Pokémon Gold and Silver Launch on 3DS Virtual Console with Special Junichi Masuda Mii Event

Nintendo is marking a milestone in classic Pokémon history with the highly anticipated release of Pokémon Gold and Silver on the 3DS Virtual Console, available as of September 22, 2017.

Developed by Game Freak, these iconic Game Boy Color titles have been digitally revived for Nintendo 3DS owners, offering new generations a chance to revisit the Johto region.

To celebrate this significant event, a special guest appearance has been made in StreetPass Mii Plaza: Junichi Masuda, long-time Game Freak composer, director, and one of the most recognizable figures behind the Pokémon franchise. Longtime 3DS users will recognize that guest Miis in the StreetPass Mii Plaza sport distinct golden pants, a tradition signifying special visitors within the Nintendo community.

This week, Junichi Masuda’s Mii is visiting plazas worldwide, dressed in the signature gold pants, as a playful nod to the Pokémon Gold and Silver release.

This lighthearted touch not only engages fans but also pays homage to the creative forces at Game Freak who have helped shape the Pokémon series for over two decades. In an official announcement shared on Nintendo’s social channels, the appearance of Masuda’s Mii serves as a commemorative gesture for the arrival of Pokémon Gold and Silver to the platform.

The Virtual Console versions faithfully emulate the original Game Boy Color entries, while also providing enhancements for the 3DS era.

Most notably, players can now trade and battle Pokémon wirelessly—a first for these classic versions—unlocking new connectivity not possible in their original 1999 releases. Additionally, support for Pokémon Bank has been implemented.

This feature allows trainers to transfer Pokémon from the Virtual Console games to the cloud-based Pokémon Bank service, seamlessly connecting their classic collections with the broader Pokémon ecosystem.

With digital distribution through the Nintendo eShop, Pokémon Gold and Silver have found renewed life on modern hardware, giving veteran fans and newcomers alike a reason to explore the legacy titles. The presence of Junichi Masuda in StreetPass Mii Plaza, decked out in celebratory golden attire, adds to the festivities surrounding the launch.

Nintendo’s continued support for the 3DS and its Virtual Console underscores the platform’s enduring popularity and its role in preserving gaming history. Pokémon Gold and Silver for the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console are available now on the eShop, marking another successful collaboration between Nintendo and Game Freak, and ensuring that the adventures of Johto can be experienced by another generation of trainers.

Nintendo Junichi Masuda Game Freak StreetPass Mii Plaza Pokémon Gold and Silver Pokémon Bank Nintendo 3DS Game Boy Color