Pokemon
News, coverage and analysis tracking Pokemon across the outlets.
Japanese gamers reveal their favourite games and the answers might surprise youA survey by Japanese magazine Famitsu revealed that RPGs dominate the preferences of Japanese gamers, with series like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy being highly influential and desired. Nintendo was named the nation's favorite developer, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a top pick for recommendations and replaying. The survey highlights a significant difference in gaming tastes compared to Western markets, with a strong emphasis on adventure and anime-style games in Japan.
Gotta Fetch 'Em All! Your Pet Will Love Pokémon's Latest Merch LineThe Pokémon Company has launched a new 'Pokémon Playful Partners' collection featuring merchandise for pets, including bowls, harnesses, beds, and toys. The range, designed by artist James Turner, is available on The Pokémon Center website with prices varying from $9.99 for can covers to $229.99 for a Snorlax bed.
Japanese gamers vote on most influential game and series, favorite character, favorite developer, moreFamitsu magazine's 40th-anniversary survey of over 5,000 Japanese gamers revealed Nintendo as the favorite developer and Mario as the favorite character. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was highly recommended, while Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series dominated influence and sequel requests. Masahiro Sakurai was named favorite creator.
Pokemon Center Selling Pet Accessories and ToysThe Pokemon Center has launched a new 'Playful Partners' merchandise line in the US, featuring 22 pet accessories and toys. The collection includes items like collars, harnesses, beds, and dishes, with artwork from character designer James Turner. This follows a previous 'Pokemon Fossil Museum' line and precedes the upcoming 'Pokemon Winds and Waves' for the Switch 2 in 2027.
Stern Pinball SGF Hands-On – Gotta Ball ‘Em All!Stern Pinball showcased several new machines at Summer Game Fest, including ones themed around Transformers, King Kong, and two versions of Pokémon Pinball. The Pokémon machines, based on the anime, feature a "catch 'em all" mechanic where players can catch Pokémon by hitting the ball into a Poké Ball on the board, recording them in a digital dex. The article highlights the nostalgic elements and fan-oriented designs of each machine.
Woman's life saved from gun-wielding dog by brave gaming PCA PC gamer's life was reportedly saved when a bullet fired by a neighbor's dog struck and was deflected by their gaming PC. The incident, which occurred in the US, resulted in the neighbor facing criminal negligence charges and having their gun confiscated. While the PC sustained damage, the owner expressed relief that no one was seriously injured and is considering replacing components.
POKÉMON CENTER ARRIVES IN GERMANY, LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER PET ACCESSORIES LINE CALLED ‘POKÉMON PLAYFUL PARTNERS’The Pokémon Company International has launched its official online store, Pokémon Center, in Germany, offering direct-to-door delivery. Alongside this expansion, they have introduced their first-ever pet accessories line, 'Pokémon Playful Partners,' featuring items like bowls, beds, harnesses, and leashes designed by illustrator James Turner.- Pokémon Pokopia announces an underwater ‘expansion’ DLC pass for this AugustPokémon Pokopia, a co-op life simulation game, is releasing an underwater "expansion pass" DLC starting this August. The first part, Bubbly Basin, will introduce underwater Pokémon, ocean-themed furniture, and new outfits for Ditto. Subsequent parts are scheduled for late 2026 and 2027.
I went hands-on with Lego Pokemon Smart Play, and my inner 10 year-old was losing itLego has introduced a new line of interactive Pokemon toys featuring 'Smart Bricks' that allow the figures to detect motion, light up, and make sounds. These new brick-built Pokemon, including Pikachu and Charizard, can interact with players through touch, feeding, and even simulated battles, drawing inspiration from the video games' mechanics and player feedback.
Pokemon Chonkachu Original Pikachu Plush Will Be BackShimamura Park will begin pre-orders in June 2026 for a limited run of the "Chonkachu" plush, a recreation of the original 1997 Pikachu design. The plush, measuring 40cm tall, costs 6930 JPY (approx. $43.20) and will ship in late June to mid-July 2026. This announcement comes as the next mainline Pokemon game, Winds and Waves, is slated for a 2027 release on the Switch 2.
Nintendo Embracing Third Party Games is A Necessity in 2026Nintendo's strategy of embracing third-party games is crucial for the success of the upcoming Switch 2, positioning it as a mainstream console rather than a niche alternative. This shift allows Nintendo to focus on quality over quantity for its first-party titles, while third-party developers are increasingly targeting the platform due to its strong engine support and large audience.- LUPIO STUDIOS LLC PRESENTS: “THE LAST WORLDS: CROSSED SOULS” with a playable demo at Steam Next Fest and an early access release on 1st AugustLupio Studios LLC is preparing to launch its 3D Open-World Action RPG, "The Last Worlds: Crossed Souls," with a playable demo at Steam Next Fest from June 15-22, 2026. The game is scheduled for an Early Access release on August 1, 2026, with a full release planned for Q4 2026, priced at $35.99 USD. The title, developed using Unreal Engine 5 without AI, will eventually be ported to PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
Nintendo Direct June 2026: Start Time, How To Watch, And What To ExpectNintendo has announced a June Direct presentation scheduled for June 9th, running for approximately 50 minutes and followed by a Nintendo Treehouse broadcast. The presentation will feature upcoming games for both the Nintendo Switch and the unreleased Nintendo Switch 2, with rumors suggesting potential reveals like a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Some Target stores start to limit Pokemon merch and TCG sales to stop scalpersTarget stores are implementing purchase limits on Pokemon merchandise and Trading Card Game products to combat scalpers. This move aims to prevent bulk buying for resale at inflated prices on online marketplaces. The retailer hopes this measure will help ensure wider availability of Pokemon items for genuine fans.
Nintendo announces Nintendo Direct tomorrow and Treehouse afterNintendo has announced an upcoming Nintendo Direct presentation, scheduled for tomorrow, which will focus on titles releasing in the second half of 2026 for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The company also mentioned a Treehouse presentation will follow. Previous announcements for Nintendo Directs in 2013 and for the Nintendo 3DS are also referenced.
Nintendo pre-order updates – June 7, 2026 – Rayman Legends Retold, Toy Story, moreNintendo has provided pre-order updates for the week of June 7, 2026, detailing upcoming releases for the Nintendo Switch and the unreleased Switch 2. The list includes a variety of games such as Rayman Legends Retold, Toy Story: Retro Roundup, and Splatoon Raiders, alongside amiibo and book releases across North America, Canada, and the UK.
Feature: Switch 2, Year One - How Closely Did Nintendo Follow Its Own Playbook?This analysis examines how closely Nintendo followed its historical game release patterns for the first year of the Nintendo Switch 2. While many expected titles like Mario Kart and Pokémon appeared, notable absences include mainline Super Mario and Xenoblade Chronicles games. The article also forecasts potential releases for Year Two, considering factors like price hikes and franchise trends.
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th June)This weekend's gaming plans include finishing up titles like Mina and Indiana Jones, diving into new experiences such as 007: First Light and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and revisiting older games like XGRA and Sin & Punishment. Staff also mention upcoming releases like Star Fox and potential Nintendo Direct announcements.
Predictions for a potential June 2026 Nintendo DirectSpeculation is high for a Nintendo Direct in June 2026, following a period of infrequent announcements. Rumors suggest potential remakes of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Kirby: Planet Robobot, alongside new content for Pikmin 4 and Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Third-party titles like Minecraft and Monster Hunter Wilds are also rumored for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 At One: Nintendo’s Biggest Wins, Misses, And SurprisesThe Nintendo Switch 2 has had a strong sales start, becoming Nintendo's fastest-selling console, but momentum is slowing. While it offers good value compared to competitors, its first-party game lineup has not yet matched the success of its predecessor, relying heavily on third-party titles. Nintendo's continued practice of charging for graphical upgrades and other services has also frustrated some owners.