Pokémon (PKMN) Presents, 6/17/2020

(A note on the title: I didn't actually need to add the "PKMN" part - it's there as a pop-culture reference to make things more relatable for myself and maybe others as well.)

Yesterday, there was a different kind of Pokémon presentation (check out the English version here) that in the past have been called a "Direct" in the usual style of Nintendo, to which Pokémon has many ties. Instead, it is called "Presents" in the style of certain people or entities introducing something as a movie, song, or any other kind of creative work. In this case, it would be for the usual creative form that Pokémon takes up, which is in the form of games. And indeed, there were quite a few games mentioned or unveiled within the scope of this presentation, some of which are nothing short of astounding.

The first was an unveiling of a new Pokémon game called Pokémon Smile. "Smile" in this case refers to the body parts tied to making the expression, as this game is in part a "toothbrushing assistant" designed to make what may be considered a tedious chore into a pleasurable experience with something well-known. It is as if someone is telling players to make something else shiny (teeth) in addition to hunting for Shiny Pokémon, as some comments have pointed out. A few of my friends see the appeal of this for young children as demonstrated, but also think they might use it themselves. It's a given, considering it's a "lifestyle game", and it's available on mobile platforms as of now.

Next is a new puzzle game entitled Pokémon Café Mix. Actually, the game itself may be new, but the concept is akin to that of some other puzzle games involving some other popular mascots. The idea is that one is to whip up things and mix up drinks as a barista would in certain popular coffee shops, but with a puzzle form and spirit. I wouldn't really call it a "successor" to Pokémon Shuffle, but it may still be an interesting way for fans to let time pass by while doing other things, which may in fact also be the goal of those other similar puzzle games. This game will soon be available for the Switch and mobile, with pre-registration and preload having commenced.

Then there was the appearance of a "new old thing". Most fans who went through the early years of Pokémon will recognize Pokémon Snap, the game that involves taking pictures of Pokémon. After around two decades of absence, the game will return for the Nintendo Switch, this time called New Pokémon Snap. It will contain many Pokémon from past and present generations, including those introduced since the original game. Further details for the game are sketchy as of yet, but the visuals appear to be quite stunning; this will prove to be a treat for fans from different generations. The game is still being worked on, and more on this is expected later.

Players of the main series games will be glad to know that as of yesterday, the doors have been opened to the first part of the Expansion Pass, the Isle of Armor. It's the start of things that have been expected since the details were furnished some months ago. Along with that, there is a Max Raid Battle challenge involving Zeraora, for which if one million players defeat said Pokémon in Max Raid Battles, the players who partook in the challenge will receive a Shiny Zeraora through their Pokémon Home accounts, which is a pretty nice incentive. The challenge will run until June 29, and all that is left is to wait for Part 2 of the Expansion Pass.

Those who deal with Pokémon Go weren't left out of the picture. To celebrate Part 1 of the Expansion Pass above, Galarian Farfetch'd was unleashed, along with Pokémon-based and Isle of Armor attire. Victini, a unique Mythical Pokémon, will also make its debut... but I will explain the grand scheme of things for this and much more at a later time. For now, I can explain something else really grand; actually, it's more than grand - it's Mega, as in Mega Evolutions, and yes, they're coming to Pokémon Go this year. Though the scheme is sketchy as well, right now their entry is a certainty, which also means that sixth-generation Pokémon are on the horizon as well. Much remains to be seen for these grand things.

For a new way of presenting information about new Pokémon developments, this most recent one has been quite grand with quite a few major game bases covered. And it may be about to become grander, as another one is scheduled to take place next week. At the moment, these new developments have shown the form of creativity that the games can take with a title that alludes to how creativity may be typically introduced. Players will then be able to take that creativity and make lots of strides now, for that which is already available, or conjure up grand creative plans later with what's to come.

One year ago: On Copyrights

Two years ago: Boxes of Go-Goodies

Three years ago: There Is Only One Ball