By: Max Cannon
We're definitely in the middle of the E3 season and nowadays we're seeing announcements before the big show has even started! Earlier this week, Nintendo announced some new Pokémon games coming in 2018 alongside a 2019 confirmation for the next mainline Pokémon game in the series.
Pokémon Quest changes the well-known aesthetic of the series.Courtesy of Nintendo
"Free-To-Start" Pokémon
With a visual style similar to Minecraft and a structure similar to most mobile games, Pokémon Quest surprised us with an immediate launch on the Nintendo Switch so you can play it right now! The game is heavy with mini-games and RPG grinding to hook you in and keep you playing for awhile. Personally, it seems a little light on content but considering that it is, as Nintendo calls it, "free-to-start" there's nothing to lose to try the game out for yourself, however, I doubt it'll keep gamers engaged for too long.
New Adventures Await in Pokémon Quest!
Pokémon: Let's Go!
Though it wasn't in our official predictions, there were so many rumors about Pokémon: Let's Go Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go Eevee! that it may as well have been confirmed. These games are remakes of the original games, specifically based on Pokémon Yellow. Veteran gamers may be a little disappointed to see that the gameplay has been simplified (random Pokémon battles have been removed and all battles seem to be against trainers only) but Nintendo themselves have said that "these two titles are designed for players taking their first steps into the Pokémon video game world."
The original cast of Pokémon return to the Let's Go games.Courtesy of Nintendo
Seeing as it's been 20 years since the original games launched on the Game Boy, we've seen several entries in the franchise that have added more and more Pokémon. As someone that's been playing Pokémon since the first games came out, it's comforting to be familiar with every possible Pokémon available in the game. As noted in the trailer below, this game will include motion controls and a connection to Pokémon GO with a Pokéball accessory that can be used in both games.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!
The Next Main Pokémon Game
During last year's E3, Nintendo announced that the new core Pokémon game will be coming to the Nintendo Switch. During this incoming wave of news, we also got confirmation that the next mainline entry will release in 2019. This will be the most recent Pokémon game since Pokémon Sun and Moon came to the 3DS but what makes this confirmation so exciting is that it will be the first original, yet traditional, Pokémon game to release on a home console like the Nintendo Switch.
Though 2019's game is the first original Pokémon Game on Switch, Quest and Let's Go will tide us over!Courtesy of Nintendo
Odds are high that we could see more information about 2019's game during E3, but I'd suspect we get a deeper dive on every game mentioned here. Pokémon Quest is available now for Nintendo Switch and is coming soon to mobile devices while both Pokémon: Let's Go! games are coming to Switch on November 16, 2018.
Have Your Say!
Which Pokémon games are you looking forward to? What features would you want to see in future entries? Share your thoughts below!
