On November 12, 2015, Nintendo announced during a Nintendo Direct that the original generation of Pokémon games would be released on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console service on February 27, 2016, the 20th anniversary of the games' original Japanese release. The games also include a first for the Virtual Console—simulated Link Cable functionality to allow trading and battling between games.[78] Each region received the versions of the game as originally released; as such, Green is exclusive to Japanese consumers.[79] These versions will be able to transfer Pokémon to the upcoming Pokémon Sun and Moon via the Pokémon Bank application.[80]
There is also a special bundle along with the Nintendo 2DS with each console matching the corresponding color of the game version which was released in Japan, Europe and Australia on February 27, 2016.[81] And in North America a special New Nintendo 3DS bundle with cover plates of Red and Blue's boxart.[82]
By March 31, 2016, combined sales of the re-releases reached 1.5 million units with more than half being sold in the American market.[83]