Game Freak
Game Freak business and news from across the web.
Pokemon Champions producer on how the team is deciding which Pokemon to include in the game and morePokemon Champions producer Masaaki Hoshino discussed the game's development, including the criteria for selecting which Pokemon are included and how special mechanics like Mega Evolutions and Terastallization will be implemented. The team is prioritizing ease of understanding for new players, with a focus on Pokemon that clearly demonstrate battle strengths. The game is available on Nintendo Switch.
Yoshi NES & Game Boy Soundtracks Join Nintendo Music This WeekNintendo Music is adding the soundtracks from the NES and Game Boy versions of Yoshi to its service this week. The composer for these soundtracks is Junichi Masuda, who is also known for his work on Pokémon. An active Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to listen.
Yoshi (1991) added to Nintendo MusicNintendo has added 40 minutes of music from the 1991 Game Freak puzzle game Yoshi to its Nintendo Music app. The service, available to Nintendo Switch Online members, now includes soundtracks from the Game Boy and NES versions of Yoshi. The Nintendo Music app is available on iOS and Android devices.- New book dedicated to the first generation of Pokémon on Kickstarter now, into its final week!Ninty Media has launched a Kickstarter campaign for POKEBOOK The Unofficial Companion: Generation 1, a book celebrating the first generation of Pokémon games. The project, which has already surpassed its funding goal, will cover the history of the original 151 Pokémon, including games like Red, Blue, Yellow, Stadium, and Snap, across platforms such as Game Boy and Nintendo 64. The book features contributions from various writers and artists and is expected to launch in late August 2026.
New Pokemon Keychains Are Replicas of Plamo Model KitsBandai Namco has announced new Pokemon keychains that are miniature replicas of existing Pokemon Plamo model kits. These will be available in Japanese Gashapon capsule machines starting in May 2026, with a worldwide release expected later. The keychains feature popular Pokemon such as Pikachu, Mew, Eevee, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle, designed to resemble completed figures within blister packs.
Sample the Pokemon Winds and Waves Soundtrack’s Main Theme SongGame Freak and Nintendo have released a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the recording of the main theme song for the upcoming Nintendo Switch game, Pokemon Winds and Waves. The footage features the Tokyo NHK Symphony Orchestra performing the track, offering a glimpse into the game's soundtrack which is expected to release in 2027 alongside the game.
Pokemon Winds and Waves’ New Video Is Packed With Adventure VibesNintendo and The Pokemon Company have released a new video showcasing the soundtrack for the upcoming game, Pokemon Winds and Waves. The main theme was recorded with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, featuring a classical arrangement of the iconic Pokemon theme. The game is set to launch next year exclusively on Nintendo Switch and will introduce the 10th generation of Pokemon.
No Pokemon on PC? Try this 86%-rated monster creator collector game on Indie PassCoromon, an 86%-rated creature collector RPG, modernizes the classic Pokemon formula with new mechanics like stamina management and customizable Coromon. Developed by TRAGsoft, the game recently received a 'Remastered' update overhauling its UI and engine. It is available on Indie Pass, offering an alternative to the Nintendo Switch exclusive Pokemon series.
Even More Pokemon Uniqlo Shirts Arrive in July 2026Uniqlo is releasing a new collection of Pokemon-themed apparel in July 2026, featuring designs inspired by the original Game Boy games. The collection will include unisex adult and kids' shirts with greyscale sprites, launching in Japan and then worldwide. This expands on previous anniversary plans with additional designs and character art.
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen are now some of the best-selling Pokemon games of all time thanks to the new Switch…Pokemon FireRed and Pokemon LeafGreen have seen a significant surge in sales, propelling them to become some of the best-selling titles in the franchise's history, largely due to their recent re-release on the Nintendo Switch. The games have collectively sold over four million units since their re-release, nearing the series' top five best-selling titles.
The Pokemon Pokopia plushies are so cute that they're about to transform my bank account into a big pile of zero…The Pokemon Center is releasing new plush toys based on characters from Pokemon Pokopia, including two versions of Ditto and a Castform Weather Charm Plush. These items are available for purchase online in the US and UK for $29.99 and $19.99 respectively. Additional plushies like Peakychu, Mosslax, and Professor Tangrowth are expected to be released later in the summer.
New Pokemon Gashapon Keychains Focus on Fire TypesBandai Namco, Nintendo, and Game Freak have announced a new set of Pokemon Swing Collection keychains featuring fire-type Pokemon. The collection, which includes starters like Fennekin, Charizard, and Typhlosion, along with Flareon and Victini, will be available in Japan in late May 2026. It is currently unknown if these will be released worldwide.
20 upcoming video games I’m more interested in than GTA 6 - Reader's FeatureA reader explains their lack of interest in Grand Theft Auto 6, detailing 20 upcoming games they are more excited about. The list includes titles like Forza Horizon 6, Marvel's Wolverine, and Fable, spanning various genres and platforms.
More Pokemon Goldfish Crackers Arrive in MayCampbell Snacks is expanding its Pokemon Goldfish cracker line with four new cheddar-flavored varieties featuring Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, launching in May 2026. A contest tied to a Pokemon Fossil Museum exhibit at Chicago's Field Museum is also planned. The Pikachu variant will be exclusive to Target and Walmart.
Shiny Volcanion Pokemon Home Distribute Starts for Legends: Z-AA distribution event is now live in Pokemon Home allowing players to obtain a shiny Volcanion by completing specific Pokedex sections in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. This special offer is available worldwide and does not have an expiration date. The shiny Volcanion will be level 50 with a Modest nature and knows the moves Flare Blitz, Heavy Slam, Hydro Pump, and Steam Eruption.
Rumor: Pokemon Winds and Waves map leaked, plus moreRumors suggest a map leak for the upcoming Pokemon Winds and Waves, potentially originating from a past data breach at Game Freak. Leaks also indicate a new Rock/Psychic Pokemon, a prequel anime or flashbacks, a Poison-type Gym Leader who is an idol, and a Dragon/Poison Komodo dragon Pokemon. However, details about the games are not expected until 2027, and they are in development for the Nintendo Switch 2.- Pokemon Champions producer comments on the game’s graphicsPokemon Champions producer Masaaki Hoshino addressed fan concerns about the game's graphics, stating that the team aimed to balance both visuals and gameplay. He highlighted the focus on a fair and robust battle system while also incorporating specific visual elements like realistic shadows and custom battle effects. Despite past criticisms of the series' graphics, Pokemon Champions has received positive initial impressions.
Going Platinum: I Went Full Trophy Sicko and Got the Bugsnax Platinum Twice on PS5 and PS4The author details their experience earning the Platinum Trophy for Bugsnax twice, first on PlayStation 4 and then again on PlayStation 5. Despite not having a clear reason for replaying the game, they found Bugsnax to be a fun, unique, and engaging experience, comparing its sense of discovery to Pokémon games.
Pokemon Z development build found, footage releasedFootage of an unreleased development build for Pokemon Z has surfaced, revealing early designs and Mega Evolutions. The build was created between April and May 2013. This discovery provides concrete evidence of Pokemon Z's existence, a game that was ultimately succeeded by Pokemon Legends: Z-A on Nintendo Switch.- All new Pokopia items in Sableye’s Gem Hunt eventThe Pokémon Pokopia game is introducing a new in-game event called Sableye's Gem Hunt, running from April 29 to May 13. This event features exclusive furniture items that can be unlocked using Red Crystal Fragments, some of which are necessary for building Sableye's habitat. Players can obtain these fragments by exploring cave systems and using Rock Smash.