For years, Pokémon fans like me have dreamed of a collection that brings together the best of the early generations of Pokémon games. Battling and exploring in Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn and relieving the classic moments of what has made Pokémon so special is a concept with plenty of innate allure. With rumors circulating about an Pokémon Classic Collection that might be coming to Nintendo systems very soon, that excitement is more palpable than ever.

Both seasoned and new Pokémon players would benefit from a revisit to some of the classics. For longtime fans, it would be an opportunity to relive the nostalgia of their childhood and revisit the games that started it all. Meanwhile, newer players could experience the origins of the Pokémon franchise and discover the roots behind what has inspired countless games, shows, and movies.

The Games In The Rumored Pokémon Classic Collection

Pokémon Red, Blue, Gold, Silver Coming To A Nintendo Switch Near You?

According to Hidden Power Podcast via X, the rumored Pokémon Classic Collection is said to include games from the first three generations of Pokémon. This means that the collection would include Red, Blue, Gold, Silver, Ruby, Sapphire, FireRed, and LeafGreen. If you're noticing some titles missing, Yellow, Crystal, and Emerald will apparently be available for digital purchase outside of what would be available for free to those subscribed to Nintendo Online.

The games heading to Nintendo Online's subscription service would be put into two distinct titles: Pokémon Memories and Pokémon Reminiscence, with red and gold-themed Pokémon games in the former and blue and green-themed games in the latter. These games are legendary in the Pokémon world, and I'm excited to see whether these rumors will come to fruition or not. Being able to replay these classics would certainly give me a reason to renew my Nintendo Online subscription.

Pokémon Red & Blue first became available in North America on September 28, 1998.

Diving into the games, Pokémon Red and Blue set in Hoenn with Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip as starters. FireRed and LeafGreen, meanwhile, are remakes of the original Kanto first-gen games that add new locations and features.

In Japan, the first two games were released as Pokémon Red and Green, but it was changed to Red and Blue in North America.

While it is disappointing not to have Yellow, Crystal, and Emerald included in the subscription, it's good to know that these iconic titles may still be available for digital purchase. These titles, in particular, provided important milestones in the Pokémon franchise. Pokémon Yellow had the special Pikachu that could follow players around, Crystal included the option to play as a female character for the first time ever, and Emerald introduced the Battle Frontier.

Even better, the rumors also state that Pokémon HOME would be ed, allowing players to transfer Pokémon from classic titles to more modern games. If the rumors are true, Pokémon Classic Collection will hit Nintendo Switch on March 13.

Pokémon Port Collection Would Be A Dream Come True

Revisiting Classic Pokémon Games Would Be Amazing

The Pokémon Port Collection, or Pokémon Classic Collection would be a dream come true for me. I've always loved the original games, and my favorite starter Pokémon has always been Treecko, so being able to play from the start with him as my companion would be amazing. Aside from just me, I also believe the Pokémon Classic Collection would be thrilling for many Pokémon fans, old and new.

Bringing back some of the original games offers veterans a nostalgic trip through some of the most beloved titles in the franchise. Plus, it would allow fans to see the roots and where it all started. Things like choosing between a male- and female-presenting character weren't always possible in the Pokémon games. Plus, Pokémon being able to walk outside their Poké balls was only introduced in Pokémon Yellow and then remained missing from successive entries until much later in the franchise.

Besides these features not always being readily available, several fan-favorite Pokémon don't always appear in modern games. Classic game collections would give players a chance to return and catch some of their favorites. With Pokémon HOME potentially being ed, you could then transfer your favorites to modern titles.

How Reliable Are The Pokémon Collection Game Rumors?

Take Rumors With A Grain Of Salt But Still Have Hope

While the idea of the Pokémon Classic Collection sounds like a dream come true, it’s important to that these are just rumors, and we should take them with a grain of salt. The source of these rumors is unverified, and while they may sound plausible, there’s no official confirmation from Nintendo or Game Freak at this time. Until we hear an official announcement, it’s difficult to say how reliable these rumors truly are.

At this point, it’s wise to stay cautious and wait for more concrete information. The release of a major Pokémon collection could be just around the corner, or it could remain nothing more than a fan’s wishful thinking. Until then, we can only hope that the Pokémon Classic Collection is more than just a rumor. I know I'll be waiting until March 13 to find out whether I'll be able to return to some classic Pokémon experiences in the near future.

Source: Hidden Power Podcast/X