HeartGold and SoulSilver Collection Pins Launch in 2027, a Signal of Johto's Return?

Pokémon fans around the world got a small but meaningful surprise: The Pokémon Company quietly introduced a collection pin set celebrating Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. The product is scheduled for an exclusive release through Pokémon Center Japan in February 2027, sparking speculation about the future of the Johto region in the giant franchise.

The pins are miniature replicas of the Nintendo DS game packaging, complete with Ho-Oh on the HeartGold version and Lugia on SoulSilver. According to the product description on the official Pokémon Center Japan website, the area around the Pokémon and the logo sparkles with a glitter effect, giving it a glossy finish. Each pin also lists the game's release year and the Nintendo DS logo, cementing its status as a collector's item with high nostalgic value.

HeartGold and SoulSilver are not new titles. Released in 2009, both are modern remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver, which first appeared on the Game Boy Color. Their arrival marked the series' transition to the Nintendo DS, which supported 3D graphics, with more detailed character sprites. For many fans, the Johto era is considered one of the peaks of Game Freak's creativity, so longing for a remake has always been a hot topic in the community.

The news emerged after rumors previously circulated that the Pokémon Legends: Johto project had been canceled. Fan disappointment briefly exploded on social media, especially when Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen were re-released on the Nintendo Switch some time ago. Hopes for Johto's return are burning brighter, and this collection pin seems to be an indirect signal that The Pokémon Company still has plans for the region.

"We know fans are eagerly awaiting something related to Johto. This pin is our way of celebrating those memories," said a Pokémon Center Japan representative in the product description, as quoted from its official website.

Even so, there is no official confirmation regarding a remake or re-release of HeartGold and SoulSilver for modern platforms. Speculation continues to grow, especially since 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. The moment is considered the right time to bring classic games, including Johto, back to current-generation consoles.

From the collector's market side, these pins have the potential to be highly sought after. When pre-orders opened last summer, stock sold out in a short time. The official price is around ¥1,320 (equivalent to Rp140 thousand), but on the secondary market, exclusive items like this are often sold for many times that. Buyers in Indonesia are no exception; many collectors typically use a proxy service (jastip) to get Japanese merchandise, though they must be prepared for extra costs and the risk of stock running out.

For fans in Indonesia, this phenomenon reflects the size of the Pokémon fan base in the country. The Indonesian Pokémon Community (KPI) and various merchandise buy-and-sell groups often serve as a hub for hunting rare items. The arrival of these HeartGold and SoulSilver pins could be a catalyst for broader discussion about a potential remake, while also testing the market's loyalty to a franchise that is nearly three decades old.

Going forward, the question is no longer whether Johto will return, but when and in what form. If a pin alone can spark this much enthusiasm, it is quite possible that The Pokémon Company is gauging the market's temperature before taking a big step. In the meantime, fans are advised to monitor the Pokémon Center Japan website for restock information, as the chance of another pre-order before February 2027 remains open.