Pokémon Features
First Impressions Prepping for Round Two with Pokkén Tournament DX
Once more into the fray
Pokkén Tournament was a game that perhaps never had a proper chance to shine. After its debut in Japanese arcades, the fighter saw a console release on a platform that was in the autumn of its life, and which hadn’t been all that impressive (in terms of sales) to begin with. It was no wonder, then, that Pokkén Tournament...
Feature Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - What We Know So Far...
Ultra surprising
The Pokémon Direct has passed, and it brought us three announcements: Pokkén Tournament DX for the Nintendo Switch, Pokemon Gold and Silver for the Virtual Console and - the most notable one of the trio - the new main series Pokémon arrivals, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon on 3DS. So, what do we know about these up
Poll What Did You Think of the Pokémon Direct and Its Big Reveals?
Was it the ultra surprise?
Earlier today The Pokémon Company and Nintendo shared an eight minute video outlining releases in the series that we can expect this year. There were significant announcements, though they didn't match up with some expectations and predictions, particularly when it comes to 2017 releases on the Nintendo Switch. First of...
Guide Pokémon GO Eevee Evolution: How To Evolve Umbreon, Espeon, Vaporeon, Jolteon And Flareon
All the options
If you've been playing Pokémon GO a lot then evolving your Pokémon will surely be a hot topic right now. To establish dominance over the game's many gyms you need to make sure you have the most powerful monsters possible, and you can only do that by evolving them into stronger forms - and of all of the Pokémon currently featured...
Guide How To Evolve Your Magikarp Into Gyarados In Magikarp Jump
Although, it's almost useless...
Magikarp has always had it rough over the Pokémon franchise's 20-year existence. In the main-series Pokémon games, the flopping fish is (in most cases) practically useless - but as many know, those with enough persistence to raise their Magikarp to level 20 can evolve it into a ferocious serpent-like dragon,...
Hardware Review Datel Go-tcha For Pokémon GO
Taking the effort out of catching those pesky 'mon
While the Pokémon GO craze has clearly died down after the initial explosion of interest at launch, there are still millions of people who continue to play the game each and every day. Some of these will already be using the excellent Pokémon GO Plus accessory, a device worn on your wrist...
Feature An Extraordinary Pokémon Trading Card Collection and a Life-Changing Sale
"It’s all about the memories I can give to my children and wife"
Many reading these pages are dedicated and passionate gamers, and plenty of us will have sizeable collections from our hobby that'd make the uninitiated scratch their heads in bewilderment. Yet gaming is powerful, it can be motivating and inspiring. Sometimes, it can also lead to...
Guide Getting to Grips With SOS Battles in Pokémon Sun and Moon
Sending out an SOS
S.O.S. Battles are the most noteworthy new battle element in Pokémon Sun & Moon because, well frankly, you will continually see them during your gameplay. So what are they? As you are battling a Pokémon, it will often call for help from another Pokémon, usually one of the same species, that will join the battle and give...
News ​Feature: Experiencing Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses & Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions
Music to all ears
Arjun has attended both the Symphony of the Goddesses and Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions tours, and shares his thoughts on the experiences. To most people, video games are a way to relax, unwind, be entertained, get competitive, or all of the above. To others, video games are that and then some - a tool to escape into worlds...
Guide Collecting Zygarde's Cores for the Complete Forme in Pokémon Sun and Moon
Gotta find 'em all
Zygarde was one of the great mysteries towards the end of the last generation, with new forms being introduced and no game to tie them together, but Pokémon Sun and Moon finally provide the first time that these forms are usable in a main game. Getting these forms is a convoluted process where, once given the Zygarde Cube, you...
Guide Getting To Grips With EV Training In Pokémon Sun And Moon
Worth the effort
Next week is the 2016 European International Championships at the ExCel in London, and many people are still getting to grips with the new system for training and even the new Pokémon in Sun and Moon. While Individual Values haven't changed much - beyond Hyper Training, anyway - how you get Effort Values has altered from Pokémon...
Feature The Most Intriguing Features in Pokémon Sun and Moon
A new generation is coming
Pokémon Sun and Moon are almost here, bringing us the year's biggest release(s) on the 3DS and kicking off a new generation in the iconic franchise. There's plenty of excitement, with pre-order numbers high and plenty of buzz online, so we thought we'd break down some of the most intriguing new features to be found in...
Feature Getting To Know Pokémon Sun And Moon's Monsters
Monster mash
We are just a mere two weeks away from the launch of Pokémon Sun & Moon and so it's time for another run down of every single thing that we know and today, we are dealing with the Pokémon. We won't be detailing the datamined leaks here, but there will be things from what has been officially revealed so there may still be...
Hands On Pokémon Sun and Moon - Special Demo Version
Demonstrative indeed
Demos have come an awfully long way over the years, even to the point where these bite-sized chunks can be considered full games in their own right; you only have to look at the Bravely series to know what we're talking about. So it was no surprise when Nintendo announced the arrival of a demo for the upcoming Pokémon Sun...
Guide How To Use Medals To Boost Your Pokémon GO Catch Bonus
Playing to type
The latest Pokémon GO update introduces catch bonuses which improve you chances of bagging that elusive 'mon. This system is based on the existing medal element, where collecting a certain number of monsters earns you an achievement. Only the monster type-related medals have impact on your catch bonus - so ignore the first set of...
Hands On Checking Out A New Generation In Pokémon Sun and Moon
Talking 'bout our generation
From the off it's clear that here's been a tremendous level of effort from Game Freak to make Pokémon Sun and Moon another notable evolution of the Pokémon series; whilst the jump from Black and White to X and Y was like a Bulbasaur becoming an Ivysaur, the jump to this generation is more like a Magikarp becoming a...
Guide Everything You Need To Know About The Pokémon GO Plus
Catching them all just got easier
The Pokémon GO Plus arrives at retail this week after a lengthy delay, but there's still an awful lot of confusion about what this diminutive device actually does, what it's limitations are and how it can be used to improve your Pokémon GO experience. Fear not however, because we've compiled this handy one-stop...
Poll How Excited Are You About Pokémon Sun and Moon?
We know quite a lot about the games now...
Pokémon Sun and Moon, combined together, are the main event for 3DS this year. The hype and buzz around Pokémon GO hasn't exactly harmed awareness of the upcoming portable titles, and The Pokémon Company has also been upping its game with a number of major reveals. In recent times it's unveiled new...
Feature 1000 Live Pikachu Running Wild in Yokohama
A look at annual Summer Pokemon events in Japan
Its the summer of 2016, and the biggest craze going is Pokémon GO! If you've been too busy running around trying to catch em all, you might have missed out on the news of a few other Pokémon related events that are happening over in Japan right now. First up is the Pokemon Riddle Solving Rally...
Feature Pokémon Sun and Moon - Breaking Down The Most Exciting New Features
From Hyper Training to Z-Moves and more
What a few months it has been. Since we last took a look at what we knew about Sun & Moon, following its original reveal, we have had a massive amount of information; it's still coming at us faster than a Quick Claw Speed Forme Deoxys using Extreme Speed. While much of the news has focused on new...
News ​Poll: Will You Still Be Playing Pokémon GO at the End of 2016?
Will the evolution of a revolution be enough?
It's quite clear that Pokémon GO has been one of the most widespread and revolutionary concepts with which Nintendo has ever been associated, albeit the app is very much the work of developer Niantic. Sure, the Nintendo Wii, DS, Game Boy and original NES are also of great mention, but the mainstream...
Guide Building The Perfect Team In Pokémon GO
The best monsters rated by attack, defense and stamina
If you've spent the past few weeks catching Pokémon, grabbing items and evolving your brood in Pokémon GO, then you'll no doubt be keen to fine-tune your team in order to take down some local gyms. That means building the perfect fighting unit of monsters with a mixture of high attack (or CP)...
Feature What We Can Expect From The Future Of Pokémon GO
Keeping the going good
Niantic's Pokémon GO - in which Nintendo has a major stake - has been a lion's roar to the naysayers, for as you're probably well aware the app is breaking records all over the shop. Naturally, we can expect to see this huge spike of interest drop as the novelty may wear off for the more casual fans. However, if you're...
Guide How To Hatch Eggs In Pokémon GO Without Taking A Single Step
You spin me round (like a record)
Hatching eggs in Pokémon GO is definitely something you'll want to do on a regular basis. Not only does it give you additional 'mon for your collection, it's the only way to bag some of the rarer beasts. The big problem? You actually have to walk around for the eggs to incubate. The distances involved vary, but as...
Guide Pokémon GO Monster Types And Where To Find Them
Trying to find your favourite? We're here to help
So you've been playing Pokémon GO for a few days and have built up a pretty impressive menagerie of 'mon, but there are still a few firm favourites you've not stumbled across yet. If you're wondering how to nab these elusive beasts, then we're here to help. Pokémon each have an elemental affinity,...
Guide Advanced Pokémon GO Capture Tips And How To Get Better Pokéballs
All you need to know about bagging those pesky 'mon
If you've already read and digested our handy starter's guide to Pokémon GO then you'll no doubt be ready for some more advanced tips and tricks. We're now going to take an in-depth look into how to actually catch monsters, how to bag the rarer ones and what you have you have to do to get your...
Talking Point The Viral Reaction to Pokémon GO is a Surprise Gift for Nintendo
And it's not even a Nintendo game, in the typical sense
Pokémon GO was an app that bored quite a few observers during a lengthy E3 Q & A this year, a session most entertaining for Shigeru Miyamoto's "who's your daddy" moment when he unexpectedly announced a release date for the Plus add-on - to the bemusement and surprise of Niantic and...
Feature What Are Your Thoughts, So Far, on Pokémon GO?
Avoiding cars and other problems, we hope
It's fair to say that Pokémon GO has struck a nerve with the public, with the app going viral in terms of downloads, money made from micro-transactions and through social media. Pokémon GO is everywhere - well, except for Europe and some other territories still waiting for the release. It's generated some...
Guide New To Pokémon GO? Check Out Our Handy Starter's Guide
Catching, training and hatching - it's all here
Pokémon GO is experiencing a staggered release across the globe, and many people are now hunting Pokémon all around their homes and nearby areas. If you want to get off to the best start then we're here to help - we've compiled a handy starter guide for all budding 'mon catchers. Starting Out When...
Guide Here's How To Get Pokémon GO On iPhone And Android
Super effective!
Pokémon GO has just gone live in Australia and Japan, but for the rest of the world, you can't access the app unless you're willing to jump through a few hoops. Thankfully, we're here to make that process a little easier. Here's how you can get Pokémon GO on your iOS or Android device right now.
Hardware Classics Pokémon Mini
Nintendo's smallest console, in both size and stature
It's somewhat ironic that one of Nintendo's most obscure consoles is so strongly aligned with one of its most instantly recognisable brands, but understanding why the Pokémon Mini wasn't quite as successful as it probably should have been is relatively easy; it was marketed poorly, the games...
Talking Point Our Hopes For Nintendo's E3 2016 Legend of Zelda (and Pokémon) Bonanza
Beyond gameplay, Nintendo can emphasize its unique strengths
Well, it's finally here. After 18 months of near-silence and zero footage, Nintendo is going to lift the lid on The Legend of Zelda for Wii U and Nintendo NX (and also show some Pokémon Sun and Moon). It's the Wii U version that'll be on display, due to the ongoing secrecy around the...
Editorial With Lowered Expectations E3 Can Still Be Full of Nintendo Magic
Focused on the now, not the future
E3, at least in the years I've been following it, has been at its best when focused on the future and full of surprises. Nintendo's plans only fulfil one of those criteria, and partially at that. The latest breakdown of Nintendo's efforts contains a day devoted to games that are rather close, due typically within...
The spirited Level-5 series needs time
The Yo-kai Watch franchise is enormous in Japan, to the point that in late 2015 Level-5 was able to reference 10 million games in the series being shipped. That number will have also included some sales from the first game's launch in North America, though based upon its absence from NPD's results and...
Feature What We Know, and Think We Know, From the Pokémon Sun & Moon Reveal Trailers
Picking through the clues
As we approach a new generation, we have now had a first look at the seventh generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon. These games are the second generation of Pokémon games on the Nintendo 3DS, so while things may look the same on the surface there are some interesting changes that have come. While...
Poll Did The First Pokémon: Sun and Moon Trailers and Starter Pokémon Get You Excited?
Which Starter will you choose?
Well, Pokémon is still a very big deal. Following the announcement of the Starter Pokémon through a debut trailer the franchise was trending on social media, and at the time of writing the trailer on the official Pokémon channel has amassed over 4.4 million views in a little over one day. Pokémon Sun and Moon...
News ​Talking Point: What Would You Like to See From Pokémon Sun and Moon?
Louisa Bhairam outlines her hopes for the new Pokémon titles
Details of the next instalment in the Pokémon franchise should start to come out very soon, and we're interested in what you would like to see from the newest addition to the Pokémon family, or just the future of the series in general. To get you thinking, I've thought of some areas...
Talking Point The New 3DS Can Revive the Portable Family With Help From Pokémon and amiibo
Pokemon amiibo cards could print money
Nintendo knows how to bury bad news. Not long before the Pokémon Direct and the reveal of Pokémon Sun and Moon, it announced cuts to its estimated profits and sales. Net sales could be the lowest in 15 years for the
News Why We're Still Playing… Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
The winners of your community vote on favourite Pokémon games
This is a series of features that focuses on games that we keep playing again and again, either over an unhealthy number of hours or those that keep getting return visits long after they first graced our systems. In this entry Mitch talks about his favourite Pokémon games, which also...
Feature Nintendo Life's Favourite Pokémon Games - 20th Anniversary Edition
They all want to be the very best...
Not too long ago we asked you, the Nintendo Life community, to vote for your favourite Pokémon games, in order to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the franchise; to say that the voting was close would be an understatement. As for the rules, only 'main' or 'core' games were included, which was nevertheless a...
Feature Reflections on 20 Years of Pokemon
Our staff and contributors shared their thoughts on the series
Pokémon is now 20 years old, with the celebrations having included a Pokémon Direct and the release of the gen 1 Game Boy titles on the 3DS Virtual Console. It's become one of the most important franchises for Nintendo both commercially and in broader terms, with a popular culture...
Reaction The Pokémon Direct Was Short and Slick, But Had a Blunted Impact
Sun and Moon remain a mystery despite their leaks and then reveal
Well, the first Nintendo Direct of the year has aired, and it was short and snappy. The Pokémon Direct was confirmed to be around five minutes long when announced, and it only edged up to 'approximately 6 minutes' when it actually arrived; there was no double bluffing to be found...
Ninterview How NeoGAF's Watch Da Birdie Is Creating The Most In-Depth Pokémon Retrospective Yet
Gotta discuss 'em all
With Pokémon celebrating its 20th anniversary and a mysterious Pokémon-related broadcast imminent, there is certainly no shortage of content to keep fans engaged and excited about the future of the series. We've seen that the Pokémon fandom is capable of some truly amazing feats, including fanart and other impressive...
Poll Vote for Your Favourite Main Series Pokémon Games - 20th Anniversary Edition
It's getting serious now...
Just recently we celebrated the 30th Anniversary for The Legend of Zelda with a poll to determine the Nintendo Life community's favourite games in the series. With the 20th Anniversary of Pokémon almost upon us, we thought we'd do the same once again for the iconic Pocket Monsters franchise. We'll have plenty of...
Feature A Pokémon Retrospective: Generation 6 - 2013 to ????
Talking 'bout this generation
As we build up to the 20th anniversary of Pokémon later this month, and look hotly ahead towards brand new things, we're concluding our journey through each generation of Pokémon; this month we cover the most recent generation, the one we are still in! Be sure to also check out our retrospectives on generation 1,...
Feature Five Alternative Nintendo Reveals and Releases We're Interested in for 2016
Not just the obvious 'NX please" entries
One of our earliest articles of 2016 was focused on five key reveals and releases that will define Nintendo's 2016. That was focused very much on the tentpole announcements and releases that are confirmed or suspected, such as NX, My Nintendo accounts, major Anniversary franchise celebrations and more...
Feature A Pokémon Retrospective: Generation 5 - 2010 to 2013
A short gen
As we build up to the 20th anniversary of Pokémon in February 2016 and look hotly ahead towards brand new things, we're continuing our journey through each generation of Pokémon, this month we cover the generation that's the most recent to be fully completed. If you need to catch up before reading ahead, be sure to check out our...
Events Gotta Bach 'Em All: A Night Out At Pokémon Symphonic Evolutions
(Disclaimer: No Bach was actually played on the night)
As with many of Nintendo's largest franchises, the music from the Pokémon games has captured its fans' hearts, being just as much a part of growing up as the monster-catching action itself. From the gentle beginnings in Pallet Town, right through to the epic Champion Battle themes, these...
Feature A Pokémon Retrospective: Generation 4 - 2006-2010
Don't call it a comeback
As we build up to the 20th anniversary of Pokémon in February 2016 and look hotly ahead towards brand new things, we're continuing our journey through each generation of Pokémon; this month we look at the generation that encapsulated the early years of the DS era, in particular. If you need to catch up before reading...
Feature A Pokémon Retrospective: Generation 3 - 2002 to 2006
A period of evolution
As we build up to the 20th anniversary of Pokémon in February 2016, and look hotly ahead towards brand new things including the new Zygarde forms, we're continuing our monthly journey through each generation of Pokémon, this month we cover the generation that many ignored, the one that came after the Pokémon "fad" ended, but...
Feature A Pokémon Retrospective: Generation 2 - 1999 to 2002
Talking 'bout a generation
As we build up to the 20th anniversary of Pokémon in February 2016, and look hotly ahead towards brand new things including the new Zygarde forms, we're continuing our journey through each generation of Pokémon; this month we cover the much beloved second generation. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, and...
Feature A Pokémon Retrospective: Generation 1 - 1996 to 1999
The start of something beautiful
As we build up to the 20th anniversary of Pokémon in February 2016 and look hotly ahead towards brand new things such as the green blob Pokémon, we're going to take you back on a monthly journey through each of the generations of Pokémon, starting with the first Generation. The build-up to launch: It all began...
Talking Point Pokkén Tournament May Not Be a Wii U Saviour, But It Can Provide a Welcome Boost
Giving early 2016 a focal point
Ever since its announcement for the Japanese arcade scene Pokkén Tournament has been closely followed by Pokémon and fighting game fans. Unofficial efforts have often pitched 'mon against each other in crude efforts, but the flashy Bandai Namco-developed release caused quite an online buzz. Of course, its status...
Poll Is Pokkén Tournament The Wii U Release You've Been Waiting For?
Wish fulfilment
Just this week came an announcement that fulfilled a much cited demand from some Wii U owners - Pokkén Tournament is coming to Wii U. Its early 2016 arrival is both expected and a surprise, with plenty of logic in porting a major Japanese arcade release to a global console audience, but likewise there'd been a fear that Nintendo and...
Feature Nintendo Franchises We Want to See at E3 - Pokémon
We wanna spot 'em all!
In the lead up to E3 we're publishing a series of features covering game franchises that we want to make an appearance, and what we'd like to see out of a potential next entry in each series. In this entry, Nintendo Life news and reviews regular Conor McMahon considers the Pokémon franchise. Ever heard of these little things...
Poll Which is the Best Pokémon Game?
Choose the most Super Effective of the main series
With the festive reveal of our staff and reader awards results, we realised that the release line-up of 2014 had given us an opportunity to re-assess some of Nintendo's biggest franchises and determine current-day favourites. In our first poll Mario Kart 8 boosted away with over 50% of the v
Talking Point Nintendo Offers the Best of Both Worlds with Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Satoru Iwata's "Same-Generation Hypothesis" actually makes sense
It's almost taken for granted that Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire will perform well on 3DS (and 2DS) over the Holiday season. It's the safest bet for Nintendo since Pokémon X & Y jumped into a bold new 3D engine and became the biggest-selling of all 3DS games;...
Guide How to Catch a Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Demo Code
Including North American details
Nintendo has now launched its Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Special Demo Version in Japan and PAL territories, which includes unique gameplay and Mega Evolutions that can then be transferred to the full game when it's released; North American details are also coming through. As you may have seen, we're...
Talking Point The Pokémon Trading Card Game for iPad is a Smart Move
A sensible approach to the tablet market
Nintendo is likely to be weary of those ready to tell it — in ever authoritative tones — that it should pitch up its tent in the iOS and Android gardens and bask in the glow of golden revenues. We imagine that while the company is happy to debate the issue, it'll have little tolerance for those that...
Feature Pokémon's Controversial History
Racism, greed, Nazis and spoon-bending
To celebrate the recent launch of the excellent Pokémon Black and White 2 on the Nintendo DS, we thought it would be entertaining to throw open the history books and take a look back at the shadowy past of this massively successful monster-catching series. Like all elements of popular culture, Pokémon has...
