Yes, You Can Play Classic Pokémon Games on the 2DS!

As a long-time Pokémon gaming fan, this is a question I get asked constantly – and the answer is an emphatic yes! Thanks to its full backward compatibility with Nintendo DS and 3DS games, the portable 2DS system lets you enjoy almost all classic Pokémon RPG adventures.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about reliving your Pokémon nostalgia on the 2DS:

Overview of 2DS Hardware and Compatibility

Let‘s first talk about why you can play old Pokémon games on the 2DS. This innovative system may lack 3D visuals, but under the hood it packs the same hardware as the 3DS line1:

2DS Technical Specifications

As you can see, the 2DS utilizes the same processors, graphics chip, and memory as a 3DS. And importantly, it retains full backward compatibility for the entire Nintendo DS game library spaning 2004-20112.

This means in theory, the 2DS can run any Nintendo DS or 3DS game (barring some rare exceptions discussed later).

And that includes all main series Pokémon RPGs released across those platforms!

Every Pokémon RPG Playable on the 2DS

Thanks to the wide backward compatibility, here is the substantial list of Pokémon roleplaying adventures you can enjoy on the 2DS:

Nintendo DS Pokémon Games

• Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (2006)
• Pokémon Platinum (2008)
• Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (2009)

Nintendo 3DS Pokémon Games

• Pokémon X and Y (2013)
• Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014)
• Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016)
• Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017)

And of course, you also get access to any great Nintendo DS Pokémon spin-offs like Pokémon Ranger, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and Pokémon Conquest3.

With so many incredible RPG journeys on offer, you could spend years catching Pokémon on your 2DS!

Now let‘s explore some of these classics in more depth…

Diamond and Pearl – Return to Sinnoh

These 2006 titles took trainers to the new Sinnoh region…

HeartGold and SoulSilver – Beloved Johto Remakes

Widely considered among the best Pokémon remakes…

Tips to Maximize Your 2DS Pokémon Experience

Here are my top pieces of advice for catching monsters on the 2DS, from leveling up faster to building killer teams:

• When in doubt, leverage type advantages in battle…
• Complete side quests for rare items and TMs…
• Connect to Nintendo WiFi to trade & battle friends…

Let me know in the comments if you have any other 2DS Pokémon tips!

The Verdict: An Amazing Way to Play Pokémon Classics

With its full software compatibility, the affordable 2DS4 serves as an incredible modern portal to revisit legendary Pokémon journeys from your childhood or play them for the very first time.

From 2006‘s Sinnoh adventure Diamond and Pearl to 2017‘s dimensional Ultra Sun and Moon, the 2DS lets you catch ‘em all without missing any main series releases in between.

So if you‘re seeking some monster collecting nostalgia, I can‘t recommend the 2DS enough. It may lack 3D, but provides the full, rewarding Pokémon RPG experience at a great price.

You really can play those classic Pokémon games on the 2DS! What adventure will you embark on first?

*[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_2DS
[2] https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Nintendo-DS/Compatibility/Can-I-Play-Nintendo-DS-Games-On-My-Nintendo-2DS-/Can-I-Play-Nintendo-DS-Games-On-My-Nintendo-2DS–752293.html
[3] https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/List_of_games_by_release_date
[4] https://www.gamestop.com/video-games/more-platforms/nintendo-ds/consoles/products/nintendo-2ds-red/10141017.html