Originally launched 17 years ago, Pokémon Crystal revolutionized the Pokémon franchise as it expanded its predecessors, Pokémon Gold and Silver, and introduced a fresh perspective to the series with new and exciting elements. For the very first time, Pokémon Crystal gave players the ability to choose between a boy or girl playable characters, which acknowledged the presence of female players in the game, and it also introduced the animations we see now when we engage in Pokémon battles. 

On January 26, 2018, Nintendo announced here that the classic Pokémon game is coming to the Nintendo eShop for the 3DS and will be priced at $9.99. As of now, only a digital version is planned for release, which makes sense since Nintendo doesn’t usually release physical versions of re-released Nintendo games. Furthermore, Nintendo revealed that: 

"On the day it launches, Pokémon Crystal will also be compatible with Pokémon Bank, a paid service that lets players bring select Pokémon from classic core games to the newest core games in the series. With the addition of Pokémon Crystal to this service, it is now possible for players to bring Pokémon from all 29 core games in the series to Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon.”

Players of the game will also have the ability to use the wireless communication capabilities of the 3DS to enjoy Link Trades and Link Battles with other players, just like with the eShop versions of Pokémon Gold and Silver. The Time Capsule feature will also allow players to trade and battle Pokémon from other games in the franchise available on the eShop such as Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition. 

If you’d like to take your nostalgic Pokémon session to the next level, there is a new Nintendo 2DS XL device that resembles the iconic Pokéball. This fun console can be purchased on stores everywhere for $149.99. As fun as it is for me to have these classic games re-released, I’m still waiting for Nintendo to announce a new Pokémon game for the Nintendo Switch.

Who’s ready to relive Pokémon Crystal on their 3DS? Or would you prefer a new game on the Switch? Tell us in the comments below.