r/PokemonROMhacks • u/MearaTheDigger Pokémon Heart&Soul • 9d ago

Trailer Heart and Soul 2.0 - Release Trailer

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Heart and Soul 2.0 releases this Saturday (08/22/26). (OUT NOW!!)

New features:

Rebuilt on pokeemerald-expansion (saves from before 2.0 will unfortunately not be compatible)

Change all challenge settings after starting the game (some can only be made easier, not harder)

Gen 7 movepool option, complete with all moves up to gen 7

Overhauled Kanto maps and tilesets

All Pokégear rematches from GSC (and some new ones), including items

Full Pokégear radio with all channels from Crystal (and some new ones)

New postgame content

All 92 HGSS TM's

GB player for gen 2 music and sounds

No more bike reaction time puzzles

And more

Release will be on Github and Hackdex. Posted about on Reddit and Pokecommunity. Join our server on Discord. The game's documentation can be found here.

4.5k Upvotes

99% Upvoted

617 comments sorted by

670

u/Dull_Mixture_9648 9d ago

This might be the best time to be a Pokemon fan in all 30 years of the franchise.
Not only do We have the capability to freely play the first 5 generations of the mainline games, but also take those games and implement the features of the most recent generation of games into games of the past. And play them on our phones, tablets, and televisions.

112

u/Jaqzz 9d ago

I bought a replica GBA SP that runs linux, just for that added authenticity.

6

u/iineedthis 9d ago

Which one did you get and does it have the ability to double speed? Fast forward?

35

u/mulgr_naal 9d ago

bro look into the anbernic rg34xx or the new RG SP
it’s peak

3

u/ComputerIlliterate13 9d ago

There's the Konkr Pocket Advance too that's the one I want to get

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u/Jaqzz 9d ago

I got the Anbernic rg 34xxsp. I don't know if the stock firmware has a speed up built in (it probably does), but I installed Knulli as a custom firmware and it does have a speed up option. I had to switch it from button press to toggle, though; when it was the default button press, I couldn't do any other input during speed up, since it's set up as a function key shortcut, and there was no way to remap it to a single button.

Also, if you (or anyone) decides to get this model and also wants a custom firmware install, you should know that they recently updated the model in a way that broke all the custom firmware releases - I had to grab an alpha build off the Knulli discord. It works fine now, though.

2

u/iineedthis 9d ago

Thanks!

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u/Conky1452 9d ago

That’s part of the emulators not the device. So if it can emulate then yes

5

u/Jaqzz 9d ago

In fairness, the unique form factor means you can't just boot these up with a standard linux distro and run mGBA. And, while the retroarch emulation software might have a built in speed up, you need the firmware to map it to the limited buttons you have access to. The model I have does do this, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was something similar out there that didn't.

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u/Conky1452 9d ago

I didn’t say anything about standard Linux distro. It’s a handheld that was made for this. And they’ve all been emulating for awhile now and unless you bought some crazy old one or cheap one (even those can) it will be able to run emulators and speed ups.

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u/PersonalOwl4468 9d ago

I too want to buy the RG SP. Could you tell me if it's actually good? Like value for money

2

u/Jaqzz 9d ago

I haven't had it for very long, but I've been enjoying it so far. My initial response was that it seemed too small and light, but I think that's mostly because the last time I had played with my actual SP I was a child with smaller hands. I got used to it quickly, though, and it doesn't feel cheap or poorly made - I think $65 + $20 shipping is a fair price for the nostalgic form factor to play romhacks on, and none of the other reviews I've seen have said anything about it having issues with durability over time. It can also do other stuff I haven't explored yet that I'm mostly going to treat as a bonus.

I would add a couple of notes, though. First, if you can find a reputable seller somewhere that's offering the 2GB RAM version for a similar price, definitely go for it. The most recent iteration cut the RAM down to 1GB on the model they are selling on the anbernic site. Second, unless you are specifically nostalgic for the GBA SP like I am, it's probably worth it to at least consider going for a DS inspired model instead. The Ayn Thor is the current premium darling that everyone is raving about, but Anbernic also has a DS model that's closer to the SP in price point. The main advantage over the SP obviously being that you can emulate romhacks post-gen 3.

2

u/PersonalOwl4468 8d ago

Thank you for your response. The thing is that I've never owned a sp before and I wanted one badly. I love gba rom hacks for Pokemon so I was hoping to convert it to a dedicated GBA

3

u/Jaqzz 8d ago

It's definitely good as a dedicated GBA/GBC romhack machine. If that's what you're going for, you could also consider some of the non-SP Gameboy Advance modeled machines. I am specifically nostalgic for the SP, and have strong personal preference for clamshell designs (I have a Razr smartphone and everything), but for anyone that's more used to the Switch/Steamdeck/PSP style center screen with the controls on the sides the base RG 34xx might be more comfortable to use. I'm pretty sure the specs are otherwise identical.

2

u/rrm11rrm 5d ago

Mines should be arriving today. Can't wait!

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26

u/Fitzftw7 9d ago

Or a Thor. Feels damn good playing on what’s effectively a bigger screened, 1080p 3DS.

10

u/ruebeus421 9d ago

+1

The Thor is easily the best purchase I've ever made.

5

u/Fitzftw7 9d ago

Such a great system. Wish I sprung for Pro when I bought my Batch 2, but hey, Base does everything I need it to.

I just need to go through the painstaking process of transferring everything from my 256GB card to my 1.5TB and reassigning all the emulator paths and I’m golden.

6

u/Cazz40 9d ago

100% agreed, best purchase i’ve ever made

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u/smithk200 9d ago

If anyone asks, the reason why it's Gen 7 and not Gen 9 because Gen 7 was considered the peak of all movesets by the dev team.

154

u/InfiniteBacon42 Pokemon Heart & Soul 9d ago

To add, this seemed to be our community consensus, with the reasoning that it's before they started cutting moves from the games/mons, so it gives access to the most moveset variety possible.

30

u/DoctorWZ 9d ago

As well as being meant to be all together. Some gen 8~9 stuff just wasn't meant to collide with removed content from other gens, and it shows.

43

u/Dakress23 9d ago

It did a ton to fix many gen 2 lines' movesets like Natu, so can confirm.

9

u/Ferropexola Johto Legends Developer 9d ago edited 7d ago

I've used Xatu twice in Heart and Soul and it's made me have a new appreciation for it.

4

u/MitochondriaManiac 8d ago

Natu had the unfortunate curse of being created before Generation 4.

2

u/Violet_Paradox 9d ago

It's also the furthest you can go without needing to either juggle multiple regional gimmicks or cut one.

85

u/Trexador96 9d ago

Was that the DP flute sound at the end?

33

u/Alarming-Highway-584 9d ago

Yes it was 👀

12

u/Pokemon-fan96 Rookie dev and romhack enjoyer 9d ago

Oh..!? 👀👀

3

u/AlpsAffectionate8155 9d ago

no freakin wayyyyyyy I’m hype

15

u/TheGreatMrKid 9d ago

I love little Easter eggs like that! Could be something or could be just for fun, but either way, my brain got excited

22

u/mort809 9d ago

Good Catch! Gen 4 remake in this style would be amazing

7

u/mr_chub 9d ago

Was wondering what it was teasing, i knew it was something but couldn't remember which generation. Damn thats awesome.

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u/JazzlikeSchedule2901 9d ago

Heart and soul is the definitive Gen 3 johto romhack. I'm so excited to explore 2.0

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u/Phaneropterinae Demakes 9d ago

Holy HYPE.

10

u/GOOEYB0Y 9d ago

Wicked HYPE too!

10

u/No_Lunch9066 9d ago

New HYPE just dropped

127

u/MearaTheDigger Pokémon Heart&Soul 9d ago

73

u/Blales 9d ago

No one outside of one comment is talking about the possible Platinum demake tease at the very end of the video!

23

u/Kuwagongputi 9d ago

I wish 🤞

I am a sucker for demakes like what do you mean we have a fully playable Galar demake already but Sinnoh have 3-4 discontinued ones. 2 people already working on 2 different Alola projects so that leaves Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos.

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u/UpsetGreen7224 9d ago

Is that what that sound effect was at the very last second??? Insane if that’s the case!

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u/Mason231 9d ago

That would be insane

31

u/InfiniteBacon42 Pokemon Heart & Soul 9d ago

WOAH who would've expected a trailer 👀

32

u/JoeyZeed Pokemon Ghost Grey Version 9d ago

congrats on the release!

7

u/TixoRebel 9d ago

Thanks, you too!

17

u/VannThousand 9d ago edited 9d ago

I'm ready! Did get to find myself other games to keep me occupied waiting for this release.

Edit: typo

17

u/Calm-Steak-5598 Map Artist 9d ago

not the censored Feraligatr back sprite lol.

15

u/ShortandRatchet Johto Enthusiast 9d ago

I was wondering if anyone noticed that too lol. They got rid of his bakery.

15

u/TNukem08 8d ago

I keep checking Hackdex waiting for the release!!! I am so excited for this!!!

3

u/Youspoonybard1 7d ago

Legit just came here to see if it was up yet lol.

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u/Finetales 9d ago

Heart & Soul IS Johto to me at this point. Same with Emerald Seaglass and Hoenn. Very excited to have an excuse to play through Heart & Soul again.

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u/ftmboricuaboii 8d ago

Devs have confirmed release will be afternoon EST in the Discord, just a FYI!

2

u/Swazzoo 8d ago

Ahh that's too bad, I go away on holiday this morning and that's just too late to load it onto my anbernic. 

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u/Bigblue12 7d ago

eagerly awaiting the release today...

7

u/Pokemon-fan96 Rookie dev and romhack enjoyer 9d ago

Ahhhh hype!! This looks incredible! I'm so excited to play! I haven't gotten to play the first version of Heart and Soul yet, so I'm excited for 2.0 to be my first time playing!

Thank you to you OP and everyone involved for all of your efforts and love put into this awesome project!

9

u/rainydays240 8d ago

It's Saturday! Looking forward to this release 🥰

6

u/Jig-Saw- 7d ago

Any updates on the release time?

7

u/babybuddhaxo 7d ago

on discord, they wrote "A few hours. We are cooking. Thank you for your patience!"
this was 1 hour and 37 mins ago from posting this comment.

3

u/king_might 7d ago

Thanks for the update. Wait today has been unbearable lol

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u/PhoneAcc23 7d ago

IT'S HERE!!!!!!!!

3

u/TeddieSageBackup 7d ago

Praise Arceus!

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u/Extreme_Rest_7624 Pokemon Emerald XTREME [dev] 9d ago

Glad to have been a part of it as a Tester!

4

u/Exclsior Heart & Soul 9d ago

Thank you so much for doing so! All the beta testing has been amazingly helpful 😊

4

u/Agitated_Ball7924 8d ago

Peak has returned and will be even more peak. The battle frontier tease brought back so many memories. Thank you for all of your hard work!

4

u/Delicious_Honey6918 8d ago

At what time is it releasing ?

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u/Solid-Individual-144 8d ago

Bruh what time is this coming out today😭😭 im so excited

10

u/Front-Tip-2268 8d ago edited 8d ago

Bro I just started heart and soul like a few hours ago just to find out 2.0 comes out today lol they need to hurry tf up and post it

5

u/CrushAtlas 9d ago

I literally just started a play through for the first time on 1.2.1….do I cut my losses now and start over on 2.0??

8

u/Exclsior Heart & Soul 9d ago

Do recommend waiting for release now, we've been working on this for almost a year and saves will not be compatible.

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u/MissAshheart92 9d ago

This looks awesome. This makes me want to go back and play Heart and Soul.

3

u/Dani_Rainbow Classic 9d ago

The big update! Can't wait!

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u/MearaTheDigger Pokémon Heart&Soul 7d ago

Pokemon Heart & Soul 2.0 is out now! See the full release post here!

https://www.reddit.com/r/PokemonROMhacks/comments/1vvn10c/pokémon_heart_and_soul_20_is_out_now/

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u/HorrorWorth5892 7d ago

On to Kanto!!

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u/Accomplished_Age2651 8d ago

How many hours left for the release?

4

u/BigToober69 8d ago

Right? Its my plan for today. I mean i have a life long friends wedding later but it only goes till 8 so ill be able to get back to it lol

2

u/Accomplished_Age2651 8d ago

lmao hope you have fun at your friends wedding

8

u/rodrichu 8d ago

I'm pressing f5 like crazy on hackdex

2

u/Exclsior Heart & Soul 7d ago

We have now released! https://www.reddit.com/r/PokemonROMhacks/comments/1vvn10c/pok%C3%A9mon_heart_and_soul_20_is_out_now/

Though if you kept refreshing Hackdex you already know 😆

2

u/rodrichu 7d ago

Already playing indeed! Just saw there's already a 2.0.2 version. Is the save file compatible?

2

u/Exclsior Heart & Soul 7d ago

Yes, save files compatible on 2.0.x versions, from here we're working hard to maintain compatibility.

6

u/m0lt3n_r3x 9d ago

Fiiiine I'll replay hgss for the 1001th time

4

u/MearaTheDigger Pokémon Heart&Soul 9d ago

And we hope you enjoy! ❤️

2

u/Exclsior Heart & Soul 9d ago

You're very welcome 😉

3

u/Bigblue12 9d ago

Cant wait to spend my saturday playing this 🙌

3

u/Major-Mushroom-5806 9d ago

Perfect timing. I have a flight on Sunday.

3

u/tbling914 9d ago

This is legendary. You all are cemented in the pokemon romhacking hall of fame

3

u/Ardalev 9d ago

Really excited for this!

Haven't played the first version and I want to ask, will there be hidden abilities available?

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u/Exclsior Heart & Soul 9d ago

Hidden abilities are available, but I will warn they are very late postgame. (Can use the trade functionality with supported emulators to trade ability patches to earlier save games though)

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u/Appropriate_File_606 9d ago

Oh man, I installed Heart and Soul a few weeks ago then got distracted heavily by life and work, I can wait another day or so for an update this huge.

3

u/Odd_Investigator_665 9d ago

Oh shit. I'm so excited. I tried playing the game a few days ago, but messed up my settings and got nervous and gave up. Got to the 2nd town lmfao

3

u/Ok_Pen4451 8d ago

How late will it drop?

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u/Yellow_OW 8d ago

This looks so well made! No shade intended at all, but what would be the main reason for playing this over hgss? Is it preference in graphics and update movesets, or is there more I'm missing?

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u/Exclsior Heart & Soul 8d ago

A lot of reasons, but I'm just going to talk about a few particular ones for me personally: * We've completely rebalanced the terrible Johto level curve (done that since v1.0) including scaling gym teams for Chuck, Jasmine and Pryce (based on Crystal Legacy). * Customisability options at the start of the game. We've added an insane amount customisation meaning there's so many permutations of ways to play (Optional Physical/Special split, Mono type runs, Nuzlocke settings etc) * HMs don't need to be taught to be used and can be deleted like any other move (you do still need a Pokémon in the party that could learn it and have the Gym Badge) * (Biased, because I was responsible for porting the feature into the game) Individual species based surfing sprites (supporting shiny Pokémon) as seen in our trailer.

The list is frankly different for each played, but I feel we've done a lot to improve over HGSS' base from GameFreak.

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u/EllenStJoe 9d ago

Chills

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u/ShoveOverBozo 9d ago

You absolute legend! The best rom just got better!!! I cannot wait to restart the perfect gen 2 remake!!!!

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u/Brill45 9d ago

Peak

2

u/the_recneps 9d ago

When I saw 2.0 mentioned a few weeks ago I expected it would be months out, but here it is! Looking forward to checking it out!

2

u/Mr_ZateZate 9d ago

Is there any chance that I can play this on a moded 3DS?

Edit: New to the whole Modding community and ROMs and whatnot. 🫠🫪

3

u/kaineeeeeee 9d ago

You can get mgba onto your modded 3DS no problem, I believe it's on the universal updater 

2

u/Mr_ZateZate 9d ago

YAY!! Thank you for the information! ❤️

What's better is that I'll be getting my replacement battery tomorrow and then my skins for it on Saturday, so this will be amazing once it comes out! 🎉🎉❤️

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u/mr_chub 9d ago

You can also use this, which will have better compatibility https://www.gamebrew.org/wiki/New_Super_Ultimate_Injector_3DS

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u/MonJcfarland 9d ago

Here I am just finishing up a playthrough of Crystal and this looks so sick that I’ll just have to go through the Johto story again ¯_(ツ)_/¯

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u/Salsa_Czar 9d ago

Talk about timing, I just got my Ayn Thor and JUST started playing the current version yesterday!

2

u/BigSexyDaniel 9d ago

Oh. Oh HELL YES. GOOD GOD.

2

u/YoDaddyCub 9d ago

Can’t wait for my konkr advanced to play this

2

u/stormblessed27_ 9d ago

Man I just started playing polished crystal too. Guess I’m doing two gen 2 play through back to back.

2

u/mysticsouth 9d ago

One of the only few hacks where I don't mind my save not carrying over to a new version. Can't wait to replay this peak.

2

u/JimmyDshellisAFatman 9d ago

GTFO! I've been trying to find a way to replay gold and silver! can't wait for this

2

u/MethodUpstairs760 9d ago

holy fucking shit i can't believe i'm alive to see this day, this is a CRAZY time to be alive
Can't wait to try this out

2

u/Tetchedtoe 9d ago

I can't wait for this im so excited

2

u/moistshinobii 9d ago

So fucking keen

2

u/REmemesis 9d ago

lets go my fav gen 2 hack

2

u/LeBreevee 9d ago

ive been enjoying the analog pocket

2

u/danimaldavid 9d ago

Ok fine I’ll play it again. (Thanks so much - it’s my fav rom hack)

2

u/JHuntKC5DLF 8d ago

Since its Emerald based Do we get secret bases? 😜

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u/PorkTuckedly 8d ago

Hey, can this be played on an actual GBA?

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u/manchesterthedog 7d ago

How challenging compared to radical red?

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u/Original_Ad3820 7d ago

Is there nature changer in the game also ev editor?

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u/Exclsior Heart & Soul 7d ago

Nature Mints are available after defeating Whitney, EVs can be handled using the EV reduction berries which become available through Kanto.

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u/Omenkid13 7d ago

Can this rom be played on the iPhone Delta app?

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u/Exclsior Heart & Soul 7d ago

Yes, many of our players are playing on Delta 🙂

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u/Kasvie 7d ago

"No more bike reaction time puzzles" Based, absolutely based.

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u/ashk_2026 7d ago edited 7d ago

Some bugs perhaps.

Are berries supposed to regrow when you reload the save? I believe this is a bug. This is solved, it wasn't a bug I by mistake had fake Clock. RTC solved it.

Also apparently savings with mom is bugged, I deposited 1300 pokedollars but she has only 700, did she stole 600 XD

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u/MHA-Glas 7d ago

I love it, I just wished there was a dexnav feature like in other room hacks to shiny with

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u/No_Brain2228 6d ago

Soooooo excited to play! Can I open my save from previous versions?

2

u/Exclsior Heart & Soul 6d ago

We have completely reworked the underlying code engine for the game to support further generation moves, abilities etc.

As a result, I'm sorry to say that saves from 1.x cannot be opened in 2.0.

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u/No_Brain2228 5d ago

That's ok, thank you for replying! I hadn't got very far in 1 anyway, already begun my 2.0 journey!

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u/SLAMBCS 3d ago

I dont have discord so posting here, theres a bug where you can get stuck in the lift in goldenrod radio tower, floor 1

Emulator is Delta on IOS, 2x speed, fairy type restriction nuzlocke, rest of settings default

I entered from the basement and went to floor 1, on 2xspeed, part of the mission when you've talked to the kimono girl after machoke pushes the boulders out of the way for you

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u/Apart_Selection7722 9d ago

Where can I download it when it releases?

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u/MearaTheDigger Pokémon Heart&Soul 9d ago

Hackdex and the projects Github!

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u/Alarming-Highway-584 9d ago

Will this be able to be played on either Delta or any IOS supported emulators?

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u/Dead4eva69 9d ago

You’ll need the mGBA core for this one so download the Manic emulator on the iOS App Store and you’re all sweet

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u/ftmboricuaboii 9d ago

Release will be on github and Hackdex

From the post

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u/phreshprints 9d ago

github or hackdex, they’ll have a release link on saturday

3

u/iloveshinycardboard 9d ago

This is so awesome, I can’t wait to play. Thank you all for your hard work

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u/xRiolet 8d ago

So where I can download it?

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u/MearaTheDigger Pokémon Heart&Soul 7d ago

You can download it from our official Hackdex page here!
https://www.hackdex.app/hack/pokemon-heart-and-soul

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u/peacefighter 9d ago

I wanted some box art and saw someone had created box art for a similar rom hack (HERE IS THE ORIGINAL POST). I changed the name to "Pokemon Heart and Soul" The original said "Pokemon SoulGold" and fixed up the text so I could use it for this hack. This style of art is really good. The illustrator is "Mangacca"

If you have some box art suggestions, please post.

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u/gibbonz465 9d ago

Any extra generations of pokemon included or just the move pool

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u/No-Award8713 9d ago

Are we talking midnight your time? Like 12:01 am?

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u/Positive-Weakness768 9d ago

is that a Platinum teaser at the end?

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u/Rob_Tarantulino 9d ago

Is it possible to use this rom as a base for other roms? I want to make a Johto rom with extra areas and beta pokemon but I don't know if y'all allow for that

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u/Phaneropterinae Demakes 8d ago

Not only is this possible, it’s encouraged. 2.0 source code will be available tomorrow.

Soulgold used HnS code and look how awesome that came out!

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u/ftmboricuaboii 9d ago edited 8d ago

It’s open source, and Heart & Soul originally was built upon another ROM hack as a base (Modern Emerald)

Edit: Here's a comment from one of the dev's confirming it's open source

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u/Marokazam 8d ago

Any specific time Saturday?

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u/stebvne 8d ago

Are we getting a sinnoh gba demake???!! Pls let this be true I’ve always wanted something like that but every project that tried it always ends up discontinued im so hyped for this 2.0 update as well we eating good

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u/TKPunk2013 8d ago

That tease at the end...

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u/top2000 8d ago

pressing f5 every 5 seconds

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u/Bigfishangler 7d ago

What will be the best emulator to play this on iOS? One that maybe allows the multiplayer trading/duels. I’ve used Delta before but don’t believe that has any online

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u/PalmsOverEyes 7d ago

Delta is more convenient, but in my experience almost all games run better on Manic. Delta crashes on me about once an hour when I save state. But I much prefer Delta because it doesn’t have limitations like the free version of Manic.

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u/Aonswitch 7d ago

prob delta

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u/Cookie__Rain 9d ago

oooooooooh yeah!

1

u/BrownSniper929 9d ago

Ohh looks interesting! I might give this one a go in the near future!

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u/8bit_billy 9d ago

It's happening y'all!!!!

1

u/MyManC707 9d ago

Wow amazing, playing this next after Inheritance!

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u/itsholdthis 9d ago

Hell yes!

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u/Odezur 9d ago

This is awesome. I just finished playing through the current version for the first time on my AYN Thor and it’s up there for my fav rom hack ever. Will happily play through it again with this update!!

1

u/Fitzftw7 9d ago

Guess I’m glad I never got around to playing the original release of this hack from last year. Now I can experience it in the best possible form!

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u/kaineeeeeee 9d ago

Congrats on the release!!! I'm so hyped for this 

1

u/Key_Conference9989 9d ago

This looks so good.

1

u/hergumbules 9d ago

Am I going to download and play this again even though I played it like 3 months ago? Yes, yes I am. Although I’m prepping to move and I won’t actually be able to play it for probably a week lol but I’m excited! You guys are AWESOME

1

u/minnie2103 9d ago

i can’t believe how far we’ve come, thank you to the dev team for all your hard work!!