We Need a New Game in This Great Pokemon Spin-Off Series That Ended 25 Years Ago

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Besides the core Pokémon games, fans have enjoyed many spin-off titles over the years. These range from mobile games like Pokémon TCG Pocket and Pokémon Go to games on consoles, offering plenty of ways to experience the Pokémon world. However, some spin-offs stand out, and one series is long overdue for a return: Pokémon Stadium and its sequel, Pokémon Stadium 2. These games perfectly blended exciting battles with fun mini-games.

The original Pokemon Stadium first launched in Japan in 1998 as Pocket Monsters Stadium. Two years later, it became available worldwide on the Nintendo 64 and quickly became popular thanks to its 3D battles and fun mini-games. Many fans consider the sequel, Pokemon Stadium 2, to be even better. Released in Japan 25 years ago on December 14th, 2000, Pokemon Stadium 2 unfortunately marked the end of the Pokemon Stadium series, a decision many believe was a mistake.

Pokemon Stadium Was a Spin-Off Masterpiece

Pokemon Stadium was a huge success on the Nintendo 64, and it’s easy to see why. While the main Pokemon games on Game Boy still used 2D sprites in battle, Pokemon Stadium brought those Pokemon to life with 3D animations. Seeing each Pokemon use its moves with unique animations made battles more exciting than ever before. What’s more, you could even transfer your team from the original Pokemon Red, Blue, or Yellow games using the GamePak – a feature that felt revolutionary for young fans like me, especially before services like Pokemon Bank and Pokemon Home existed.

Although the 3D battles were a big draw, I especially loved the mini-games in Pokemon Stadium and Pokemon Stadium 2. These games let you compete against friends as Pokemon, doing things like eating sushi or chopping wood. They were surprisingly fun and easy to keep playing!

The original Pokemon Stadium and its sequel offered a unique way for fans to experience the series. While many options exist today, including numerous mobile games, nothing has quite replicated the Pokemon Stadium experience since Pokemon Stadium 2 was released 25 years ago – and it’s time for a new game like it.

We Need a New Pokemon Stadium Game for the Switch 2

When Pokémon transitioned to 3D graphics in the core games, the developers at Game Freak decided there wasn’t much need for more Pokémon Stadium titles. They felt the battles didn’t look as special anymore, now that Pokémon were already 3D in the main games. However, they left the door open to revisiting the series in the future, if they came up with a compelling idea. With the upcoming Switch 2 and its advanced features, that opportunity might have arrived.

Fans of Pokémon can now enjoy the original Pokémon Stadium on both the Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 through the Nintendo Classics library. It became available in 2023 for Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers, offering a welcome trip down memory lane. However, I believe there’s also potential for a new, updated Pokémon Stadium game to be made.

The idea of a game where you can battle, watch cool animations, and play enjoyable mini-games with friends on the same couch is still incredibly attractive. Especially now, when so many games focus on online play, the ability to play those mini-games both in person and remotely is a huge benefit. The new Switch 2 hardware also gives the developers a chance to make the mini-games even better. Just picture a modern version of Pokemon Stadium where the Joy-Con controllers really draw you into the experience.

I don’t expect it to happen, but I’m hoping for a new Pokemon Champions game. It seems like it could bring back the player-versus-player battles from Pokemon Stadium, though without the fun side games. Despite that, I’m still secretly wishing for Pokemon Stadium 3 to be announced for Pokemon Day in 2026!

Do you remember playing Pokemon Stadium when it first came out? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-14 21:13