It’s no secret: Pokémon fans love the Johto region. After news leaked earlier this year that a Pokémon Legends: Leadership game had been scrapped, fans turned to social media in equal parts disappointment and outrage. When Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen were released on the Nintendo Switch a few days later, thousands waited to see if HeartGold and SoulSilver would get the same treatment. Despite all the new releases coinciding with Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, there hadn’t been much talk of revisiting the Johto region — until now.

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, released in 2009, were modernized remakes of the original Pokémon Gold and Silver. The games featured new graphics and more detailed character sprites, marking the series’ transition from the Game Boy Color to the 3D-capable Nintendo DS. While HeartGold and SoulSilver are not quite as old as Pokémon itself, the franchise’s 30th anniversary is an ideal opportunity to revisit this beloved era.

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver collectibles coming in 2027

The Pokémon Company has quietly unveiled Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver collectible pins, which will be released as a set exclusively through the Japanese Pokémon Center in February 2027. The pins are miniature replicas of the Nintendo DS game packaging, complete with Ho-Oh on HeartGold and Lugia on SoulSilver. According to a product description on the Japanese Pokémon Center website, “the area around the Pokémon and logo is shimmering with sparkle, giving it a shiny finish.” Each pin shows the game’s release year as well as the Nintendo DS logo.

To further cement the HeartGold and SoulSilver pin set as sought-after collectibles, the backs of the pins are styled like Poké Balls and have a matte black finish. The set was available to preorder for a limited time this past summer, priced at ¥1,320 (about $8.35 USD). Although the Japanese Pokémon Center currently shows the pins as out of stock, it states that they will be offered again at a later date. At the time of writing, it’s unclear whether the site will offer another preorder opportunity before February 2027, or only open sales after that time. It’s best to keep an eye out for a restock on the Japanese Pokémon Center’s website.

Unfortunately for fans still waiting for a modern game return to the HeartGold and SoulSilver era, there’s been no definitive word on if or when remakes will arrive; only speculation exists. But one thing is certain: if the speed at which these pins went out of stock is any indication, plenty of fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to return to the Johto region.