Pokémon HGSS Game Corners: Voltorb Flip Guide + All Prizes

Collage of the different game corners in Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver

In Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver there are two Game Corners: one in Goldenrod City in Johto, and another in Celadon City in Kanto.

At these Game Corners you’ll be able to play one of two minigames: Voltorb Flip or Slots. Which minigame you have depends on if you have the Japanese or Western release of HG/SS.

But either way, the goal of these minigames is to earn coins, which you can then exchange for various prizes at the Game Corner Prize Counters.

Where Do You Find the Game Corners?

There are two Game Corners to be found in HeartGold and SoulSilver: one in Johto (Goldenrod) and one in Kanto (Celadon).

They’re relatively easy to spot, with each having a design similar to that of a casino.

Goldenrod City Game Corner

Outside the Goldenrod City Game Corner / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Outside the Goldenrod City Game Corner

The first Game Corner you’ll be able to visit will be in Goldenrod City, below the Magnet Train Station and above the Pokémon Center.

Note: You’ll need a Coin Case to play any of the minigames. You can get the Coin Case by speaking to Mr. Game in the Korean and Western releases of the games, or it’ll be in the Goldenrod Underground in the Japanese release.

Celadon City Game Corner

Outside the Celadon City Game Corner / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Outside the Celadon City Game Corner

The second Game Corner can only be visited after you defeat the Elite Four and gain access to the Kanto region.

This Kanto Game Corner is located in Celadon City, directly southwest of the Pokémon Center.

The Different Game Corner Games

In the Japanese release of HeartGold and SoulSilver, you’re able to play the Slots minigame that’s been in most of the preceding Pokémon games.

In the Korean and Western releases of HG/SS, the Slot machines (and the minigame that they initiate) have been replaced by the Voltorb Flip game.

We’ll explain both of these games in detail below — but before you can even play them, you’ll need the Coin Case key item.

Where Do You Find the Coin Case?

Before you can play the minigames at the Game Corners, you’ll first have to obtain the Coin Case key item.

For the Korean and Western releases of HG/SS, all you need to do is walk into a Game Corner, speak to Mr. Game (behind the game table at the center of the room) and he’ll give you the Coin Case.

For the Japanese release, the Coin Case can be picked up on the first level of the Goldenrod Underground.

How To Play Voltorb Flip

Playing Voltorb Flip / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Playing Voltorb Flip

Voltorb Flip Rules Explained

Voltorb Flip is a card game where you flip over cards that contain either a Voltorb, or a number from 1 to 3.

The goal is to flip over all the 2 & 3 cards on each baord, while avoiding all Voltorbs. If you flip a Voltorb, your game will end and you’ll lose all coins that you’ve collected during that game.

You need to try and flip numbers only.

The first number you flip will award you the corresponding amount of coins. Subsequent numbers that you flip will serve as multipliers for the coins you’ve collected. For example, if you start by flipping a 2, you’ll have earned 2 coins. If you then flip a 3, you’ll have earned 6 coins.

If you quit before flipping over a Voltorb, you’ll be awarded the coins that you’ve collected up to that point.

If you find all the 2 and 3 cards on the board, then you will have cleared the level. Then you’ll be able to move on to the next level up, where higher levels award more coins.

Note: You do not need to flip all the 1 cards to clear a level. So it’s often smart to strategize around which rows/columns likely have the higher-numbered cards.

Voltorb Flip Tips

Tip #1: Side-Card Assistance

The values on the side-cards give you an indication as to the amount of Voltorbs and numbers found in a given row or column.

Analysis of the side-cards / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Analysis of the side-cards

A larger numerical value would bode well, since this may be an indication that there are larger digits hidden in a given row or column.

Likewise, a row or column with many Voltorbs may prove risky.

It’s best to first flip all rows and columns that don’t contain a Voltorb, then move onto the other rows & columns with the least amount of Voltorbs.

Tip #2: Make Use of Memos

You can use Memos to keep track of cards you think might be a certain number, or to track cards that you think are a Voltorb.

Memos are a relatively simple feature of Voltorb Flip, but they can be invaluable in keeping track of your suspicions throughout the game.

To use the Memo feature, tap the “Open Memo” button on the top right (or press the X button).

Opening the Memos feature in Voltorb Flip / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Opening the Memos feature in Voltorb Flip

Once the Memo feature is active, you’ll need to select a card that you want to mark and then choose a mark to place on it. You can mark it with a Voltorb, or a number from 1 to 3.

Note: Placing a Memo onto a card does not flip it over. It’s just a way for you to keep track of the board.

Making use of Memos in Voltorb Flip / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Making use of Memos in Voltorb Flip

Memos on cards will be displayed by small yellow icons, even if you close the Memo feature. Additionally, multiple marks can be placed on a single card, and they can be removed in the same way they were placed on the card.

To return to Voltorb Flip and continue flipping cards, just exit the Memo feature by tapping “Close Memo” or tapping X.

Memos make it easier to possibly avoid a Voltorb, but remember that it’s still a game of chance.

There’s no sure way to win Voltorb Flip because it’s mostly just calculated guessing. But a bit of luck and a small amount of logical thinking will go a long way.

How To Play Slots (JP)

Playing Slots / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Playing Slots

The Basic Rules of Slots

The aim of Slots is to land on three identical images in a row, either diagonally or horizontally.

There are six different images you can match, and they each yield different amounts of coins when matched.

Image Coin Yield
100 Coins
15 Coins
10 Coins
2 Coins Per Apricorn
Free Slots

If you match three 7s or three Poké Balls, then a Bonus Round will be initiated where you’re expected to match up an image of one of the Johto starter Pokémon.

Slots Tips

Smeargle’s mood may affect Slots / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Smeargle’s mood may affect Slots

Smeargle’s moods have an impact on the Slots. They change based on how much you win or lose. And depending on the background color, Smeargle’s mood could make it easier for you to match certain images.

There are three different background colors to look for:

  • A green background is usual.
  • A red background makes it easier to match 7s and Poké Balls.
  • A blue background makes it easier to match Pikachu and Marill.

But just like Voltorb Flip, the Slots are mostly a game of luck.

Goldenrod City Game Corner Prizes

At the Goldenrod City Game Corner, you can speak to the gentlemen sitting at the top right corner of the room to redeem prizes.

The man on the left will offer you a choice of Pokémon for your coins, while the man on the right will offer you TMs and Items.

Inside the Goldenrod Game Corner (Western release) / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Inside the Goldenrod Game Corner (Western release)

Below is a table listing every possible prize you can get at the Goldenrod Game Corner, along with how many coins they all cost.

Goldenrod City Game Corner Prizes
Prize Cost Prize Type

Abra
200 Coins Pokémon

Ekans (HG)
700 Coins Pokémon

Sandshrew (SS)
700 Coins Pokémon

Dratini
2,100 Coins Pokémon

TM90 (Substitute)
2,000 Coins Technical Machine

TM44 (Rest)
6,000 Coins Technical Machine

TM13 (Ice Beam)
10,000 Coins Technical Machine

TM75 (Swords Dance)
4,000 Coins Technical Machine

TM35 (Flamethrower)
10,000 Coins Technical Machine

TM24 (Thunderbolt)
10,000 Coins Technical Machine

Silk Scarf
1,000 Coins Held Item

Wide Lens
1,000 Coins Held Item

Zoom Lens
1,000 Coins Held Item

Metronome
1,000 Coins Held Item

Celadon City Game Corner Prizes

Outside the Celadon City Game Corner / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Outside the Celadon City Game Corner

At the Celadon City Game Corner, you’ll need to go and exchange your coins in the small building right next to the Game Corner.

Once you’re inside, Pokémon are available on the window to the left, while TMs and Held Items can be obtained from the window to the right.

Celadon City Game Corner Prizes
Prize Cost Prize Type

Mr. Mime
3,333 Coins Pokémon

Eevee
6,666 Coins Pokémon

Porygon
9,999 Coins Pokémon

TM58 (Endure)
2,000 Coins Technical Machine

TM10 (Hidden Power)
6,000 Coins Technical Machine

TM74 (Gyro Ball)
10,000 Coins Technical Machine

TM32 (Double Team)
4,000 Coins Technical Machine

TM29 (Psychic)
10,000 Coins Technical Machine

TM68 (Giga Impact)
15,000 Coins Technical Machine

Silk Scarf
1,000 Coins Held Item

Wide Lens
1,000 Coins Held Item

Zoom Lens
1,000 Coins Held Item

Metronome
1,000 Coins Held Item

Shaun van Rensburg

13 articles

Shaun van Rensburg lives in South Africa and holds a BA in creative writing. He primarily writes fiction, but when he was a child, he wanted to be a cryptozoologist--hence his fondness for the monster-taming genre. Equine-inspired Pokémon are his favourite.

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