This page explains how to trade from Pokémon Red to Pokémon Gold.

What You Need

Virtual Console Versions

If you are playing the Virtual Console versions of these games, then both players need a system from the Nintendo 3DS family, such as 3DS, 2DS, or New Nintendo 3DS, and both players need to have the Virtual Console version of the game. Trading uses wireless communication, so both players need to have wireless turned on, and both players need to be nearby.

Game Boy Versions

If both players are using a Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, Game Boy Color, or Game Boy Pocket, you can use a Game Boy Color Link Cable (model number CGB-003), or a Game Boy Pocket Link Cable (model number MGB-008), or a Universal Game Link Cable (model number MGB-010) to connect them. If the cable does not fit, it is the wrong type.

If one player is using an original Game Boy, and the other player is using a Game Boy Color, Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Advance, or Game Boy Advance SP, you have to use one of the following to connect them:

• Universal Game Link Adapter (model number DMG-14) connected to a Game Boy Pocket Link Cable (model number MGB-008) or a Game Boy Color Link Cable (model number CGB-003)
• Or a Universal Game Link Cable (model number MGB-010)

If both players are using the original Game Boy, you need to use a Game Link Cable (model number DMG-04) to connect the Game Boys. If the cable does not fit, it is the wrong type.

Please do not attempt to trade between a Japanese and a non-Japanese cartridge. Doing so will corrupt your save data, requiring you to start over from the beginning. It is safe for two non-Japanese games to trade with each other, and it is safe for two Japanese games to trade with each other.

In-Game Requirements

Before you can trade from Pokémon Red to Pokémon Gold:

• In Pokémon Red, you need to get the Pokédex from Professor Oak in Pallet Town.
• In Pokémon Gold, you need to give the Mystery Egg to Professor Elm.

How to Trade

If trading using Game Boys, make sure to connect your Game Boys with a Link Cable.

In Pokémon Red, the player needs to go into any Pokémon Center and talk to the person at the counter at the top right, then say "Yes" to save the game, then choose to go to the Trade Center. In the room, the player needs to check on the computer in the middle of the room.

In Pokémon Gold, go into any Pokémon Center, and go upstairs and talk to the person on the far right, and say Yes when asked if you want to trade across time. Say Yes to save the game. Say Yes when asked if it is OK to overwrite the previous save. When the other player is connected, you will enter the trade room. Check on the computer in the middle of the room.

Now select the pokémon that you want to trade, and choose TRADE when prompted. You will see the name of pokémon that the other player wants to trade. Choose TRADE to start the trade.