It's that time of year again when we celebrate all things Pokémon: Pokémon Day. The annual event is always an exciting time for fans. Not only do we get cool promotions in stores and special social media icons, but we also get Pokémon Presents! These Presents typically are when the big announcements happen, such as new main-line games. This year was no exception, as there is quite a lot to be excited about. However, a certain omission has left me conflicted about the presentation. But we’ll get to that; let’s dive into all the big announcements from this Pokémon Presents!
The Presents started with a montage of updates for Pokémon’s various mobile and side games. This included updates for Pokémon Masters EX, which is getting a bunch of new characters. This includes Geeta from Scarlet and Violet, a Champion version of Silver, and Gladion in a sygna suit, and they all look good (I’m more intrigued at what Geeta is going to sound like). We also got a roadmap for upcoming content coming to Pokémon UNITE. Miraidon, Falinks, and Ceruledge will be coming to the game over the next couple of months. I haven’t played much of Unite, but Miraidon does look like a bit of fun. Pokémon Café Remix is getting a Gimmighoul event, and Pokémon Sleep is adding the Legendary Beast Trio (Entei, Raikou, and Suicune). The last update was for Pokémon Go, which is adding the Gen 9 starters into the game. The new characters from the anime, Liko and Roy, will also appear in screenshots you take while catching these new critters. Most side games seem to be getting decent updates, but let’s get into the proper new stuff.
Are you a fan of the Pokémon Trading Card Game? If so, a new mobile game coming this year is right up your alley. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is a whole new way to collect, battle, and trade Pokémon Cards. You’ll be able to open packs, trade cards with friends, and play against people no matter where you are. That sounds fun enough, but they’re also adding special effects to some of the cards. This ranges from certain card art exploding from the card to even entering into the art on the card. The biggest draw of this game for me is that I can get that dopamine hit of opening packs and collecting cards without dumping an obscene amount of money. Being able to open two packs of cards a day for free keeps you constantly collecting and ensures that you don’t have to spend a cent. I’m definitely curious to try this one out when it drops later this year.
Leading up to this presentation, I was hoping for any kind of info for a potential Gen 5 game. Whether it was a remake, sequel, or Legends game, I just wanted something. So I was a little conflicted when the big announcement wasn’t for a Gen 5 game but instead was for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, a game that will be set in the Kalos Region of Gen 6. Now, don’t get it twisted; I’m still very excited for a new Legends game, and Gen 6 was notoriously short (with only Pokémon X and Y). The possibility of the game being in the future will be an interesting take on the Legends formula. I was just a little let down that I won’t get to revisit Unova this year. Actually, we won’t get to play a new Pokémon game at all this year because Legends A-Z is scheduled to release in 2025. They’re taking their time with this one, which will surely lead to a better game. They also announced that mega-evolution is coming back, so I sort of forgive them for no Gen 5.
This Pokémon Presents gave me a lot to be excited about, which is why I’m so conflicted. The new updates are fun, the new TCG game looks neat, and I adore that we’re getting another Legends game. But the exclusion of Gen 5 does leave a slight taste of disappointment. Putting my bias aside, I’m still very much looking forward to all this new Pokémon content heading our way. Keep it locked to Couch Soup for more Pokémon coverage to feed your hungry nerd soul.
You can check out the full presentation below.
Did you watch the Pokémon Presents? What did you think? What was your favourite announcement? Let us know in the comments where we can talk about how Gen 5 remakes will totally happen next year.
