Pokémon‘s popular video game series is coming to the Nintendo Switch for the first time.
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During a press conference in Japan, the gaming company announced that a new title from the franchise, Pokémon Quest, will launch on the Switch. Later in the year, Nintendo will release a multiplayer version of Pokémon Go, while 2019 will see the release of a separate RPG game.
Pokémon Quest is a “free-to-start game” and is available now on the Switch. It will be released on iOS and Android by late next month.
According to Pokémon‘s official Twitter, the game will allow players to “face off against wild Pokémon and embark on many exciting expeditions”. The screenshot shows boxy characters and basic-looking graphics.
#PokemonQuest allows Trainers of all ages to get in on the action! In this free-to-start game, you can face off against wild Pokémon and embark on many exciting expeditions. pic.twitter.com/CZ57iGKWMX
— Galar region Pokémon (@Pokemon) May 30, 2018
Users will also be able to “use special items called Power Stones to strengthen your team”.
In November, the franchise will unveil Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go Eevee! Check out the trailer below.
While playing, gamers will be able to “catch Pokémon like never before”, with the addition of the Poké Ball Plus. The device can be used instead of the console’s Joy-Con.
“You’ll be able to throw Poké Balls in-game with a flick of your wrist!” the official site states. “In addition to motion controls, the device lights up with a variety of colours, vibrates, and plays sounds.
“With the Poké Ball Plus, you can also take one of your favourite Pokémon from these games for a stroll as you go about your daily life in the real world. The Poké Ball Plus even works as a Pokémon GO Plus when playing Pokémon GO.”
Pokémon Go was a massive success upon its release. It became the most successful mobile game in US history and was briefly as popular as Twitter and more popular than Tinder.