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Are the Johto Pokémon games available on Switch?
No. Nintendo’s current Switch and Nintendo Switch Online catalogs do not identify Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold or SoulSilver as available Switch games. Nintendo lists other classic Pokémon titles in its collections, but not these Johto role-playing games. Nintendo’s Switch classic-game information and its Nintendo Switch Online game list are the places to check for current catalog changes.
| # | 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 |
What are the official ways to play them?
Pokémon Gold and Silver
Gold and Silver are Game Boy Color games. Nintendo released Virtual Console versions for Nintendo 3DS, not Switch. The 3DS eShop stopped accepting new purchases on March 27, 2023, so those versions are no longer available to buy there. Nintendo’s Gold Version and Silver Version pages identify the 3DS releases.
Pokémon Crystal
Crystal is also not listed as a Switch release or as part of the current Switch Online classic-game libraries. Nintendo’s current catalogs do not provide a Switch download for it.
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- 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
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
HeartGold and SoulSilver are Nintendo DS games, not Switch games. Nintendo’s HeartGold instruction booklet says its game card works only with a Nintendo DS system. A DS cartridge cannot be inserted into or played by a Switch, and a Switch accessory does not turn it into Switch software.
Nintendo describes HeartGold as based on Gold, with differences in which Pokémon appear and how likely encounters are compared with SoulSilver. The pair remains a DS option rather than a Switch option.
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!
Is there a Johto-like alternative on Switch?
Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version are official digital Switch games, but they revisit the Kanto region; they do not tell the Johto story. Nintendo says they are standalone digital software and do not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Their original local connectivity features work via local wireless; online play is not supported. See Nintendo Support’s FireRed and LeafGreen FAQ.
| Game or option | Region/story | Platform and Switch availability | Purchase or membership details | Multiplayer details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold / Silver | Johto | Game Boy Color originals; 3DS Virtual Console releases. Not listed for Switch. | 3DS eShop stopped accepting purchases March 27, 2023. No Switch version listed. | Not stated in the cited Switch availability sources. |
| Crystal | Johto | Not listed as a Switch release or in Switch Online catalogs. | No Switch purchase listed. | Not stated in the cited Switch availability sources. |
| HeartGold / SoulSilver | Johto | Nintendo DS games; not listed for Switch. The HeartGold manual specifies Nintendo DS hardware. | No Switch purchase listed. | Not stated in the cited Switch availability sources. |
| FireRed / LeafGreen | Kanto | Standalone digital Switch games. | Nintendo Switch Online membership not required. | Local wireless features supported; online play not supported. |
Could Nintendo add the Johto games later?
It is possible, but Nintendo has not announced these games for Switch. In its FireRed and LeafGreen FAQ, Nintendo Support said: “We have nothing to announce regarding any other potential titles.” That leaves future availability unknown; it is not confirmation of a release plan.
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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.
