It’s Been 10 Years Since Pokken Tournament and We Still Need a New Pokemon Fighting Game

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The games, Pokken Tournament and its improved version, Pokken Tournament DX, developed by Bandai Namco and The Pokemon Company, turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable. Originally an arcade game in Japan, it evolved into one of the most captivating fighting games on the Wii U and Nintendo Switch. Despite building a dedicated fanbase, it didn’t quite reach mainstream success, which is unfortunate. Pokken Tournament demonstrated the franchise’s potential to thrive beyond the main series like never before. With Pokemon’s versatility, it successfully made its mark in a niche genre. Ten years after its release, we need another Pokémon fighting game more than ever.

The interest in fighting games has significantly increased since the initial release of Pokken Tournament, with Street Fighter 6 further magnifying the genre’s spotlight due to its engaging gameplay and contemporary controls. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls attracted a massive audience during its first closed beta testing. Given this surge in popularity, it would be wise for Nintendo to fuel this enthusiasm by developing another Pokemon-centered fighting game.

Pokkén Tournament DX: A Hidden Gem

The release of Pokken Tournament was a long-awaited delight for fans eager to experience live-action Pokémon battles. For years, the vivid 3D movement and spectacular attack sequences, reminiscent of anime, had only been imaginable on screen. In this game, players had the unique opportunity to command Charizard, engage in real-time combat against opponents like Lucario, and even master every move and combo themselves. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, the game allowed for direct control over the characters, rather than merely issuing commands. Additionally, the roster expanded beyond popular Pokémon, featuring lesser-known creatures such as Chandelure and Croagunk.

Furthermore, the gameplay offered a surprisingly rich experience, far from being simple button-pressing. It was filled with complex systems, one of the most notable being phase-shifting which seamlessly integrated 3D and 2D fighters, allowing players to switch between open field maneuvers and intense close combat. The game also brought a new dimension to Pokemon by infusing them with distinct personalities. Gengar’s mischievous grins in battle and Suicune’s elegant demeanor breathed life into each character like never before.

Although Pokken Tournament enjoyed initial popularity and a devoted fanbase, it didn’t receive the ongoing support necessary for its success. It received occasional updates and downloadable content, but this wasn’t sufficient to elevate it among other top-tier fighting games. The Pokemon Company appeared content to let the game decline after its initial backing waned. With the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, there’s a prime opportunity for a Pokken Tournament revival.

Pokémon Works Beyond RPGs

The unique strength of the Pokémon franchise lies less in its collection of renowned Pokémon and more in its versatility. While games such as Pokémon Puzzle League, Pokémon Snap, and Pokémon Go explore distinct areas of the series, few fans would anticipate adapting it into a fighting game. Just like those predecessors, Pokken Tournament manipulates the rules to suit a new genre while retaining the endearing qualities of Pokemon.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve always found Pokémon battling to be more than just a simple game-it’s a strategic duel, a one-on-one test of wits, timing, and understanding your opponent. It’s no surprise that this concept easily translates into a fighting game format, making me wonder why Nintendo hadn’t created something like Pokkén Tournament before. But thankfully, partnering with Bandai Namco breathed life into this idea in the most spectacular way possible. They managed to capture the essence of a Pokémon battle and transform it into an electrifying, eye-catching spectacle that truly encapsulates the excitement of being a trainer.

Furthermore, the roster in Pokken Tournament stands out exceptionally. With more than 1,000 Pokémon to select from, this game offers an abundance of choices. For instance, a fighter like Hitmonchan might emulate real-life boxing moves, while an aerial Pokemon such as Minior could exhibit speed and agility with its unconventional maneuvers. On the other hand, Garbador could present an intriguing strategy as a zoner or trapper, littering the battlefield throughout the match. In essence, Pokken Tournament serves as a platform for the franchise to display the diverse nature of Pokémon.

Smash and A Pokemon Fighter Can Coexist

A potential objection to Pokken Tournament is the presence of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Nintendo’s leading combat game. This argument holds weight as Smash includes several Pokemon in its lineup and boasts a host of other famous characters. However, Nintendo has expressed that Smash is primarily designed for parties, not fighting games. Even if this were the case, there’s still room for additional fighting games, as evidenced by ARMS, which demonstrates that multiple fighting games can successfully coexist.

The solution can be found in a well-defined structure. Unlike Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which honors gaming legacy with diverse mechanics, Pokken Tournament centers around a singular concept – phase shifting. This means that players don’t have to grapple with percentages, character-specific quirks, or sending opponents beyond the stage boundaries. Instead, they merely need faith in their Pokemon and proficiency in the techniques and combos provided.

Pokken Tournament is a standalone fighting game series based on a single franchise, much like how Mario Kart and F-Zero differ from each other. Both games belong to the fighting genre, but they originate from different elements of their respective franchises. With Super Smash Bros. Ultimate already established, there’s plenty of room for another game in this category or even a sequel to this iconic title. While Smash Bros. embodies the exciting party game fans adore, a new Pokémon fighting game could mark a significant step into competitive fighter territory for Nintendo, if given the opportunity.

As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but feel the void that’s been present since the release of Pokken Tournament DX. Given the surge in popularity of fighting games, the thriving community, and the massive Pokemon fanbase, a new installment on the Nintendo Switch 2 would undeniably be a smashing success. Unofficial tournaments among players continue to thrive, and introducing a fresh entry would only serve to expand the player base and increase its mainstream appeal. Furthermore, it offers more chances for beloved characters and lesser-known Pokemon to shine brightly once again.

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2025-09-13 15:42