By: Max Cannon
After a surprise announcement on May 6th, we got a Nintendo Direct spin-off called a Pokémon Direct early on May 7th. While gamers were hopeful for a port of last year's Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon from the Nintendo 3DS to the Switch, it seems like Nintendo had other plans for Pokémon on their newest console.
My favorite part of the Pokémon Direct.Courtesy of The Pokémon Company
Making the Switch from the Wii U
Pokkén Tournament was a Pokémon-based fighting game for the Wii U that'll be rereleasing on the Switch with Pokkén Tournament DX. Including all of the content from the original game, Pokkén Tournament DX will release with a handful of new features. Here's what Nintendo outlined for the new game.
Pokkén Tournament artwork for the new game.Courtesy of The Pokémon Company
- Play Pokkén anytime, anywhere on Nintendo Switch – Play Pokkén Tournament DX in TV mode, handheld mode, or share a Joy-Con controller with another Trainer to battle one-on-one in tabletop mode anywhere!
- A brand-new fighter – Decidueye enters the battle, alongside all previous Pokémon from the Wii U and arcade versions.
- New Support Pokémon – Litten and Popplio make their debut to lend their support in battle.
- Team Battle Mode – Pick three Pokémon and battle it out to be the first to defeat all your opponent’s Pokémon to win in the new Team Battle mode.
- Group Match Mode – Find similar [sic] skilled players in battle rooms for intense and fun battles online.
- Daily Challenges – Complete a variety of different daily challenges.
- Watch battle replays – Hone your skills by watching other players’ replays and share your best matches online with the new replay feature.
- Jump straight into battle - All characters and Support Pokémon will be available right from the start of the game.
If you're looking forward to getting the game you'll need to mark your calendars for September 22nd, 2017.
Pokkén Tournament DX, Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Pokémon Ultra Moon, coming 2017!
Re-Releases Returning to the 3DS
If you checked out the video above you'll notice the word "ultra" thrown in with Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. This special re-release of the games from last year will include new additions to the story, new features, and maybe even new Pokémon. Details are light but we can expect more information throughout the year before the game's release on November 17th, 2017.
Mysterious new Pokémon coming to the Ultra versions of Sun and Moon.Courtesy of The Pokémon Company
That's not the only Pokémon release to get a 3DS upgrade, we're also seeing the return of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver from the Game Boy Color -- which were the follow-ups to the original Red, Blue, and Green. The titles will be hitting the 3DS's Virtual Console and will be able to trade Pokémon wirelessly which substitutes the Game Boy's need for a link cable. Nintendo also announced the ability to use the Time Capsule feature with the games:
"These titles will be compatible with the Time Capsule function, which allows players to Link Trade Pokémon between the Virtual Console versions of Pokémon Gold or Pokémon Silver and the Virtual Console versions of Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, or Pokémon Yellow in Pokémon Centers within the games. Both titles will be compatible with Pokémon Bank."
Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver make their return on the Virtual Console!
Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver will launch for the 3DS's Virtual Console on September 22nd, 2017.
Have Your Say!
Are you excited with the new Pokémon news? Are you hoping for more Pokémon on the Switch? Share your thoughts below!
