After plenty of online speculation around whether it would actually happen, The Pokémon Company has released a statement about "another company's game" released in January 2024. And we can say what we're all thinking: Palworld.

Though the company doesn't name Palworld or Pocketpair outright, the assumption is that's what this statement is about, unless Prince of Persia has a super-secret stage I don't know about. But the statement says The Pokémon Company has received "many inquiries" regarding another company's game released in January 2024, and TPC says it intends to "investigate and take appropriate measures" to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property (IP) rights related to Pokémon.

"We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future," the company signs off.

I'm not your Pal, buddy

After what's felt like ages, in Internet time, of speculation over whether The Pokémon Company would take notice and do anything about the similarities between the Pals of Palworld and its own pocket monsters, this is at least a firm declaration that the company is paying attention.

I can't really speak to any legality for or against here, I just write the video game blogs. But I'd have to imagine that certain efforts like the Pokémon mod for Palworld didn't do much to douse the fuse on this powder keg.

We'll see now if Pocketpair makes any response, even though they weren't explicitly named. In a recent interview with Automaton, Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe said: "We make our games very seriously, and we have absolutely no intention of infringing upon the intellectual property of other companies."

Other than that, we'll just have to wait and see whether TPC's investigation results in them taking any action. I used to think I'd always look back on the Microsoft/Activision Blizzard announcement as the most stunning start-of-year declaration, but now the War of the Monsters might give it a run for its money.

The post The Pokémon Company issues statement on ‘another company’s game’, a.k.a. Palworld appeared first on Destructoid.

After initially planning to launch the series in late February, the premiere date of Pokémon Horizons on Netflix has been pushed back a couple of weeks. The next iteration of the anime series will now launch the first week of March in the United States.

No reason was given for the nearly two-week delay, but the Pokémon Company did drop a new trailer to help make the wait a bit less painful.

Pokémon Horizons: The Series now begins streaming on March 7

Netflix confirmed that the new premiere date for Pokémon Horizons in the U.S. is Thursday, March 7. It's only a 13-day delay, but still a delay nonetheless. Eager fans ready to continue on with the anime series will have to wait a wee bit longer.

As for the new Pokémon Horizons trailer, it's really just more of what we've already seen. We're teased with the new lead duo of Liko and Roy in the Kanto region. There are mysterious pendants, new friends and foes, and of course, fresh Pokémon to catch.

We'll journey along with you when Pokémon Horizons: The Series begins streaming March 7.

The post Pokémon Horizons: The Series U.S. premiere pushed back to March 7 appeared first on Destructoid.

The Pokemon Company has revealed one of its first sets for 2024. The Scarlet & Violet - Paldean Fates set arrives on January 26, and it shines a spotlight on the Shinies of the Pokemon world.

According to The Pokemon Company, the upcoming set will feature over a hundred Shiny Pokemon, including Pikachu, Tinkaton, Ceruledge, and Dondozo. You'll also get a chance to score Shiny Pokemon in their Tera form, such as Charizard, Forretress, and Espathra.

It's a relatively large set that will feature over 240 cards, including six hyper-rare Pokemon ex cards. You can also hope to find Ancient and Future Paradox Pokemon such as Great Tusk and Iron Treads, as well as eight special illustration rare cards featuring Shiny Pokemon ex or Supporter cards.

The hunt for Shiny Pokemon begins!

The following Paldean Fates products have been announced:

Available January 26

• Scarlet & Violet—Paldean Fates Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box: It contains 11 Booster Packs, two copies of an illustration rare-style promo card featuring Mimikyu, and all the other goodies you typically get with Elite Trainer Boxes
• Scarlet & Violet—Paldean Fates Elite Trainer Box: The box contains nine Booster Packs, one Shiny illustration rare promo card featuring Mimikyu, and all the regular Elite Trainer Box gameplay items.
• Scarlet & Violet—Paldean Fates Tech Sticker Collection: The product features three Booster Packs, one Shiny promo card featuring Fidough, Maschiff, or Greavard, and one large sticker.

Available February 9

• Scarlet & Violet—Paldean Fates Mini Tin: You'll get two Booster Packs, one sticker sheet, and one art card featuring Maushold, Smoliv, Tinkatink, Finizen or Flamigo.
• Scarlet & Violet—Paldean Fates Tin: It contains four Booster packs and one Shiny Pokemon ex promo card featuring Tera Charizard ex, Great Tusk ex, or Iron Treads ex.
• Scarlet & Violet—Paldean Fates Premium Collection: You'll score eight Booster Packs, two Shiny promo cards, one Shiny Pokemon ex promo card featuring Meowscarada ex, Skeledirge ex or Quaquaval ex, one oversized Shiny Pokemon ex card, and one three-card display.

Available Feburary 23

• Scarlet & Violet—Paldean Fates Booster Bundle: It features six Booster Packs.

Thanks to the copious amount of Shiny cards in the set, collecting them will be much easier than it is in the franchise video games where you have to rely on tools such as Shiny Charms to help make the odds a little better.

As you look toward next year, don't forget that there are still plenty of Pokemon TCG products you can pick up this year. This includes the recently released Paradox Rift set.

The post Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet – Paldean Fates arrives January 2024 appeared first on Destructoid.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that a stop-motion animated Pokemon series is in the works. We've gotten our first trailer and it's outrageously cute.

The Pokemon Company has partnered with Netflix to produce Pokemon Concierge. The series follows a girl named Haru (voiced by Karen Fukuhara) who begins work at a tropical Pokemon Resort. She quickly discovers just how peaceful the resort can be but it's not all relaxing, as she also has to ensure the Pokemon have a good time.

The stop-motion is being done by Dwarf Animation which also handles My Dad the Bounty Hunter. All the Pokemon look criminally cuddly with their felt skin and adorable cries. The trailer features a catchy theme song by Mariya Takeuchi, and it gives the impression that we'll be in for a tranquil but action-packed adventure.

Haru will meet Tyler, Alisa, and Watanabe during her time at the Pokemon Resort. The original animated series has been running since 1997, so you aren't alone if you've had more than enough of it. This unique spin-off could be a great way to get old fans interested in the Pokemon world again.

The series has four episodes that are 14-20 minutes each. It hits Netflix on December 28.

The post Pokémon Concierge gets a gorgeous trailer appeared first on Destructoid.

The second half of the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC is officially on the schedule. The Pokémon Company announced that you can catch the Indigo Disk when it's released on December 14.

The latter half of The Hidden Treasures of Area Zero DLC will be arriving for Nintendo Switch systems on December 14, 2023. The Indigo Disk takes players to a much different biome of sorts: the Blueberry Academy, an advanced school located in the middle of the ocean.

We've seen a good deal of info about Indigo Disk already, including its battle-focused structure and open area. The Pokémon Company revealed in August that all of the mainline Pokémon series' starters would be in the new zone. However, it wasn't clear if that included Quaxly, Sprigatito, and Fuecoco of Scarlet and Violet.

The first half of The Hidden Treasures of Area Zero, The Teal Mask, arrived for Switch players in September. Our review essentially described the new content as more of the same. There was a new location introduced (Kitakami) in the DLC which offered a campaign of four or five hours. There were additional side quests, a handful of new Pokémon, new outfits, and a few other extras. But no real corrections were made to the core issues that plagued this Pokémon generation since launch.

We'll see how the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet The Indigo Disk fares when it arrives in December.

The post Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Indigo Disk DLC dated for December appeared first on Destructoid.

Detective Pikachu Returns, the sequel to the 2016 Nintendo 3DS game, launches on October 6. It's a spin-off Pokemon title featuring a mystery-solving Pikachu and his friend Tim Goodman who lives in Ryme City.

With the release date just around the corner, Nintendo is celebrating by offering Detective Pikachu Returns icon elements. These can then be used to create custom user icons. The icon elements will come in waves, and first wave started yesterday and will run until October 5 at 5:59 PM PT. You can expect the next waves at the following times:

• Wave 2: October 5 at 6:00 PM PT - October 12 at 5:59 PM PT
• Wave 3: October 12 at 6:00 PM PT - October 19 at 5:59 PM PT
• Wave 4: October 19 at 6:00 PM PT - October 26 at 5:59 PM PT

You'll find the rewards by turning on your Switch and heading to the Nintendo Switch Online icon. At this point, it's worth mentioning that you have to be subscribed to the service to redeem the rewards. Scroll to the "Missions & Rewards" tab and you'll find the various icon elements there.

You won't have to pay for these icon elements, but they aren't free either. Images cost 10 Platinum Points, while backgrounds and frames cost 5 Platinum Points. You earn Platinum Points by completing My Nintendo missions, which you can find here.

A spin-off with gameplay that deviates from mainline Pokemon titles may be what the franchise needs right now, as the latest DLC for Scarlet and Violet has failed to leave much of an impression on critics.

The post Grab your Detective Pikachu Returns rewards ahead of the game’s launch appeared first on Destructoid.

Pokemon has always inspired fan art, whether it be recreations of beloved creatures, or new dreamed-up critters and evolutions. The Pokemon Company is celebrating all the beautiful art fans create by bringing back the Pokemon TCG Illustration Contest. This year, the theme is "Magical Pokemon Moments."

To join, you'll have to illustrate a Pokemon enjoying its day, or in a cool pose. The competition runs from October 12, 2023, at 06:00 a.m. PDT to January 31, 2024, at 5:59 a.m. PST. There are over a thousand Pokemon, but the competition has limited entrants to the following creatures:

• Absol
• Bidoof
• Charizard
• Eevee
• Feraligatr
• Flygon
• Koraidon
• Melmetal
• Pikachu
• Toxtricity (Amped Form)

Pokemon TCG Illustration Contest 2024 will allow more fans to enter

The 2022 Pokemon TCG contest was open to the United States and Japan. This year, it has expanded to include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There are big prizes available for artists who manage to win.

• Grand prize winner - $5000 cash prize
• One Best Standard Card Illustration - $3,000 cash prize
• One Best ex Card Illustration - $3,000 cash prize
• Six First Place Runner Ups - $1,000 cash prize
• 15 Judge’s Awards - $500 cash prize

The winner of 2022's contest featured Arcanine with a Fletchling resting on it, and the first runner-up featured Greninja in a thinking pose. This year's contestants have a high bar to surpass if they want to outdo their predecessors.

The post Show off your skills in the 2024 Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest appeared first on Destructoid.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will soon be receiving DLC called The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero to expand the main game. The first half of the DLC is titled The Teal Mask, and it is set to release on September 13 while the second half, titled The Indigo Disk, will be available in Winter.

In the lead-up to the launch of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, a trailer has been released that teases a 19thTera Type. Not much has been revealed about it, though it has the potential to shake up Pokemon battles.

[caption id="attachment_396558" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Game Freak.[/caption]

Lots to discover in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero

All we know so far is that the symbol for the new Tera Type is rainbow-colored and features six pentagons surrounding a hexagon. As it currently stands, Terastallizing a Pokemon strengthens moves of the same type. Though it is unclear how the 19th Tera Type works, it does appear that it may be related to the new Pokemon Terapagos, which also has a hexagon surrounded by pentagons on its shell.

https://youtu.be/0VLPfiX5VJU

The latest trailer primarily focuses on The Indigo Disk. Taking advantage of nostalgia, the upcoming DLC will feature several past Starters, with critters such as Froakie, Piplup, Totodile, and Bulbasaur making an appearance, to name a few. A couple of new Pokemon moves are also showcased in the trailer. Gardevior is seen using Psychic Noise, a harsh attack that deals damage while preventing the target from healing, while Hariyama is seen using Upper Hand which allows it to strike before a target's priority move.

Two new Paradox Pokemon and their moves are also showcased. The giraffe-necked Pokemon named Raging Bolt is based on Raikou, and it can learn a new Electric-type move called Thunderclap. Iron Crown is a Paradox Pokemon based on Cobalion, and it learns a new move called Tachyon Cutter which is guaranteed to strike twice in a row.

There's more Pokemon on the way beyond the generational DLC

In addition to The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, fans have a few more Pokemon events to look forward to this year. Detective Pikachu Returns launches on October 6, while the animated web series Pokemon: Paldean Winds will debut on September 6.

The post Pokémon teases vague 19th Tera Type for Scarlet and Violet appeared first on Destructoid.

During the August 8 Pokemon Presents events, there were a few noteworthy announcements and reveals. A new Pokemon animated series called Path to the Peak received some of the spotlight, and the first episode was released on August 11.

The series tells the tale of a girl named Ava who finds it difficult to fit in after moving to a new town. Although she gets off to a rocky start, she is quickly able to make friends through the shared hobby of playing Pokemon TCG. Although Path to the Peak isn't a must-watch kind of series, it is a great treat for fans.

[caption id="attachment_396512" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via The Pokemon Company.[/caption]

Ava and the Pokemon TCG Club

The social aspects of Pokemon are one of the reasons the franchise found monumental success. By allowing and encouraging players to trade creatures and compete, a vibrant global community has formed. This element of the franchise is reflected in Path to the Peak, though it is focused on card collecting.

Like most kids who find themselves in a new town, Ava struggles to fit in. In the first episode, we discover how she finds a strange Pikachu origami that leads her to a Pokemon TCG club. At first, she is quickly trounced, but after learning a few tips from her dead, she is able to come out victorious and become a member of the Pokemon club. It seems her greatest battle is still to come because the episode ends with her catching the attention of Celestine, the best player in the school.

The cartoon comes at just the right time, as it has been quite an eventful year for Pokemon TCG. This year, the Scarlet and Violet generation of Pokemon TCG kicked off, and the Obsidian Flames set was released on August 11. Fans can also look forward to the Pokemon 151 set that will celebrate the original Kanto creatures.

The post Pokémon: Path to the Peak (the TCG cartoon) Episode 1 is out appeared first on Destructoid.

During the August 8 Pokemon Presents, The Pokemon Company announced two classic Pokemon titles are coming to Nintendo Switch Online. First up is the Pokemon Trading Card Game which came out on Gameboy Color in 1998. The second is Pokemon Stadium 2 which hit N64 in 2000.

Both titles are coming to the Nintendo Switch Online service today, August 8. While it appears Pokemon TCG will be available on the base NSO service, Pokemon Stadium 2 requires the Expansion Pack.

While Pokemon TCG certainly isn't one of the traditional Pokemon games like Red, Blue, Yellow, etc., it's still fantastic. In fact, I remember playing it after those titles and thinking it was such a unique take on Pokemon. Instead of choosing a Pokemon at the start, players choose from one of three different TCG decks and begin their adventure to become the world's greatest TCG player. Similar to traditional games, you head out to defeat the eight Club Masters and earn their Medals, comparable to Badges.

Pokemon Stadium 2 is a sequel to the original which is actually the first time we saw Generation II Pokemon in full 3D. Back in 2000, the popular sequel was also the only Pokemon title to use the N64 Expansion Pak. In Pokemon Stadium 2, players focused more on Pokemon battles rather than catching them all.

Overall these are two great Pokemon titles being added to the service. Hopefully, this will also pave the way for the more traditional Pokemon GBC titles to come later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QiLe4pTHAE

The post Pokemon TCG and Pokemon Stadium 2 coming to Nintendo Switch Online appeared first on Destructoid.

You can even Mega Evolve into Mega Mewtwo X

Pokemon Unite is celebrating its two-year Anniversary with the release of the Legendary Pokemon Mewtwo.

The mysterious Pokemon will have two different Unite licenses, Unite License X: Mewtwo and Unite License Y: Mewtwo. The former will focus on melee attacks and one-on-one combat while the latter is all about ranged attacks and mobility. A license for Mega Mewtwo X is available now, as part of the Crystal Cave Challenge event that is currently taking place. The license for Mega Mewtwo Y will arrive in mid-august.

Players can fill Mewtwo's Mega gauge via basic attacks and moves. Once the gauge fills up, Mewtwo can Mega Evolve into Mega Mewtwo, gaining new attacks and increased stats before changing back into his normal form.

Mewtwo will join Zacian as the only Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon Unite. (Mew is in the game, but falls under the Mythical classification.) The Pokemon Company reiterated they plan to continue gradually increasing the number of Legendary Pokemon in Unite.

[caption id="attachment_392941" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via The Pokemon Company[/caption]

New battle type & Battle Pass 17

A new type of battle is also coming to Pokemon Unite as part of the Anniversary event. Panic Parade ditches the standard 5v5 battle format and tasks players with working together to protect Tinkaton from a horde of panicking Pokemon.

Battle Pass 17 is also live now and will run from July 21 until September 11. The primary rewards from the pass are Captain Style: Greeden and Captain Style: Zacian Holowear. There are also some Captain Set Trainer fashion items you can acquire from this season's pass.

The new ranked match season is also underway and will run through September 11. Players can also predict the top teams for the Pokemon World Championships 2023 and win some cool rewards for doing so.

The post A wild Mewtwo appears in Pokemon Unite appeared first on Destructoid.

The revised digital Pokémon card game sets a launch date

The Pokemon Company has locked in a full launch date for its new digital card game platform. Pokemon TCG Live will fully launch on June 8 for both PC and mobile, with TCG Online sunsetting as part of the process.

This new app is The Pokemon Company's updated way to play the Pokemon Trading Card Game online. Announced back in 2021, the app has been in open beta for a little while now and is finally setting a full launch date.

Pokemon TCG Live can be picked up through the App Store, Google Play Store, or the TCG website for their respective platforms. The company is also hosting a celebration ahead of next expansion's launch. Paldea Evolved will be playable starting on June 8 in TCG Live, but players who log in between May 2 and June 6 will get some special accessories and cosmetics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ooBE5AQODY

This also means the original Pokemon Trading Card Game Online app will be removed from mobile and PC on June 5, at 9 a.m. PT. Accounts use the same Trainer club account log-in, and you can read up on how to migrate those over here.

The heart of the cards

As someone who already collects Pokemon cards but doesn't really play the actual competitive card game (I just like the cool art, okay), this update feels a little targeted at me. I've only played a little bit of TCG Live, but it's definitely a visual upgrade, and there are systems in place to encourage learning.

I'm still hungry for the days of the Pokemon Trading Card Game on the Game Boy, which Arceus willing, will hit Nintendo Switch Online at some point. But hey, maybe I'll run a bunch of code cards through the TCG Live service and see if I can rekindle the card game flame.

The post Pokémon TCG Live officially launches in June appeared first on Destructoid.

Are you ready?

Pokemon's ninth generation has taken gamers to Paldea, a region bursting with adventures to embark on and treasures to find. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet differ from prior titles as they offer more freedom than ever; allowing players to complete three separate storylines in whatever order they please. The upcoming DLC, titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, will expand the Pokemon journey with new creatures, locations, and mysteries to unravel.

Thus far, gamers have only received a brief trailer of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, but it has already sparked plenty of excitement and anticipation. There is still a bit of a wait ahead, as the first half of the DLC only launches in Spring this year. However, there is plenty you can do in preparation for upcoming adventures.

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Buying Guide

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero will be released in two parts. The first half, titled The Teal Mask, is set to release in Spring 2023. In it, players will go on a school trip to Kitakami, which is a region that seems to be heavily inspired by Japan. New Pokemon revealed from the region include Ogerpon, as well as the trio Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti. The second half, titled The Indigo Disk, launches in Winter 2023. It will have gamers traveling to Blueberry Academy as exchange students.

A lot less is known about The Indigo Disk, though Game Freak will surely share more information as the release date draws nearer. Though the two halves will be released separately, they will tell a single, continuous story.

[caption id="attachment_371500" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

Players can pre-order The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero bundle which contains both halves of the DLC, or they can purchase each half separately. However, it should be noted that there are two versions available - one for Pokemon Scarlet, and one for Pokemon Violet. Gamers should ensure they purchase the version that is compatible with the copy they own. Alternatively, for gamers who have yet to experience Paldea, bundles containing Pokemon Scarlet or Violet, and the upcoming DLC, are available on the Nintendo eShop.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Post-Game Content

In preparation for The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, it would be best to address all unfinished business in Paldea. Scarlet and Violet pack a surprising amount of post-game content, with some of it granting great rewards. The first thing to do would be to revisit all the Pokemon Gyms and battle the Gym Leaders once again, though players should be warned that their teams will be much stronger this time around. The Team Star bosses are down for a rematch, though players can only battle one boss a day, and there is no Starmobile mechanic.

There is also the Academy Ace Tournament, which has players taking on various characters in tough battles. It is also useful to speak to all the teachers, especially Ms. Raifort, as she will talk about the Treasures of Ruin, which will make four shrines visible on the map. Each shrine has eight Ominous Stakes of the same color scattered across the map, and if players can find them, they will gain the chance to battle and catch one of the four Treasures of Ruin legendary Pokemon.

[caption id="attachment_371501" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

Lastly, players can do what all Pokemon games have asked them to do and catch 'em all. After completing the Pokedex, biology professor Jacq will reward players with a Shiny Charm which increases the odds of encountering a Shiny Pokemon in the wild. Typically, there's a 1 in 4,096 chance of coming across a Shiny Pokemon, but with a charm, the odds are doubled to 1 in 2,048, making it a worthwhile reward for players obsessed with crafting their dream team.

Bonus: Play Pokemon X and Y

Pokemon X and Y are noteworthy entries in the franchise. In addition to being the first titles released on the 3DS, they also never received a third title, which has been the typical release pattern for many generations. This left X and Y feeling incomplete, and it has also fueled recurring rumors that Game Freak will revisit Kalos one day. With Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, these rumors received more fueled, as it appears some clues link Paldea to Kalos.

Most notably, at the center of the map lies Area Zero, initialized as AZ, which happens to be the name of a central character in X and Y. Furthermore, with Paldea being inspired by Spain, it would make sense if Blueberry Academy, the sister school in The Indigo Disk, is set in a neighboring country, perhaps one inspired by France? Regardless of whether Scarlet and Violet's DLC takes a trip to Kalos, it's always worth it to revisit the often-neglected titles, especially in the wake of the closure of the 3DS eShop.

[caption id="attachment_371502" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

Despite breaking sales records for the franchise, Scarlet and Violet had a rocky launch, as the games were scourged with technical issues and graphical glitches. Updates have addressed some of the problems, though it did make for a disappointing launch experience. With the right content, the DLC could be the best way to make it up to fans.

The post Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: How to Prepare for The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC appeared first on Destructoid.

A look at who's taking up Ash's mantle

The next step in the Pokemon animated series is on its way. With the latest trailer, we're getting a look at the new series leads that are taking up the mantle.

Liko and Roy look like our two new leads, each with a mysterious new artifact. Liko carries a strange pendant, while Roy has an oddly designed PokeBall. I imagine the series will probably highlight their search to uncover the meaning behind both of them.

We also have Friede and my personal new favorite character, Captain Pikachu. If you were worried that Ash's impending retirement would mean less Pikachu, that does not seem to be the case. We even get a Pikachu with a cool hat!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAav4UAT7zk

Paldean starters Fuecoco, Sprigatito, and Quaxley all make an appearance here too; it looks like Sprigatito is Liko's Pokemon, while Roy has Fuecoco. Also spied in today's trailer: Fride on a Charizard, a Cerueledge, and an Oshawott just hanging out in the background of one shot. Rad!

Setting off on a new journey

Following after Ash's big championship win, this new series will see the longtime protagonist hang up his hat and let a new batch of eternally-young Trainers take the lead. It's a pretty big step, considering how Ash has been at the center of the Pokemon animated series for quite a long time.

It leaves a lot of weight on this special to deliver, but I'm keen to see how the show evolves with Liko and Roy in the lead. The new series premieres in Japan on April 14 with an hour-long special.

Meanwhile, if you're keen for more in the world of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, there's plenty on the way this year. The Pokemon Company recently confirmed two pieces of DLC are scheduled for this year, with one arriving in the fall and the second arriving winter 2023.

The post Latest Pokemon animated series trailer spotlights its new leads appeared first on Destructoid.

Pokemon 2023 hopes and dreams

Welcome back! It’s time for a new episode of the Spot Dodge Podcast exclusively on Destructoid. Topics: Tonight we’ll be talking all about the upcoming Pokemon Presents. Along with that, a war still wages between Sony and Microsoft regarding acquiring Activision-Blizzard. A deal that will have huge ramifications across the industry, even for Nintendo. As Microsoft has signed an agreement with Nintendo to release Call of Duty and other "Xbox games" on Nintendo platforms. So much to talk about!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G44xNUznQS4&ab_channel=Destructoid

There's a high chance we get our first look at the next major Pokemon game during this week's Pokemon Presents. One area I really hope the following games are improved in is the performance. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are still riddled with bugs and performance issues which is a shame, as they're great games to their core. Lastly, Pokemon titles are sorely missing from the latest Nintendo Switch Online announcement regarding Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games coming to the service. Tonight on Spot Dodge we'll talk all about Pokemon in 2023.

Spot Dodge is a weekly Nintendo-focused Podcast here at Destructoid where we dedicate an hour or two to go over the latest Nintendo news and discuss the games we’re playing. If you’re a fan of Nintendo Switch, RPGs, or having a good time, Spot Dodge will be a great addition to your podcast rotation. So be sure to subscribe!

Spot Dodge is streaming live every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET on Twitch channel. ICYMI: We now have a dedicated Spot Dodge YouTube channel for our archived streams! All future episodes will be uploaded there.

Afterward, the show will be available on-demand for audio listeners via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. The live video version will remain on Twitch until  (don’t forget to follow and subscribe). So many options!

The post What we want from Pokemon in 2023 appeared first on Destructoid.

Some Pokemon news is on the way

We're getting an update on what's in store for the Pokemon franchise next week. A new Pokemon Presents stream has been scheduled for Feb. 27, airing at 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT.

The show will stream on the Pokemon YouTube channel starting at 6 a.m. PT, and will run for roughly 20 minutes.

https://twitter.com/Pokemon/status/1628032454295531522

The stream will spotlight "about 20 minutes of exciting Pokemon news," as part of the Pokemon Day 2023 celebration.

Gotta catch 'em all

Speculation on what could be in this Pokemon Presents is easy to center on the most recent entry, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Any potential DLC for the latest Pokemon generation would be interesting to see, and there are a lot of places the series could go after the events and ending of Scarlet and Violet.

A hint of what's ahead could be interesting, though the Pokemon team has been hard at work tuning up Scarlet and Violet after it launched with a number of technical issues.

Still, there are many other places The Pokemon Company could go for additional announcements and reveals. A new spin-off or follow-up to a cult-classic is always a welcome surprise, especially with some of the recent ones the company has put together. Is it too much to hope for Pokemon Conquest to make a comeback?

Add in potential updates to live-service titles like Pokemon Unite, and there's a lot the stream could hold for February 27. No matter what, I'm interested to see what the future holds for Pokemon. Last year was very Poke-heavy, as we got two big entries in the series. And with next week's stream, we might get to see what the road looks like beyond the launch of Scarlet and Violet.

Tune in for the stream on February 27 at 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT on the Pokemon YouTube channel here.

The post A new Pokemon Presents is on the way for February 27 appeared first on Destructoid.

A new band of Pokémon adventurers arrives

With the start of a new Pokemon generation comes a new stage in the long-running animated series. And it looks like this time, Ash and Pikachu won't be setting out for the new region full of Pokemon.

A new trailer today shows what's next for the animated Pokemon series. It starts by confirming that the final episodes of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series will air over the coming days, specifically the "final chapter" in Ash and Pikachu's story. Looks like a lot of familiar faces will be turning up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_VMGv2kKEI

Then, at the end of the trailer, we see some of the Paldea region Pokemon from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. After a tease of Fuecoco, Quaxley, and Sprigatito, we see the splash art for who we can assume will be the new protagonist of the Pokemon animated series.

The trailer description says that viewers will join two new heroes and the three Paldea starter Pokemon, on a journey through the exciting world of Pokemon. No names for the duo yet.

The champion still remains

Ash and Pikachu recently made real-world headlines by finally winning the Pokemon World Championship in the animated series, cementing Ash's place as one of the best. Now, it seems like our intrepid and forever-young protagonist is going to set his sights elsewhere, as we pass the torch to a new band of Trainers.

It is bittersweet to see. I certainly haven't followed the animated series closely in some time. But the Pokemon series featuring Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Misty was always on the television as I was growing up. Seeing Ash finally hang up his hat, so to speak, is a big change but probably as overdue as his championship win.

This might get to me tune in for some of the new episodes too, as Paldea is a really cool region with some fascinating history that players dig into near the end of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Here's hoping Ash and Pikachu still pop in for a cameo now and then.

The post The Pokémon animated series is sending off Ash and Pikachu appeared first on Destructoid.

Choices were made.

_{[Everyone welcome Sam Arthurs to Destructoid! As you may have noticed, we put out a call for freelancers recently, and Sam answered that call. They have experience writing for several websites, including Gameranx, and they love creepy indie horror games and creepy Metroidvanias, which in fact rule - Chris Carter.]}

Now that we've all been down a Pokémon rabbit hole for over a week, it's natural to contemplate the important questions. Who is the cutest pocket monster of all time? While coming up with this list, I thought long and hard about how to best answer this impossible question, and I landed on writing about the objectively cute versus my own odd sense of cuteness.

For example, I think scrawny little Salandit has a shifty look about him, and I just want to put him in my pocket. Not everyone would rank him as highly as I would though. Instead, here are 10 Pokémon that I think most of us can agree are adorable.

#10 Cubone

Cubone makes the list for being such a sad baby. It seems so hardcore at first, wearing its mother's skull as a helmet and wielding a bone as a weapon. But it's also quick to burst into tears and is considered the "lonely Pokémon." If that doesn't make you just want to hug it, then I don't know what will.

#9 Pikachu

Pikachu is a star for a reason. This lightning mouse looks cuddly, definitely has a sense of humor, and runs on the cutest little feet. There's also something so special about a wide-eyed, squishy teddy bear with boundaries. Try to hug a Pikachu before it's ready, and you will regret it.

#8 Rockruff

Rockruff is a fluffy rock puppy who just wants to play. The way it prances as it walks makes you feel happy that it is happy.  With its folded ears and fluffy tail, it looks sweet and gentle, but Rockruff shows off its scrappy side with a habit of biting and playing rock chicken. It throws the rocks around its neck at the ground and attacks if its opponent flinches. What a good boi!

#7 Dratini

Dratini is a water noodle with big eyes and winglike fins on the side of its head. It's shy, often running away when you try to capture it, and it has an adorable coo-ing sound. It sleeps curled up in a small ball on the shore. I rest my case.

#6 Rowlet

Rowlet looks very polite with its leaf bowtie. It is a very good listener, turning to face its trainer while waiting on commands. Rowlet is sleepy during the day, but it finds tight, dark spaces comforting. Don't be surprised if you find one nesting in your bag.

#5 Bidoof

Okay, fine. Bidoof is basically just a cutesy beaver. It is only a foot tall and lives by the water where it constantly gnaws on wood to keep its teeth from growing too long. However, it is in the category of "plump mouse" in the Pokedex, and I can't handle how cute that is. Its abilities are "Simple" and "Unaware," and then you look at this image of a round-faced, bucktoothed, fluffy groundhog with small webbed feet. Bidoof is perfect.

#4 Mew

Mew may be powerful and mysterious, but it is also playful and sweet. Whether or not its strange look is cute is debatable, but the way it floats around, spinning and giggling with its hands over its mouth is definitely cute. It is kind of cat-like with its mewing sound and tendency to delight in gently pranking people.

#3 Sprigatito

Of the newest generation of starter Pokémon, Sprigatito is hands-down the cutest. This grassy-green kitten has big eyes and fluff on his neck, face, and tail. He's a happy cat who often purrs and smiles, and there isn't much cuter in this world than a happy cat.

#2 Eevee

Eevee is the OG sweetheart Pokémon. Nothing but big ears and fluff, Eevee has so much potential to evolve into some lovely and powerful Pokémon, but I wouldn't blame you if you let it stay small and sweet for as long as possible. It loves to be petted and held, so it makes a perfect companion.

#1 Shaymin

According to the Pokedex, Shaymin is only eight inches tall! This grassy hedgehog is innocence incarnate. It can turn polluted land into a lush field of flowers, where it likes to hang out. It wears a big flower on its head, smiles a lot, and has tiny feet. Don't you just want to scoop it up?

Related: The 10 fastest Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet on Dot Esports

The post The top 10 cutest Pokémon of all time, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

A truly ribbiting reveal

A new Pokemon for the Paldea region makes its debut. Bellibolt, the EleFrog Pokemon, will be debuting in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

The new monster-pal for Paldea was teased earlier this week in a video, spotlighting the region's Electric-type Gym Leader Iono. Today, the Leader/influencer/streamer Iono returns to debut just what her partner Pokemon is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkfN-jyEcrI

Bellibolt is, as you can tell, an Electric-type frog. As Iono notes, those giant bumps on the side of its head are not eyes.

Instead, its actual face is that little smiley face you see in the middle, above its electricity-generating belly. A Bellibolt can expand and contract, generating electricity for shocking attacks it discharges from those bumps.

Its ability, Electromorphosis, is a new one. When Bellibolt is hit by an attack, it charges up, boosting the power of its next Electric-type move. Seems like it could be an interesting frontline tank for your Pokemon party.

A new pal in Paldea

Bellibolt is another in a string of reveals for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. We've been gradually meeting more and more of the newcomers over the last few months. Pokemon like Wiglett, Grafaiai, and more are in store.

Plus, we're also getting a good look at some of the people living in Paldea too. Iono is the third Gym Leader we've seen so far, and will act as one of several the player will need to topple along Victory Road.

From auto-battling and TM crafting to the glorious lil' buddy called Lechonk, we're getting a pretty good idea of what's ahead for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The new generation of Pokemon games isn't too far off, either.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet go live on Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022.

The post Bellibolt is a new electric frog Pokemon for Scarlet and Violet appeared first on Destructoid.

The Paldea region's Poke-influencer is revealed

Today's Pokemon Scarlet and Violet trailer has premiered, showcasing the debut of a new Gym Leader. Iono is an Electric-type Gym Leader in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, which launches for Nintendo Switch on November 18.

The new video centered on Iono and her livestream antics. The Gym Leader is also a streamer and influencer on the side. As an Electric-type Leader too, her Magnemite hair clips are a pretty cool accessory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9HAaHc3wnc

The video caps off with a "guess that Pokemon" segment. Iono does a 20 Questions-style game where her viewers ask questions about her partner Pokemon, trying to deduce which one it might be.

Hints include the Pokemon being squishy, not being Magnemite, and being sluggish with an easy-going vibe. It has two "big ol' bumps on its noggin" that people mistake for eyes, and it is an Electric-type Pokemon. Its body also expands to generate electricity, and it's cute.

Honestly, I have no clue. My bet would be that this is a tease for a future Paldean-region Pokemon reveal for Scarlet and Violet. Wiglett and Grafaiai were also teased before being fully revealed.

Paths to Pokemon victory

At least we now have another Gym Leader to add to the list. We've already seen Ice-type Leader Grusha and Grass-type Leader Brassius.

These three, alongside the other heads of different Gyms, will make up one of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's storylines. But there are two other ones as well.

On the Path of Legends, for example, you'll go off in search of rare special ingredients. And in another, you take on this generation's antagonistic crew Team Star. From a recent trailer, it seems like that will also be an area where the auto-battle mechanic will come in handy.

It won't be long until we have to face off against Iono and the other Gym Leaders either, as Pokemon Scarlet and Violet go live on November 18.

The post Here’s Iono, an Electric-type gym leader in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet appeared first on Destructoid.

Get another glimpse of the Paldea region

The next Pokemon generation is just around the corner, and there's still some more info to share on what's in store. The Pokemon Company confirms that more info on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will air on its YouTube channel this week.

A new drop will happen on October 12, tomorrow, at 6 a.m. PT. The video will go live on the official Pokemon YouTube channel then.

https://twitter.com/Pokemon/status/1579819355851743233

There isn't any indication about how long this particular video will be, or what content it will cover.

Exploring Scarlet and Violet's new region

We've had a number of these info drops pop up over the last few weeks. On October 6, a new trailer dove into the world of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, showing some battle footage and the Terrastallize mechanic in practice.

The auto-battle function that's been teased was also shown off. This option lets Pokemon run off and fight their own battles, separate from the trainer. It can be used to pick up items too, and it seems like one of this generation's three main story pillars will involve storming a Team Star hideout alongside your Pokemon.

A quiet surprise was the TM Machine, which will let players create TMs using items dropped by Pokemon. This could be a big one for endgame Pokemon raising and training, as well as helping players adapt to the gyms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk3Fr9ysPYo

Alongside news like that, we've also seen info about some of the new Pokemon and regional variants. New faces like Wigglett and Lechonk are already stealing hearts, or terrifying them in the former's case.

All this, alongside legendary mounts that can help you can get around Paldea, sure makes Pokemon Scarlet and Violet look like interesting entries in the mainline Pokemon series. We'll see what more the Pokemon team has in store to show off tomorrow.

The post More Pokemon Scarlet and Violet info is on the way this week appeared first on Destructoid.

Wiglett wobbles but it won't fall down

A new Pokemon has been revealed for upcoming Switch entries Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and it's a tall, wiggly one. Wiglett is a new Pokemon for the Paldea region.

Teased today in a new video on the World Pokemon Ecological Society site, Wiglett joins the Paldean lineup. You can sit through the lecture online, which also shows some other regional Pokemon like Paldean Wooper, or just check out the video below via Serebii.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQoVAMGli0E

Now, astute viewers may note that Wiglett shares some similarities with longtime Generation 1 mainstay Diglett. The burrowing Pokemon has a recognizable look, and Wiglett does indeed look a lot like Diglett. The video calls attention to this fact, too.

As it goes on to stress though, this Pokemon is clearly different. It's longer, for one. And it lives near water, in the sand.

"The form and movements indeed look like Diglett, but they are probably different Pokemon," the video states. So there you go.

A new region to explore

We've seen a bunch of the new monsters in store for this new mainline Pokemon entry. There's the neon monkey Grafaiai, the absolute perfection of Lechonk, and the two new box art Legendary Pokemon. Those two even act as your rideable mounts for the new game, helping you travel across the land of Paldea.

The extra travel will help, as there's a lot to do in Scarlet and Violet. There are essentially three main storylines, with one following the usual Gym battles and others dealing with different situations in the region.

As for Wiglett, it's an interesting design, if a little unsettling. It looks like Diglett was rolled out like dough. Still, the little mole Pokemon was a fun one to have around in the original generation, and these goofy monsters seem fun too.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet launches for Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022.

The post Wiglett is one of the new Pokemon arriving in Scarlet and Violet appeared first on Destructoid.

Say hello to the newest addition to the Paldea region

Following several posts teasing the news, we're seeing the newest addition to the Paldea region. Grafaiai is a new Pokemon debuting in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Grafaiai is categorized as the "Toxic Monkey" Pokemon. It's naturally a Poison/Normal Type, and is pretty tiny.

According to the Pokemon page, Grafaiai is a moody Pokemon with a "fastidious" disposition. It's a bit of a loner, and usually gets caught up in territorial fights with other Pokemon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yrrF83tnY0

Grafaiai is nocturnal, and covers its hands in poison to mark patterns on trees as part of securing its territory. This poisonous saliva can paralyze Bug Pokemon, which Grafaiai can then collect up. Better keep your Butterfree away from it!

The saliva can change color based on what Grafaiai eats, and becomes concentrated when the little guy senses danger. I'm guessing by the name that Grafaiai is based on an Aye-Aye, which also forages for food and has incredibly long fingers.

Another addition to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

This adds to the list of new Pokemon arriving in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Alongside the Pokemon Grafaiai, we've also seen newcomers like Lechonk and Fidough, who both overtook the internet with their adorable designs.

While Grafaiai doesn't seem to have the same ability to accost social media's attention, I think it's a neat design. And hey, another painter Pokemon to hang out with Smeargle.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are due to arrive on November 18 for the Nintendo Switch, with a host of features in tow. From riding a Legendary Pokemon as a bike to co-op adventures, it certainly seems like a very different Pokemon journey. Hopefully we'll see some more new Pokemon, and maybe even some neat new regional variants for Paldea, in the run-up to November.

The post New Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Pokemon revealed as Grafaiai appeared first on Destructoid.

Unite is celebrating its first year with a heap of new content

It's been one year since the launch of Pokemon Unite, and the team is celebrating. Over the next few weeks, Pokemon Unite is getting new playable Pokemon, cosmetics, and more to celebrate its first anniversary.

The celebration starts next week, with the release of Glaceon, the icy Eevee evolution. Glaceon joins on July 21 alongside a challenge, which will let players earn a free Glaceon Unite License.

Two more are expected to join the fray, too. The gigantic Buzzwole enters the arena on August 3. And on August 15, Tyranitar lumbers into battle.

Alongside the new playable Pokemon, a new mode is also debuting. Boss Rush will have players team up to take on powerful bosses and earn rewards. Those who finish with higher scores will earn more. The Boss Rush will be available for three periods of time.

Pokemon Unite Boss Rush windows

• July 21 at 12:00 a.m. PT to July 24 at 4:59 p.m. PT
• July 31 at 5 p.m. PT to August  7 at 4:59 p.m. PT
• August 14 at 5 p.m. PT to August 21 at 4:59 p.m. PT

New duds for the new year

A new Battle Pass season will also start rolling out on July 21. Season 9 will have new rewards and levels to pursue, all for the goal of having the coolest-looking Pokemon on the Pokemon Unite field.

There will also be a festive log-in bonus for the first anniversary of Pokemon Unite. Logging in for five days between July 21 and October 12 will net you rewards for each day:

• Day 1: Pikachu and Fashionable Style: Pikachu
• Day 2: Lucario and Concert Style: Lucario
• Day 3: Blastoise and Firefighter Style: Blastoise
• Day 4: Snorlax and Bedtime Style: Snorlax
• Day 5: Sylveon and Checkered Style: Sylveon

With those, plus a festive anniversary reward chain to chase too, seems like a lot of freebies are up for grabs in Pokemon Unite. The first anniversary might be a good time to log back in if you've lapsed over the last year.

The post Pokemon Unite is adding new Pokemon, cosmetics, and more for its first anniversary appeared first on Destructoid.

More Toby Fox jams will back Pokemon Trainers' adventures

A new trailer for the next Pokemon entries, Scarlet and Violet, dropped this morning. Alongside the announcement, there was also confirmation that Undertale creator Toby Fox is lending his talents to the Pokemon series soundtrack again.

As confirmed on Twitter by Toby Fox himself, the composer put together the field music for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. "After creating a concept sketch, Game Freak arranged it into many versions that you'll hear throughout the game," Fox wrote. You can even hear a little bit of it in today's trailer.

https://twitter.com/tobyfox/status/1532038920183205888

That's not all, either. In a follow-up tweet, Fox confirms that a "few more" of his tracks will appear in the game too. "This time, my music is not optional!!!" he writes.

Filled with determination

These contributions aren't Fox's first time working on the Pokemon series. The developer and composer contributed a song for Pokemon Sword and Shield's soundtrack, specifically the theme for the Battle Tower. It's a pretty great track too.

That's not a huge surprise, given Undertale and Deltarune fans will happily tell you that the soundtracks for those games are also stellar. The tunes are so good, people have been trying to get the Pope to hear them. Knowing Fox is on the Scarlet and Violet soundtrack, and in a pretty substantial way, is exciting news.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7AmximCnRg

Fox has also had his work appear in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, after playing Smash with Sakurai no less.

As for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the reception to the trailer seemed pretty positive, especially for newcomer Lechonk. Which is fair, because Lechonk is adorable and perfect.

The new monster-training game debuted a host of new features this morning, including version-specific Professors, the new legendary Pokemon, and a focus on full-on co-op. Between the new generation and Pokemon Legends: Arceus launching earlier this year, it's going to be a Pokemon-filled year in gaming.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will launch on Nov. 18, 2022 for Nintendo Switch.

The post Undertale creator Toby Fox is contributing music to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet appeared first on Destructoid.

Everybody loves Lechonk

A new trailer for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet debuted this morning, showing off the new region, professors, and more. One Pokemon has made quite the impact though. The little Hog Pokemon, Lechonk, seems to have taken Pokemon Trainer hearts by storm.

One of several new Pokemon shown off in today's trailer for Scarlet and Violet, Lechonk is a Normal Type Pokemon. It can use Aroma Veil and Gluttony, and can use its sense of smell to search out Berries.

As shown on the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet website, Lechonk is timid and fainthearted, but also strong. It will charge forward if startled, but is also largely built of muscle thanks to its constant search for Berries.

The perfect pig Pokemon

Not long after the trailer went live, social media flooded with mentions of Lechonk. At first glance, it's a pretty adorable Pokemon, with an immediately endearing design.

https://twitter.com/SerebiiNet/status/1531984869848399872

As fans quickly noted, Lechonk is a pretty clever name too. "Lechón" refers to a roasted pig dish which, if this is a Spain-themed region like it seems, is a fun play on words. Though we're hopefully not eating Lechonk like we would Magikarp anytime soon.

Either way, it did not take long for the Lechonk fan club to kick into high gear. Memes immediately started rolling out, reacting to the reveal of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's adorable new addition.

https://twitter.com/NezzFinesse/status/1531989528075980801

https://twitter.com/THWACKIFY/status/1531986431115251713

And yes, fan art has also been rolling out pretty fast.

https://twitter.com/amberbladejones/status/1531991457443155969

https://twitter.com/PetiteEchorizon/status/1531995093279850497

While all the new Pokemon look fantastic (Smoliv and Pawmi are both pretty adorable too), it really does seem like the runaway favorite is Lechonk.

A whole new world

We got some more info about the new region, which doesn't seem to have a name yet, today too. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will have two different professors, with your particular mentor depending on which version you pick.

Alongside the standard new Pokemon, Game Freak and Nintendo also showcased the two legendaries, Koraidon and Miraidon. They both look like Dragon Types, and it seems like the general aesthetic version difference will be old-world versus new-world. Plus, it seems like the new Pokemon games are going for full-on co-op, which could be rad if it works well. Given the general ups and downs with Nintendo's online multiplayer, I'm on the cautiously optimistic side right now.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet sets off for new horizons on Nintendo Switch on Nov. 18, 2022.

The post Pokemon Scarlet and Violet newcomer Lechonk is already a hit appeared first on Destructoid.

He's been working on the series in some capacity since Game Freak's inception

Game Freak co-founder Junichi Masuda has been with the company since the start, but is now departing for another predominantly Pokemon-flavored role: "Chief Creative Fellow" at The Pokemon Company.

The news was announced today, as the industry veteran, composer, director, producer, and designer is bringing his talents to the overarching joint firm that oversees the entire Pokemon franchise. Here is Masuda's full statement on the move, provided in both Japanese and English on The Pokemon Company's official site:

"I have served as the director of the Pokemon video game series, starting with 'Pokemon Ruby Version and Pokemon Sapphire Version' up until 'Pokemon X and Pokemon Y,' and was involved in the development of many video games, including Pokemon Go. I would like to express my heart-felt thanks to all Pokemon fans. Going forward, I hope to transcend the boundaries of video games by trying to offer greater surprises, fun and excitement to people all over the world, while doing my utmost to connect people, expand the circle of 'play' and to help bring about a richer world for us to share. I appreciate your continued support in my new role."

Like several other big moves lately in the Japanese game industry, this wasn't as sudden as it seems. Following Pokemon Let's Go, Junichi Masuda decided to take a backseat from heading up core Pokemon titles in favor of passing the torch to a new generation.

As for what he's doing next: well, the corporate speak didn't help! "Transcending the boundaries of video games" sounds vaguely like a mission statement from a Metaverse-focused studio, but given how weird The Pokemon Company has gotten lately, it could be more stuff like the tooth-brushing app. He also, of course, will still be involved with the franchise directly via his new role.

[Image source]

The post Game Freak co-founder Junichi Masuda leaves studio for role at Pokemon Company appeared first on Destructoid.

The day the music died

The Pokemon Diamond and Pearl sound library is only a few months old, but it's already shutting its doors. Nintendo and The Pokemon Company confirmed its closure today, May 31.

Over on the sound library site, a message states that the service was terminated as of 9 a.m. UTC this morning. It also thanks those who supported the service since launch.

Anyone who downloaded sound data from the site is still allowed to use it, as long as it's within the Terms of Use and Guidelines previously set out. The site will stay up to keep hosting those Guidelines, just not the music itself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUOlZBxdrTA

Diamonds aren't forever

It's a bit of a bummer, considering the sound library for Pokemon Diamond and Pearl only launched in February of this year. The website featured music from both of the Sinnoh region games, at a time when Sinnoh sentiment was high

The sound library contained plenty of neat possibilities. It was completely functional as a basic radio, for those who just wanted to enjoy the sounds of Sinnoh at home.

Or, for musicians and others, it was a repository of samples. The sound library for Pokemon Diamond and Pearl being available for non-commercial use was good for fans. Pokemon fans might have been able to use those noises for anything, from wrestling entrances to wedding processions.

Nintendo has historically cracked down when it comes to copyright issues. Usually, that means making it difficult for fans to listen to music somewhere online, or find usable tools for content creation. Square Enix recently tackled this issue, opening its own YouTube channel filled with Final Fantasy and other RPG series music.

For Diamond and Pearl fans, it looks like the sound repository is shut down for the time being. Hopefully all the Pokemon rap creators already got their samples.

The post Pokemon Diamond and Pearl sound library shuts down appeared first on Destructoid.

Looks like we're in store for a lovely little adventure with this Pokémon anime

There is just so much Pokémon anime out there, and yet it's always so good, it never feels like enough. Thankfully, the first installment of a brand new three-episode Pokémon anime web series just dropped: Hisuian Snow, which is set in the Hisui region of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The mini-series is produced by Wit Studio, which famously created the hit anime series Attack on Titan. Ken Yamamoto, who worked on Princess Connect! Re:Dive as an episode director, serves as director for Hisuian Snow, and Taku Kishimoto of Fruits Basket, Haikyu!! fame is the lead screenwriter.

Hisuian Snow centers on a young man named Alec, who had been told his whole life that Pokémon and humans cannot coexist peacefully. When he wanders out into the snowy forest, he encounters a wild Hisuian Zorua, and inadvertently kicks off their adventure together. There is also the looming threat of a strong, unfriendly Zoroark that lives in the forest as well, although it remains shrouded in mystery for now.

https://twitter.com/Pokemon/status/1526911249832886278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1526911249832886278%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.polygon.com%2F23123567%2Fpokemon-hisuian-snow-anime-first-episode

As someone who is still relatively new to the world of anime (and more specifically, Pokémon anime), Hisuian Snow looks like a great place to start. It may only be a few episodes long, but it already promises the fun, thrills, and heart that fans of the series have become accustomed to. With such an all-star team behind the wheel, it's no surprise that the series is of the quality that it is, and we'll certainly be looking forward to the rest of the episodes, neither of which have a release date yet. We suspect they won't be too far off, though, and at the very least, the first episode "Onto the Icy Blue" is available to watch now on the Pokémon YouTube channel and the Pokémon TV app.

https://youtu.be/thhRi11aTI8

The post This beautiful Pokemon anime web series is produced by the studio behind Attack on Titan appeared first on Destructoid.

Looking back at one of the best game adaptations of all time

I vaguely remember watching the Pokémon anime when I was a kid, albeit briefly. I think my brother may have cried while watching one of the movies at the theater, but since we hadn't played any of the games at all when the franchise was at its peak in the mid-2000s, we somehow skirted around the whole ordeal.

After deciding to give the games a try as an adult, I finally understand the hype, especially when it comes to the earlier entries in the series. I keep imagining myself playing it on my Game Boy as a nine-year-old, and not to sound dramatic, but I can actually feel it healing my inner child in real-time. The games deliver on the quintessential adventure experience in game form — you really feel attached to all your Pokémon, and going through the game feels exactly like the fantastical journey it promises you. I'll be writing more about my experiences playing Pokémon for the first time as an adult, but for now, I need to talk about how good the anime is.

The struggle of game adaptations

As I'm sure most of us have noticed by now, there are a lot, and I mean a lot, of video games being adapted to film and TV right now. My theory is that after the superhero burnout we're all experiencing, video games are going to be Hollywood's newest fixation for a while, but I digress. While comic book properties have gotten some really amazing adaptations over the years that are not only entertaining in their own right, but have also added to the property's mythos in a substantial way, video games haven't quite had the same luck.

Game adaptations are usually doomed from the start to be really, really bad, because there's just something about throwing games up on the silver screen that film executives can't seem to get right, usually because they don't seem to understand what made the game or games good in the first place.

Enter the Pokémon anime. The show's first episode was released in April of 1997, only a year after the first games in the video game series, Pokémon Red and Green, and Pokémon Blue. The show has been going strong since then, landing it at number 45 on Wikipedia's list of anime with the most episodes. Releasing the show in tandem with the games was a genius marketing move. The adventures of Ash Ketchum and his friends became ingrained into children all around the world, cementing Pokémon as one of the most beloved and nostalgic properties to this day.

It's not that the games were good and the show just so happened to be coming out at the same time — no, no, no. The studio behind the show put everything they had into the Pokémon anime, because it's some of the best children's television I've ever seen. It has a surprising amount of heart (I was already crying three episodes in), and the character development is incredibly strong from the start. It's good writing, plain and simple. They don't dumb anything down for kids, and at the risk of sounding old at the ripe age of twenty-five, they just don't write kids' media like this anymore.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

Then we have the actual adaptation part of it all. After playing Leaf Green, I was fully shocked at how closely the show follows the events of the game. Ash travels to the same locations in the same order, and all of the Pokémon and their types correspond to exactly how they are in the game, which seems like a given, but nothing makes you feel cooler than knowing that flying types are good against bug types before Ash does.

In a world where your knowledge of Pokémon is everything, being able to bring that knowledge to the show is awesome! So much of Ash's journey is learning all about the Pokémon he catches, and when we already know that stuff from having studied it while playing the games, it really does make you go, "Wow, I am a Pokémon master!" As a kid that would have blown my tiny little mind.

I also love how they show us what the world would look like if we actually did live alongside Pokémon. The battles look exactly how you imagine them, and you see how different parts of the world are built around the use of Pokémon, or in ways to accommodate them. It's great that they also don't shy away from the aspects of gameplay that would seem silly in real life.

What's that? It doesn't make sense that Nurse Joy could be in Viridian City and Cerulean City at both of the Pokémon Centers at the same time? Oh no, that's just her identical twin sister who also happens to be named Joy, ya silly! They lean into the goofiness of it and make it a fun, memorable bit that plays perfectly into the comedic tone of the show. Another favorite moment of mine is Brock sitting in the pitch darkness of the rock gym seemingly just waiting for challengers to arrive. Incredible.

A musical legacy

I can't talk about the Pokémon anime without also mentioning the theme song and the Pokéraps. They really said, "we need something that's going to sound as cool as it can to children between the ages of 6-13," and they. Absolutely. Delivered. When have you ever heard the Pokémon theme song come on and not heard at least one person sing along to it? That's right, never. Again, it captures that same adventurous spirit that the whole show is going for, and getting to watch that intro before each episode really gets you hyped up for the excitement to come.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg6CiPI6h2g

I always heard about the Pokéraps, but never really had any idea what they were. I totally get it now. Yet another awesome-sounding musical element to the show that also tied in that Pokémon-master-knowledge idea, as well as incentivized viewers to come back every day to learn the names of all 150 Pokémon. Another instance where I can imagine a nine-year-old version of me going nuts over that, and that's how I know it's amazing.

Capturing the essence

What it all comes down to for me is that the Pokémon games and anime are perfectly aligned in the type of experience or fantasy they're trying to sell you. It's a lighthearted yet empowering adventure of friendship and saving the world. It makes you feel smart and capable when you don't often feel that way as a kid. It leans into its own campiness and goofiness, and doesn't shy away from an earnest feeling for just one second. In my eyes, it's the most perfect game-to-TV adaptation I've ever seen.

Of course, this is assuming you want a one-to-one translation of the game's content. Take another game adaptation that's done really well: The Witcher. While the show may not capture every single plot point and mechanic of the game, it absolutely conveys the same feeling as the games. The Witcher is also coming from a gaming franchise that started as an adaptation of a book series anyway, so its strength is playing into the overall mythos of the property, rather than making the game come to life in the exact same way.

Every video game show or movie will take a slightly different approach to their style of adaptation, as they should — because no two games are alike either. I'm not saying every single show needs to be like the Pokémon anime, but what those in charge of these adaptations need to do is capture the essence of what makes that game compelling in the first place. If they can do that, then I think they'll be ushering in a new golden age of adapted media. Here's hoping.

The post All these game adaptations could learn something from the Pokémon anime appeared first on Destructoid.