Rumour: New Version of Pokémon Sun And Moon, Pokémon Stars, Is Coming to the Nintendo Switch

I like Stars better than Eclipse. And being the 3rd game means there's no rush for my kids to get it.

But will it communicate directly with the 3DS games, or only via Pokémon Bank?

A main Pokemon is the definitive way to sell the Switch in Japan.... and seeing how preorders were for Sun & Moon in the west, it would be a heavy hitter here too.
Looks like the Switch's first year is shaping up nicely!

Plus.... Playing a main Pokemon in TV!!!!

Pokebank only from the rumour.

Bad timing for that rumour though. Whether it's true or not, I can imagine some angry Nintendo execs right now.

Finally, a HD main Pokemon game on modern hardware! Sign me up!

I was a little annoyed reading the title of the article since I already purchased Moon, but if the new version come by the end of 2017 I'm ok with that.

IF it's true, I hope it'll finally accept multiple save files. My wife and I are totally okay with buying two games for our handhelds, but probably less for our home console

A main series Pokémon game will certainly help shift Switch consoles, it's very tempting to me at least, and i have Moon pre-ordered for next Wednesday (Curse you, EU release delay! >_< ), and a summer release is good for me too, then i can wait out the near-inevitable early supply issues for the switch. :3

Finally, a mainline Pokemon game on the TV! Will defo double-dip and pick this up

pokemon Y, Emerald and Star.. this would be perfect..

Hmm, Game Freak seems to be steering away from the so called 'third version' in recent generations.

If anything, I personally believe only spin offs will be on the Switch, until a new generation. Black 2 and White 2 weren't on the 3ds.

Still will not be getting the Switch in the first year or two.

Hmm.. I just don't see this being realistic. One Pokémon Generation has never spanned multiple consoles.

I don't believe this for one second.

I only ever bought 1 pokemon game,and that was long long time ago.So I shall definitely be getting this for Switch.

I like this, because it would mean hi-res, HD, lag-free Pokemon!

Great! This would help to sell the console. So it's great news.

Yeah I'm super skeptical of this.

And that's why there called rumours.

I am really looking forward to this should it become true as I can play it on a 55" TV as I doubt I would play this on a handheld when I have got handheld versions that suffice.

If Pokemon Star running on HD at least Wii U level, Full Dynamic Camera Angle (Not Fixed angle), More minigames, Customazation from beginning, etc it would a BLAST !

Very skeptical about this. In any case, I probably won't be buying the Switch at launch anyway. I'll be fine with my Poké-fix on 3DS for now.

Having a Pokemon RPG as a launch title is always a good idea. First in the main series that you can play on your TV, too (without an adapter)!

I have every reason to doubt this, but there is one factor that leaves the door ajar.
Creatures, Inc. has stepped down its output heavily in the past half-decade, and that Detective Pikachu title is nowhere near a good enough explanation for this. Given their heavy presence in the Pokémon franchise, I'd say that this silence means something.

People are kidding themselves if they think Nintendo can release new hardware at this point that doesn't have the Pokemon Series on it.

At this juncture it would be gambling with relevancy to leave Pokemon off of any future Nintendo hardware platform.

Yes this would be the Switch killer app for sure. Now I know why Nintendo called the new console the Nintendo Switch, Pokemon game can now be switch between handheld and console this time.

Why not port it to the Wii U as well? It should be able to handle this game and there are probably more Wii U than Switch users at the time of release. I'm not switching!

The sun is a star....so multiple sun versions on the Switch?

I couldn't care less if this were true or not. Still getting Moon. If a new pokemon title comes to Switch, I'll get that too.

Why would this kind of news annoy anyone? Not to mention its just a rumour at this point.

This rumour is born from the fact that as soon as the switch had it's reveal trailer the pokemon company announced that they were making games for the switch. Surprised it took this long for someone to invent something.

Better add eurogamer to the list...

@neufel If you had multiple save files on a Pokémon game, you certainly wouldn't be able to trade pokémon between them. While it's true you can buy multiple copies of a game to get around it, you're "meant" to trade with other people... all trade-able multiple save files would mean is people staying home.

If there's going to be such a big delay then I'm happy buying Pokémon Sun & then later picking up Stars. If Stars was out in March then I'd just hold out until then... I'm an experienced enough trainer that a couple of months won't majorly effect me.

ill be fine with Sun on my 3ds XL, wont be getting switch anyway...

I had the feeling they will do something like this.
But aren't the 'mons models hi-res anyway? Look at Pokedex 3D pro models - those are the same but with scaled down textures in games. At least it looks like that.

Nemesis approves.

@LegendOfPokemon Pokemon Yellow and GSC are the examples for you. GB and GBC and only GBC support.

Why does people think there will always be a 3rd pokemon game?

It has been 8 years since the last "3rd game", and pokemon have existed for 20 years!
Just accept it, it's done!

That and the fact that the last 2 gen had rumored 3rd games that never happened, there's no reason I should trust this rumor.

Please be true please be true please be true please be true please be ture please be true please be true please be true
Some of my problems with sun and moon could be fixed in a more powerful system

I don't know why anyone is doubting these rumours anymore,they're probably all true.Many all doubted the Eurogamer Switch rumours,along with LKD and Rodgers and this very website for reporting them.They all turned out to be true so they obviously have some reliable sources.

@Xaessya Celestial symbology. Sun, moon and stars is a thing. A very ancient one, spanning multiple cultures at that.

This should have been a thing years ago.
I'm no big fan of Pokemon but this is the biggest no brainer ever

This would make me happy.

I actually hope Nintendo has an active team porting 3DS games to NX.

Nintendo should be prepared to ship over 10 million consoles first year, if its is true. And if it's would be announced in january then the 10 million would need to be at launch. And I really mean it. Then they would supply the stores with the enough consoles to be buy by real consumer and the reseller that tend to abuse the real consumer with the low supplys of nintendo product.

I've got the salt ready for this one

I think with this alone we should get a decent install base. Maybe not a ridiculously large one but a big enough one to get third parties to risk it.

Would be a brilliant move of true.

See, we Pokemon Fans have been predicting a 3rd version for the last 2 gens (BW's sequels that stopped that happening and that Z version that never came). Although would they kill the sales of the 3DS versions by having a shinier HD version just a year later? And surly they can have the 3DS versions trade and battle with the Switch version without having to use Box right? Though mind you, they never patched XY so you can have ORAS's Megas be usable in battles against those versions so meh.

@neufel I doubt it. For them it's probably akin to giving out a copy of the game for free. I can most definitely see the benefits but it's something I personally highly doubt they would......ever. They could do this with all their games now but they dont.

@NinChocolate trust me, Nintendo has been gambling with relevancy for the last 4-5 years.

@LegendOfPokemon Pokemon had never had a direct sequel before Black 2 and White 2. There's a first time for everything.

The third legendary has already leaked as being MARShadow... so it doesn't make sense for it to be Stars instead of Mars.

Besides, everything Game Freak have said so far has implied that they intend to keep the main series on the DS... so any Switch games are more likely to be spin-offs than sequels.

Chances are there will be some sort of Stadium-esque game on the Switch, which would explain why they would have been working on higher resolution models for all of the Pokémon... but if it does have a story element to it, it will likely still only be a spin-off story like the GameCube games had.

Figured this was happening ever since the rumor came up this past year that Game Freak was working on a game for the Switch.

I can wait.

So, if I understand...
It's a 3rd 7G game, and it will be on the Swich.
... Seriously, you want me to believe that? It'sot going to happen.
Let's me explain :

1) The last 3rd generation game was out in 2008. It has been 8 years. Pokemon exists since 1996. It has been 20 years. 8/20.
It's over, there's likely no 3rd game anymore, people should realise that.

2) There has been rumors about a 3rd generation game for the last 2 gen, and they never happened.
Why should I believe these kind of rumour again?

3) Pokemon Black and White 2 are on DS. But at the time they were out, the 3DS was already out for almost a year.
We have the same case with the Switch, this time.
They showed us that, by their own logic, the next pokemon game will not on Switch, but on 3DS.

4) The switch is very different from the 3DS. They would have to create all the assets from scratch again.
You think they would do that for a third generation game?
The thing about the third generation games are they take what they already made and make it better.
This can't apply for a new console game!

5) Everytime they went on a new system, it was for a new gen. Why should this be different, this time?

No, really, I don't understand people think it's true.
It doesn't make any sense...

I feel left out. I don't play Pokemon.

Mario feels left out too

Hopefully will be bundled with a limited edition Switch. I'll be holding out for that. Brilliant!

@Sir_Teabag your loss when you teabag yourself for not getting it lol

This would sell more Switch hardware than Mario and Zelda combined. Would be a very smart move!

Edit: Why are people on this site obsessed with going over past release schedules to determine 'rules' for how Nintendo do things? Times change. For the last year it was the timeline of the NX/Switch. Nintendo won't launch it for 18 months after they reveal it, because that's what they did with previous hardware. Times change. There's been no 3rd game for a while because they've instead been churning out games faster. This situation would fit so well. You have a game that's done, and with a tiny bit of work can be sold to the same people again, AND sell your new hardware. It fits with the current Nintendo strategy perfectly.

@Mopati the switch wasn't out 20 years ago.so that's makes it possible

And THIS is exactly why there is not a copy of Sun arriving in my mailbox today. I almost broke down and ordered it yesterday, but I can hold out for half a year to see if this comes to fruition. Lol at anyone who thinks Nintendo hasn't begged/demanded/asked/pleaded/wooed/worked with/blackmailed/bribed/suckered Game Freak into getting a mainline Pokemon game onto the Switch. Don't talk to me about tradition and "no third versions since Gen 4" and all that garbage. It's realer than it's ever been for Nintendo right now, and that Switch has to sell. @Peach64 gets it.

I want it now! I wanna play SUN MOON AND STARS!

Pokemon galaxy next

I'm not surprised, except for the fact that this bit of news comes out today of all days. Could have waited just a little bit longer.

I'm curious what my interest will be once the switch actually rolls around. But whatever; I've waited this long for Sun/Moon, I'm not about to wait any longer!

Sounds highly plausible! We all know Pokemon comes to Switch eventually. It will happen!

Stars sounds like something, where a group of popular Pokemon are teaming up for something like saving the world. I personally like Eclipse better, to fit alongside the Sun and Moon.

Surely they would save the next generation of Pokémon for the Switch...? I think new future Switch owners would prefer a whole new game rather than a polished version of a game that came out on 3DS the year prior, right? I don't know :x

@Angelic_Lapras_King Meh, the bulk of Pokémon sun/moon sales will be between now and Christmas, so Nintendo lowering the long-term prospects of sun/moon in order to give Switch the best possible start (And after the WiiU affair, Nintendo needs Switch to get a great start) seems entirely plausible to me...

Pokémon is a system-seller, even Nintendo can't be oblivious to that, and making the best game lineup they can between next March and Christmas 2017 will be crucial to Switch's success.

I'm calling it now-

FALSE

My reasoning? Because the Switch is not designed to replace the 3DS. Nintendo have already confirmed the 3DS is to continue as a major part of their strategy. Switch is a home style console. Pokemon is too large a part of the 3DS strategy.

@Slim1999 I don't understand what you mean...?

Also, I didn't say it was not possible. I said that this is extremely unlikely.
Like saying that there will be 10 main games in this gen.
Possible. But extremely unlikely.

(I want this rumour to be true, but I can't believe it is.)

A bit skeptical but if it does happen a graphical update will be needed.

@Billsama yeah i agree... hopefully it has some added content

@Mopati your biggest mistake is considering that just because this hasn't happened before that it can't happen now. I believe the Switch is the point that the rule book is being ripped up and the rules re-written.

If they do make a NS exclusive 3rd game and let it communicate with 3ds players, it would be a big feather in the NS cap.

I could see this happening just because this is the first time that Nintendo has ever combined its hardware lines. Pokemon HAS to come out on NS eventually.

Finally, the third version has returned!

/ cancels the preorder I'm getting today due to a rumor /

@ottospooky Look at what I said after. ^^'

"Also, I didn't say it was not possible. I said that this is extremely unlikely.
Like saying that there will be 10 main games in this gen.
Possible. But extremely unlikely.

(I want this rumour to be true, but I can't believe it is.)"

There never had 10 main games in a generation. It's possible. Never happened before. But I'm not going to believe it if someone says to me "I heard a rumour that there is going to have 10 main games in this gen!".

It's the same thing here.
Would be good, yes, but I don't see why I would give credits to such a rumour.

A good business move if true, I think. I'm not personally bothered (bought AS and never got past the Eon ticket), but Pokemon is hot and it would make sense to capitalise on it.

Btw I have a couple of spare Genesect codes (PAL UK) if anyone's interested.

@HappyMaskedGuy
In my estimation, 3DS has about a year left of focus from Nintendo if the Switch is a success. This is what is meant when Nintendo suggests that the Switch won't replace it and 3DS will stay around. They aren't talking past a couple quarters at most.

Yes, Game Freak and third parties will keep throwing games at 3DS because the installed base is so large and it takes less investment, but my guess is that a smaller form factor Switch will be coming along within 2 years or maybe even less (March 2018?); it would be something that will play the same games as Switch but be pocket-friendly like the 3DS.

Whether any of that is true or not, adding Stars to Switch doesn't suggest that the Switch is supposed to replace the 3DS. Both can coexist just fine.

In fact, I don't expect any significant number of people to suddenly suppress their pokemon fever for sun and moon on the 3DS given this rumor; I wouldn't even expect that if it was a full on official announcement. It's more like something to potentially look forward to after they've played through their 3DS copy.

Wait stars? But the Sun IS a star. So should nt be called Pokemon Suns, or should Pokemon Sun be called Pokemon Star?

Truly shocked at the level of skepticism on display here.

The doubters of rumours coming from Eurogamer/Tom Phillips, LPVG/Laura K Dale and Emily Rogers (all have different sources, too) need to have a look at their recent track records.

Remove the salt, I believe they have very reliable sources following the actual evidence of the Switch reveal. These people are not guessing.

Wow. How gullible can people get? Fake pokémon games have been rumored since day one. It's gettin' old.

It's a good thing I keep this on me whenever I come here:

@AndrewJ
I prefer the nice big surprises, too. Maybe there are a few left. At least the details of that Mario game are under wraps so far.

Also, it is just a rumor as much as I'd love for it to be true myself. What we need now is a counter-rumor to pop up in a month to make us think it's all fake (like happened with the Eurogamer rumors about Switch).

Would be awesome., if true .

My initial reaction is with @Peach64 on this. It seems quite feasible and is a positive development if true and those looking to the past to determine what Nintendo and Game Freak will and won't do: just look at the Switch. Look at Pokemon Go and Super Mario Run and the lifespan of the Wii U. Nintendo is rightfully changing how it does things because it is slowly plowing deeper and deeper into the ground.

Maybe we should be happy about this and excited about the possibilities. Maybe.

For me, I've never had much patience with long form games — even great games — on tiny horrible screens with cramped controls on a device you basically have to play in isolation because it's impractical to look over someone's shoulder to see what's happening. So, I say bring Pokemon to the Switch.

@HappyMaskedGuy

Switch is totally designed to replace the 3DS (and if this rumor is true... it proves it). 3DS will receive games until 2018. But it will not receive a portable only hardware successor and its exclusive franchises will eventually jump to the Switch.

Nintendo will continue to manufacture the 3DS consoles but it'll pull the plug on that once its momentum declines and the Switch becomes more popular.

@Sakura great, if it works for mainland Europe (which I guess it does), I'd love to get one of those codes

@DragonEleven Someone listen to this guy. I highly doubt there is going to be a mainline game on the Switch.

Now I'm torn. I was thinking of buying one of the new releases this week. I haven't played a new Pokémon since Crystal, and I've always thought about giving a new game a go. With the release of Pokémon Go igniting my interest in the series even more I was going to buy Sun or Moon. But here's the thing, I always said I would rather buy a 3rd release than one of the dual releases but in recent generations they stopped making the 3rd release. Now there's a chance they might well do it, only on a bigger console.

So do I buy one of the games now, while the release schedule is dead and I'll have nothing else to play, or wait until March (at the earliest) for the Switch version so I don't miss out on new pokemon or features? But at the same time there will be plenty else to play on Switch...plus I think I would rather play on a small handheld than on a TV or handheld unit of the Switch, since it's easier to carry around... Hmm. But it'll look a lot better on Switch, one would assume.

Darn it why did I buy Moon.

@aaronsullivan Honestly? This ticks me off.

Part of the reason that if I give up my Wii U and go to the switch, I will be losing a lot a of games and get almost nothing back for it depending on the Switch's price and launch titles.

@aaronsullivan

"Whether any of that is true or not adding Stars to Switch doesn't suggest that the Switch is supposed to replace the 3DS anyway".

Right... and the Grand Theft Auto V, Last Of Us, and Batman Arkham remasters for PS4 aren't supposed to be an indication that the PS4 was meant to replace the PS3

Watch it end up being another spinoff all about Pokemon "stars".

I doubt it. The timing screams troll. Game Freak has never released a main line Pokemon game shortly after a new system launches. Spinoffs, maybe, I don't know the general release date in comparison to a system's launch.

"Moon of my life"
"My Sun and Stars"

They're Game of Thrones fans, I can feel it.

Hope its true. Totally gonna get a Switch.

@KTT Yeah they are. Although I'll get in trouble for linking a video showing how Pokémon looks in higher quality on a different method, it has been done.

@MegaVel91
Please, don't sell your Wii U. Better paired your Wii U with Wii and then Switch will be a new comer, you can display it beside of your Wii U. They will looks like Siblings.

I would like if Pokemon Generations turned out to be a promotion for Pokemon Switch where you travel all regions all gym leaders right up to Sun/Moon!

@clvr Sent you a code. Enjoy.

Or... Pokemon Switch turns out to be a Pokemon MMO!

@Sakura I've just received it, thank you very much! Have a nice day

LOL at the people doubting Eurogamer's credibility. They leaked almost everything about NX 3 months before Nintendo unveiled the Switch. It should be pretty obvious that they have some pretty solid inside sources at Nintendo, though I imagine Nintendo may begin witch-hunting for those sources right now. Leaking the enhanced version of what will be the company's best selling game of this generation is bound to piss off every executive at Nintendo.

But back on topic, this is a really smart business move. "Third version" Pokémon games typically sell around 6-8 million copies, so while Pokémon Stars won't be a sales juggernaut like Pokémon Sun/Moon, it will definitely help push a lot of consumers to buying a Switch.

Once the Switch gets its own brand new Pokémon game, presumably marking the start of Generation VIII, then the real hype train will take off! Pokémon Stars is just the hype train station.

@TeeJay True, and it doesn't make sense for the games to get a complete graphical overhaul if the 3DS can't handle it. There just hasn't been a 3rd version since 2009, and I don't think there will be one now. I expect Sun 2 and Moon 2, whatever they're called, in the vein of B2W2, on the 3DS.

@Marakuto Yeah, I thought so. I own the dex and I see the models are quite the same in it and in the main games and in GO. No need for additional proof.

All of this i meaning that the hi-res model shown here is in fact their standard model "size" they work with, regardless in what game the model will appear.

I think this is great. I bought Moon but I'll probably buy it on Switch anyway.

This was a controlled leak, they must have been on to something big, so they threw them this curveball to keep them busy with other things.

@TeeJay A direct sequel is GSC. Bonus point as It was literaly called Pokemon 2 for a time. The second sequel is/are B2W2.

@Mopati It is all speculative. However, I should mention that Black & White were meant to get a Gray sequel. The story and fans curiousity made them overhaul the idea and create two different games. I call that the third version but released twice.

As for 6th gen 3rd version... I have a theory but it's not the time and place to talk about it. Either way, the existence of 7th gen's 3rd version is too speculative at this moment. It may be the usual enhanced 3rd version or something more overhauled and tweaked, worthly the double dip.

Amazing news.

Won't have an effect on my plans. Other than I am personally waiting for the Switch version while my kids are getting Sun & Moon for Christmas. My original plan was to start it now.

Game Freak has made it abundantly clear that they don't do third versions anymore. They also do not release games across multiple systems in one generation. They didn't so with BW2. Come on people stop believing this garbage.

@Turbo857 Well, the official line from Nintendo begs to differ- anything else is purely speculation on your part.

@KTT Nintendo haven't said anything to indicate abandoning the 3DS- why would they, considering they already have a HUGE install base. It will take Switch years to reach those numbers. Why people think this is logically ties in with this generation I'm not sure. Maybe next gen?

@LeRaposa I still shall step in and remind about GSC being on different platforms. And I shall remind about 3DS bonuses in B2W2. Yet, I'm neutral on this topic.

@HappyMaskedGuy I take it as an agreement.

This was obvious. They need to show the true potential of the Switch, having all Nintendo's eggs in one basket. It's going to be called Pokémon Prism though.

About to grab Moon now, will definitely get Stars later too. Usually I don't bother with the 3rd version but a mainline pokemon game on a home console is too good to pass up.

This sounds fake if only because Pokémon Stars sounds way too close to "Pocket Monsters" (especially in Japanese).

We could talk about the ills of brand confusion, but I'd say it's VERY unlikely this will be the name if such a game even exists. It would also be the only Pokémon main series game to ever have a plural name and, again, it doesn't make good branding sense to suddenly do that.

Might there be a Switch Pokémon game? If the 3DS gets phased out, I don't see how they could avoid it. But I'll believe this name when I see it.

@HappyMaskedGuy

Agreed. Considering I don't work for Nintendo, any prediction of mine regarding the Switch.. is speculation. All the official statement from Nintendo said, was that the 3DS business will continue alongside Switch. Meaning they will continue to manufacture 3DS consoles until the end of 2018-beginning for 2019ish, which... is common sense business.

Also ya gotta keep in mind that Nintendo's home and portable hardware divisions merged (obviously so the company as a whole can pump games out for one device instead of two, dramatically increasing the Switch's library potential).

The Xbox 360 and PS3 (both which had immense install bases which its successors will not catch up to for another few years) weren't discontinued until its successors were approximately 3 years on the market.

This happened with the DS. It was supposed to be a third pillar until it stole the Gameboy Advance's thunder. Same will happen to the 3DS eventually. The only way the 3DS will receive a portable only successor is if the Switch fails (which is sounding highly unlikely by the day).

@clvr You're welcome.

@KTT Take what as an agreement?

Along with Pokemon Gray and Pokemon Z, I presume?

The Spoiler: it turns out that it's actually for a 3rd PokePark game, just that Stars implies that it's a spinoff of the Mario Party series. Game Freak and Nintendo will probably co-develop the game with who ever programed the later Mario Party games.

They'll probably attach a new-series Pokemon Amiibo with all the Smash ones getting reposes/reprints, with other cards being scan-in. remember when Mario Party: Star Rush was in development it reused the codename "Stars" but called it "N-Stars" after that whole spring-autumn 2015 leak.

If the new Amiibo has more selling power than Animal Crossing's amiibo series, i could suddenly see a new Smash character be seen as the Mario of Pokemon Amiibo due to being over-represented, assuming there is either a new Smash game or a port of 4 on the Switch. could you imagine seeing 2 versions of Incineroar on the shelf at the same time?

@Anti-Matter You see, that's the entire problem, with the way my financial situation is, I'll be forced to give up either my Wii or Wii U, depending on the Switch's price point, and giving up my Wii means I've lost the capability to play GC games forever outside of buying a GC online... While losing my Wii U means I lose a whole lot more...

I made an account just to post this.

Let's just hope Nemesis doesn't get ahold of it.

I was debating on whether I should get a New 3DS to play Pokémon or buy the Switch to get Zelda but after this news, I'm definitely leaning towards buying a Switch

Is that the article that eurogamer was supposed to post about the switch on the 18th ?

@MegaVel91 just sell the wii. You can play your GameCube games on the wii u

@LegendOfPokemon
the unique mobile nature of the switch gives me pause though

Having played an hour or so of Pokemon Moon, I can definitely believe this. The second screen stays dark when it's not being used, and all of the touch screen features could very easily be replicated with a single capacitive touch screen. Also, this would explain why the game's graphics received such a significant boost from X/Y and OR/AS. The art style is gorgeous, and all it really needs is higher-resolution models and environments to look great in HD.

If the Switch really gets a 3D Mario, an ambitious new Zelda, and a higher-res Pokemon game with more content, I have hard time imagining it won't be a really hot item around Christmas 2017.

As much as I would like holding out on purchasing a Switch until I'm sure of Nintendo's business direction with it, a Pokemon game, even a 1.5 game, would by the big sales push the Switch would need to get off the ground, and I really, really would like to see the ancient 3DS hardware ditched.

However, I have my doubts that a 1.5 version on the Switch would show much improvement over the 3DS version, creating new models for everything to showcase the new hardware would likely be considered too much work.

@DarkKirby The character and Pokemon models are already pretty detailed, so substituting higher-res textures and bumping up the resolution to 720p would probably make them look decent on an HDTV and amazing on the handheld display. Although I agree that we won't really see Pokemon's true potential on the Switch until another gen comes out.

I don't really play Pokemon but too be able too play a Pokemon game on the big screen would be awesome tho.

IF this is true, I'll keep to the same pattern that I have in years past - I'll pick up one of the two initial versions, then play the third/definitive version when the time comes.

Stars? The sun is a star. Ah well, I get where they're coming from.

Anyway, good news, but it was always a given this game would be made and coming to the Switch, really. :]

@UK-Nintendo No you can't. It's not backwards compatible. Don't go telling blatant lies.

@UK-Nintendo You can't play GC games on the Wii U... even if the discs did work, you'd still need a GC adapter for controllers, but would have no way of plugging in memory cards.

@UK-Nintendo Sounds like somebody needs to take his own advice: http://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1158/p/431

"Gamecube Discs..., dvds, etc. are not supported"

And that's on top of the lack of memory card and accesories support, as well as only tentative use of the Gamecube adapter.

I mean, yes, you can Jailbreak your system and make it do things it wasn't supposed to if you really want to. That goes for almost any electornic device with rewritable storage capacities. From what I've seen of the results, however, I don't feel that its wise to be telling people to sell what they already own in favor of some community-made hack that is aggressively disincentives by Nintendo, especially when that community could just as easily stop working on it tomorrow, and the only thing they'd lose is their collective personal pride, and wasted however many hours they each put into it.

@MegaVel91
Oh, i'm really sorry to hear about your financial problem. But perhaps you can sell something else, as long not your Nintendo machines. Too bad if you have to lost your collection. Btw, do you have a job right now ? If you have a job, i'm sure you can save some money to buy Switch on the next year. You can always buy Switch anytime when you have enough money. Well, be wise to manage your financial and at the same time you still can expand your Nintendo machine collections.

@DragonEleven you can through the Wii. And yea GameCube adapter is supported. Any Bluetooth controller works

@CanisWolfred it works via Wii mode. Google is your friend

@DragonEleven n64 games work on the Wii u does that mean we need n64 controllers

@UK-Nintendo I just looked it up. It needs custom, unauthorized software. So no.

@CanisWolfred sorry I don't understand. So will my Wii u stop playing my GameCube games if that community stops supporting it.

I really hope this is true. This would be amazing!!!

Yes, because Supported =/= running properly or utilizing all features available on the original tech. I've seen it with the DC and Xbox emulation communities. Hell, I can barely even find any info outside of "how to do it" youtube videos and Neogaf thread, which was as fun to read as most neogaf threads...as in it was horribly unhelpful...

Pokemon (the main games) and Zelda are my two favorite franchises. I'll buy any console just to play those games.

@CanisWolfred how can it stop working when this was also available on the original Wii since 2011.

My sega Saturn still plays my games even if sega don't support it no more

@UK-Nintendo GameCube memory cards still can't be used though, so you wouldn't be able to save your game without modifying your Wii U.

And N64 games are only playable on the Wii U as Virtual Console versions... not the originals... they have been modified to make them compatible with other controllers.

@CanisWolfred the Wii u doesn't emulate GameCube games it plays it natively. The Wii u is not powerful enough to emulate GameCube.

@DragonEleven erm yes your game saves are saved on the sd card.
I'm sorry I mentioned all this and now I will have to answer all your questions

So Long story short: you can't do it without modifying your Wii U and pirating the ISOs, after reading through the content that we've repeatedly been told to "Google". @UK-Nintendo I'll concede that it is possible to play Gamecube games on the Wii U, just like how it is possible to eat a full 3-course meal at 3 a.m. by breaking into a convenience store and using their microwave. I certainly don't condone it, and I sure as hell don't respect you for endorsing it, especially your first post on this little tangent.

That's all I have left to say about this.

@CanisWolfred I don't understand. Why would I pirate isos when I own all my games.
I'm talking about playing your bought games not downloading illegal games. Why are you talking about isos.

@CanisWolfred I in no way support piracy.

@UK-Nintendo Well, the Neogaf thread said it required the ISOs on a separate SD card. If that's no longer the case, then I still don't give a toss. Also, learn to edit your comments so I don't have to X-out 4 different notifications from my dashboard.

@UK-Nintendo From what I can tell, to play Gamecube games on Wii U, you have to install a homebrew channel, own specific games, rip Gamecube ISOs using a modded system... yuck. Why would anyone go to this much trouble?

@CanisWolfred I'm sorry if my comments made you upset. Maybe you misunderstood me

@Ralizah I give up

But what will they do with the day-night cycle? reversed like Moon, normal like every other pokemon game since time was a thing, or something else?

I'm in the camp of "for sure getting the Switch" and "not getting Sun/Moon" (haven't gotten into a Pokémon game for the last 3 generations and wanted to give the series a break), but I have to say, a console Pokémon title would sure as heck bring me around on that decision. If it's a significant visual upgrade of Sun/Moon, I'm all in.

if this is true, they should officially have announced it to at least some degree (that it is on Switch with higher res graphics) prior to Sun and Moon releasing, so as not to upset fans (again, if it is true). Some may not care to buy multiple versions of a game, but I prefer knowing the details ahead of time and buying just the 1 I most care about, if there are major differences such as this.

That all said, the idea of a main pokemon game on TV is appealing. I like the theme of Alola, and the idea of creating official (non stupid rare shiny) pokemon is appealing, particularly since many are of the original 150 from what I can tell. I didn't care much for the demo though. The pokemon formula feels a bit tired, and I don't really like questing so the poke trials weren't to my taste, and I don't like that the type advantages/effectiveness is shown on the moves (makes it too simple. Part of the fun, imo, is trying to guess what type a pokemon is and what moves work well against it, and makes chars like sudowudo interesting choices to put in a team. Gives some advantage to knowing what pokemon are what. The casual players may not care, so they won't learn the types and won't do as well [not that it'll hurt them all that much], and it then rewards those who try to put in a bit of effort).

However, if I can play it on the big screen, may be a fun to have a 'group' or shared game save for anyone who wants to play or just adventure a bit from time to time. And the beauty of the Switch is that it opens up the possibilities for traditional single player experiences (like RPG's) to be enjoyed locally by a group via the large screen, like watching a movie, almost. Is how I envision / hope it can be like.

@Ralizah To have game backups in case one loses the game somehow, or is it breaks, etc. And if/when the system eventually breaks down, all game files can be backed up to a USB drive. It's all about preserving your stuff.

Ah, yes... YES... The name transfer is complete! Robopon lives again! ...Sort of. BUT STILL! The clone shall have the last laugh after all!

@PlywoodStick thanks.

@UK-Nintendo

@Turbo857
I don't know where to start because from my point of view that's an apples to oranges comparison you're making. PS4 has a name that means it is a replacement and there is no question in anyone's mind that it is the next iteration of the same kind of gaming machine. By the logic you are trying to suggest is so obvious Hyrule Warriors Legends and Mario Maker 3DS mean that 3DS is a replacement for Wii U.

Interesting. Guess I'llhold off picking up Sun or Moon for now. Switch needs some exclusives that I don't already own.

Meh I'll believe it when I see it. Every Pokemon game from HG/SS onwards there's always been a rumour of a third version, be it "Mind Crystal", "Pokemon Grey", "Pokemon Z", "Pokemon Delta Emerald" around the release of the actual games.

I don't like the idea of waiting months and months for a supposed announcement of a game that may not even exist. Rumours are rumours, without appropriate evidence they aren't announcements regardless of whether they end up true or not.

@CTMike Their track record isn't that good people just ignore all the things they get wrong, Emily Rogers in particular stated that Mother 3 would get a VC release this year and got the Switch Reveal date wrong. I'd take it all with a grain of salt, otherwise you'll end up disappointment for lack of software that was never officially promised in the first place.

@MegaVel91 it is pretty much a certainty that mainline Pokemon games will come to Switch.

It's Nintendo's new portable.

@johndevine No. It's not. It's a home console with the gimmick of being portable. It's not the same thing.

@MegaVel91 that's your view. Which I would consider wrong tbh.

I can't see Nintendo developing seperate portable games beyond 2017, unless they announce something to the contrary.

@johndevine That's the official designation. BY NINTENDO. Not my personal view. Which means, you are wrong, btw.

Enjoy eating your facts.

@MegaVel91 please post a link to your official designation by Nintendo, in full, that doesn't also state the the console is portable.

Funnily enough I thought this was Nintendo's statement

https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/first-look-at-nintendos-new-home-gaming-system

I don't see anywhere in that article that says "portability is this new system's gimmick"

Or maybe you are referring to this statement, where Nintendo didn't actually say anything that backs up your viewpoint....

http://www.technobuffalo.com/2016/10/21/nintendo-says-switch-is-a-home-console-first-and-wont-replace-the-3ds-not-so-fast-nintendo/

@aaronsullivan

"By the logic you are trying to suggest is so obvious Hyrule Warriors Legends and Mario Maker 3DS mean that 3DS is a replacement for Wii U."

No.... that's what we call "down-porting (porting a game to less powerful hardware)". Those games aren't "enhanced remasters" like the other examples I gave. My point is that in the Pokemon's series case, the third version released after a set of 2 versions is usually always an enhanced version of the previously released 2 version (e.g., Yellow, Emerald, Platinum, etc.)

If Stars represents the typical third enhanced version of Sun and Moon, but this time is exclusively being released on more powerful hardware (and not the 3DS).... why should we not assume that Switch is a successor to the 3DS? As Bill Cosby would say... the proof is in the pudding.