Hey everyone- now that there's been a full day and change since the livestream; I am duty-bound to address it. Here are my reaction and thoughts to this month's Pokémon Presents, celebrating 30 years of fun.
As always, the stream was presided over by a number of key figures in the franchise. Tsunekazu Ishihira led things off, with Junichi Masuda introducing a very interesting collectible- the Red and Blue Game Music Collection. By placing replicas of the original cartridges inside a miniature Game Boy, all 45 of the games' songs can be played. Honestly a neat link to Nintendo's history as a toymaker.
After Chris Brown introduces both the PWC and Pokémon XP events in San Francisco, we are given a look at the 30th anniversary TCG set, which features both reissues of old favorites and newer generations. Hopefully these supply issues can be ironed out soon, even common cards are selling as quick as they did back in the day.
The 10th anniversary event for Pokémon Go is currently in progress- I caught a bunch of encore Hat Pikachu already; and completed the limited Kalos Tour event for a Mega Lucario boost. That also answers the who's your favorite question (totally makes sense for Lady Gaga for hers to Jigglypuff, and Trevor Noah for his as Psyduck). Of course, plenty more will be coming starting by time you see this.
Getting the other mobile events out in one go- there is a new event in Pokémon Sleep where you help find Mew with each night of rest. There's a commemorative event going on in Pokémon Cafe Remix, and both the Kanto Legendary Birds and Johto stage 2 starters are coming to Pokémon UNITE. I will be upgrading my device in April, so I am eager to try to get the 1996 variant of Red in Pokémon Masters EX and finally try TCG Pocket with the Paldean Wonders expansion.
One of the worst-kept secrets of the Gamecube Classics lineup on Switch 2 is coming in March- Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness. Yes, it used to be something other than shorthand for laughter online. I imagine we might just get a stealth drop with Colosseum, any day now.
Now, onto the remaining reveals from Takato Utsunomiya; looking like the most consummate professional ever to sit in front of a bunch of plush toys. As you know, Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green are out now on the Switch family eShop. The price point of $20 each didn't bother me between other rereleases/remakes/remasters I've bought and seeing sealed copies go for $350 online. Home support is coming soon, though I am still patiently waiting for Z-A Home compatibility too. Strong early sales also suggest the question of more legacy games is more "when" than "if."
Pokémon Champions, a competition focused spinoff that will be like the Stadium 3 I never got; will release on Switch family in April and mobile later this year. I certainly like the new promotion for it.
There is also a new event for Pokémon Legends Z-A: Mega Dimension (reviews are coming along nicely between making rank E online and prepping to get Rayquaza) via Mystery Gift. Completing it gets you a new Garchomp Z-Mega Stone. As they say on Pasaana, "they fly now!"
There's also new details on Pokopia, the upcoming life sim spinoff from Koei Tecmo. I'm actually thinking about getting it right away- the new Stereo Rotom is amusing to me. I am still conflicted about the Game Keycard, though.
Saving the best for last, the rumors and leaks were true this time. Pokémon Winds and Waves is indeed the title for Pokémon Generation X; set on an island archipelago and exclusive to Switch 2. On top of revealing new Pikachu variants, the starters have been revealed (starting with Pombur in Winds and Gecqua in Waves; though Browt does look cute). Even at this early stage, it looks impressive as the first pure titles on the new system (looking at the Z-A dual release as a test run). Most of all, though I was expecting a holiday 2026 release; I am somewhat relieved it's getting an extra full year of development. Even with how much I like SV and its improvements (especially on the new console); I can tell Game Freak is doing everything they can to avoid a repeat of the infamously rough launch. That, and it's looking to be another banner year of games; trade shenanigans and live-service hubris aside.
That is all for now- I will be back in March, one idea I had for a post has gone cold and I need to redirect that energy. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.
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