POKÉMON VERSION COMPARISON / GEN 4 REMAKE
Pokémon HeartGold vs SoulSilver: Which Johto Remake Is Best?
Frequently cited as the best remakes in the franchise, and increasingly sought-after on the secondhand market for exactly that reason.
Version Exclusives
HeartGold and SoulSilver mirror the original Gold/Silver split with Ho-Oh and Lugia as box legendaries, alongside the usual species exclusives, rebuilt on the more capable DS hardware with updated visuals and mechanics from the Gen 4 engine.
The Pokéwalker: A Real Physical Differentiator
Both versions originally included the Pokéwalker, a small pedometer-style accessory that let you transfer a Pokémon to carry around and earn in-game rewards through real-world steps — a genuinely unique physical bundle that's become a collector's item in its own right, and complete-in-box copies with a working Pokéwalker command a real premium over cartridge-only listings.
Which to Buy in 2026
The choice between HeartGold and SoulSilver comes down to legendary and species preference as usual. The bigger buying decision is whether to prioritize a complete-in-box copy with the Pokéwalker included, which meaningfully affects price, versus a cartridge-only copy if you just want to play the game itself.
Where to Buy: HeartGold & SoulSilver
Some links on this page are eBay and Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, ShouldIBuyThisGame.com may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.