rateTCG — Pokémon TCG comparator, logo
Pokémon FireRed on Switch 2026: TCG cards for Kanto fans
Guide6 min read

Pokémon FireRed on Switch 2026: TCG cards for Kanto fans

By Thomas Laize ·

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen — remakes of Pokémon Red and Green on Game Boy Advance in 2004 — are seeing a massive resurgence in 2026 with news of their return on Nintendo Switch (+150% on Google Trends). For fans who want to extend the Kanto experience with TCG cards, here are the must-haves to collect.

WhatnotLive now

Rip Pokémon packs on stream

€25–€200

Sellers, breaks, chat — pack-opening hype from your couch.

Claim my credit

Pokémon FireRed on Switch: what we know

In 2026, The Pokémon Company confirmed the return of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen in a remastered version for Nintendo Switch 2. The original 2004 GBA release was already a remake of 1996's Pokémon Red and Blue. This new Switch version promises modern graphics, new online features and compatibility with the 2026 Pokémon ecosystem.

Kanto Pokémon to collect in TCG cards

Kanto is the starting region in Pokémon FireRed. All 151 original Pokémon are represented in the Pokémon TCG with many SIR, Ultra Rare and collector versions in modern sets. Kanto Pokémon cards are consistently among the most popular and expensive.

  • Charizard — the most iconic; its SIRs and Mega Hyper Rares can be worth hundreds of euros
  • Blastoise — Blastoise ex SIR is highly sought after by nostalgic fans
  • Venusaur — Venusaur ex has stunning Illustration Rare cards
  • Mewtwo — Mewtwo ex SIR from Paldean Fates is worth €50–100
  • Pikachu — SIR cards and exclusive promos across many sets
  • Snorlax — popular VMAX and V cards for their humorous artwork
  • Alakazam — Alakazam ex is available in recent Scarlet & Violet sets

The Pokémon 151 set — dedicated to the original 151

In 2023, Pokémon launched set sv3.5 « Pokémon 151 » (also called Scarlet & Violet 151 in English), entirely dedicated to Kanto's 151 Pokémon. The set offers a card for every original Pokémon in ex and/or Illustration Rare form. Charizard ex SIR is the set's priciest card. Boxes from this set have become essentials for first-generation fans.

TCG cards tied to Mega Evolution and Kanto

The Mega Evolution series (ME01 and ME02) spotlights Mega Pokémon from every generation, many from Kanto: Mega Charizard X ex and Y ex, Mega Venusaur ex, Mega Blastoise ex, Mega Mewtwo X ex and Y ex. These cards are ideal for FireRed fans.

Share this article

https://ratetcg.com/en/pokemon/articles/pokemon-rouge-feu-cartes-tcg

Investing in Kanto cards before FireRed Switch launches

A new Kanto game release typically sparks renewed interest in that region's Pokémon cards. Buying Mega Evolution boxes and Charizard cards now, before the game launches, could be strategic. Historically, cards featuring Pokémon in recent games tend to rise in value in the months after release.

Investment tip: Mega Hyper Rare and SIR Mega Charizard X ex (ME02) cards are directly tied to the Kalos/Kanto universe. With FireRed Switch and Legends Z-A on the horizon, these cards could gain value.

Pokémon Fire Red × TCG: cards and linked sets

Pokémon Fire Red × TCG: cards and linked sets

LineExample cardPrice tierLiquidity
Base Set vintageUnlimited holo CharizardHighMedium
EX FireRed/LeafGreenCharizard exMid to highGood
Modern 151Charmander IR/SIRModerateVery good
Kanto promosSealed starter promosVariableNiche to strong

Kanto vintage vs modern reprints — where to focus.

FAQ

How does Pokémon Fire Red connect to TCG today?

Fire Red inspires retro cards, FireRed promos, and reprints in 151 and nostalgia sets. True vintage from the 90s–2000s remains the anchor — there is no full modern Fire Red TCG set.

Which « Fire Red » cards to collect in 2026?

Base Set Charizard, EX FireRed/LeafGreen era (2004), and 151 promos featuring Kanto starters. Prioritize condition and centering — the Kanto market is full of LP sold as NM.

Do 151 reprints kill vintage value?

Not for authenticated graded vintage. Yes for some ungraded mid-tier copies. Hierarchy stays: 1st Edition > unlimited holo > modern reprint.

Entry budget for a Fire Red / Kanto collection?

50–150 €: targeted unlimited holos in LP/NM. 500 €+: PSA entry on Kanto chase. Use rateTCG to compare raw vs graded before grading.

Calculate your pull rates

Search any Pokémon card on rateTCG to estimate pull rates per product and compare Amazon prices.

Related articles