Pokémon’s Next Games to Bring Back for the Switch 2 Are Obvious

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The Nintendo Switch 2 now features the classic Pokémon games FireRed and LeafGreen, originally released on Game Boy Advance in 2004. These games are updated versions of the very first Pokémon Red and Blue, which launched the popular franchise. Adding these titles to the Switch 2 has proven popular with both longtime fans and new players, and it may open the door for more classic Pokémon games to come to the platform.

We’re probably going to see more Generation 3 Pokémon games, like Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, released on the Switch 2. The original handheld versions of these games are difficult to play now, often requiring emulation instead of playing on a Nintendo console. However, many games from later generations, originally on other devices, also really need to be updated and released for modern systems.

Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver’s 16th Anniversary Makes Them Perfect For Switch 2 Ports

On March 14, 2026, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver were released in North America. These Nintendo DS games are remakes of the original Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, bringing the Johto region to life for a new generation of players. They weren’t just updated; the games were completely rebuilt with the look and feel of other popular Generation 4 titles like Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Many fans consider HeartGold and SoulSilver to be the best versions of an already beloved generation, successfully introducing it to a wider audience.

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver successfully blend classic and updated gameplay features. They improved the battle system from the earlier Generation 2 games, creating a refreshed Johto region with both nostalgic and new experiences. Players can also enjoy the beloved post-game content, allowing them to travel to the Kanto region after completing the main story and challenge a new set of Gym Leaders, including Red, the original Pokémon protagonist.

When it comes to Pokémon remakes, HeartGold and SoulSilver are consistently ranked as the best, and remain popular with fans years later. These games offer almost twice the content of other remakes like FireRed and LeafGreen, with additions like new mini-games, unique cutscenes, and the challenging Battle Frontier. This extra depth and replayability is something that newer remakes, such as Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, don’t quite capture.

While not flawless, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver introduced several features that greatly improved the player experience compared to earlier Pokémon games. One notable addition was having your Pokémon follow you around – a feature that became common in later installments. Each version also offers unique differences, like different Legendary Pokémon encounters and exclusive Pokémon you can only find in one version.

Overwhelming Positivity Regarding The Kanto Remakes Switch 2 Versions Makes Johto’s Games A Natural Step Forward

Fans are currently loving the remakes of FireRed and LeafGreen, as they introduce a classic Pokémon region to a new generation of players. Many who are new to the series, especially those who started with recent Nintendo Switch games, are discovering the roots of Pokémon, and these remakes are considered a fantastic place to begin. FireRed and LeafGreen are often seen as better entry points for new players than Ruby and Sapphire.

Starting players with Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen would make HeartGold and SoulSilver feel like natural continuations of the story. Moving from remakes of the first generation of games to remakes of the second generation mirrors the original experience of playing Gold and Silver after enjoying Red and Blue. This progression would also give players who completed FireRed and LeafGreen a similar sense of nostalgia to what they felt when revisiting the Kanto region in the postgame of HeartGold and SoulSilver.

While it feels natural to include Generation 4 Pokémon games through new versions, they’re simpler to add to modern systems. Unlike Diamond and Pearl, these Generation 2 titles have already been remade, so players won’t be confused by multiple versions. Considering the Pokémon team might be planning remakes of Generation 5 or bringing Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire to the Switch 2, HeartGold and SoulSilver would be excellent choices to port before building on the success of FireRed and LeafGreen.

Which older Pokémon game would you most like to see released on the upcoming Switch 2? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-17 18:18