For the first time in North America and Europe, the GS Ball event is legitimately accessible without external hardware.

The original Link Cable requirements are replaced with 3DS wireless communication , allowing for Link Trades and Link Battles with other 3DS Virtual Console versions of Gold, Silver, and Crystal.

The first game where Pokémon have short animations when entering battle.

The X button can be used as a substitute for the Start button to open the menu, though Virtual Console "Restore Points" (save states) are notably not supported for this specific title to prevent cloning glitches. Core Game Features (Crystal Enhancements)

The on the 3DS Virtual Console (VC) is an enhanced port of the 2001 Game Boy Color classic. It introduced several features that became series staples and includes exclusive additions specifically for the 3DS release. 3DS Virtual Console Exclusive Features

Introduced Kris , the first female protagonist option in the series.

After defeating the Elite Four and the Champion, enter the Goldenrod City Pokémon Center and then attempt to leave. An NPC will give you the GS Ball.