Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver review

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver have the richest feature set on this list, and they would rank near the top if price were no object. The Pokémon Company's page describes a return to the Johto region of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver with updated graphics and sound, new touch screen controls for the Pokédex, Bag and PC Boxes, and the option to keep using buttons. The boxed games came with the Pokéwalker, a pedometer that receives a Pokémon over infrared, earns it Experience Points as you walk and finds items and new Pokémon on the go. The problem for collectors is cost. DKOldies lists SoulSilver at $354.99 and HeartGold at $369.99 before sales, which is about ten times the price of Mario Kart DS. That drags the value score down hard, and it is why this pair sits eighth. If you buy, check whether a listing includes the Pokéwalker.

Who it is for

Pokémon fans who want the series' best DS adventure and can pay a collector price.

Price

Used DS cartridge from $354.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales) for SoulSilver; HeartGold lists at $369.99.

Original price: $354.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• A return to the Johto region of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver
• Updated graphics and sound
• Touch screen controls for the Pokédex, Bag and PC Boxes, with button controls still available
• Pokéwalker pedometer earns Experience Points and finds items as you walk
• Starters Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Highest capabilities score on the list
• Strength: Pokéwalker adds a real-world layer no other game here has
• Strength: Choice of touch or button controls
• Weakness: Most expensive pick: $354.99 used for SoulSilver, $369.99 for HeartGold
• Weakness: Loose cartridges often lack the Pokéwalker, so check listings
• Weakness: Single player per The Pokémon Company's page

Key facts

• Publisher: The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo
• US release: March 14, 2010
• Genre: RPG
• Players: 1
• Region: Johto

Where it ranks

Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver is No. 8 in our Best Nintendo DS Games of All Time verdict and No. 4 in Best Pokémon Games.