You can’t currently play Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, or SoulSilver as Nintendo Switch releases. Nintendo’s listed Switch catalogs do not include those Johto games, and a DS cartridge cannot be played by inserting it into a Switch. The closest official Switch option is Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen, but those games revisit Kanto rather than Johto.
Are Pokémon Gold, Silver, or Crystal on Nintendo Switch?
No. Nintendo’s current Switch game and classic-game listings do not identify Pokémon Gold, Silver, or Crystal as available Switch titles. The Switch Online classic libraries include Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games, but Nintendo’s list of included Pokémon titles names games such as Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team—not the Johto role-playing games. Nintendo Switch Online classic games and Nintendo’s Pokémon game availability FAQ provide the official catalogs.
| # | 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 |
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Gold and Silver did receive Virtual Console releases, but they were for Nintendo 3DS, not Switch. The 3DS eShop stopped accepting new purchases on March 27, 2023, so those versions cannot now be newly purchased there. Nintendo’s Gold Version listing identifies the 3DS release.
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Can you play HeartGold or SoulSilver on Switch?
No. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are Nintendo DS games, not Switch releases. Nintendo’s HeartGold instruction booklet specifies that the game card works only with a Nintendo DS system. A DS cartridge therefore does not become playable on Switch through an adapter or by inserting it into the console.
#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 is based on Pokémon Gold, with differences in which Pokémon appear and how likely encounters are compared with SoulSilver. Those differences do not change the platform requirement: the games require compatible DS hardware. Nintendo’s Pokémon HeartGold instruction booklet.
What can you play on Switch instead?
Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen are official digital Switch games, but they are Kanto adventures, not Johto games. They are a reasonable option if you want classic Pokémon gameplay on Switch; they are not a substitute if your goal is to visit Johto or play the Gold and Silver stories.
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 to Johto | Platform and access | Online or membership details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal | Original Johto games | Not listed as Switch releases; Gold and Silver had 3DS Virtual Console versions | No Switch release listed |
| Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver | DS remakes based on Gold and Silver | DS game cards; not Switch releases | Require compatible DS hardware |
| Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen | Kanto games, not Johto | Standalone digital Switch software | Nintendo says Switch Online membership is not required; local wireless connectivity is supported, but online play is not |
Nintendo’s FireRed and LeafGreen FAQ covers their Switch release and connectivity.
Will Nintendo add the Johto games later?
That remains unknown. Nintendo Support’s FireRed and LeafGreen FAQ says: “We have nothing to announce regarding any other potential titles.” That is not a confirmation that Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, or SoulSilver will come to Switch. Check Nintendo’s current classic-game catalog and official announcements for any change.
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.
