How to play Pokemon Gold and Silver in 2024

Pokemon Gold & Silver are some of the most beloved entries in the franchise, but how easy is it to play them without owning the original hardware? Here are the best ways to play Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal in 2024.

Many companies have been remastering and remaking their old titles and making them available on modern platforms. While Nintendo puts its old games on Nintendo Switch Online, The Pokemon Company prefers full remakes.

Fans have been hoping that mainline Pokemon games will come to Nintendo Switch Online, but that has yet to come to pass. The reason for this is unclear, as they would be huge incentives for new subscribers, especially if they had online support.

Disregarding illegal methods of playing old games, these are the best ways to play Pokemon Gold & Silver on modern systems.

The Pokemon Company

Pokemon Gold, Silver & Crystal are on Nintendo 3DS (but only if you own them already)

The best way to play Pokemon Gold, Silver, & Crystal is via their Nintendo 3DS ports. You can use Pokemon Bank to send old Pokemon to the new games (via Pokemon Home), and they also have local multiplayer, allowing you to trade and play with other people.

Not only that, but the Nintendo 3DS version of Crystal offers a way to acquire Celebi, as you’re given one once you reach Kanto. This wasn’t present in the original game and offers a unique method of acquiring an elusive Mythical Pokemon.

There’s a big problem with the Nintendo 3DS ports, however, as the old Nintendo 3DS & Wii U eShop has closed down. This means you can’t buy Pokemon Gold, Silver, or Crystal if you don’t already have them on your account.

Not only that but download codes also can’t be redeemed. This is especially frustrating, as The Pokemon Company sold download codes in boxes for the Gen 2 games.

If you don’t own the games, your best bet is to try and purchase a Nintendo 3DS that already has them via a previous owner’s account, though that might be tricky/expensive, as many people wipe their user data before selling them.

Pokemon Gold & Silver cartridge backup methods

If you still own your Gen 2 Pokemon carts, there is a device called the GB Operator that allows you to legally backup and play your games on PC. This is especially helpful for the Gen 2 games, as many of the cartridge batteries no longer work, so this device lets you keep hold of your save files.

Not only does the GB Operator play Pokemon Gold & Silver, but it also works with the Gen 1 games and Game Boy Advance Pokemon titles, as it also emulates that system, assuming you have the cartridges.

It’s way easier to play Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver instead

While Pokemon Gold & Silver are beloved, there’s no denying that remakes on the Nintendo DS are also incredible, acting as superior versions of the original games.

If you want to skip a lot of the messing around, you can buy a second-hand Nintendo DS or 3DS for cheap and play Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, which contain the superior Johto experience.

The only problem is that original copies of Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver can command ridiculous prices on the second-hand market, so be prepared to shell out a lot of cash if you want to go back to Johto in 2024.