Can You Play Pokémon HeartGold on Nintendo Switch?
The straight-forward answer is no, HeartGold and SoulSilver remain stuck on Nintendo DS systems for now. But should Nintendo resurrect these beloved Generation IV Pokémon RPGs for Switch? And if not officially, what alternatives exist? I investigate the actual odds and best options for Johto fanatics.
Why HeartGold/SoulSilver Matter
For many fans, 2009‘s HeartGold and SoulSilver represent the pinnacle of classic 2D Pokémon gameplay. Building on 2008‘s Diamond & Pearl, they allowed you to explore both the nostalgic Johto region and an updated Kanto world rife with post-game content.
New features like Pokémon followers, mini-games like Pokéathlon, the Pokewalker pedometer, and deeper character customization made the titles standout RPG experiences even amongst Pokémon‘s storied history.
They remain the second best-selling titles in the franchise behind the original Red/Blue/Green at over 12 million copies. And maintain an 89 average critic score on Metacritic.
With such a legacy, it‘s no wonder Switch owners want Game Freak to let them quest for shiny Gyaradoses or battle Red atop Mt Silver on-the-go.
Stuck On DS, For Now
But the technical reality is that the Nintendo Switch lacks native backwards compatibility for Nintendo DS cartridges or downloadable software. This table outlines the Release history:
| Version | Initial Release | Units Sold | Re-Releases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokemon HeartGold | JP: 2009 WW: 2010 | >12M Combined | None |
| Pokemon SoulSilver | JP: 2009 WW: 2010 | None |
Attempting to insert my physical DS cartridge into the Switch yields an error. And there is no Virtual Console shop allowing you to download the titles either.
The reason comes down to hardware differences. The Switch utilizes cartridges too small to house the DS game code. Plus the old DS processors are architecturally distinct from the Switch SoC, preventing translation.
So unlike Wii U titles that play on Switch, DS games face far more friction for direct backwards compatibility. And that omits the complex licensing negotiations with past collaborators like The Pokémon Company. Nintendo has shown little priority for solving these challenges thus far.
Possible Ports, Remakes or Sequels
And yet…every time Nintendo files a new trademark application for decade-old IP like HeartGold or Startropics, speculation spreads of revival announcements.
I think the odds remain low, given the only DS Pokémon games coming to Switch are early Generation 1 & 2 titles via the Expansion Pack‘s Nintendo Switch Online library.
Remaking HeartGold/SoulSilver specifically poses performance challenges. Those 16-bit graphic styles seamlessly upscale. The DS‘ 3D chibi style poses more…artistic debate, as recent Diamond & Pearl remakes show.
Still, if Switch can run The Witcher 3, surely it could handle some sprite-based battling and Meowth hunting? But Nintendo may prefer focusing developer Game Freak on new titles like the open world Scarlet & Violet rather than rehashing the past.
We‘ll have to wait and see if petitions from Pokemaniacs Change executives‘ minds!
Alternatives for Johto Journeys
Until that day though, what options exist for rediscovering the bygone HeartGold on a modern Nintendo Switch:
- Online Crystal offers a retro 16-bit romp through Johto and Kanto. It lacks deeper HeartGold battle mechanics but pixel perfectionists prefer the GB throwback art style.
- Legal emulation can simulate DS…given you personally dump BIOS/ROM files from cartridge hardware you own. Fraught legal territory!
- Modern yet familair Switch Pokémon title Brilliant Diamond loosely recreates some Johto elements. Or try original stories in Sword or the new Scarlet.
Are any substitutes for trainer customization and following Pokémon? Of course not! But they help fill the nostalgic gap while we wait to see whether Nintendo spots HeartGold another life. What‘s your dream game to replay on the go?
