Today marks the day of the original release of Pokémon Crystal in Japan, back on December 14, 2000, so it’s only fitting we get an announcement regarding that game, 17 years later. Nintendo revealed today that Pokémon Crystal will be released on January 26, 2018 for its 3DS system.
Re-encounter the Mythical Pokémon Celebi when the groundbreaking #PokemonCrystal comes to Nintendo eShop for #3DS on Jan. 26! pic.twitter.com/sUZtomk0vf
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) December 14, 2017
Pokémon Crystal is the 3rd release in the franchise’s second generation games, set in the Johto region. The original came out for Game Boy Color in 2001, following the Pokémon Gold and Silver releases in 2000. Crystal is essentially the definitive version of Gold and Silver, as it included the option to play as a girl (a first for the Pokémon franchise), added animated sprites, and included the addition of the Battle Tower to test your Pokémon’s skills.
The version will cost $9.99 on the eShop, and will be compatible with the Pokémon Bank app as well.
Nintendo seems content with keeping Pokémon at the forefront of its handheld systems, as we just got Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon back in November. Do you plan to revisit the Johto region yet again? Let us know!
Caleb has been a gamer and Nintendo fan since picking up Pokémon Red for his Game Boy back in 1998, at the wee age of 4. He’s an avid Pokémon TCG collector, and is currently enjoying Breath of the Wild on Switch, along with PUBG on Xbox. He’s a fan of the outdoors when not writing, while also being an avid runner and world traveler. Give him a shout if you’re a fan of Arsenal FC.
Plays: Switch, 3DS, Xbox One, Pokémon TCG, and Various Board Games.