Video games

Lugia, Ho-Oh and Deoxys are coming to Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version

Pokémon HOME will make Lugia, Ho-Oh and Deoxys obtainable in Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version. Here is how the encounters and transfers will work.

Compatibility with Pokémon HOME is scheduled for October 2026, but there is no exact date yet. Besides transfers, the update will provide a way to encounter Lugia, Ho-Oh and Deoxys inside the Nintendo Switch games.

This article focuses on those encounters and transfer restrictions. The broader version 4.1.0 changes, storage expansion and shutdown of the previous service are covered in our Pokémon HOME and Pokémon Bank overview.

How to unlock Lugia, Ho-Oh and Deoxys

The encounters are tied to postgame content. After defeating the Elite Four and entering the Hall of Fame, the game will award two Key Items:

The source has not yet specified the precise location of each battle or any further requirements. Players who complete the Kanto Pokédex in these games will also be able to receive Celebi from the mobile version of Pokémon HOME.

Official Pokémon HOME screen in English
  • The Mystic Ticket will unlock encounters with Lugia and Ho-Oh.
  • The Aurora Ticket will unlock the encounter with Deoxys.

Which Pokémon can go back and forth

The connection will be more restrictive than unrestricted transfers between games:

Check the destination before confirming each move, especially for Pokémon you want to keep in the original save file.

  • Pokémon originating in Pokémon FireRed Version or Pokémon LeafGreen Version can be sent to Pokémon HOME and returned to their original game.
  • If one is moved from HOME to another compatible title, it can no longer return to FireRed or LeafGreen.
  • Pokémon caught or obtained in other games cannot enter these two versions.

Other changes planned for October

The update will raise the Premium Plan's maximum storage from 6,000 to 9,000 Pokémon at no extra cost. Pokémon caught in Pokémon GO with a GO Safari Ball will also become transferable; HOME will display the special Poké Ball representation used for unsupported origins.

Pokémon Bank will close at 02:00 UTC on February 26, 2027—23:00 on February 25 in GMT-3. Until then it remains necessary for moving Pokémon from older generations into Pokémon HOME. As of August 14, 2026, the official release window remains October.