No. The 2026 Nintendo Switch re-release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen does not include the Johto region. The games are set entirely in the Kanto region plus the Sevii Islands, exactly as they were when they originally launched on Game Boy Advance in 2004. Pokemon.com confirmed the Switch versions "return just as they were when they launched on the Game Boy Advance system."
That said, this does not mean Johto Pokémon are completely absent. Bulbapedia confirms that Generation II Pokémon can be caught on the Sevii Islands in the post-game. The region itself is not accessible, but many of its Pokémon are.
What Regions Are in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen?
Two areas are playable, confirmed by Nintendo.com, Pokemon.com, and Bulbapedia:
Kanto -- The main region of the game. You begin in Pallet Town, collect eight Gym Badges across cities like Pewter, Cerulean, Vermilion, Celadon, Fuchsia, Saffron, Cinnabar Island, and Viridian, and ultimately challenge the Elite Four and Champion at Indigo Plateau. This is the same Kanto from the original Pokémon Red and Blue, rebuilt with Game Boy Advance graphics and Generation III mechanics.
Sevii Islands -- A southern island chain accessible during and after the main story. Bulbapedia describes the Sevii Islands as "a new southern region" where Generation II Pokémon can be caught. The islands also contain a post-game storyline involving Team Rocket, the Ruby and Sapphire items needed for trading with Hoenn-based games, and additional content not found in the original Red and Blue.
Nintendo.com's product listing specifically highlights both: "Explore the Kanto region, discover wild Pokémon around every corner... Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version also contain the Sevii Islands, where even more Pokémon await."
Can You Catch Johto Pokémon Without the Johto Region?
Image Credit : pokemondb.net
Yes, but only in the post-game. Bulbapedia confirms that after obtaining the National Pokédex (which requires catching at least 60 Pokémon and entering the Hall of Fame), Generation II Pokémon become available in specific locations across the Sevii Islands.
Notable Johto Pokémon available in FireRed and LeafGreen include version-exclusive catches. Bulbapedia's version-exclusive list shows Pokémon like Wooper, Murkrow, Qwilfish, Delibird, Skarmory, and Elekid in FireRed, and Marill, Misdreavus, Sneasel, Remoraid, Mantine, and Magby in LeafGreen.
Additionally, Bulbapedia notes that one of the three Legendary beasts (Entei, Suicune, or Raikou) begins roaming the Kanto region after completing the post-game Sevii Islands quest. Which one you encounter depends on your starter Pokémon choice: Entei if you chose Bulbasaur, Suicune if you chose Charmander, and Raikou if you chose Squirtle.
However, Bulbapedia also notes one significant limitation: Eevee cannot evolve into Espeon or Umbreon in these games due to the lack of a time-of-day system. Those evolutions must be obtained through trading.
What About the 2026 Switch Re-Release Specifically?
Image Credit : nintendo.com
The Nintendo Switch versions were released on February 27, 2026, as Nintendo eShop-exclusive downloads priced at $19.99 each, coinciding with the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Presents. Bulbapedia confirms the release was simultaneous worldwide.
The Switch re-release includes a few notable differences from the GBA original, per Bulbapedia:
The AuroraTicket and MysticTicket, which were originally event-exclusive items, are now automatically obtained after entering the Hall of Fame. This grants access to Birth Island and Navel Rock without needing a special distribution event.
Local wireless communication replaces the GBA Link Cable and Wireless Adapter for trading and battling between players.
Pokémon HOME support is planned, allowing players to transfer caught Pokémon out of the game. Pokemon.com noted to "check back for details on this upcoming feature."
The games are available in English, French, and Spanish language versions, each sold separately on the eShop. Nintendo.com reminds players to verify the language before purchasing, as there are no in-game language options.
Which Pokémon Games Include the Johto Region?
If you specifically want to explore Johto, the following games feature it as a playable region:
Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal (Generation II) -- Set primarily in the Johto region, with Kanto accessible as a post-game area.
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (Generation IV remakes) -- Full remakes of Gold and Silver for Nintendo DS, featuring both Johto and Kanto with updated graphics and mechanics.
No version of Pokémon FireRed or LeafGreen, whether the 2004 GBA original or the 2026 Switch re-release, has ever included the Johto region.
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FAQs
1. Do Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen have Johto?
No. The games are set in the Kanto region and the Sevii Islands. The Johto region is not accessible in any version of FireRed or LeafGreen, including the 2026 Switch re-release.
2. What region is FireRed and LeafGreen set in?
The Kanto region, with the Sevii Islands available as additional content. Kanto is the same region as the original Pokémon Red and Blue.
3. Can you catch Johto Pokémon in FireRed and LeafGreen?
Yes, but only in the post-game. After obtaining the National Pokédex, Generation II Pokémon become available on the Sevii Islands. One of the three Legendary beasts (Entei, Suicune, or Raikou) also roams Kanto after completing the post-game quest.
4. Which Pokémon game has the Johto region?
Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal (Generation II) and their remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (Generation IV) are the games that feature the Johto region as a playable area.
5. How much does the 2026 Switch version cost?
Each game costs $19.99 on the Nintendo eShop. English, French, and Spanish versions are sold separately.
6. Is Pokémon HOME supported?
Pokemon.com confirmed Pokémon HOME support is planned for FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch. Details on this feature are still forthcoming.