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 2025.
Many companies have been remastering and remaking their old titles and making them available on modern platforms. While Nintendo loves to put 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.
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, rather than putting them on a physical cartridge.
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. Those who haven’t and are aware of the rarity might also jack up the price.
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.
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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, especially when bundled with the PokeWalker, so be prepared to shell out a lot of cash if you want to go back to Johto in 2025.
Will Pokemon Gold & Silver come to Nintendo Switch Online?
While you can never say never, it seems unlikely that the Gen 2 games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online.
2024 was a barren year for the Pokemon franchise, with no new mainline games, and Pokemon TCG Pocket not launching until November.
The lack of content in 2024 meant that ports of the older games on Nintendo Switch Online would have helped fill out the schedule, especially if they had connectivity to Pokemon Home. As it stands, they never launched, diminishing their odds of launching in 2025, when Pokemon Legends Z-A is set to be released.
That’s all you need to know about playing the Gen 2 games on modern systems. Check out our guide on how to play Pokemon Red & Blue in 2025 to learn more about how it’s possible to return to Kanto in the current era of gaming.