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If you want to revisit Johto now, start with Pokémon HeartGold or Pokémon SoulSilver: they are enhanced remakes of Gold and Silver, set in the region you are waiting to return to. For a classic-generation experience, choose Pokémon Crystal or the original pair. A new Johto game has not been announced in the official Pokémon Day 2026 roundup; the announced upcoming games are Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, planned for a global simultaneous launch in 2027.
Which Pokémon game should you play before a new Johto game?
HeartGold and SoulSilver are the closest match because they bring the Gold and Silver Johto adventure to Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi with updated graphics and sound. The Pokémon Company International describes them as a way to “return there to experience the exciting adventure of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems.” The official HeartGold and SoulSilver page also highlights touchscreen features, the Johto starters Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, and the included Pokéwalker accessory.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pokémon Pokopia - Nintendo Switch 2 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Pokémon Legends: Arceus - US Version | $54.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pokémon Violet - US Version | $51.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Pokémon Sword - Nintendo Switch | $54.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch | Buy on Amazon |
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Pick Crystal if you want a distinct version of the classic Johto era, or Gold and Silver if you want the original pair. These are historical releases, so their original platforms do not establish that they are currently sold digitally or compatible with your present hardware.
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| Game | What makes it a good choice | Historical platform |
|---|---|---|
| HeartGold and SoulSilver | Enhanced remakes of the Johto adventure in Gold and Silver, with updated presentation, touchscreen features, Johto starters, and a Pokéwalker accessory, according to The Pokémon Company International. | Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi, according to the official game page. |
| Crystal | A Johto story with a choice of boy or girl player character, animated Pokémon introductions, graphical improvements, and the Battle Tower, according to The Pokémon Company International. | Game Boy Color, according to the official game page. |
| Gold and Silver | The original paired Johto journeys. Their original Japanese release date was November 21, 1999, according to The Pokémon Company International. | The official page records the original releases and a Virtual Console return on Nintendo 3DS family systems on September 22, 2017. |
Choose based on the experience you want
For the most direct return to Johto: HeartGold or SoulSilver
These are the straightforward recommendation if the region itself is the point. They retain the Gold and Silver adventure while using updated graphics and sound. The official page identifies the DS and DSi as their platforms; it does not establish current stock, digital availability, or compatibility with newer systems. If buying a physical copy, check the seller, cartridge condition, whether the package is complete, regional compatibility, and whether you own the required hardware.
#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.
For a classic-generation variation: Crystal
Crystal is also set in Johto, but it is a Game Boy Color release rather than a remake. Its choice of player character, animated Pokémon introductions, graphical changes, and Battle Tower are the official page’s distinguishing features. It suits players who specifically want that classic presentation and those differences.
For the original Johto adventure: Gold or Silver
Choose the original pair if you want to see the Johto journey as it first appeared rather than play a remake. The Pokémon Company International dates their original Japanese release to November 21, 1999. Its page also records their Virtual Console release for Nintendo 3DS family systems on September 22, 2017; that release history is not confirmation that the 3DS storefront currently sells them.
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
What is known about a new Johto game?
The Pokémon Day 2026 roundup announced Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves for Nintendo Switch 2, with a planned global simultaneous launch in 2027. It did not announce a new Johto game. That means there is no Johto adventure to point to in that announcement—not that a Johto game will never be announced. Read The Pokémon Company International’s 2026 roundup for the announcement details.
A modern alternative, but not a Johto substitute
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an available modern Pokémon adventure set in Lumiose City, not Johto. Its official page describes Mega Evolution, wild zones, and the Z-A Royale. It is a reasonable option if you want a different contemporary Pokémon game while you wait, but it does not revisit the region. See the official Pokémon Legends: Z-A page.
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.
Check availability and hardware before buying
The cited official pages establish historical platforms and release information, not present-day prices, used-copy condition, regional stock, or current digital storefront access. Before purchasing, confirm that the particular copy works with your hardware and region, and verify its condition and completeness with the seller. For digital versions, check the storefront on the system you intend to use rather than assuming a past release remains available.
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.
