Pokémon fans have a new reason to fire up FireRed and LeafGreen, and it comes with a free legendary attached. The October 7 update to Pokémon HOME will let players link their Switch copies of the Game Boy Advance classics, and anyone who completes the Pokédex in both games gets the Mythical Pokémon Celebi as a gift.
The news comes via GoNintendo, which first reported the update details. It is a welcome addition for anyone who has spent years playing through Kanto’s routes and gyms, and a free legendary makes the trip worthwhile even if you have finished the games before.
What Pokémon HOME Actually Does
Pokémon HOME is the central storage hub for Pokémon players on the Switch. It lets you save and manage your collections across multiple games in one place, including transfers between titles, global trading, and a National Pokédex that shows your entire collection at once.
The service has been around for a while, but the FireRed and LeafGreen links are new. Starting October 7, players can connect their Switch copies of those games to Pokémon HOME, transferring the Pokémon they have caught directly into the app.
The Celebi Reward Works Differently Than You Might Expect
Here is the key detail: you do not need to trade Pokémon into the app to earn the Celebi reward. Anything you have caught in the game registers automatically once linked.
That means you can walk through the Pokédex, catch everything you missed, and the app tracks your progress without you lifting a finger. The incentive is simple: finish the Pokédex, get the legendary.
Other Changes Arriving With The Update
The October 7 update is not just about FireRed and LeafGreen. Trainers will also be able to transfer Pokémon caught using a Safari Ball in Pokémon GO for the first time.
Those who pay for the Premium version of Pokémon HOME will also see their storage capacity increase from 6000 to 9000. That matters for players juggling new games like the upcoming Winds and Waves, which will add a raft of new creatures to the mix.
Why This Matters For Fans Of Older Titles
FireRed and LeafGreen are often overshadowed by their Generation III siblings, Ruby and Sapphire. Those games drew much of the praise when they launched, but FireRed and LeafGreen hold their own.
The games let you explore the Kanto region from the very first Pokémon title, catching the original starters and facing off against the familiar gyms. For longtime fans, the games offer a direct connection to the series’ roots.
The Pokémon HOME link changes that relationship. Instead of treating the games as standalone curiosities, it puts them on equal footing with newer releases. You can catch a rare Pokémon in FireRed, transfer it to a modern game, and use it alongside your newest catches.
What Comes After Winds And Waves
The next big Pokémon release is Winds and Waves, the first game of the tenth generation. It has not been dated yet, though it is expected to arrive next year.
Winds and Waves will bring a whole raft of new creatures to the table. The increased storage capacity in Pokémon HOME will give players room for more catches without worrying about running out of space.
| Feature | FireRed/LeafGreen Link | Winds And Waves |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | October 7 | Undated, next year |
| Role | Classic remakes | First game of tenth generation |
| Storage | Automatic Pokédex tracking | Increased capacity in Pokémon HOME |
What To Watch For On October 7
The October 7 update is a busy one. Here is what players should expect:
- FireRed and LeafGreen link to Pokémon HOME, allowing transfers of caught Pokémon.
- Completing the Pokédex in both games earns the Mythical Pokémon Celebi as a gift.
- Pokémon caught with a Safari Ball in Pokémon GO can now be transferred.
- Premium storage increases from 6000 to 9000.
Each of these points is a small convenience, but together they change how players approach the older games. Instead of sitting on a shelf, FireRed and LeafGreen become active parts of a larger collection.
The Verdict On The Free Legendary
Celebi is a legendary Pokémon, and legendaries are rare. Getting one for free is a good deal, especially since the requirement is simply finishing the Pokédex.
The catch is that you have to play the games to get it. That is not a bad trade. FireRed and LeafGreen are worth revisiting anyway, and the reward sweetens the pot.
The update is a win for players who have not touched the games in years. It is a win for players who have never tried them. And it is a win for players who want a legendary without hunting down a special event or a lucky encounter.
The Pokémon HOME link makes the older games feel current. It is a small bridge, but bridges matter. They connect two places that were separate before, and in this case, that connection is a free legendary.
Celebi waits on October 7. The Pokédex is calling. The update arrives on October 7, and the only question is which Pokédex you will complete first.
Source material: “Pokémon FireRed And LeafGreen Officially Giving Away A Free Legendary In October 7 Update,” Screen Rant.
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