Editor’s Note
A new companion app, PKsinew, aims to enhance classic Pokémon games by enabling easier transfers and unlocking previously inaccessible events. While this offers nostalgic appeal, it raises questions about the preservation of original gameplay and the evolving nature of digital ownership.
Classic Pokémon games, including FireRed, LeafGreen, Ruby, and Sapphire, are receiving a brand-new companion app called PKsinew. The software not only makes it easy to transfer Pokémon from one game to another but can also unlock events that are otherwise no longer accessible.
While Nintendo is reportedly working on releasing Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, developer Sebastian Santabarbara has released an open-source app designed to add a range of practical features to third-generation Pokémon games.
The software, called PKsinew, can be opened at any time while playing Pokémon FireRed, LeafGreen, Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald by pressing the Start and Select buttons simultaneously. The app offers a series of practical features intended to make playing Pokémon classics more comfortable. This starts with a Pokédex that collects data across all games, making it more effective to complete.
The app provides additional data on Pokémon and allows them to be traded between games without needing multiple copies of a game and two Game Boys. Perhaps the most exciting feature is a PC system that allows up to 2,400 Pokémon to be stored in the app instead of in individual games. This allows Pokémon to be managed independently of games and save states and sent to the desired game when needed.
The app supplements Pokémon games with achievements. It is also possible to unlock event tickets that were distributed by Nintendo only for a limited time, for example, to catch Mew, without having to resort to cheat codes or mods.
PKsinew can be downloaded immediately via Github. Currently, the app only runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and requires a somewhat cumbersome setup, which is explained in the Github description.
