The Japanese version of the game also utilized the capabilities of the Mobile System GB, a peripheral that allowed players to trade and battle over cell phones and a paid subscription service.

[2] The Japanese release of Pokémon Crystal supported the Mobile System GB, an adapter and paid online service connecting a Game Boy Color unit to cellular phones for wireless networking between devices.

[5][6] Journalists speculated reasons for this decision, including conflicts in international cell phone standards, and the lack of mobile infrastructure in other countries.

[7][8] Commenting from an American perspective, IGN noted that "billing and popularity of cellular phones are very different than in America, and (the Japanese) market is designed specifically for devices such as this.

Crystal features a greater role for legendary Pokémon, with the player awakening Suicune, Entei, and Raikou, and encountering them at various stages of the game.

Artist Ken Sugimori stated that Crystal was primarily developed to support Nintendo's launch of the Mobile System GB.

[12] Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi stated that "Pokémon, which incorporates elements of exchange and 'collection', would be the best way to get people to understand the new genre of games that use mobile phones.

[19] Critical reception to Pokémon Crystal upon release was generally positive, with reviewers praising the variety of additional features added to the game.

[25] Kelly Starr of Nintendo Gamer found "enough little differences" to make the game a "worthwhile addition," directing praise at the ability to play as a female trainer, the inclusion of location signs, and the enhanced animations.

[38] Chris Tapsell of Eurogamer praised Crystal as "the best Pokémon game" due to its "peerless artistry", the and "quaint, restricted painterly presentation" of its animations.

[40] Tomas Franzese of Dual Shockers notes that the game was important in establishing "multiple precedents" for the series and its future direction.

[45] This fatigue was reflected by contemporary critics who had predicted that Crystal arrived at a waning point of interest in the franchise.

[21][27][29] Judith wrote that whilst Ruby and Sapphire would reinforce the longevity of the series, the game was released in the context of the general public "seeing Pokémon merchandise fade from shelves" suggesting that "the Pokémania that had swept those last years of the 20th century was truly on its way out".

[45] Rhiannon Bevan of TechRaptor considered the game's additions were bold and laid the groundwork for what allowed the series to retain enduring popularity.