Will Pokémon SoulSilver Come to Nintendo Switch?
Unfortunately, as of February 2023, neither Nintendo nor The Pokémon Company have officially confirmed plans to bring Pokémon SoulSilver to the Nintendo Switch. Recent trademark applications have led to speculation and hope of an upcoming Switch port, remake, or sequel. But concrete evidence remains lacking.
Why Fans Want SoulSilver on Switch
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver remain hugely popular entries in the Pokémon series, more than a decade after their original 2009 release on Nintendo DS. As enhanced remakes of the beloved 2000 titles Pokémon Gold and Silver, SoulSilver lets fans revisit the classic Johto region to catch the original 251 Pokémon.
The Nintendo Switch, with over 114 million units sold, offers a massive potential audience of eager fans ready for a SoulSilver nostalgia trip. Its hybrid portable and big-screen TV modes make Switch an ideal platform for playing these timeless RPG adventures or sharing them locally. Bringing enhanced versions of SoulSilver and HeartGold to Switch could please millions of Pokémon fans.
Feasibility of Porting Complex DS Games
However, the complex technical challenge of porting these intricate DS games should not be understated. As dual-screen titles designed for touch and stylus controls, very significant engineering work would be required to properly transition SoulSilver to Switch‘s single screen and controller-focused input.
| Challenge | Effort Level |
|---|---|
| Single display | High |
| Control changes | High |
| Connectivity | Medium |
| Re-licensing | Low |
Factors like revamping the user interface, adding controller support, incorporating wireless connectivity, and licensing third-party IP would be major undertakings. This level of effort exceeds that required for simpler Virtual Console re-releases. And since Switch lacks DS backwards compatibility, HeartGold/SoulSilver would need to be completely rebuilt from the ground up.
However, one bright spot is the flexibility of the Switch hardware itself. The Nvidia Tegra system-on-chip at the heart of the Switch is architecturally similar to the ARM-based processors used in mobile devices and technically capable of running Android apps. This suggests potential options for simplifying aspects of a DS-to-Switch port.
According to VGC News, reputable Pokémon insiders claim Game Freak developers have internally discussed ideas for remaking HeartGold and SoulSilver on Switch. But obstacles likely remain before such a remake becomes reality.
Why Nintendo May Prefer New Games
As The Pokémon Company emphasizes "catching them all", it generally aims to keep the spotlight on newer monster collections and regions rather than rehashing past generations. This may explain why only a select handful of nostalgic Nintendo classics like Super Mario 64 have received Deluxe ports for Switch.
Offering a $20 HD remake of 2010‘s SoulSilver could undermine full-priced sales of recent franchise entries like November 2022‘s Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. And from a profit perspective, developing new titles instead of ports maximizes lucrative merchandising of all-new Pokédex additions.
| Game | Copies Sold |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Sun/Moon (2016) | 24 million |
| Pokémon Sword/Shield (2019) | 25 million |
| Pokémon Scarlet/Violet (2022) | Over 10 million |
So while fans and influencers loudly request SoulSilver on social media, Nintendo may strategically prefer Game Freak allocate resources exclusively to new Switch-native exclusives moving the franchise forward.
However, if aging code and outdated assets truly block fresh takes on Johto, remakes may offer the only viable path. HeartGold and SoulSilver themselves were enhanced reimaginings of 2001‘s Pokémon Gold and Silver for DS based on heightened expectations of modern gamers. SoulSilver Switch could realize that same vision again for today’s audiences.
Indicators Supporting SoulSilver Switch
Though not yet confirmed, several data points suggest the potential for an eventual Pokémon SoulSilver Switch release:
Renewed Trademarks: Nintendo renewing trademarks for HeartGold & SoulSilver in 2022 indicates they still have plans for those game names and assets. But trademark maintenance could simply reflect legal formality.
Retro Re-Release Precedent: Nintendo has brought several nostalgic gaming experiences like Mario Kart 8 and modern platformers like A Hat in Time to Switch in Deluxe editions. Following suit with SoulSilver matches a pattern.
Insider Rumors: Well-connected Pokémon insiders including CentroLeaks have hinted at remakes. Their behind-the-scenes sources lend credence despite no official word.
Johto Region Popularity: HeartGold & SoulSilver remain immensely popular even 13 years later. Upgrading this beloved chapter for modern HD systems just makes sense.
Revenue Potential: Available market analysis suggests priced at $40-$60, SoulSilver Switch could easily generate over $100 million in incremental sales from fans, outweighing remake costs.
The Bottom Line
Without confirmation straight from The Pokémon Company or Nintendo, predicting any Switch port remains speculative. But between trademark filings, convincing leaks from reliable insiders, Nintendo’s appetite to capitalize on fan nostalgia, and Johto’s enduring status as a fan favorite Pokémon chapter, evidence piles up supporting HD remakes. Pokémon SoulSilver may not land on Switch tomorrow, but the stars appear increasingly aligned for its eventual return. Like Slowpoke finally getting where he’s going, good things come to fans who wait. So one day, Switch dreamers may finally enjoy revisting Pokémon SoulSilver in the modern era.
