The Evolution of Pokémon Games: From Game Boy to Switch 2

Since the launch of the first Pokémon game on the Game Boy platform in 1996, Pokémon has sold over 480 million units globally and it has become one of a handful of video game franchises that we can actually say that changed the landscape of videogames forever.

And the proof of their long-lasting impact is that Pokémon has transformed far beyond the video game franchise to influence fans and audiences globally through trading cards, television programming, movies, mobile applications, and organized events within esports.

Given the recent announcement about the Nintendo Switch 2 and the next generation of Pokémon videogames, it is insightful to look back on Pokémon, its beginnings, and how it has transformed from a small video game franchise, into one the largest gaming franchises of all time and how Pokémon is continuing to reinvent itself for the next time.

From Pixels to Fully Realized Worlds

The first Pokémon games, Red and Blue, revolutionized the gaming industry by their simplicity. Players navigated the Kanto region, battling, trading, and collecting Pokémon, with the widely-established mission of catching ’em all. Although the technology was primitive, through limited graphics and simple music, the experience was nonetheless more relevant in conjunction with a sense of discovery and adventure.

With each new entry in the series, the series continues to grow in the ambitions of what it can be. Pokémon Gold and Silver brought the concept of day-night cycles and the ability to go back to previous regions into the game. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, while not a full step into what many think of as ‘3D’, are games that pushed the limits of the Game Boy Advance with vibrant colors. 

The launch of Pokémon Sword and Shield on the Nintendo Switch represented another important shift for the series. From that point, Pokémon Legends: Arceus broke from standard game execution and had an open-world game cycle after the great execution of games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild. All of the additions would lead to the next standard of play that players would expect from Nintendo’s next console: fully integrated experiences of exploration, battle mechanics, and online play.

The Mobile Era and Expanded Horizons

The introduction of mobile gaming has transformed Pokémon into something larger than the console: Pokémon GO is an example of this. Since its inception and immediate success in 2016, Pokémon GO has spread worldwide and utilized augmented reality in combination with travel in the real world. Pokémon transcended gaming inside a house and instead became something that encouraged individuals to go outside and gather with others for adventure. 

On top of Pokémon GO, other spinoffs to the standard format of Pokémon games included the Unite and Masters EX releases. With Unite, the game was introduced to the MOBA category and with Masters EX, nostalgia was pulled again to bring back trainers from the first generations of the game.

The capability to innovate while honoring its history has been key to continued success with Pokémon. The evolution of the game is also reflective of larger trends that exist in entertainment. Just as streaming services transformed television, and superhero films transformed cinema, Pokémon has adapted and learned ways to branch out from its original form. This is not specific to video games: every industry, from banking to music, is exploring different ways of adopting technology with consumer habits to retain their audience’s attention.

A fascinating comparison is found in online casinos. These games often use themed slot machines that take cues from popular culture. Similar to how Pokémon capitalizes on nostalgia by returning to old characters and regions, no download free slots have had the same formula on popular franchises that range from Batman to Tomb Raider. A Batman slot machine may include an online casino bonus for new players that brings both a sense of nostalgia from the brand and the risk/reward flavor of gambling. Both the video game and gambling industries know that nostalgia and recognition can be just as appealing as something new when getting audiences invested.

Looking Ahead to the Switch 2 Era

As Nintendo is in the process of launching the Switch 2, Pokémon fans are already anticipating the franchise’s future in the next game: Pokémon Legends Z-A. Will Game Freak work on the performance of Scarlet & Violet? How will Pokémon expand the franchise’s online capabilities, especially with respect to larger community events more ambitious than Pokémon GO?

In terms of the narrative revealed to players through the game, Pokémon Z-A would delve into older plot elements or legendary Pokémon from the former generations, providing both nostalgia and surprise. There can be additional hub cities, more expansive side-quests, and interactive community events, considering the success of the Pokémon GO and Pokémon Unite games, hinting that fans enjoy events, interactions, and activities outside of the main narrative.

Image credit: PHOTO