Nintendo has released a lengthy FAQ about the newly announced Pokemon FireRed/LeafGreen Switch Versions.

The FAQ answers several questions players may have about the release, including how it compares to the original GBA versions as well as how trading and battling work.

Notably, Nintendo takes care to point out that the games are a “special release” for the 30th Annviersary, and not a potential return to the “Virtual Console” style of classic game launches. Instead, Nintendo re-iterates they are still committed to expanding their Nintendo Classics collection on the Switch Online service.

Will these games also be coming to the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics collection?

• These games are being offered as standalone software and are not planned for release as part of the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics collection.

Why are you handling these classic games differently?

• In celebration of 30 years of Pokémon, we thought it would be fun to return to the ultimate versions of the original Pokémon adventures in the Kanto region with these special releases.

If these titles are meant to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon, why aren’t you releasing the original Pokémon Blue Version and Pokémon Red Version games that launched 30 years ago?

• We thought users will appreciate the ultimate versions of those original adventures, which add various features and upgrades to the contents of Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version.

Will you add the original Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version or other Pokémon games to the Nintendo Classics collections available with Nintendo Switch Online?

• The following Pokémon game is currently part of the Game Boy – Nintendo Classics collection, available with a Nintendo Switch Online membership:
  • Pokémon Trading Card Game
• In addition, the following Pokémon games can be enjoyed with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership:
  • Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics:
    • Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team
  • Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics:
    • Pokémon Puzzle League
    • Pokémon Snap
    • Pokémon Stadium
    • Pokémon Stadium 2
• We have nothing to announce regarding any other potential titles.

What about other classic games beyond Pokémon titles? Is this the return of standalone Virtual Console types of offerings?

• We remain focused on offering classic games through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

This news is likely to come across as a disappointment to fans who were hoping for more standalone releases for non-Pokemon games in the future. Stay tuned for more updates as they come.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.