Can I Change the Language of My Pokémon Game? The Definitive Guide
Yes, generally you can change the language of your Pokémon game, but the method depends heavily on the specific game and console you’re playing on. The way language options are implemented has evolved significantly across generations. This article will comprehensively explore the various methods and limitations, providing you with the information you need to experience your Pokémon adventure in your preferred language.
Understanding Language Options in Pokémon Games
The ability to change the language in Pokémon games is a relatively recent addition, driven by Nintendo’s growing global market and the desire to cater to a diverse player base. Early Pokémon games were primarily region-locked and only available in the languages prevalent in those regions (Japanese, English, etc.). Over time, as consoles became region-free and the games themselves became more sophisticated, language options began to appear.
The core question revolves around how the language setting is determined. It’s usually one of three ways:
- System-Wide Setting: The game adopts the language setting of the console itself.
- In-Game Setting: The game features a dedicated option within the game’s settings menu to select your preferred language.
- Game Cartridge/Digital Purchase Region Lock: The game’s language is determined by the region it was designed for, and you have limited or no control over it.
Understanding which method applies to your specific game is crucial.
Language Options by Pokémon Generation and Platform
Let’s break down language options by generation and the platform you are playing on.
Generation I & II (Game Boy/Game Boy Color)
These classic games – Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal – do not offer any in-game language options. They are typically region-locked and only available in the languages of their respective regions. For example, a North American version of Pokémon Red will only be playable in English. You would need to obtain a Japanese version to play in Japanese.
Generation III (Game Boy Advance)
Similar to the previous generation, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen lack built-in language selection. Language is determined by the game’s region of origin. Again, obtaining a version from a different region is the only way to experience the game in another language.
Generation IV & V (Nintendo DS/DSi)
These generations offer a slight improvement. Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 also lack in-game language options. However, the Nintendo DS and DSi are region-free, so you can play a Japanese version of HeartGold on a North American DS, but it will still be in Japanese.
Generation VI (Nintendo 3DS)
With Pokémon X and Y, and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, a significant change occurred. These games allow you to select your language when you start a new game. This selection is fixed for that save file, and you cannot change it mid-game. The available languages typically include English, Japanese, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Korean. This choice is linked to your save data, and you can select a different language by starting a new game.
Generation VII (Nintendo 3DS)
Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon follow the same model as Generation VI. You choose your language at the beginning of the game, and it cannot be changed without starting over. The available languages are the same as in Generation VI.
Generation VIII (Nintendo Switch)
Pokémon Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus utilize a system-wide language setting. The game automatically detects the language set on your Nintendo Switch and uses that language. To change the language in these games, you need to change the language setting on your Nintendo Switch console itself. Supported languages generally include English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
Generation IX (Nintendo Switch)
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet continues to use the system-wide language setting of the Nintendo Switch. Changing the language is done through the console settings, and the available languages mirror those in Generation VIII.
Changing Language on Nintendo Switch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Since modern Pokémon games primarily rely on the Nintendo Switch’s system settings, here’s how to change the language:
- From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings.”
- Scroll down and select “System.”
- Select “Language.”
- Choose your preferred language from the list.
The console will restart, and when you launch your Pokémon game, it should now be in your selected language.
Limitations and Considerations
- Save Data: Remember that changing the language will not translate existing save data. Any game already in progress will remain in the language it was started in, unless it is a generation VI or VII game, and you choose a different language when you start a new save file.
- Voice Acting: Pokémon games generally do not feature full voice acting outside of occasional cries and limited phrases. The language setting primarily affects the text displayed in the game (dialogue, menus, descriptions, etc.).
- Game Region: Even with language options, the game’s region can still impact certain features. For example, some event distributions or online functionalities may be region-locked.
- Digital vs. Physical: Both digital and physical versions of Pokémon games typically adhere to the language settings described above. However, be cautious when purchasing digital games from different regions, as the available languages may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I change the language of my Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee game?
Yes, Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee! use the system-wide language setting on the Nintendo Switch. Change the language in your console settings.
2. If I buy a Japanese Pokémon game, can I play it in English?
For games from Generation VIII onwards (Switch games), yes, if your Nintendo Switch is set to English. For older generations (DS/3DS), no, it will always be in Japanese, as there are no in-game or system-wide language settings.
3. Can I change the language mid-game in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
No. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet use the Nintendo Switch’s system language. Changing the console language will only affect new game saves. Your current save will stay in the original language.
4. Are all languages available in every Pokémon game?
No. While recent Pokémon games support multiple languages, they typically include a standard set of languages (English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, and Chinese). Some smaller languages may not be supported.
5. Does changing the language affect the Pokémon names?
Yes, the names of Pokémon, items, and locations will be displayed in the selected language.
6. What happens if I start a new game in a different language in Pokémon X or Y?
Your new game will be in the chosen language. Your previous save file will remain unaffected, allowing you to have multiple save files in different languages (although you can only have one save file per game).
7. Can I use a translation patch on older Pokémon games?
While it’s technically possible to use fan-made translation patches on emulated versions of older Pokémon games, this often involves illegal ROMs and can violate copyright laws. It is also technically difficult and not recommended unless you are extremely tech-savvy and aware of the legal ramifications.
8. Will changing the language affect online trading and battling?
No. Online trading and battling are generally unaffected by the language settings. You can trade and battle with players using different language settings.
9. Where can I find a list of supported languages for a specific Pokémon game?
The best place to check supported languages is on the official Nintendo website for the specific game or on the game packaging itself. Retailers’ websites often also list supported languages.
10. If I buy a digital Pokémon game from the eShop in a different region, will it be in that region’s language?
Potentially, yes. The available languages often depend on the region of the eShop you purchased the game from. Be cautious and research before buying a digital game from a foreign eShop if language is a concern.
11. Can I change the language of my Pokémon GO app?
Yes, Pokémon GO has a language setting within the app itself. You can find it in the game’s settings menu.
12. Does the language setting affect the difficulty of the game?
No, the language setting only affects the displayed text and does not impact the gameplay difficulty.
13. I changed my Nintendo Switch language, but my Pokémon game is still in English. Why?
Ensure that you have completely closed and restarted the game after changing the console’s language. Sometimes the game needs to fully reload to recognize the new setting. Also, double-check that the console’s language setting has been correctly applied.
14. Are there any risks to changing the language setting?
No, changing the language setting is generally safe and will not damage your game or console.
15. Can I use a save editor to change the language in a Pokémon game?
Using save editors to modify Pokémon games is not officially supported and carries risks. It can potentially corrupt your save data or lead to other unexpected issues. It’s best to rely on the official language options provided by the game.