(Image from Pokemon Database)
Pokemon Sun and Moon launched yesterday to solid praise across the board. I myself am about an hour or so in to my adventures in the Alola region (playing Sun for those wondering. Also #TeamRowlet). The new games, which Nintendo has stated are the most preordered entries in the long-running series, improve upon the 3D of their predecessors, add new features, and of course new Pokemon that you’ll need to catch to be the very best (like no one ever was!).
Now that you’re singing the theme song, think back over the long 20-year history of the Pokemon series (and let it sink in that the first games came out 20 years ago in Japan). The catch’em all craze has been largely relegated to the handheld market, with a few non-main entries appearing on consoles along the way. Game Freak and Nintendo have maintained that this stance is due to the nature of the beasts. It’s in the name, Pokemon or Pocket Monsters. They’re meant to be brought with you, travelling companions on the road of life, arm-in-arm, you’ll win the fight, it’s always been your dream (I’ll stop now). With that in mind, the series have never made a full debut on a console since it wasn’t fitting with the theme.
Until now…
With the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch, the lines between mobile and home console gaming are being blurred. It has already been stated that a Pokemon game is in development for the Switch’s launch window (roughly within 6 months of release) but no further details were offered. Well, according to several sources that spoke to Eurogamer, that entry could potentially be the third entry to the Sun/Moon lineup. Rumored to be Pokemon Stars, the title would be the first full-fledged entry on a home console to date. The sources that spoke with Eurogamer claimed that the entry has been pushed back from that launch window slightly but will feature enhanced visuals, potentially new Pokemon, and the ability to transfer your Pokemon from Sun/Moon through the Pokemon Bank app.
It makes sense as well, because the formula to release a third game to fill out a generation has been observed for each generation from the inception up through Diamond/Pearl/Platinum. Black/White received sequels in the form of Black 2/White 2, a first for the series, and X/Y bucked the trend, though a Pokemon Z was long-rumored. Pokemon Stars finishing out the Sun/Moon lineup falls in line with this trend and would be a welcome addition to the Pokemon family.
This would also be a smart move on Nintendo’s part. Fans have been clamoring for a console entry to the series for years now and if it sells well, they may even make one from the ground up for the Switch (still holding my breath for a Pokemon MMO, at some point). Further to that point, I think a main series entry would be a great selling point for the Switch, especially come holiday season next year. The mobile/console hybrid is the perfect proving ground for a Pokemon game to make its way out of a strictly handheld market. What other features could be brought to bear on the new system remain to be seen, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some Pokemon to catch.