Thirty years after Pokémon first arrived in Japan, the franchise has delivered a fitting anniversary gift: Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version, the beloved 2004 Game Boy Advance remakes, are now available on Nintendo Switch. Released on 27 February 2026 as part of a landmark Pokémon Day celebration, the titles dropped digitally on the Nintendo eShop immediately following the 30th anniversary Pokémon Presents showcase. For millions of fans downloading the game afresh, and for newcomers experiencing Kanto for the first time, one question is as pressing now as it was two decades ago: which starter do you pick?
The choice between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle is one of the most analysed decisions in all of gaming, which says something remarkable about the franchise's hold on popular culture. Each of the three starters has accumulated its own mythology, and each carries real mechanical trade-offs that ripple through the entire playthrough. Kotaku's breakdown of the three options offers a useful framework for thinking through those trade-offs.
The Case for Bulbasaur
Bulbasaur, the grass and poison type, is the starter that rewards patience and tactical thinking. It reaches its final evolution, Venusaur, at level 32, which is four levels earlier than either of its rivals. More practically, Bulbasaur's type advantages shine immediately: both Brock and Misty, the first two gym leaders in the Kanto region, field teams that are weak to grass-type attacks. That advantage makes the opening stretch of the game considerably more forgiving. Where Venusaur lacks the raw offensive punch of Charizard, it compensates with high hit points and a suite of status-inflicting moves. Sleep Powder, combined with Leech Seed and Solar Beam, gives seasoned players a toolkit capable of winning prolonged battles through attrition rather than brute force. As Kotaku reports, Bulbasaur is also a strong pick when it comes to catching wild Pokémon, since Sleep Powder dramatically improves capture rates throughout the journey. The other grass-type options available in FireRed and LeafGreen are not especially compelling, which makes Bulbasaur harder to replace mid-game than either of its counterparts.
Charmander: High Risk, High Reward
Charmander's popularity has never been in doubt. Charizard, its fully evolved form, is arguably the most iconic Pokémon in the entire franchise and draws in new players with every generation. The fire type evolves into Charmeleon at level 16 and Charizard at level 36, at which point it also gains the flying type, adding versatility that can catch opponents off guard. Late-game, Charizard is a formidable sweeper, capable of clearing most opponents quickly with Flamethrower and Slash, and can be taught Earthquake for additional coverage. The caveat is significant, though: Charmander is genuinely difficult in the early game. Brock's rock-types and Misty's water-types represent a rough introduction, even though Charmander can learn Metal Claw, which provides a partial answer to Brock's team. Players who back Charmander need to be prepared to invest more effort in the opening hours and to lean on other party members until Charizard comes into its own.
Squirtle: The Reliable Middle Ground
Squirtle, the water type, offers what might be the most balanced experience of the three. It evolves into Wartortle at level 16 and Blastoise at level 36, and it holds the best defensive stats of the three starter lines throughout the game. Squirtle has no trouble with Brock and can learn Bubble Beam from Misty, giving it a dependable special attack for the first half of the adventure. The challenge comes around the third and fourth gyms, where grass and electric types pose a problem. In the late game, Blastoise benefits from learning Ice Beam and Blizzard, moves that cut through dragon types and provide wide coverage. The overall picture, as Kotaku's analysis notes, is that Squirtle sits comfortably between Charizard's glass-cannon style and Venusaur's slow, situational effectiveness, making it a sensible pick for players who prefer a steady ride over a volatile one.
Context Beyond the Choice
It is worth stepping back from the tactical calculus to appreciate what this release represents for the broader franchise. The re-release of FireRed and LeafGreen is one part of a sprawling 30th anniversary programme that includes the announcement of the 10th generation titles, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, confirmed as Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives due in 2027. The Pokémon Company has also confirmed that future Pokémon HOME compatibility is planned for the Switch versions of FireRed and LeafGreen, which will allow players to transfer their caught Pokémon into the wider modern ecosystem. That connectivity gives even these classic games a relevance they could not have had on Game Boy Advance.
For Australian players, the games became available on 28 February 2026 on the Nintendo eShop, one day later than the global release due to time zone differences. They are digital-only releases, priced individually, and playable on both the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2. The Nintendo Australia listing confirms that each language version is sold separately, with no in-game option to switch languages.
As for the starter debate itself: Bulbasaur's practical advantages are real and make it the most defensible choice for players who want a smooth, strategic run through the game. But the honest answer is that all three are viable, and the choice says something about how a player approaches the game. Charmander suits those who enjoy a harder early game and a spectacular payoff. Squirtle suits those who prefer consistency. Bulbasaur suits those who like to dictate the terms of each battle. The fact that this question still generates genuine discussion thirty years on is perhaps the most revealing thing of all about what makes Pokémon endure.