Pokémon has had plenty going on this year for its 30th anniversary, even if the series’ next mainline games won’t arrive until 2027. This has included LeafGreen and FireRed on Switch, Pokémon Champions coming to mobile after a launch on Switch this April, and a number of official collabs and merchandise releases. If you’re still looking for ways to celebrate, then consider giving Pokémon: Recharged Yellow a try.
Pokémon: Recharged Yellow is a ROM hack from Jaizu, and it recently got its 1.9.6 version update. You can read the announcement from June 4 on X/Twitter below, or check out the game on Jaizu’s ko-fi page. It’s pay-what-you-want, so you can download it for $0, but donations are also accepted. While there, you can also check out a number of other Pokémon games Jaizu has made.
Pokémon Fans Should Check Out Recharged Yellow
If you’re like me, then you’re likely nostalgic for more Pokémon Yellow content. It’s one of the best Pokémon games of all time, following along closely with the Indigo League anime. And despite a remake in the form of Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! on the Switch, the original game is still my preferred go-to.
Still, Pokémon Yellow is almost 30 years old now, so finding new ways to experience your adventure with Pikachu is something a lot of fans still look for. It’s why there are so many ROM hacks taking place in Kanto. From what we’ve seen, Pokémon: Recharged Yellow looks like a lot of fun, adding improvements, more areas, and Pokémon. It’s a ROM Hack of Emerald, which means you can play through Yellow‘s story while getting to use Gen 3’s battle system and a ton of other quality-of-life improvements.
Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Has Been Full Of Surprises
In terms of official releases, Pokémon still has a few things in the works for the 30th anniversary in 2026. This includes the upcoming 30th Celebration set for the Pokémon TCG, and the release of Pokémon Champions on iOS and Android on June 17. In terms of video games, however, the only thing we know is on the way now is Gen 10’s Winds and Waves, which won’t be releasing until 2027.
Because there’s a wait, if you’re looking for games, then ROM hacks like Pokémon: Recharged Yellow is the way to go. Despite FireRed and LeafGreen releasing on Switch, I’d argue Recharged Yellow has more QoL upgrades and offers a more unique experience while still feeling nostalgic. So, if you want to celebrate Pokémon in style this year, consider checking it out.
- Released
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October 18, 1999
- ESRB
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e
- Developer(s)
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Game Freak
- Publisher(s)
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Game Freak