Pokémon Features
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...
Parent Trap Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Gets Personal
Family Gamer's Andy Robertson gets asked some probing Poké-questions
Creating games for children is tricky because it's the small things that make the biggest difference. My kids often get as much fun from unintended consequences of the main game as they do completing the campaign. I've been reminded of this while playing Pokémon Super Mystery...
Feature A Pokémon Retrospective: Generation 6 - 2013 To 2016
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 songs...
Feature A Pokémon Retrospective: Generation 4 - 2006 To 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 Why We're Still Playing... Pokémon Gold / Silver / Crystal
The revolution of a revolution...
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 Arjun talks about his favourite Pokémon games. The beginning: There's no doubt that the...
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 as...
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
Video The Top Ten Worst Designed Pokémon Ever
Gotta retch 'em all!
Not all Pokémon are created equal. Some of them are powerful, some of them are weak. Some of them are awesome to look at, and others are comparable to a pile of mouse droppings, and the latter are what we have for your viewing pleasure today. It should be noted that we aren't suggesting that any of the monsters listed in the...
Guide Everything You Need To Know About Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire's Secret Bases
Bomb the base
Secret Bases are a feature from the original games that make a triumphant return in Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, but contrary to what many people believe, they're actually one of the most useful features in the game. Making A Base: Dotted around Hoenn there are 82 locations where you can create a Secret Base. This is...
Guide Training The Ultimate Pokémon In Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Effort Values effortlessly explained
So, you've had Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire for a few days now and the time has come to get past the story and into the competitive area once more. These games have not had much change in terms of the Effort Values over the previous offering — Pokémon X & Y — which came out last year, but...
Feature The Long Evolution of the Pokémon Trading Card Game
Capers in card
Alex attended an event that celebrated the new XY Phantom Forces sets in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. He got a chance to play the game for the first time in over ten years, and this is what he had to say about it. Despite being an enormous fan of the Pokémon series, the Trading Card Game has been a bit of a blind spot for me...
Guide Everything You Need To Know About Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire's New DexNav
We dish out the details on this amazing new feature
Since Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire came out in North America, one of the most talked about features is the DexNav, and it's easy to see why. It is one of the most addictive features that has ever been in a Pokémon game. What Is It?: Essentially, the DexNav is part of the PokéNav...
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;...
Parent Trap Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Demo Is Perfect For Pocket Monster Newcomers
Both young and old alike
Parents can lag behind their children in their video-game consumption. A combination of a sentimental connection to games of yore and a dwindling amount of free time for their hobby often results in the kids playing new games first. Even for a series as long standing as Pokémon, many parents simply don’t get what all the...
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...
Gallery Exploring the Pokémon World Championships in Photos - Day 3
They want to be the very best, like no one ever was
The Pokémon World Championships in Washington, D.C. wrapped up today, with champions emerging victorious in a dazzling spectacle of wit and Kangaskhans. Canadian Andrew Estrada was crowned the winner of the Trading Card Game Masters Division, while Korean Se Jun Park took home the Masters Division...
Hints at a Mega Evolution for Slowking?!
During this weekend's Pokémon World Championships in Washington, DC, we were able to catch up with J.C. Smith, the Director of Consumer Marketing for the Pokémon Company International, to talk about the competitive scene, the Trading Card Game Online, and Pokémon's worldwide appeal. Whether you're here for
Gallery Exploring the Pokémon World Championships in Photos - Day 2
Even more cute hats
After a day of last-chance qualifiers yesterday, the Pokémon World Championships began in earnest this sunny Saturday in Washington, D.C. While the only competitors in attendance were the few who made it through to the tournament proper, the spectators came in droves today, packing the convention center's large ballroom wall to...
Gallery Exploring the Pokémon World Championships in Photos - Day 1
Getting a little furry
Today was the first day of the 2014 Pokémon World Championships, bringing the best players of both Pokémon X & Y and the Pokémon trading card game from around the world to convene on Washington, D.C. in hopes of claiming eternal glory for their Mudkips. While the tournament proper doesn't begin until tomorrow, the Last...
First Impressions The Thieves And The 1000 Pokémon Steals Its Way Onto 3DS In Japan
But is it Robin Hood or Dick Turpin?
We've taken a look at The Thieves and the 1000 Pokémon before, but now the free eShop title has been released in Japan we can share some more info and screenshots of this delightfully bonkers little game. You start out by picking one of the three initial Pokémon from Pokémon X and Y, and then you basically...
Round Table Let's Discuss Our Hopes and Dreams for Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Bold ambitions
When The Pokémon Company announced Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire for the 3DS, franchise fans young and old lost a great degree of composure. It's no surprise that a remake is coming to Nintendo's current portable but it's come rapidly after X & Y, while its reveal was sudden and through a press release. A global...
Feature What Can We Expect From Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire?
November can't come soon enough
Within the last week, it was announced that remakes of Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire are coming this year. Since then, we've been blessed with a (very) small teaser but ultimately know absolutely nothing about the remakes or what they will bring. So, the question is, what should we expect? That's a tricky one to...
Guide How to Become a Pokémon Battle Tournament Master
With tips from the champs
Last weekend we were lucky enough to spend the day watching nail-biting Pokémon battles and chowing down on innumerable amounts of pizza with comedian Johnny Vegas at the UK Pokémon X & Y Battle Tournament 2014 Grand Final. At the end of a long day of battling the winners of the four categories were decided, with...
Guide Building the Perfect Team in Pokémon X & Y
Serebii's Joe Merrick helps you get prepared for tournaments
"Strong Pokémon. Weak Pokémon. That is only the selfish perception of people. Truly skilled trainers should try to win with their favourites." In the past few months, we have dealt with the core mechanics of Pokémon, from EV training to IV breeding, and now comes the most unique part...
Guide The Building Blocks Of Success In Pokémon X & Y
Serebii's Joe Merrick is back with another essential guide
Continuing our in-depth look at everything Pokémon X & Y and following on from the Breeding Guide, we're now looking into the in-depth building blocks of Pokémon, with a focus on the most recent entry in the series. Stats: Let's start off with a bit of basic Pokémon knowledge...
Hands On Storing Pocket Monsters in Pokémon Bank
And going last-gen with Poké Transporter
Pokémon Bank, the online store app just recently released in Europe to accompany Pokémon X & Y, is a simple utility; at first glance you essentially take in its entirety. It's a storage box for all of your Pokémon. As such, you know what you're going to get; in Pokémon Bank, you will find 100 boxes...
Guide How To Become The Ultimate Monster Breeder In Pokémon X & Y
Serebii's Joe Merrick offers some essential advice for new trainers
Over the coming weeks and months we'll be running a series of articles giving expert advice on Pokémon, focusing on the latest entry in this esteemed series: Pokémon X & Y. To start off, we're going to look at the mystic art of breeding Pokémon, because even before you decide...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - Pokémon X & Y and the 2DS, Perfect Together
Rapidashing through the snow with a Horsea on our sleigh
The Pokémon series has certainly evolved (some might even say mega-evolved) since the days of Pocket Monsters Akai and Pocket Monsters Midori in 1995. While franchise creator Satoshi Tajiri still has a hand in the development of main series Pokémon games, things have certainly moved on since...
Feature Our Favourite, Quirky and Baffling Pokémon X & Y Moments So Far
If in moral doubt, stuff 'em with Poké Puffs
Pokémon X & Y has been in stores for a little over a week, and we imagine some 3DS gamers have devoted more hours to the game in that time than they'd care to admit. Gotta catch 'em all really means "gotta play the game until my eyes pack in". While both X & Y are all about the serious business...
Guide Pokémon X & Y - All You Need to Know to Get Started
A spoiler free zone
So, it's now officially here, the global release date for Pokémon X & Y; in fact, it's likely that many of you that read this are either in possession of or preparing to acquire a copy for yourself. For some it's the continuation of a long-running gaming passion, and in a few cases may be a first dabble with the franchise...
Talking Point Pokémon X & Y's Grand Global Release Plan Has, Sadly, Been Undermined
Leaks, ruthless retailers and impatient gamers suck away intended magic
The excitement was undeniable when Satoru Iwata, in a Nintendo Direct broadcast, announced Pokémon X & Y and confirmed that it would have a global release date. That's almost upon us, 12th October, meaning that aside from time zone differences 3DS gamers around the world...
Interview Junichi Masuda and Hironobu Yoshida Discuss Pokémon X and Y, Mega Evolutions and the 2DS
On the road to Luminose City
On 12th October budding Pokémon masters will be able to explore first-hand the beautiful polygonal 3D environments of the French-inspired region of Kalos, where trainers rush around on roller-skates and a giant Ryhorn snoozes outside your front door. We caught up with Pokémon X and Y's Director Junichi Masuda and Chief...
First Impressions Pokémon X & Y
Katy and Martin go hands-on
We were recently lucky enough to get some hands-on time with Pokémon X & Y, and see in advance what sort of impact the new 3D engine and gameplay has had on the core Pokémon franchise. As two of us were able to attend the event and both experience the game individually on some shiny 2DS systems, our first...
Reaction The Pokémon Bank and the Inevitability of Online Charges
Gotta buy 'em all
Today's Pokémon Direct broadcast brought 20 minutes of hype for the upcoming Pokémon X & Y, titles that will practically sell themselves regardless. There was some exciting news about limited edition hardware and, oh yes, the choice of
Feature A Brief History of Pokémon - Part One
Contracting Pokémania
In the mid-nineties, an epidemic spread across the world. First discovered in Japan, it soon spread across the pacific, consuming vast areas of America. We were powerless to stop it. No cure was to be found. Before long, it broke America's shores and hit Europe with similarly devastating effect. The worst affected were...
Feature Pokémon X & Y - What We Know So Far
Let's summarise
Earlier this week, through an aptly titled Pokémon Direct, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata brought the news that Pokémon fans had been waiting for; a new generation main-series entry on the system. Pokémon X & Y will — like its predecessors — be released in two separate flavours, but with the developers choosing letters as...
Talking Point Pokémon X & Y Provide a Timely Boost for 3DS in the West
The DS era is left behind
The biggest release on DS in 2012, and surely the runaway winner of practically every Game of the Year award specifically tailored for the older handheld, were the Pokémon Black & White 2 titles, tied together for the purposes of simplicity. Yet its announcement and release on the platform surprised a number of gamers...
Feature The New Dimensions of Pokémon
Snap and Dream Radar change the perspective
Trading cards and anime episodes aside, the Pokémon series is known for a long-lasting line of handheld RPGs. You've almost certainly played one or two of them — and we suspect that quite a few of you are already getting into Pokémon Black & White 2 — most likely followed by an obsessed state of...
Feature The Bizarre History of Pokémon Technology
Go Go Gadget Pokémon
Ever since the Game Boy link cable connected rival trainers together in Pokémon Red and Blue, the famed monster-catching franchise has been fascinated with novel technology. Pick an eccentric doodad at random from Nintendo's library of experiments and you're certain to find a guinea Tepig tagging along to make sure it's safe...
Talking Point The Future of Pokémon
Time to evolve onto 3DS
Given that the 3DS console has been on sale worldwide for nearly a year now, the desolate wastes of its almost non-existent software library have finally blossomed into a variety of must-have titles. But there’s one Nintendo property that’s still criminally under-represented on the handheld: Pokémon. The franchise has...