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You can’t currently play Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, or SoulSilver as Nintendo Switch releases. Nintendo’s current Switch catalogs do not list those Johto games. The closest official Switch options are Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen, but they revisit Kanto rather than Johto.
Are Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal on Nintendo Switch?
No. Nintendo’s current Switch game and classic-game catalogs do not identify Gold, Silver, or Crystal as Switch releases, and Nintendo does not list them among the Pokémon games available through its classic collections. The Game Boy and Game Boy Advance libraries on Switch Online therefore do not currently provide these Johto role-playing games. Nintendo Switch Online classic games Nintendo’s classic-game FAQ
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! | $53.30 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! - Nintendo Switch | $53.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Pokémon Sword - Nintendo Switch | $54.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition + Mega Dimension | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Gold and Silver on 3DS
Pokémon Gold and Silver were originally Game Boy Color games. Their Virtual Console editions were released for Nintendo 3DS, not Switch. Nintendo stopped accepting new purchases from the 3DS eShop on March 27, 2023, so those editions are not a current purchase route through that store. Pokémon Gold Version
Can you play HeartGold or SoulSilver on Switch?
No. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are Nintendo DS games, not Switch releases. A DS game card does not become playable on Switch when inserted or paired with an accessory. Nintendo’s HeartGold instruction booklet says the game card works only with a Nintendo DS system. Nintendo DS game manuals
#1 Best Overall
- Live as a Pokémon Trainer and help protect the peace in Lumiose City—enhanced for the Nintendo Switch 2 system
- 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
HeartGold and SoulSilver are related remakes of Gold and Silver, but they are distinct DS titles. Nintendo describes HeartGold as based on Gold, with some Pokémon appearing and encounter likelihoods differing from SoulSilver. A copy of either game is a separate DS-hardware option, not a way to play it on Switch. Nintendo DS game manuals
What is the closest official Switch alternative?
Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen are official digital Switch games, but their setting and adventure are in Kanto, not Johto. They are an option if you want a classic Pokémon adventure on Switch; they are not substitutes for the Johto games if you specifically want Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, or SoulSilver.
Rank #2
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one!
| Option | Region and relationship | Platform and access | Membership and multiplayer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Gold, Silver, or Crystal | Johto games | Not listed as Switch releases in Nintendo’s current catalogs | Not available as Switch Online classic titles in Nintendo’s current listings |
| Pokémon HeartGold or SoulSilver | DS remakes based on Gold and Silver | Nintendo DS game cards; HeartGold’s manual specifies Nintendo DS hardware | Not playable on Switch |
| Pokémon FireRed or LeafGreen | Kanto games, not Johto | Standalone digital Switch software | Nintendo Switch Online membership not required; local wireless connectivity is supported, online play is not |
Nintendo says FireRed and LeafGreen do not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Their original local connectivity features work through local wireless, but online play is not supported. Nintendo’s FireRed and LeafGreen FAQ
Has Nintendo announced future Johto releases for Switch?
Nintendo Support’s FireRed and LeafGreen FAQ says: “We have nothing to announce regarding any other potential titles.” That leaves future Switch availability for the Johto games unknown; it is not confirmation that they will be released. Check Nintendo’s current catalogs and announcements for changes. Nintendo’s FireRed and LeafGreen FAQ
Quick Recap
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***
Rank #3
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one
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.
