On June 6, 2017, Nintendo broadcasted a special Pokemon focused Direct, which made three big announcements! …Well, “big” depending on who you ask I suppose. Let’s go over them.
Pokken Tournament DX
Firstly, they’ve announced that Pokken Tournament is getting the “deluxe” treatment with Pokken Tournament DX. This version of the game will contain all the content of the Wii U version as well as adding the arcade exclusive characters Darkrai, Scizor, Empoleon, and Croagunk. But along with them comes a new fighter, Decidueye, making its debut on Switch. Aside from new characters, the game also adds 3-on-3 team battles, daily challenges, and the ability to record and watch replays. It launches September 22, 2017.
Pokemon Gold and Silver on 3DS Virtual Console
The two classic games, Pokemon Gold and Silver, are finally headed to 3DS Virtual Console. Just like with the VC versions of Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow, Gold and Silver will also work with Pokemon Bank. Unfortunately though, the beloved Crystal version will not be coming to VC. Why? I have no idea. We got all three games from Gen 1, why not Gen 2? Only Nintendo and Game Freak know… Pokemon Gold and Silver on VC launch along with Pokken Tournament DX on September 22, 2017
Pokemon UltraSun and UltraMoon
And finally, like with every generation (except the 6th), Pokemon Sun and Moon are getting new alternate versions with Pokemon UltraSun and UltraMoon. With most generations, they’d make a third version that was pretty much the definitive version of that generation to play (Yellow, Crystal, Emerald, Platinum). The 5th generation switched things up when they instead made sequels to Pokemon Black and White with Black 2 and White 2 instead of a definitive third version. UltraSun and UltraMoon seem to be a mix though, as they’re not sequels, but alternate versions of the original game with two ways of experiencing them depending on if you choose UltraSun or UltraMoon. Not much else is known about the changes that will be made though, except that the two legendary Pokemon Solgaleo and Lunala have new forms and that the Pokemon Necrozma clearly has something to do with it. The game will launch November 17th, 2017.
So what do you think about the news? I know some are disappointed because of they were hoping to see the rumored Pokemon Stars on Switch. However, keep in mind that that was just a rumor and nothing more. Sometimes we get so hyped up in rumors and “what ifs” that we end up raising out expectations and setting ourselves up for disappointment. Can’t blame Game Freak for not delivering on something they never promised in the first place. Besides, Stars was rumored to be that definitive third version of Sun and Moon, except on Switch in HD. Well, take away the whole “being on Switch” thing and that’s exactly what UltraSun and UltraMoon is. So really, we kinda got Pokemon Stars after all.
The one thing I really hope UltraSun and UltraMoon add are new Alolan Pokemon forms. I’m still baffled to this day that they didn’t make an Alolan Jynx.
You can watch the full Direct below.
