Pokémon Gold and Silver Launching on Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console: Everything You Need to Know

The Pokémon Company has officially confirmed that Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver are returning for a new generation of players on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console.

Announced during the recent Pokémon Direct, this move follows the outstanding success of Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, and Pokémon Yellow, which saw strong performance on the 3DS eShop the previous year. Originally released for the Game Boy Color in Japan on November 21, 1999, Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver marked the highly celebrated second generation of the Pokémon franchise.

These titles are widely respected for introducing innovative features, a new region, and over 100 new Pokémon, helping establish the series as a global phenomenon.

The Virtual Console editions of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver are meticulously recreated to deliver an authentic Game Boy Color experience on the Nintendo 3DS.

Players can expect the original look and gameplay, while also benefiting from modern 3DS wireless capabilities.

Notably, the games support wireless Link Trades and Link Battles, enabling trainers to connect and interact seamlessly across both versions on the same handheld platform. A notable enhancement included in these Virtual Console releases is compatibility with the beloved Time Capsule function.

This key feature lets players transfer Pokémon between Pokémon Gold, Pokémon Silver, and the previous Virtual Console titles—Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, and Pokémon Yellow—using in-game Pokémon Centers.

Additionally, integration with Pokémon Bank is available, providing a convenient way for users to store and transfer their Pokémon across compatible titles. Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver are scheduled for a worldwide release on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console on September 22nd.

This strategic launch gives both longtime fans and newcomers an opportunity to experience Johto’s adventures on modern hardware, with the added benefit of new connectivity options. With the enduring popularity of the Pokémon franchise and The Pokémon Company’s commitment to preserving its rich history, the successful introduction of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver to the Nintendo 3DS eShop reinforces the legacy of the series while offering innovative ways for fans to connect and play.

For anyone eager to relive or discover these classic adventures, September 22 marks a significant date in the Nintendo 3DS calendar.