Tyranexx

I'm glad Pokemon Pokopia is reviewing well, though being tied with Pokemon Y definitely shows how subjective review scores can be. X/Y are strong games mechanically, but in other areas - mostly with plot and most characters minus AZ and Floette - I considered the pair the weakest mainline games until Sword/Shield came along.

Still, I can see why Y ranked higher than X. For all that Gen 6's plot fumbles, it did escalate into something truly dark near the climax. Especially when it comes to our death phoenix friend Yveltal.

...I just realized we're a week away from Mar10 Day. Where is 2026 going?!

Good read! And very relatable. Between playing the Pokemon games and being an introverted bookworm in general, I came across many words as a kid lol. Though I will say my pronunciation still occasionally suffers if I've never heard a word used IRL. Which can also be subjective depending on the language and dialect! (Po-tay-toh, Poh-tah-to, car-mull, care-ah-mell, etc.)

And yes, I mispronounced guillotine as "gill-oh-teen" for years thanks to these games lol. The French language and I have never meshed well.

Ooh, didn't think a Switchlist game of mine would show up in today's Indie World! I'm definitely intrigued and will keep an eye out for Switch 2 impressions.

I completely forgot which legendary beast you encounter is starter based in FR/LG. Which explains why I never encountered this glitch since Charmander is my Gen 1 GOAT lol. Glad they addressed this; catching this Roaring trio is enough of a pain (especially in Gen 2) already. I spent hours chasing them back in the day.

I'll join the Ace Attorney 7 crowd in the comments even if I'm not expecting much on the AA front. Some great games are confirmed to be covered though.

This is a definite digital purchase down the line since I have yet to buy a Switch 2 and hope for a discount too. Plus, I have a couple backlogged Pokemon spinoffs I'd like to get to as well as PL:ZA once I finally pick that one up.

I enjoyed my time with DQB2 on Switch 1, but the game did struggle sometimes. So I'm not surprised this one skipped the OG Switch family.

I'm usually not into the Indie World showcases - though they have thrown pleasant surprises my way in the past - so I'll just catch the news afterwards. As usual, the start time doesn't mesh with my work schedule.

But hey, it's another Direct! Now about the full phat presentation I think many of us are wanting....

I like them all but do agree the Gen 8 boxes (Sword/Shield) are the weakest. I finally went with Gen 2 out of nostalgia admittedly. Those box arts started the legendary trend, feature some of my favorite Pokemon to this day (especially Lugia!), and the boxes IRL have a heck of an eye catching holographic sheen.

@DollyrotsFan1 I fully expect the Switch 2's adoption rate to accelerate over time as the OG Switch family is retired and more development moves to the platform. Hence why we're in a transition period and why I don't expect the Switch 1 to hang around forever. But there's still a heck of a user base for Switch 1, which is why I expect the transition to trend gradually downhill, not fall off a cliff.

All great contenders IMO. Charizard will likely take the cake - it's one of my favorites ever - but I went with Lucario out of this bunch. Cool design, great typing, amazing mega evolutions, and a great Dex entry/lore behind it. Not to mention Aura Sphere is one of the coolest attacks IMO.

Umbreon comes close too. It's my favorite Eeveelution and one of the coolest dark types out there. It also has a great shiny form.

This is both inevitable and was hard to miss for anyone who watched the Pokemon Winds/Waves trailer. We're still in the Switch/Switch 2 transition period that many console generations go through. My guess is cross-release retail games will continue to dwindle into 2027. Still, the OG Switch family has a huge install base, so I'm not surprised it's taking awhile. And I fully expect the Switch 1 family's eShop to stay busy longer.

Pseudo busy weekend, but there will be some gaming. Still working on my Golden Deer/Verdant Wind Fire Emblem: Three Houses run (chapter 6) and the OG Paper Mario (Wii U VC, chapter 7). I expect to finish the latter very soon.

While I'm VERY tempted to dive into some classic Pokemon this weekend thanks to all the recent news for the franchise's big 3-0, I have enough games going. There are plenty of celebrations going on in both Pokemon TCG Pocket and Pokemon Go that I'm content with. I don't often mention them outside of significant events in PoGo since they're ongoing and usually only played for a few minutes almost daily.

Happy gaming!

But what if you wanna roleplay as Dick Grayson in the Pokéverse? Edit: Beaten to it.

(This is a nothing burger to me, but I would have programmed the games to just replace such words with "Nope" lol)

And as long as they don't go TOO OCD with the words either. Trading for Froslass and Nosepass on the GTS back in the day was a nightmare. GF literally self-censored there.

Great reads! I have several stories, but not as epic or heartwarming as some. I'm sure I've mentioned a few in some comments over time lol. There really was nothing like being a kid during the onset of Pokémania in the 90s. I have so many memories of watching the anime, trading Pokemon via link cable on the school bus, poring over cards, and reading magazines and guides. I was going through some of my things a few years ago and found a notebook that was full of Pokemon drawings and even a fictional story of a Pokemon battle I participated in with a kid I knew then. Poorly drawn and written in a 3rd grader's hand (Hyper Beam was "Mouth Beam" apparently), but very memorable.

@Zaruboggan Your comment is very relatable. I've been a Pokemon fan since childhood and definitely received occasional ridicule in middle school and HS since "it's for kids". Didn't help that I went to a small rural high school (I graduated with a class of 30) and was a gamer girl ([gasp] Girls game?!). I was so relieved to find other fans around my age in college.

Missile! I mean Pombon. Though my final decision rests on how the evolutions progress.

Points to Browt if its final evo ends up with a luscious beard or 'stache lol.

I give it a 7. There were some decent announcements and some great video transitions and art. Most announcements weren't out of left field for me outside of the GB music player - a cool curio, but nothing I need - but I was pleasantly surprised by our first look at Pokemon Winds/Waves. Pokopia is also shaping up to be my cozy game of choice in the future once I grab a Switch 2, and I'm glad Home support is confirmed for FR/LG (even if it was expected and is unfortunately a one-way street).

Not that I expected anything different, but I'm glad Pokemon Home support is confirmed nonetheless. Kinda stinks it's a one-way street though.

I need a DJ Rotom and Ryme collab at some point. Please!

Nintendo is REALLY trying to make me up-sub to NSO+ lol. Never had GameCube access back in the day, and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is towards the top of my GCN "Want to play" list.

Seems weird it's coming before Pokemon Colosseum though. I'll likely end up playing that one first. Though it'll be awhile in any case.

It's telling when the first thing I spoke was "Thank Arceus they're waiting until 2027." I was worried they'd rush these out for the next holiday season. As much as I enjoyed my first run through Pokemon Scarlet recently, I do agree the performance could have been better. Especially in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

The new region looks good, and I'm glad underwater exploration is returning. I liked the Dive exploration in the Gen 3 titles. Not sure how I feel about the new starters yet, but I'm usually more sold on their final evolutions anyway. Pombon currently wins for me lol.

While this is a cute, neat novelty item, this isn't something I plan to invest in. There are plenty of ways to listen to Pokemon tracks that don't involve buying this curious curio.

In terms of what I actually own - the OG 3DS (red) and the N3DS XL (SNES model), my vote goes to the N3DS XL. Better use of the 3D effect, more power, and that small c-stick has actually come in handy.

In terms of best model overall, in my opinion? The regular New 3DS. Perfect marriage of the two clamshell form factors, still has all the improvements of the N3DS XL, smaller screens more suited to many 3DS games (they look less blown up), has those wonderful, swappable faceplates, AND is more portable. Unfortunately, these received a very limited - and scalped - release in North America. WHAT NoA was thinking when regions got this model no problem...Yes, I'm still salty about it. I considered importing, but unfortunately the console was also region locked.

Why do I get the feeling that even this small piece of Poké-kit will be scalped?

It's a neat set, but nothing I personally need.

@AussieMcBucket What are "friends"? Sounds like socialization might be involved. ( )

(I do have them, most just don't game or alternatively don't play what I'm into lol)

I'm pretty much sold on Pokemon Pokopia but won't complain about seeing more content.

As for Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - Try Saying This Entire Title In One Breath While Playing Ring Fit Adventure, I need more convincing since most of the new content appears multiplayer focused. Fine for those who want it, but I'm personally satisfied with the online content already in the game.

A lot of tough choices this time IMO, but I went with Meowscarada. I love the entire Sprigatito line, though Fuecoco and co. aren't far behind.

This may be recency bias since I played through Pokemon Scarlet + the DLC this fall/early winter, but I felt there were a lot of strong designs.

I really wish Nintendo reported digital sales. It would be interesting to see how much of a chart shakeup that could introduce.

Japan for me. While the NA/PAL cover design is VERY iconic, at the end of the day it's very bland compared to the backdrop of Koholint Island with various important characters featured on the cover. It conveys the tropical feel and whimsy of the game.

It'll be awhile due my backlog, but I plan to grab FireRed in the future since I already own LeafGreen physical. Outside of the cover legendary, I paid less attention to exclusives back in the day. I'm pretty sure I wanted LG since we technically never received Pokemon Green in the West.

Zamazenta/Zacian are tied for me, but for the sake of the poll I went with the former since I like its color scheme better. Eternatus, Dreepy & co., Corviknight, Toxtricity, Spectrier, Calyrex, Urshifu, Rillaboom, Inteleon, G. Weezing (so dapper!), and Cinderace are all runners-up.

I hadn't touched a game in the Zelda series until I played Twilight Princess on the Wii. I fell in love on my second try and have been a fan ever since. My first exposure to the original Legend of Zelda was on the 3DS VC. I had enough time back then to even tackle the second quest! I think the game has aged better than some NES/Famicom titles, though later games definitely refined the series better IMO.

Happy 40th to my favorite video game series!

Playing:

• Fire Emblem: Three Houses - Between the Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave announcement, listening to the soundtrack at work, and dying to know more about Fódlan's lore, I've started a second run. This time on Golden Deer/Verdant Wind. I enjoyed my Blue Lions/Azure Moon run last year but felt it left a lot of hanging threads in exchange for its more character focused plot. NG+ is definitely a godsend when it comes to the Monastery sections. I'm not far - only on Chapter 3 - but I know I'm in for another fun run.
• Paper Mario (Wii U VC) - Still enjoying this charming game on the side. I plan to jump into Chapter 6 as soon as I wrap up some side business I didn't realize was available, namely the Koopa Koot requests and unlocking warp pipes in the Toad Town tunnels.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition was the other JRPG under consideration. I settled on Three Houses before the Switch 2 edition announcement, but now I think I'll wait to play XCX until I nab a Switch 2.

Happy gaming!

After reading much of this comment section...yeesh. While I understand how some NSO fans are incensed and agree that the more legal options, the better, TPC (which isn't just Nintendo, mind you) has a huge anti save scumming and hacking stance. Modern Switch Pokemon releases aren't even backup eligible. It also makes sense to have a separate save file for Pokemon Home connectivity if it will be a thing (unconfirmed as of this writing).

I sub to the basic NSO tier but mostly do it for the backup feature (Wish there were more legal backup options....). Online play is nice but does very little for me. The retro games are nice too, but I have other ways - mostly through my SNES Classic, old VC purchases, ports, and remakes - to play the majority of games I want. Plus, the apps have to phone home to the servers weekly - something I ran into on vacation a couple years ago when I had no Wi-Fi access and was locked out as a result.

While I admit $20 USD seems a bit much per game - though we don't yet have a fully comprehensive idea of what's all included in this package or how much work was involved - it's still cheaper for me to buy one of the pair than to sub to the NSO+ tier. Which I find hard to justify for just one game. Not to mention I'd rather buy a few games I want tied to an account once instead of continuously subbing and paying for a whole bunch of games...most of which I'll never play.

There are actually quite a few Gen 7 Pokemon I like - too many to list out. I went with Robbin 'Ood Decidueye - probably my favorite grass starter.

I'm not sure Ultra Beasts are technically Pokemon - this is canonically debated - so I'm gonna cheat and list another favorite: Guzzlord. It's so wonderfully Eldritch, and I'm ridiculously fond of my nicknamed Lord Om Nom.

The only VB game I'm truly interested in playing is Virtual Boy Wario Land. I could see myself trying some of the other releases, but it's very hard for me to justify purchasing even the cardboard VB peripheral for a fleeting interest.

@Dr_Corndog I keep hoping Wario Land triumphantly returns some day. The WarioWare titles are a fun B series, but I've generally had more fun with the platformers.

I know what I'll listen to next time I clean. I'm up for a nostalgia trip.

Some cool stuff here, but code in the box stinks. Plus, it's very hard for me to justify what's on offer for the price. And that's before import fees.

As usual, I'll have to watch after the fact since I report for work then but should be able to fit it in.

Part of me wishes they had left the FR/LG reveal as an announcement + shadow drop for the Pokemon Presents, but here's to hoping we get another left-field surprise instead. Outside of the very likely Gen 10 reveal.

WONDERFUL news to wake up to! While my physical GBA copy of Pokemon LeafGreen is still fully functional, this may be the perfect excuse to pick up FireRed! I'm also crazy happy this is a separate purchase and not tied to a NSO sub. These are my favorite way to play through Gen 1/Kanto.

The only slight disappointment is there won't be a true physical release, but to be fair it is hard to justify a Switch cart for just ~80 MBs of data (for one language; this triples including each). Though I'd love to see a classic "Pokemon Collection" of sorts like what Capcom has done with the Mega Man Legacy Collections to help justify a physical release. All Game Boy games through the GBA perhaps?

This is shaping up to be one of the better Pokemon spinoffs IMO. I'm certainly looking forward to it, though with no Switch 2 it'll be awhile.

Figures. I just received XCX: DE for Christmas. It's actually one of two JRPGs I have on deck to play next, but I may wait until I have a Switch 2 and buy the upgrade. In any case, I'm happy this is coming!

Please do XC2 next, Monolith. It's the Xenoblade game that needs it most IMO.

I went with my awesome dark/flying death phoenix friend Yveltal. It's my favorite of the main legendary trio this Gen, though I like all three. Other runners-up are Greninja (overall I find the Gen 6 starters to be mid), Talonflame & co., Aegislash & co., Noibat/Noivern, Hoopa (all forms), Pyroar, Pangoro, Tyrunt/Tyrantrum, Amaura/Aurorus, and Trevenant.

I went with Zekrom, though it was a very close contest between it and Haxorus. Other runners-up are: Axew, the entire Sandile line, Snivy's line, Emboar, Zekstrika, Hydreigon, the Muskedeers, Bisharp, Chandelure, and Zorua/Zoroark.

While I think it's admirable GF wanted a regional dex of all new 'Mon, it feels like they were going for quantity over quality with many of the Gen 5 designs IMO. Some Pokemon feel wholly unnecessary. I passionately dislike the elemental monkeys, for one.

I'm interested in this one but want to play its predecessor first. I nabbed it on sale using existing eShop credit (the only loophole I allow when it comes to my game buying embargoes; I use eShop credit to keep my card info out of the system) and hope to get to it as my next side game.

Gen 4 has less Pokemon designs I'm fond of compared to the previous three despite Sinnoh containing my favorite region layout. I voted for Garchomp since it looks awesome and evolves from my adorable pal Gible! Runners up are Luxray & co., Dialga, Giratina, Empoleon, Gallade, Torterra & co., Darkrai, Lucario, and Dusknoir.

The RAM shortage has made me wish I'd jumped for a new PC last year before the bubble expanded monstrously, but hindsight is 20/20. I unfortunately had to postpone for several reasons. As for the Switch 2, I still plan to wait for now and can eat a cost increase as long as it isn't too significant.

VERY tough contest between Blaziken and Metagross for me, but I finally went with the former (Sorry Steven!). Runners-up in no particular order are Shiftry, Manectric, Aggron, Salamence, Flygon, Sharpedo, Poochyena/Mightyena, and pretty much any legendary that isn't the Regi trio or Jirachi.

...and it leaves me wondering whether Proud Nordics would have been better suited as a Switch 2 enhancement patch and further DLC packs for the original game rather than a standalone release.

Exactly. If there was an upgrade path from the base release, I'd buy it. But I refuse to splash money on a whole new edition of the game for what's on offer.

It's rare that I preorder games. But I started preordering Falcom titles in support since they're a less known developer compared to some. Not to mention some of their titles (mostly Trails) seem to have limited print runs. To have this announced less than two months after Ys X: Nordics launched in the West stung. Since Falcom decided to start pulling an Atlus, I'll be waiting a lot longer from here on out. Once burned and all that.