Later this year, Nintendo will launchPokemon Ultra SunandUltra Moonfor the Nintendo 3DS, followed by a brand newPokemongame for the Nintendo Switch in either 2018 or 2019. Along with these already announcedPokemongames, it seems as though Game Freak is also thinking about the next set of remakes it wants to produce, which will presumably be based on the fourth generation gamesPokemon DiamondandPearl.
As explained byPokemonseries producer and Game Freak co-founder JunichiMasuda in a recent interview with Game Informer:
“I don’t think we’re focused exclusively on making all new stuff. I think it’s important – the nostalgia factor is one thing – to give these memories, this content, another chance to shine for new players. And as a player myself I enjoy that kind of thing, as well.”
Anyone that has been following thePokemonfranchise over the last couple of decades shouldn’t be surprised that more remakes are likely on their way. After all, remakes have been a part of the franchise’s DNA since the days of the Game Boy Advance, when Game Freak releasedPokemon FireRedandLeafGreenfor that platform. Those remakes were followed up byHeartGoldandSoulSilveron the DS, and thenOmega RubyandAlpha Sapphireon the 3DS, which launched in 2014.
Assuming Game Freak continues with this pattern, it’s likely thatPokemon DiamondandPearlare up next, though it remains to be seen what platform the games will be available on. It’s possible thatDiamondandPearlremakes could come to the 3DS, considering the system’s large install base and hardware that would be compatible with many of the DS-centric features of the fourth generation games. Alternatively, the remakes could be in the works for the Nintendo Switch, though one has to imagine that they would be much larger in scale if that were the case.
Then again, Game Freak has asked fans tokeep their expectations in checkwhen it comes toPokemonon the Nintendo Switch, so perhapsPokemongames on that platform will be similar in size and scope to the handheld releases. Time will tell, but regardless,Pokemonfans should feel satisfied knowing that there are numerous main series games in the franchise on the horizon.
Pokemonis in development for Nintendo Switch with a 2018 or later release window.
