HeartGold

HeartGold Version is a 2009 role-playing video game in the Pokémon series, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. It is a remake of the 1999 Game Boy Color title Pokémon Gold and, alongside Pokémon SoulSilver, represents the fourth generation remakes. Set in the Johto region with updated graphics, soundtrack, and new features, HeartGold preserves the core gameplay of exploring towns, catching Pokémon, and challenging Gym Leaders, while expanding content for modern handheld play.

Gameplay centers on building a team of Pokémon, earning eight Johto Gym badges, and challenging the Elite Four and champion. Battles remain turn-based, with type advantages and various abilities. New features introduced in these remakes include a Pokémon following the player in the field, the ability to revisit the Kanto region after becoming champion, a reworked user interface that uses the DS touchscreen, and online trading via the Global Trade Station. The game also benefits from enhanced graphics and animated Pokémon sprites, and supports local wireless play in addition to online functionality that was available through Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

A notable accessory is the Pokéwalker, a pedometer bundled with some versions. It connects to the game to transfer a Pokémon into the device, where walking can earn Watts and items through a walking-based mini-game. HeartGold also integrates broad connectivity options, enabling trades and battles with other players and leveraging features from the broader fourth-generation Pokémon titles.

Release and reception: HeartGold was released in Japan in 2009, with North American and European releases in 2010. It was praised for faithfully remaking Gold while adding modern features, though some reviews noted limited new content for returning players. The titles achieved strong sales worldwide.