How To Play Old Pokemon Games Easily

Playing old Pokémon games typically requires an emulator on a computer or mobile device, alongside the game’s ROM file.

Remember the thrill of choosing your starter, exploring Kanto, or challenging the Elite Four? Many people want to relive these classic experiences, and learning how to play old pokemon games is easier than you might think. Getting back into those pixelated worlds of the past brings immense joy. This guide provides a straightforward path to do exactly that.

How to Play Old Pokemon Games

Ready to jump back into the world of pixelated Pokemon and nostalgic adventures? Playing the old Pokemon games can be a ton of fun, whether you’re revisiting your childhood favorites or experiencing them for the first time. But where do you even start? Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know, from finding the games to setting them up and making sure you have the best experience possible. This article will cover how to get these older games running, whether it’s on original hardware or on newer devices.

Finding Those Classic Pokemon Titles

The first step is locating the actual games themselves. This can sometimes be tricky since these titles aren’t readily available in stores like the newest releases. Here’s a breakdown of how to find them:

Physical Copies: Cartridges and Discs

The most “authentic” way to play is by using the original game cartridges. These are the actual physical copies that were sold when the games first came out. You’ll need the right handheld system to play them (like a Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, or Nintendo 3DS). Finding these can be a bit like a treasure hunt, but here are the main ways to look:

Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Amazon, and specialized retro game stores often have listings for used Pokemon games. Be careful to check seller reviews and photos to make sure you’re not buying a fake. Prices can vary a lot, especially for popular or rare titles, so be prepared to shop around.
Local Game Stores: Some brick-and-mortar video game stores that specialize in retro games might have a selection of older Pokemon titles. This can be a great way to see the cartridge in person before buying. Always ask questions about the game’s condition before purchasing it, and the presence of an original box, manual and whether the game has been tested.
Pawn Shops and Flea Markets: You might find some hidden gems at your local pawn shop or flea market. This can be a more budget-friendly option, but be sure to inspect games for damage carefully.
Friends and Family: You might be surprised who still has their old Pokemon games tucked away. Ask around! Your friends or family members might be willing to let you borrow, or even give away a copy.

Things to Remember When Buying Physical Copies:

Authenticity: Make sure the cartridge is a genuine copy and not a fake, especially if the price is too good to be true. Fakes are common. You can spot fakes by looking at the quality of the label, the shape of the cartridge and its colour, and other small details. Search online for ways to check a specific game for authenticity.
Condition: Check for physical damage, like cracks, scratches, or label damage. A well-cared for cartridge will be more reliable. The cartridge contacts (the gold part) should be clean and not damaged.
Saving Battery: Some older games (like those on Game Boy and Game Boy Color) use a small battery to save game progress. These batteries can die over time, meaning you won’t be able to save anymore. You can either get the battery replaced (which is a fairly simple process) or, if it is a cartridge you are looking to buy, you can ask the seller how good the battery is or when it was last replaced.

Digital Versions: Virtual Console and Other Options

Another way to play is by using digital versions of the games. These are often easier to find and don’t require dealing with old cartridges. Here are the main avenues:

Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console: Nintendo released several of the classic Pokemon games (like the original Red, Blue, and Yellow, and Gold, Silver, and Crystal) on the 3DS Virtual Console. If you own a 3DS, this is a great and legitimate way to enjoy these older games. Keep in mind that the 3DS eShop has closed, so you won’t be able to buy any new games this way, unless you already bought them before the closure of the store.
Nintendo Switch Online: Nintendo has now released Pokemon Game Boy, and Game Boy Colour, and Game Boy Advance titles to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. If you already subscribe to the service, these are a great way to enjoy the older games, particularly the first generation Pokemon titles and the advanced generation ones.
Other Digital Platforms: There aren’t any other official sources for digital versions of these games right now. If you come across these games on unofficial websites be wary as these can be unsafe, and may be not in legal way of playing the games.

Note on Legality: Be very cautious when seeking out ROMs of old Pokemon games. Downloading and playing ROMs from unofficial sources is a legal grey area, and can potentially expose your device to viruses or malware. It is best to stick to official methods of playing the games.

Choosing the Right Platform

Once you’ve located the games, you’ll need the right system to play them on. The platform you use will affect your experience, so let’s explore the options.

Original Hardware: The Classic Experience

Using the original consoles or handheld systems provides the most authentic experience of how these older games would have played originally. Here’s what you need to know:

Game Boy, Game Boy Color: These systems play the first two generations of Pokemon (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal). The original Game Boy is monochromatic (black and white screen), while the Game Boy Color adds color. They use AA batteries. These systems are quite simple to use, but a working system and the original cartridges can be pricey if they are in good condition.
Game Boy Advance/Game Boy Advance SP: This system plays the third generation Pokemon games (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed and LeafGreen). The SP has a clamshell design that protects the screen when not in use, while the standard model is more like the classic Game Boy. They both have a rechargeable battery.
Nintendo DS/DS Lite: These systems play the fourth generation Pokemon games (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver). The DS has two screens, with the bottom screen being a touchscreen. The DS Lite is a smaller, more stylish version of the original DS, but they both function the same. They both have a rechargeable battery.
Nintendo 3DS: This system plays the fifth generation Pokemon games (Black, White, Black 2, and White 2) and the digital versions of the older games if you purchased them from the eShop before its closure. The 3DS has 3D capabilities, though most of the older Pokemon games don’t utilize it. It also has a rechargeable battery.

Tips for Using Original Hardware:

Battery Power: Older handhelds rely on AA or AAA batteries, so keep some spares on hand. The newer consoles have rechargeable batteries, so keep them charged.
Screen Visibility: The screen on the older consoles can be a little hard to see under bright light, so you might need to adjust the position of the screen. Some systems do not have built in backlighting, which makes playing in the dark difficult.
Connectivity: Trading and battling with other players using original hardware often requires link cables, which can be difficult to find and use.

Emulators: Playing on Your Computer or Phone

If you don’t have the original hardware, emulators allow you to play old Pokemon games on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Emulators mimic the hardware of older consoles. Here’s how they work:

Finding Emulators: There are many free emulators available online. Popular ones include VisualBoyAdvance (for Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games) and DeSmuME (for Nintendo DS games). Always download from trusted websites to avoid viruses.
Obtaining ROMs (Game Files): As mentioned earlier, finding ROMs can be tricky. You will need the actual game files (ROMs) to play them on an emulator. Be cautious about downloading ROMs from untrustworthy sources, as they can potentially contain viruses or malware. Also, it is a legal grey area to download ROMs of games you do not own the physical copy of, so be sure to consider this before downloading.
Setting Up the Emulator: Once you’ve downloaded an emulator, you’ll need to load the ROM file. It’s usually as simple as selecting “File” and then “Open,” and selecting your ROM file from the folder you saved it to. Emulators usually have customisable settings which include controller layout.

Benefits of Using Emulators:

Accessibility: You can play on a wider range of devices without the need for buying old consoles and cartridges.
Customization: Emulators often allow for custom controls, screen scaling, and other features that you wouldn’t have with the original hardware.
Saving: You can save your game progress at any point, which is useful as you don’t need to save your game just at a Pokemon Center in the game.

Things to Be Aware Of When Using Emulators:

Legality: Again, be mindful of the legal issues surrounding ROMs. Only use ROMs of games that you own a physical copy of.
Reliability: Emulators can sometimes have glitches or compatibility issues, which can sometimes make some games not run very well or crash.
Potential Virus Risks: Be very careful when downloading from websites that are not official or very well-known.

Getting Started with Gameplay

Now that you have your game and system sorted, it’s time to dive into the actual gameplay! Here are some tips to help you get started:

Understanding the Basic Gameplay

Choosing Your Starter Pokemon: Each Pokemon game begins with you choosing one of three starter Pokemon. These Pokemon are usually Grass, Fire, or Water-types. Choose wisely, as this choice will affect your team for most of the game!
Battling and Catching Pokemon: Throughout the game, you’ll battle wild Pokemon. To catch them, you’ll need to weaken them in battle, then throw a Pokeball at them. Different Pokemon appear in different areas.
Training Your Pokemon: Pokemon get stronger by battling. As they gain experience points, they level up and learn new moves.
Exploring the World: Each Pokemon game has a big world map to explore, with cities, routes, and caves to discover.
Gym Battles: In each town there is usually a gym. To progress through the game, you need to defeat gym leaders to earn badges. Once you earn all the badges you can battle the Elite Four.

Tips for Playing Older Pokemon Games

Save Frequently: Old games don’t have the same auto-save features as newer ones. Make sure to save regularly, as you don’t want to lose a lot of progress.
Use a Guide: If you get stuck, there are many online guides available that can help you. These can help you find specific Pokemon or locations.
Be Patient: Older games can sometimes be a bit more challenging than newer games. Don’t be afraid to take your time and explore.
Learn Type Matchups: Understanding Pokemon types and their strengths and weaknesses is crucial for battles. Fire is strong against Grass, Water is strong against Fire, Grass is strong against Water. Learning type matchups will make the battles easier to win.
Explore Every Area: Don’t rush through the game. Explore every nook and cranny. You might find valuable items and rare Pokemon.
Talk to Everyone: Talk to all of the NPCs. Many will give you items or will give you useful tips.

Specific Game Differences

Each game has its own unique features and quirks. For example, the first-generation games have limited movesets and special attacks do not correlate with attack or special attack. Certain games have different methods for trading and battling with other players. Some games have the physical/special split, which is introduced in the 4th generation games.

Enjoy the Nostalgia!

Playing old Pokemon games can be a wonderful experience. Whether you’re reliving your childhood or discovering these classic titles for the first time, there’s a lot to enjoy. Take your time, explore the world, catch some Pokemon, and most importantly, have fun! By taking the proper steps and following the right advice, you will be able to fully enjoy older Pokemon games.

So, get ready to step back in time and dive into the world of vintage Pokemon gaming! From choosing the right game to setting up your chosen system to starting your adventure, everything is now ready to be enjoyed. Remember to have fun and enjoy every minute!

The Optimal Pokemon Play Order

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, playing old Pokémon games is simple. You can use original hardware, like a Game Boy or DS, with cartridges. Alternatively, emulators on computers or phones provide easy access.

Finding ROM files from the internet will also let you play these games. Remember that owning the physical game is important for this method to be legal. These methods cover how to play old pokemon games so you can revisit or experience those classics.