Particle.news

Switch Re-Releases of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Quietly Fix 22-Year-Old ‘Roaming Roar’ Bug

Independent tests plus datamines point to a quiet fix discovered after last week’s eShop release.

Overview

  • Multiple player reports, video tests, and datamines indicate the Switch eShop versions no longer delete Raikou or Entei when they use Roar, a change not formally documented by Game Freak or Nintendo.
  • In the original GBA games, a Roar from those roaming legendaries was treated as a knockout that removed them from the map and Pokédex, permanently blocking further encounters.
  • Footage shared by OmegaJarrodX and controlled tests by YouTuber TortoiseCity show a Raikou reappearing and remaining trackable in the Pokédex after Roar in the new ports.
  • Roar still lets the Pokémon flee encounters, so cautious strategies remain advisable, with many players still recommending a Master Ball on first sight.
  • The Switch releases add small tweaks such as Mystic and Aurora Tickets after the Hall of Fame, a quick-reset button combo, and planned Pokémon Home compatibility, while a separate IV-related issue is reportedly still unresolved.