Nintendo teases Pokémon Gold and Silver revival — Johto region may return for 30th anniversary

Nintendo has dropped a cryptic teaser hinting at a return to the Johto region, the setting of Pokémon Gold and Silver, the second generation of the franchise. The timing aligns with the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Pokémon series: the original games launched in Japan in 1996, with Western releases following two to three years later.

The year 2026 has already seen several major Pokémon announcements. Nintendo unveiled the next generation of mainline games, Pokémon Wind and Wave, and released a charming spin-off titled Pokémon Pokopia. Additionally, the company brought Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen to the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2, marking the first time these Game Boy Advance classics have been available on modern hardware. According to rumors, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire remakes are also in the pipeline for the anniversary celebration.

The teaser itself is a screenshot taken from Pokémon Pokopia. It shows the game's protagonist standing with Cyndaquil, one of the three starter Pokémon from the Gold and Silver era. In the background, through the window of Professor Elm's laboratory, the rival character is visible peeking inside — a direct reference to a memorable opening scene from the original second-generation games. The accompanying text reads: "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold." This phrase has sparked intense speculation among the Pokémon community.

Fans have proposed several interpretations. One possibility is that Pokémon Pokopia will receive a new region expansion set in Johto instead of its current Kanto-based map. Another theory is that Nintendo is developing a new Pokémon Let's Go title, following the formula of Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, but based on Gold and Silver. A third option is a direct port or remaster of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the critically acclaimed Nintendo DS remakes, for the Nintendo Switch family of consoles.

Nintendo could reveal the meaning behind this teaser within the next few weeks. Industry insiders suggest that the company may be preparing a major announcement for the franchise's 30th anniversary, potentially at a dedicated Pokémon Direct event or during a larger Nintendo showcase. Until then, fans are left to decode the clues and wait for official confirmation.