Mobile System GB

The Pokémon Mobile System GB (Japanese: ポケモンモバイルシステムＧＢ) is a system in the Japanese version of Pokémon Crystal through which the player can link up with others by connecting to a mobile phone. It was never implemented outside of Japan, likely due to the fact that cell phones were not as advanced or popular in other regions at the time.

In the Japanese version of Crystal, Goldenrod's Pokémon Center is replaced by a larger building called the Pokémon Communication Center, which includes the machine to use this feature. Another feature of the facility is the Pokémon News Machine, which compiles news from the save files of players across Japan. Reading the news would sent out a player's own save file data, allowing other trainers to read about the player's adventure.

The system had a special mobile event which allowed players to obtain the GS Ball. This item, given by a nurse in the Pokémon Communication Center in Goldenrod City, may be taken to Kurt in Azalea Town to investigate. After a day passes, taking the GS Ball to the shrine in Ilex Forest summons a level 30 Celebi to battle. Many Pokémon fans worldwide have used a GameShark to receive the GS Ball.

The Battle Tower near Olivine City also takes use of the Pokémon Mobile System in the Japanese version.

Closure

In May 2002, Nintendo announced that the service would be shut down on December 14 of the same year. As such, all mobile content services as well as newsletters were discontinued. However, it is still possible to use the system to link with friends.