You’re standing in the middle of the Celadon City Game Corner. The lights are flashing. The music is chirpy and addictive. You want that Porygon, or maybe you're just after the TM for Thunderbolt because your Pikachu is struggling. But when you walk up to the counter or try to play the slots, the game shuts you down. "You don't have a Coin Case!"
It’s annoying.
Honestly, it's one of those classic Pokémon roadblocks that feels like a chore if you don't know exactly where to turn. In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, the Coin Case isn't just a random key item; it’s your ticket to some of the most powerful moves and rarest Pokémon in the Kanto region. Without it, you’re basically locked out of the best casino in the gaming world.
Tracking Down the Coin Case in Celadon City
Finding the coin case FireRed players need isn't actually that hard, but it's easy to walk right past the building if you're rushing to the Gym to fight Erika. You don't need to cut down any trees or surf across any oceans. You just need to find a specific restaurant.
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Exit the Game Corner and head south. Look for the row of buildings near the bottom of Celadon City. There’s a small, nondescript building that looks like a diner or a cafe. Inside, you’ll find a man sitting alone at a table in the top-left corner. He’s had a rough run at the slots. He’s grumpy. He’s broke.
Talk to him.
He’ll vent about his bad luck and then, out of sheer frustration or perhaps a fleeting moment of generosity, he’ll hand over his Coin Case. He doesn't want it anymore. He’s done with the gambling life. Now, it’s yours. That’s it. No side quests, no boss fights, just a simple conversation with a guy who’s lost his shirt at the slots.
Why the Game Corner Actually Matters
You might think, "Why bother?" Well, if you’re playing through FireRed properly, the Game Corner is arguably more important than half the shops in the game. You can’t just buy a Dratini in the wild easily until much later, and even then, it’s a pain. Here, it’s just a matter of coins.
The prizes change depending on which version you’re playing. In FireRed, you can snag a Scyther. If you’re on LeafGreen, it’s Pinsir. But the real gold is the TMs. Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, and Flamethrower are staples for any competitive or even casual playthrough. Getting these early can turn a mediocre team into a powerhouse.
Making the Most of Your New Case
Once you have that coin case FireRed provides, you have zero coins. You’re still broke. You can buy coins with your hard-earned Pokedollars—1,000 Yen for 50 coins—but that adds up fast. Most players prefer the "hidden" method.
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Go back into the Game Corner. Don't go to the machines yet. Walk around and press 'A' on the ground in front of the people playing. People are messy. They drop coins everywhere. You can usually find about 100 to 200 coins just by scavenging the floor like a digital beachcomber.
The Strategy (Or Lack Thereof)
Gambling in FireRed isn't exactly Ocean's Eleven. The slot machines have varying odds. Some machines are "hotter" than others, though this is often debated in the speedrunning and RNG-manipulation communities. Generally, if a machine isn't hitting, move to the next one.
The goal is the triple seven.
It’s a rush when it hits. The screen flashes, the music ramps up, and your Coin Case starts filling up. But let's be real: if you have the cash, buying the coins is almost always faster than playing the mini-game. If you’re grinding for a Porygon, which costs a staggering 9,999 coins in FireRed, you’re going to need a lot of patience or a very fat wallet.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
People often think they need a certain badge to get the Coin Case. You don't. You can walk into Celadon, grab the case, and start gambling before you even step foot in Erika’s gym.
Another weird myth is that the "luck" of your lead Pokémon affects the slots. It doesn't. This isn't Pokémon Gold or Silver where time of day or other factors might feel like they play a role. In the Kanto remakes, it’s a fairly straightforward pseudo-random number generator.
Some players also forget that the Coin Case has a limit. It caps out at 9,999 coins. If you’re lucky enough to hit a massive streak, make sure you go spend those coins before you keep playing. There is nothing worse than hitting a jackpot and realizing your case was already full.
Practical Steps for Your Playthrough
If you're currently staring at the Celadon City map, follow these steps to get moving:
- Locate the Restaurant: It’s south of the Game Corner, right next to the prize exchange building.
- Talk to the Gambler: He’s in the back. Just keep clicking through his dialogue.
- Scavenge the Floor: Before spending a dime, sweep the Game Corner floor for free coins.
- Check the Prizes: Walk into the building to the right of the Game Corner. Decide if you want a Pokémon or a TM. This dictates how much grinding you’ll actually need to do.
- Prioritize TMs: If you’re struggling with the mid-game, grab TM13 (Ice Beam) or TM24 (Thunderbolt). They are game-changers for the upcoming gyms and the Elite Four.
The Coin Case is a small item, but it represents the weird, adult-themed underbelly of the original Pokémon world. It’s a relic of a time when game developers didn't mind putting a functioning casino in a kid’s game. Grab it, get your TMs, and get back to the journey.