "FireRed and LeafGreen" for future connectivity with the remaining Generation 3 games.
Previous rumors and datamines have suggested that Nintendo could expand its Game Boy Advance Pokémon library, although the company has not officially announced any additional releases.
If those games do arrive alongside Pokémon Home support, players would once again be able to experience the interconnected gameplay that made Generation 3 memorable while finally completing the National Pokédex through legitimate in-game transfers.
For "Pokemon Champions" players, this is good news once the legendaries are added to the game for future updates.
