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If you want to revisit Johto now, start with Pokémon HeartGold or Pokémon SoulSilver: they remake the Gold and Silver adventure for Nintendo DS and DSi. For a more classic-generation experience, choose Pokémon Crystal or the original Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver. There is no new Johto game in the Pokémon Day 2026 roundup: it names Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, planned for a simultaneous global launch in 2027, without saying whether a Johto game may be announced later.
Which Pokémon game should you play before a new Johto game?
Pick based on the kind of return you want: an enhanced remake, a distinctive Game Boy Color entry, or the original Johto pair. All three recommendations below are Johto adventures, but their presentation and historical platforms differ.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pokémon Pokopia - Nintendo Switch 2 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Pokémon Legends: Arceus - US Version | $54.25 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Pokémon Violet - US Version | $51.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Pokémon Sword - Nintendo Switch | $54.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch | Buy on Amazon |
| Game | Why choose it | Historical platform |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | The most direct way to revisit Johto in an updated remake of Gold and Silver | Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi |
| Pokémon Crystal | A Johto-era option with a choice of boy or girl player character and the Battle Tower | Game Boy Color |
| Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | The original paired Johto adventures | Originally released for Game Boy; Virtual Console versions later appeared for Nintendo 3DS family systems |
Why HeartGold and SoulSilver are the closest Johto return
The Pokémon Company describes these Nintendo DS and DSi games as a chance to return to the adventure of Gold and Silver. They update the graphics and sound, include touchscreen features, and begin with the familiar Johto starter choice: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile. A Pokéwalker accessory was included with the games.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIn the company’s words, “With Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions, they can return there to experience the exciting adventure of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems.” The Pokémon Company International: Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions
#1 Best Overall
- Shape the world and build a cozy new life with Pokémon as a Ditto transformed to look like a human.
- Use other Pokémon’s moves, like Bulbasaur’s Leafage, to revitalize and navigate the world around you.
- Meet and befriend more Pokémon as you help nature flourish.
- Gather materials to create items and furniture, till the fields to grow delicious crops, build homes for the Pokémon you meet, and more—there’s so much to do!
- Experience a world with varied weather, real-time days and nights, and other surprises.
Choose these if you want Johto with updated presentation rather than the original-generation version. The official page establishes their historical platforms; it does not establish current stock or compatibility with newer Nintendo hardware.
Choose Crystal for a classic Johto adventure with its own distinctions
Pokémon Crystal takes place in Johto and was released for Game Boy Color. It adds a choice between a boy or girl player character, and features the Battle Tower, animated Pokémon introductions, and graphical improvements. It is a good fit if you want a classic-generation game and those specific differences matter to you. The Pokémon Company International: Pokémon Crystal
Rank #2
- Action meets RPG in this new take on the Pokémon series
- Study Pokémon behaviors, sneak up on them, and toss a well-aimed Poké Ball to catch them
- Unleash moves in the speedy agile style or the powerful strong style in battles
- Travel to the Hisui region—the Sinnoh of old—and build the region’s first Pokédex
- Learn about the Mythical Pokémon Arceus, the key to this mysterious tale
Play Gold and Silver for the original Johto pair
Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver are the original paired journeys through Johto. The Pokémon Company reports that their original Japanese release was November 21, 1999. Virtual Console versions for Nintendo 3DS family systems followed on September 22, 2017; that release history is not confirmation that the games remain available through the 3DS storefront today. The Pokémon Company International: Pokémon Gold and Silver
What about a current Pokémon adventure?
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a modern option if you want a different Pokémon adventure rather than a Johto substitute. Its setting is Lumiose City, and its official page highlights Mega Evolution, wild zones, and the Z-A Royale. It does not take place in Johto. The Pokémon Company: Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Rank #3
- Embark on a new Pokémon adventure
- Catch, battle, and train Pokémon in the Paldea Region, a vast land filled with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns, and sprawling cities.
- Choose either Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly, to be your first partner Pokémon before setting off on your journey through Paldea.
- Embark on an independent study called the Treasure Hunt to gain new experiences, meet new people, and find your very own treasure.
What is announced for 2027?
The Pokémon Day roundup published by The Pokémon Company International on February 27, 2026, names Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves for Nintendo Switch 2 and says to expect a global simultaneous launch in 2027. It does not announce a new Johto game, nor does it establish that one will never be announced. The Pokémon Company International: Pokémon Day 2026 roundup
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The cited platform details are historical, not a guarantee that a game is currently sold digitally, in stock, or compatible with hardware you own. If you are considering a physical copy, check the seller, cartridge and box condition, whether the copy is complete, regional compatibility, and which system you will use. Current prices, regional availability, and compatibility depend on the specific listing and hardware, so verify them separately.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Live the life of a Pokémon Trainer in the streets of Lumiose City!
- For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in real-time battles
- Use the power of Mega Evolution in battle and take on rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills and try to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer
- Visit shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free—all centered around Prism Tower
Rank #4
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles***!
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them***
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
