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Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver tell the same story. The main differences are which Pokémon are available, how often they appear, and whether Ho-Oh or Lugia is encountered at the story climax. Choose based on the version-exclusive Pokémon you want and which legendary you would rather meet earlier.
What is different between HeartGold and SoulSilver?
Nintendo says the story is the same in both versions, while available Pokémon and their encounter rates differ. Ho-Oh is the story-climax legendary in HeartGold; Lugia fills that role in SoulSilver. The other legendary also appears in each game after the player reaches the Hall of Fame, according to Nintendo’s official brochure.
Both games were released for Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi, and The Pokémon Company identifies the Pokéwalker as an accessory supplied with the games. Its product page also highlights updated graphics and sound and touch-screen features.
Which Pokémon are exclusive to each version?
The following are examples of version-exclusive Pokémon, as listed by Serebii. This overview is not a route-by-route capture guide or a complete species list.
#1 Best Overall
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
| HeartGold | SoulSilver |
|---|---|
| Mankey and Primeape | Vulpix and Ninetales |
| Growlithe and Arcanine | Meowth and Persian |
| Spinarak and Ariados | Ledyba and Ledian |
| Gligar and Gliscor | Teddiursa and Ursaring |
| Phanpy and Donphan | Delibird |
| Sableye | Skarmory |
| Baltoy and Claydol | Mawile |
| Kyogre | Gulpin and Swalot |
| Mantine and Mantyke | Groudon |
Nintendo’s brochure confirms that Pokémon availability differs, but does not give a full species-by-species list. The detailed examples above are attributed to Serebii, not to Nintendo.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version should you choose?
Choose HeartGold if…
- You prefer its listed exclusives, such as Growlithe, Gligar, or Phanpy.
- You want Ho-Oh as the legendary encountered at the story climax.
Choose SoulSilver if…
- You prefer its listed exclusives, such as Vulpix, Teddiursa, or Skarmory.
- You want Lugia as the legendary encountered at the story climax.
Neither version is established as objectively stronger; this is a preference-based choice. If you want to complete a collection across both games, account for version exclusives and trading. The sources cited here establish the availability differences but do not establish every transfer route or connectivity limitation.
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Rank #2
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
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.
