Starting October 26, 2026, players of the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen can transfer their creatures to Pokémon Home. This update introduces a way to claim the legendary Celebi by finishing the in-game Pokédex.
The $20 controversy and the 30th anniversary success
The recent re-releases of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 have been a double-edged sword for Nintendo . while these ports have seen massive commercial success as part of the franchise's 30th anniversary celebrations , they were not without friction. As reported by the source, a significant portion of the fanbase expressed frustration regarding the relatively high price point of these titles.
Beyond the cost, the ports faced criticism for their inability to support a full National Pokédex natively. Because several Gen 3 Pokémon were missing from the in-game rosters, completionists found themselves unable to "catch 'em all" without external help. This limitation has been a primary point of contention since the games' initial launch on modern hardware.
How the October 26 Pokémon Home update unlocks Celebi
A new update is set to provide a significant reward for those who have persevered through the game's limitations.. According to the report, starting October 26, 2026, players will be able to connect their FireRed or LeafGreen copies to the Pokémon Home service. This connection serves as the key to unlocking the rare legendary Pokémon, Celebi.
The process is straightforward but requires dedication: players must first complete the standard in-game Pokédex. Once the Pokédex is finished, the Pokémon Home service will scan the save data to confirm completion. upon verification, the service will automatically gift the player Celebi, providing a much-needed incentive for long-term players of the Switch and Switch 2 versions.
The one-way transfer limitation for National Pokédex completion
Despite the excitement surrounding Celebi, a major technical hurdle remains for collectors. The report notes that the support for Pokémon Home is strictly one-way. While players can move their Pokémon from FireRed and LeafGreen into the Pokémon Home cloud service, they cannot transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Home back into the original games.
This restriction means that the National Pokédex still cannot be completed natively within the games. Because players cannot bring externaal Pokémon into their FireRed or LeafGreen save files, the missing Gen 3 entries will remain uncatchable in-game. This effectively leaves the "complete" Pokédex as a hybrid achievement involving both the game and the cloud service.
Speculation regarding a Ruby and Sapphire release date
The timing of this update has fueled intense speculation within the community regarding the next wave of legacy ports. There are circulating rumors that Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire may also be released on October 26, 2026. If these rumors prove true, it could provide the missing pieces needed to finally bridge the gap for National Pokédex completion.
However, several questions remain unanswered. It is currently unclear if Nintendo intends to address the one-way transfer issue in future updates, or if the current limitation is a permanent design choice. Furthermore, until Nintendo makes an official announcement, the release of the Hoenn-based titles remains unverified speculation.
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