Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Staring to the Sea Like Jasmine

The Gym Leader of Olivine City, Jasmine, has been depicted in some instances to stare out toward the sea - even in certain places beyond her own region of Johto. This act is definitely representative of a contemplative effort by said Gym Leader, not to mention if it's done by everyday people, including yours truly and other Pokémon fans. With that, the matter is also seemingly of interest to be contemplated, at least in brief.

For those who have done the same as Jasmine, such an act can have the potential to stir up emotions - at least internally - wherever and whenever it's done. Olivine City as the home of Jasmine is indeed next to the sea, and it seems a natural thing (for her) to juxtapose the roiling of her internal emotions with the roiling of the sea. This act taking place in similar settings in other places then transports the associated emotions and movements.

Meanwhile, Jasmine herself specializes in dealing with Steel-type Pokémon, which have a popularly given repute of having a strong ("steely") resolve. After dealing with challengers - possibly several of them, as Gym Leaders are wont to do - even such a resolve might become prone to a weakening. Thus, for Jasmine, the opportunity to stare to the sea is one to "steel" herself, not to mention her Pokémon through a necessary healing.

Staring out to the sea can be quite an experience for people, whether or not they are Pokémon fans or characters within that very world. Of the latter, Jasmine can be said to embody the experience wherever she might be and within the act, especially given her Gym Leader background. In the contemplation of the act and the experience, there may just be a "steely resolve" to be had with how that occurs for Jasmine and others.

One year ago: For Pidove and Peace
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Monday, April 20, 2026

More on Benefits

Several years ago, I wrote a post on benefits as would be applicable to me and the Pokémon things I deal with. However, the focus of that post was economic benefits, as it was written in conjunction with the other themes of "profit" and "loss". I've decided to bring back the topic for discussion - certainly still with Pokémon matters in tow - but this time, it's related to a different context for the discussion, one that I've previously brought up in what could be considered another topic series.

That previous topic is "hobby", which I've previously discussed against "passion" and then before that against "responsibility". One component of the previous discussion (the former) that I seem to have left out is indeed "benefit", so the discussion of this component with relation to the other two components is to explore how that becomes relevant to me and whatever I do with Pokémon. And if the previous discussion about benefits is of any indication, there is quite a bit to be explored.

With concern to benefits, it can be said that a hobby may or may not have evident benefits for the people who possess one and/or others they influence with it. Some of the Pokémon things that I deal with may be like that in that respect, especially if other people are considering them, yet as long as they're done in good faith, I prefer to consider that the benefits are already evident somehow - like the peace of mind after a Café Remix session or a workout after a Pokémon Go activity.

As far as passion goes, it can be said that a passion should have evident benefits already, if not within a short time ahead. Under such a consideration, this blog as a "passion project" should already have its benefit for a lot of the in-game features I choose to explain or events (of any kind) that I feature, in informing and entertaining fellow fans. And then there are my cosplay efforts, which gets me out to public spaces and meet other people, fans, and cosplayers - like at last Sunday's convention.

It's admittedly a bit hard to point out benefits, whether by the previous components as recently discussed or the previous-previous components as discussed way back when. Yet the involvement of Pokémon as something that I am a fan of and that other people are also fans of seems to make that effort a bit easier. Benefits still have to come one way or another with all the things that I and others do, for Pokémon or otherwise, and that should be discernable with other aspects ascribed to it.

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Sunday, April 19, 2026

Cosplay: Ganbatte Idol Fest 2026

Ash, Goh: We're back!

Me: Good timing. There's this convention I'd like to send Ash to, and it's today.

Goh: I see that. This looks like it's new - for you at least.

Me: It's indeed new for me (us). It's been going on for a couple of years, though; I just never had a chance to do anything about it until now. 

Ash: And now I get to deal with it!

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Let's do it!"]

Me: Of course. Now, the place should be familiar...

Ash: Oh, it's the usual big mall for conventions and stuff.

Me: Well, sure. And inside there?

Ash: You said it. Just like the usual. Communities, goodies, and characters. I met the vehicle community and the tile game community.

Me: It's good to spend time with them... which hopefully you did.

Ash: I did spend time with both. I got a picture taken with the first and had a couple of good games with the second.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Good job."]

Me: Well, there you go. Did you find the rest of the booths interesting?

Ash: I got a couple of goodies... and that was it. I just had small talk with the rest.

Me: Uh-huh. Speaking of talking, where has Goh gone?

Goh: Hi!

Ash: Oh! You're actually here!


Me: Well, what do you know. Someone actually sent you in for real this time.

Ash: Maybe I should have had my world outfit instead of my special journey one. 

Me: And then I had been requested to have you with your Kalos outfit, but it wasn't exactly convenient. 

Ash: I guess we did what we can. 

Goh: Hey, doesn't it seem like there aren't a lot of characters around here?

Ash: But it's a big convention! There's still a good number.

Pikachu: Pi pika. ["Quite a bit."]

Goh: That's true, even if it's less than what you'd expect. 

Ash: I guess the ones who came were really serious about this one.

Goh: Well, you know, there's the character parade and the performance competition... but the latter isn't for you, and I think you need to deal with the former.

Ash: Oh, yeah! I need to do that.

Goh: I'll see you back after I do some stuff.

Ash: Sure!

Me: OK, so then there's the two competitions. For the character parade, did you have any trouble getting in?

Ash: Well, the people asked me to sign up for something, but I got around that somehow.

Pikachu: Pika chu? ["Tricky?"]

Me: Yeah, usually that's a bit of a sign. But I'm told this on had a lot of prizes?

Ash: Yeah! But a lot of characters wanted it too, so a lot still didn't win anything... and I didn't.

Me: Still a "lottery". Now, based on my research, the performance competition is a regional edition that is a part of Indonesia Cosplay League (ICL) for a global series called GICOF, so a different one but still in a related vein to ICGP for WCS.

Ash: Oh. That does make it hard for us to get in. But all the teams (I saw) really had great performances!

Me: I'm sure they did. OK, and on top of all this, you must have met my other friends.

Ash: A lot of them - even one dressed in black... and... white?

Me: Sounds interesting, that one friend. Oh, and what about other entertainment?

Ash: Dance groups - but they were all in a stage in a separate space.

Me: OK, that's the "fest" part covered.

Goh: I'm back! So, after that person sent me, I guess we can say that the convention is like a smaller version of other conventions that are usually here.

Ash: Like ChibiCon and C4.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Like that!"]

Me: I'm told it's not meant to be this small. I heard that there's another convention some distance away and yet another one in a neighboring town.

Ash: Oh, so some people might have gone there instead of to this one.

Goh: That seems to explain things. But hey, I'm sure you still had a great a time - I know I also did.

Ash: And it's the first time for this one too!

Me: It's a first time (for us), and a bit of a "strange" time, but it made for a great time. This one is definitely in the books - and spirits, as the spirit of "ganbatte".

Four years ago: Scoring in Pokémon Unite
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Saturday, April 18, 2026

Remote Trading in Pokémon Go

Alongside the new and "ultimate" friendship level that was introduced in Pokémon Go a few months ago, I had noted that there is another feature that comes with it, and that I would discuss it later because it's significant - and that time is now. For those who have friends from faraway places and have attained high friendship levels with them, they may have the desire to trade with them beyond the limits of the regular trading feature, and this new feature allows them to do just that. Accordingly, it's called the Remote Trade feature.

In order to be able to make use of Remote Trade (in contrast to regular trading, now called "Local Trade" to differentiate), two friends in Pokémon Go have to attain the Forever Friends level, which will unlock the first Remote Trade opportunity. After performing a Remote Trade, the two friends then need to interact again for 90 days to re-attain the Forever Friends bonus and the next Remote Trade opportunity. So, the opportunity might not come very often, but it is significant just as the new Friendship level is significant.

Of course, they also need to be able to see what Pokémon that the other can offer, so the feature also comes with a special Pokémon tag for a Remote Trade. Within a few days of one's first Forever Friend, one can start labeling Pokémon with the tag for that purpose. It also goes without saying that one should make use of the feature as much as possible by labeling as many Pokémon as possible, especially once more Forever Friends come about who may just make the request for a Remote Trade at any time.

Then, there is the process. One of the Trainers starts the process by reviewing the other's tagged Pokémon (including moves) and selects up to three from the set to make the Remote Trade request. The other Trainer then reviews the request and makes selections to confirm the request, and then the originating Trainer makes the final confirmation. The trade is then made, and the two Trainers receive the Pokémon. It's a little similar to the process in the distantly related game of TCGP, only somewhat more involved.

Some other notes also apply to the process. Obviously, if the two friends are Lucky Friends, the Remote Trade will be a Lucky Trade as well. As for Special Trades, a Remote Trade can allow for an extra Special Trade to be made for that purpose, separate from ones for a Local Trade. In light of the above, it is also advisable that two friends who have attained an opportunity for a Remote Trade to take advantage of the opportunity, considering that it is gained from the continued dedication to interact as friends.

Remote Trade in Pokémon Go is regardless a very useful addition to Pokémon Go, especially for Trainers who are friends with others from all around the world and even those who are separated by great distances. Although it does require that they maintain friendship and increase that level to the "ultimate" degree, once that happens, a lot of things can become fair game through a Remote Trade opportunity. That might allow for just-as-lasting mementos to result, in a way affirming the "forever" quality of the friendship.

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Friday, April 17, 2026

Chasing After and Catching Up with Suicune

If there's a Pokémon that could embody the spirit of a pursuit somewhat well enough, it could perhaps be one of the Legendary beasts of the Johto region, being Suicune. As most Trainers recognize, in the original games it appeared, a literal pursuit had to be made across the region for the purpose of encountering them - never mind getting a chance to capture them. This pursuing effort is definitely one that gets Trainers to chase after it and make it possible to develop a bond somehow with the Pokémon.

Of course, in the "third version" of Crystal, Trainers didn't need to chase after said Pokémon and could simply encounter it in one of the towers in Ecruteak City. This allows the "bond development" to take place sooner, especially with a capturing process involved, without the complications of the pursuit as above. In this way, one could be considered to have "caught up" with the Pokémon for all its relation, even if the relation is only specific to that one game. Yet it's still important in this case somehow.

Now, as for why this post brings up the topic and ideas above, there might be a few personal aspects that are to a certain extent related to the ideas, which brings about the topic. In particular, there is the relation to this very medium, for which some might have noticed a certain peculiarity even if the consistency remains... which I won't discuss too much in obvious terms. As for its relation to the topic at hand, perhaps Suicune itself might know - but that'll demand an actual chase-after and catch-up.

The games where it becomes pertinent to chase after and/or to catch up with Suicune may be considered to have their own points about meaningful pursuits, specifically for the Pokémon that is mentioned as such. Trainers may make interpretations of that in ways that are relevant to them - and that includes yours truly for certain pertinent affairs - but the "blue streak" that is the Legendary beast as mentioned above will likely have its own interpretations of the pursuit that truly embody situations at hand.

Four years ago: Rotating to Objectives
Seven years ago: Choosing Pathways
Eight years ago: And Again, I Dream
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Thursday, April 16, 2026

Paper Crafters, Wherefore Art Thou?

Way back in the first year of this blog, I covered papercraft involving Pokémon as an outlet of artistic Pokémon expression - one that has some personal ties to me - with particular focus on a specific site that furnishes the patterns for the art form. Many years later, I've decided to bring up the topic again, but this time the focus is on the art form seemingly having gone into obscurity, which is why the "wherefore art thou?" title tag is involved. And when that becomes involved, the associated matter can become rather weighty.

For this specific matter, I was made aware of it by one of my Pokémon figure fellows who I hadn't seen in a long time. We had the chance to meet each other a couple of weeks ago, and among the Pokémon topics we discussed, this topic became one of them as we practically introduced each other to it and mutually delved into it even in the time that we were mostly apart. As such, I thought about discussing that topic on this blog, and now its time has come; others brought up during that time may just be discussed in time.

Now, for the aforementioned site, it has apparently not been updated since 2022 (four years ago), with the last pattern that was posted being the one for Liepard on February 4. Prior to that, there was a "Halloween special" with the Gothita species family just a little over three months earlier. It goes without saying that the site itself hasn't been updated to include the ninth generation, although there have been a few sparse patterns for Pokémon of the eighth generation - and that's about it. Their fates and others are up in the air.

Though it has to be admitted that paper models like these do take time to develop - if some of the monthly gaps are of any indication - the lack of updates in the years between that last pattern and now is in a way something of concern. I had e-mailed the authors many, many years ago prior to starting this blog, but I didn't receive a response then... and given the state of the site as it is now, it seems unlikely that I'll ever receive a response if I try to establish contact. There is also no indication that the site may have noticed this blog.

Presently, I have other concerns that keep me from building papercraft models, even Pokémon ones, from this or any other source. However, to hear and see that the site I used to frequent for those purposes has practically gone "defunct" becomes an important concern, sufficient to be addressed on this blog (in a way especially so, since we're on the same Blogger platform). The question tag I posed in the title, as with other posts that have the same tag, thus becomes relevant to ask about and wonder, particularly for this site of Pokémon papercraft.

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Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Emblems in TCGP

Many Pokémon games seemingly have elements that players or Trainers can seemingly and easily overlook, and TCGP can fit into that regard. One of its elements is a nicety that serves a representative role for players in showing some of their accomplishments in the game from the past to the present. By the title of this post, that aspect is called "emblems", and it's an element that could deserve a bit of an explanation for posterity.

As stated, accomplishments are the primary things that the emblems represent. Many of them pertain to battle ("PvP") events in the game, from victory-based battle events to Ranked play seasons. They're earned when a player achieves specific milestones in the events (primarily for the former) or completes the season at a certain level (as is true of the latter). These are real accomplishments, and the emblems certify them as such.

Emblems are also obtained by completing the Dex Missions and earning Emblem Points, which can then be exchanged for an emblem of one's choice (or sometimes, the only one) for a particular expansion, through the in-game shop. Then, there are also emblems for special occasions that are given out through associated events. In this way, they're representative of the card collection and game progressions for the player.

Three emblems can be shown at a time in the player's profile by tapping the profile icon, going to the Emblems section, and choosing whichever three one would like to display for others viewing that player's profile. From this selection, then, others might be able to tell if the player is being rather competitive in the game or may just be involved in card collection and thusly less competitive - either of which are surely representative.

Now, another reason this becomes a pertinent topic for discussion is that starting with the next expansion, Dex Missions and Emblem Points are to be deprecated and replaced with a system that allows the same emblems to be earned through card collection. As such, this post also serves to remind players that if there are any emblems that haven't been exchanged by the manner above, it may be of their interest to do so before the system changes.

In any case, the planned system change for "Dex emblems" and the accomplishment-based system for battle emblems may be the indicators that the element seems to be overlooked by some players, even yours truly. For all their posterity and worth, it seems important to take note of them to take advantage of their appreciable benefits, and the discussion regarding the element as presented above can present some of the prompts for doing so.

One year ago: Spiritually Lost
Four years ago: Love Nature, Find Beauty
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Tuesday, April 14, 2026

"I Like Shorts. They're..."

Following up on Bug Catchers as a kind of Pokémon Trainer personality that I addressed a few days ago, now I want to address a different one: Youngsters. Specifically, I'd like to address not the personality itself, but an aspect of that. Those who have played the early main series games (footnote: in English) will surely be able to complete the quote that I've mentioned in the title of this post, which pertains to this Trainer personality. The aspect therefore deals with the object topic that is addressed in the quote, which would be shorts as in the clothing item - one that can pertain to me personally as well as Trainers in general, not necessarily of the kind.

Now, the quote is completed with the phrase "...comfy and easy to wear." I find this true as well in my day-to-day activities, including ones that involve enjoyment of Pokémon. That also applies whether the shorts are intended to be worn around the house or when going out - certainly for some of my Pokémon Go activities, which has been the case for me. With that, I'll surely keep wearing them whenever and wherever they can be worn and it's fine for me to wear them. In this way, I'm also a "Youngster at heart" when it comes to this aspect personally.

Meanwhile, it is also certain that it's not only Youngsters that wear shorts, as other (kinds of) Trainers can and have worn them. Ash is one of them, as in his later appearances prior to "bowing out", he switched from long pants to shorts. It's a bit of an affirmation that even this clothing item is fine for many Pokémon Trainers, notwithstanding the type that has been mentioned above. For "locally confined" Trainers, including the previously mentioned Bug Catchers in some capacity, shorts would work well too for them and in all their activities.

Yet it has to be admitted that even for many Trainers, shorts aren't exactly distinguishing of their personage; many of them wear longer pants or similarly styled clothing items to make them stand out and distinguished. Much as how in some settings shorts aren't exactly warranted as a distinguished clothing item, many Trainers would seem to be aware of this perception and have something that is more their style as perceived by themselves and other people. And for them, that is just as completely fine as those who do choose to wear shorts.

Trainers are certainly free to choose their clothing styles for various reasons, and if they make their choice to wear shorts, then that is definitely their choice, at least as certain environments will dictate as such. Whatever the case, the testament by Youngsters through the quote as mentioned above remains true for many (including me) in many cases, and the clothing item has and will continue to have its impact and influence on the fashions of Pokémon Trainers.

Two years ago: The Slowest Pokémon Day
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Monday, April 13, 2026

TCGP: Mega Forms in Brilliant Shine

About a year ago, TCGP introduced the "Shining Revelry" minor expansion or Themed Booster Pack, which contains the first batch of Shiny Pokémon as separate cards and sets a precedent for future expansions in containing such variants. The new expansion introduced for this month follows up on that and contains cards of similar composition and theme, but this time retaining the "grand theme" thus far of the B Series cards of which it is a part, being Mega Evolution. That is then appropriately reflected in the title of the expansion.

"Mega Shine", as it is called, features the entry of several other Mega Evolution forms with some distinct appearances, two of which are Mega Charizard X and Mega Gengar, who are also prominently featured in the pack image. It too is very similar in appearance to the aforementioned "predecessor" pack, with shades of white and other accent colors. Meanwhile, the pack also features other Shiny Pokémon, one of which is the Mythical Pokémon Mew; it's even there as an "immersive" card, making it unique thus far among expansions.

With regard to composition, the expansion contains 64 Pokémon cards, 2 Item cards, 2 Supporter cards, and 1 Stadium card for 69 cards in total in the numbered section. The "predecessor" pack, which has 68 Pokémon and 4 Supporter cards (72 total) in its numbered section, can then be considered to be comparable in composition in this regard. As for the overnumbered section, the new pack has 48 cards in it compared to the old pack's 39, and thus its total exceeds the old pack by only a little bit yet still making it comparable.

The target for this pack is certainly the Shiny cards, but that remains a challenge, especially since now (and has been for some time) all Shiny cards are the sixth "bonus" card in a pack, which also means they won't appear in Wonder Pick as well. So, a lot of pack opening is still needed for any pack and in particular this pack, whose Shiny representations may be some of the most coveted. Otherwise, the rest of the Pokémon are rather "stopgap" in nature.

It's plainly obvious that Shiny Pokémon are here to stay in TCGP, so continuing to celebrate their appearance is something great to do. This new minor expansion or Themed Booster Pack does just that, and this time it's also with Mega Evolution, making further inroads with the "grand theme" along with the Shiny theme. Both of these have their own brilliant qualities, and now together, they make for a fascinating part of the current series of cards in this game.

Six years ago: Pokémon Helmet Covers?
Eight years ago: Go at Home
Nine years ago: Paint It, Picross
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Sunday, April 12, 2026

Cosplay: Utsuru 10.5 "and the Conquest of ICGP" (Regionals)

Ash and Goh are out on research duty today. Instead, today there is...

Red: Hi. It's been a long time.

Me: It has indeed. You probably remember the last time I sent you.

Red: Same venue, same place. Interesting they're still doing it.

Me: Well, with it being biannual now, there's always something to go around.

Red: Twice a year? You don't say. You're keeping those two on their toes.

Me: Mostly the former, but... anyway, you're here because not only it's to make things different, but because Pokémon is special this year.

Red: It's been going on a long time for you.

Me: Uh-huh. And the theme of this one suits you too.

Red: I see that. Classic pixel games - suits us both.

Me: True. Aside from that, let's talk about what was different for today compared to that last time since we all know that things stay the same even when they change.

Red: OK, so it got even more crowded than last time. More communities, more people - and I was asked to vote for one of them. Got an idea?

Me: I hear one of my friends is in a spinning top game group and they need my support.

Red: Found it! Done.

Me: Now, I heard that they made everything like a quest game - currency and all. How'd that fare?

Red: I wasn't too interested in the quests, and the currency seemed like a bit of a hassle to me.

Me: Well, pluses and minuses, so not for everyone.

Red: Oh, I noticed almost all of the entertainment was dance groups. Have bands become not that popular anymore?

Me: I think they're still popular, just not here.

Red: Kind of a shame. But at least characters are still popular. The parade was still full of them and only four could win (not me).

Me: Yeah, that's a hard thing for this specific convention. Don't expect miracles.

Red: Outside of that, it was still great.

Me: That's a certainty. Hope you got to hang out with my friends and others.

Red: I think they liked that I had Charmander for most of the day instead of Pikachu - but I had both out for a time.

Me: I did suggest that to you just before you came.

Red: And it worked out. Also, it wasn't really windy like last time, but it did rain for a bit. So not a lot of weather problems.

Me: That's a good thing.

Red: By the way, the ICGP thing was neat too. I saw all five group performances and the winners really deserved it.

Me: Oh, yeah! I forgot to mention - this edition of the convention also acts as the regional ICGP qualifiers for my area.

Red: I think it might be a little hard for me.

Me: It's hard for most people and characters, so don't sweat it.

Red: But I guess it's not hard for the organizers to keep coming up with this and making it look nice and great.

Me: I hope it will always be that way, and I hope to always bring Pokémon into it, whether with you or "those two".

Red: Why not. And you can get me to go more often.

Me: Oh, I have plans. But that might be a "quest" of its own, just like how this edition of the convention brought that out.

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Saturday, April 11, 2026

Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/11/2026

It's time for Community Day for Pokémon Go for this month, and this one has a big thing going for it. Now, a certain song speaks of its artist highly, even making a firm statement that there is "none to equal", in a manner of speaking. It also involves a very specific implement... which is also highly related to the featured species family of this edition and is something with which one can really give a good mashing. So does the species in it, in fact, if they're left to their own implements. 

That implement is the hammer, and thus the featured species family is that of Tinkatink, whose members (along with Tinkatuff and Tinkaton) wield hammers of sizable proportions. The last of these gets the Charged move of Gigaton Hammer to make use of the hammer that it wields to deliver serious damage - 300, the highest thus far for a Charged move. Along with hammering things out, Trainers will also be "mining" today, for the main bonus is triple catch Stardust, always a useful one.

Everything else is quite predictable after that. The species are found by Incense (three hours' length) and Lure Modules (one hour, greatly in the event period and less in the post-event), as well as photo bombs. Some (many) will also be Shiny (a debutant in this case), have special backgrounds, or both. Trainers can trade for less and have an extra Special Trade. Finally, Research involves the Field, Timed (community meetup), and Special (by payment) realms as per the usual norms.

Meanwhile, having known what to expect if I took care of the event locally, I took care of it farther away instead, also standing a chance for cordially linking up with a few other Trainers and winning a neat prize... although the latter didn't happen. What did happen was me being able to catch a Tinkatink with the best stats (and a few that almost were, one of them Shiny and another with a background), which I evolved on the same day along with others to have a slew of Tinkaton.

With "A Ton of Tinkatink" (also the title of the paid Special Research) and the Gigaton Hammer special move for Tinkaton, there is (was) a lot of hammering going on for this edition, making it a "hammer time" of sorts. Going back to that song I mentioned earlier, there's some of that to be had too, and that's something to "touch on" even if the song (and the species family) speak otherwise. Perhaps the "hammers" need to speak for themselves, in and out of battle as well as melody.

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Friday, April 10, 2026

The Enduring Image of Bug Catchers

One of the most recognizable Trainer personalities or characters is the Bug Catcher. As evident by the name, this kind of Trainer catches Pokémon of the Bug type and certainly trains them for battle. There is a certain "image" presented by this kind of Trainer, and it is one that can be described as "enduring" for Pokémon fans. I had been thinking of this kind of Trainer just recently, and thus I was also thinking about that very image. As such, I feel compelled to write about that and what may make it so.

For starters, the creator of Pokémon as the one and only Satoshi Tajiri effectively "started out" as one in his younger days, catching the organisms that would become the inspiration for Pokémon (crickets, of course, would be a possible or expected fodder in this regard). Then there would be the aspect of making the organisms fight... and the rest as they say is history. In this way, the Bug Catcher is embedded and rooted in the history of Pokémon and thus becomes a part of that "enduring image".

Meanwhile, some of the early Trainers that one would meet on one's journey would be a Bug Catcher, so they become ingrained in the image of a journey's beginning. Since the Pokémon they have tend to be easier and weaker due to the type's tendency, they become "stepping stones" for battles of higher levels - though as evidenced by the progression in Kanto (particularly mine), that may not be necessarily simple. Even so, they're still a part of that image and their presence is inseparable from "the whole".

Then there's the "iconic style" that they possess. They're often depicted wearing a brim hat similar to a now-famous straw hat (ahem), and they also carry a net on a long pole, certainly to scoop up critters from various places. With that, they're also made out to be some of the most casual of Trainers - including in their fashion sense - in contrast to most other Trainers who are more fully and/or formally dressed, even common ones. This stylistic image of them also remains in their belonging.

In all the ways above, the image of a Bug Catcher as a Trainer becomes evident and sticks to their personality. Even if they are quickly passed over given the progressions of the games where they are present, at least some of their image remains after those progressions - and so that also applies to me in the decision to write up this post. It seems Pokémon fans will have a shade of what makes Bug Catchers what they are as above, and that's enough to recognize them as even that kind of Trainer in at least a small part.

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Thursday, April 9, 2026

Reworking Weekly Challenge Tasks?

Since their introduction last year (and their re-introduction in the late part), Weekly Challenges have become a facility for Trainers to group up, interact, and earn rewards by completing tasks. Even so, it's those tasks that determine whether a Weekly Challenge is actually a "challenge", and over the course of its implementation from several months ago, the tasks have actually varied in quality in this regard, so much so that a "rework" may be in order. That becomes the focus of this post, to discuss what has happened and how a "rework" could happen.

The "inaugural" week featured a task of "Catch 500 Pokémon", which for four Trainers could still be a bit of a challenge and require a few days to complete - even more so for fewer, for whom some more dedication is in order. Some weeks ago, there was also a task of "Hatch 25 Eggs", which also seems fairly balanced for four Trainers and still doable for fewer, though the task might be slightly pushing it toward the "trivial" realm. With that, it seems these tasks don't need to change for all they're worth - as the rewards that await at the end.

Meanwhile, other tasks do seem rather trivial. One task in a previous week was "Complete 25 Field Research tasks", which with the Daily Task and even just a few PokéStops for each of the involved Trainers could be completed in not even half of a week. Then there's the "Spin 150 PokéStops or Gyms" task, which might sound daunting but can actually be taken care of with a few "Lure Module sessions", and especially for four Trainers if they all spin five or six (or more) a day. An enterprising Trainer who participates could also complete it in one or two days... which has in fact happened to me and likely to many other Trainers as well.

Given the four tasks above, the "rework" would be in augmenting them. Since any group will be invariably filled by four Trainers (active ones too) due to them inviting others or by the game's "find-a-group" function, the tasks should reflect more of what they can do. That said, 40 Eggs, 50 tasks, and 200 spins would be perfect for augmenting the tasks that have been mentioned above, with consideration of the experiences of Trainers - mine and others. As for the addition of other and varied kinds of tasks, that may be up to the game itself to consider for now, and to implement later on when the time is right for a challenge.

Having gone through Weekly Challenges for four months, give or take, the tasks they offer for Trainers to complete can be considered "challenging" in some ways and less so in others. By this time, with the considerations above, there may be the need to ramp up the "challenge" slightly and rework some of the current tasks, while keeping future task possibilities at bay. As things proceed from there, some room for more challenges may then be in order.

Six years ago: Pokémon Upbringings
Seven years ago: Benefits
Eight years ago: Ex-Raids and Cancellations
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Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Pokémon Champions Unleashed

Meanwhile, the next stage in Pokémon battling in the style of the main series games and by proxy VGC as well has been released - specifically, on this very day. So, with that, it seems deserving to make an "unleashed" post for it, for that very reason in line with mostly other games in the same vein that have received the same treatment on this very blog. After that, things are to be taken as they proceed for this game and beyond.

As duly noted by its preview in Pokémon Presents, this first release is for the Nintendo Switch, with the mobile versions (phones and the like) to come later. Because the game itself is free, even prospective Pokémon fans like me should download it right away if they possess the console... and I've done just that. The rest of the dealings with the game will be something for me to take care of when I'm a little more free from other matters.

Yet whether it's on the Switch or on mobile later on, the game will be able to be augmented through paid items and things. On the Switch, that has partially come in the form of a Starter Pack that adds Pokémon storage and includes quantities of two items. For the hardcore battle fiends, they'll be useful to get immediately, but I'm going to take my time and see how things go before making the decision to "invest" on it for its offerings.

Then, a tournament has already been planned for the game involving a local group, but I'm not going to participate in it or any others before I deem myself to be ready for that purpose. Meanwhile, I'm also looking into renewing my Pokémon Home subscription so that I can already use the stock of Pokémon I already have for possible usage in this game. If anything, the possibilities are already indicated to be grand for this game.

One of my VGC fellows has stated that VGC enters a "new era" with this game, and with that, it really seems like a "new era" worth considering. The prospect of actually using Pokémon from various other linkable games to battle in the same style as the regular main series games is attractive, especially since it is officially sanctioned for the upcoming World Championships as such. That is a really great thing to be "unleashed", even by this post.

One year ago: Shiny Pokémon in TCGP
Three years ago: Pokémon: Hisuian Snow
Four years ago: On Trainer Footwear
Six years ago: Voyager of Glory
Seven years ago: You Can, I Can
Nine years ago: On the Road Again
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Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Justice for Celebration

This blog is intended to cover all kinds of Pokémon matters, including the ones that present themselves as "problems", for as I've said some years ago, I consider those "problems" as ones that also apply to me. One of them, incidentally, has come in a "this-just-in" manner and has become quite pertinent to me: it pertains to Pokémon Go and its competitive (PvP) side, the latter of which has colored a part of my experiences with said game. It also affords me to take a stand... for the matter also involves taking a stand, in a way.

Recently, at the Orlando Regional Championships, a very determined Firestar73 won the final battle of the final match... only for the competitor to place headphones a little too hard while on stream just after doing so. The act was deemed as "unsportsmanlike behavior", and this annulled the hard-earned victory by giving the match win to the opponent instead. Yet the act was not done out of spite nor intended as such - the competitor simply just got excited about the win, and quite so. As such, observers have regarded the situation as being an "injustice" and have called for the win to be restored or perhaps made up for in some way.

Word about the situation has been making the rounds on social media, including a certain Pokémon Go group close to me, so having been informed about it, I thought that I needed to make a discussion about it. What also needs to be discussed is how the situation reflects not only an "injustice" to what actually happened (by reports, Firestar73 was in fact sportsmanlike after the happening by shaking hands with the competitor) but also an "injustice" to spur-of-the-moment celebration - especially one that arises out of sudden elation - after a fair match, which is why this post is titled as such, to address the situation in a fair manner.

Given the circumstances of the matter, I feel that it could totally apply to me, if I had the chops to compete at such a high level. It is quite possible for me to be "caught up in the moment" as Firestar73 had been at that time, especially with the progression that allowed the competitor to reach the finals. In this way, I might just do exactly what the competitor did, and in that state of affairs, things might just turn out in the same way with me at the center of it. I'd also be nervous and wary about competing - notwithstanding an already "toxic" environment for such in my local area - if my efforts can be annulled by a situation like the above.

Calls are still mounting for justice to be given to Firestar73, and this post by me represents my contribution to the matter. As I've stated above, I consider problematic matters of Pokémon to be my problem as well, and what transpired with the competitor is a real problem indeed for competitive Pokémon gaming (specifically for the rather fast-paced Pokémon Go realm that becomes its precursor), and evidently to some extent for me as well. Justice has to be delivered rightfully, and at that point there will be a time to celebrate.

Six years ago: Leaping off Ledges
Seven years ago: Scat-Poké-Land
Eight years ago: Let's Go Research
Nine years ago: Caravansary
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Monday, April 6, 2026

The Joy of Clearing Mission Bingo Cards All at Once

I've covered the quite rewarding feature of Mission Bingo in Café Remix a somewhat longish time ago, and this time I want to come back to it to discuss a more pleasant aspect concerning the feature. Now, the objective is certainly to clear the bingo cards line by line, but something that might bring joy to some players (like me) is being able to clear an entire card and all of its lines all at once. It's a fascinating feat that is certainly doable with this feature, and thus this post serves to "enlighten" regarding that feat.

Recall that the bingo cards are composed of spaces containing objectives, which when cleared mark off the lines. Thus, to accomplish the above feat, all of the objectives (or at least, the ones remaining) need to be cleared at the same time. I say "remaining" because a player will most likely need to look at a bingo card at least once to find out the objectives on it, and in doing so is likely to have several of them already completed and marking off spaces. As such, only the ones left incomplete are crucial for accomplishing it.

For that, most of the current bingo cards will have objectives tied to a current event (if not obvious, at least they're implied), so it's possible to mark off those spaces and lines by playing through the event. It's the remaining objectives that aren't tied to an event (or its gameplay) that a player will have to look at, keep in mind, and complete right away - which means the above situation. After that, it's mostly an easy matter of playing through the event for the remaining objectives, which will allow that feat to be achieved.

As a historical note, it used to be that the bingo cards had objectives that demanded certain numbers of lines to be cleared (5 or 10 lines), which meant that the feat was not possible since those objectives could only be cleared by viewing the card to verify their completion. Recent bingo cards have dispensed with these objectives, and that made the feat possible with just the objectives currently present, with all remaining objectives marked off in a cascade, the lines cleared by indication, and the rewards shown and obtained all at once.

The satisfaction in accomplishing the feat, of course, is the completion of the cards in the best way possible, being in an immediate fashion. There too is a sense of excitement with the way the card is marked off - and perhaps to some extent, obtaining the rewards outlined for it - which would definitely make any player of the game happy, including me. Now that I have outlined and discussed the feat and its joy, it's up to other players to try to accomplish it and feel the same happiness that I feel and have felt with that very accomplishment.

Three years ago: Few Abilities, Much Wisdom
Seven years ago: Friend Cascade
Eight years ago: Icons, Images, and Such
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Sunday, April 5, 2026

Cosplay: Cosplay Expo Regional Event

Me: Continuing on...

Ash: Oh, this continues the one from January!

Me: You bet. So we don't have to talk too much about the background, because it's clear. 

Goh: But this is the "regional" one... as in your region?

Me: It sure is. That means it's also in the faraway place as promised...

Goh: So it's another "there and back" thing like last Saturday. 

Ash: Yeah. I guess it's a little tiring, but anything for our friend. 

Pikachu: Pi pika chu... ["It's tiring..."]

Goh: Well, if it's like the one before, then this must have been a two-day thing.

Me: Right you are.

Ash: And... the character parade was yesterday, wasn't it. I saw only a performance competition today.

Me: On the money. I was busy with something else, so I couldn't possibly send you yesterday.

Ash: I see. Yeah, so today it is.

Goh: What else did you see other than the competition?

Ash: Lots of booths, for the character people and goodies people.

Goh: Well, you must have met all the people our friend wanted you to meet.

Ash: Yeah! So that happened, with me in my Sinnoh outfit just like last week.

Pikachu: Pi pika chu! ["It was so fun!"]

Goh: And there had to have been entertainment today too.

Ash: Dance groups and a band. Plus a dance-off in the late afternoon.

Goh: That's pretty standard. But maybe there were other highlights for you today.

Ash: One of the booths held an open mic, so I jumped in and sang!

Goh: What did you sing?

Ash: Um... that pirate theme thing... since the others sent in characters from that.

Me: Oh, well, I guess I'm in that kind mood too.

Ash: Maybe if they have it again somewhere else, I'll sing "Mezase Pokémon Master".

Me: Sure! We can make up for it whenever.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["When that happens!"]

Goh: Anything else? 

Ash: I caught a lot of Dedenne before going back from the place.

Goh: Oh, an added Pokémon thing. 

Me: Well, there you go. So, maybe some things didn't turn out the way I intended, but um... I'm surely going to try to get on with them somehow.

Goh: I'm still interested to see how you'd make that work out.

Me: Again, I'll have to find out how that can be possible

Ash: You know, the place was so big, so everyone had a great time.

Goh: Where was it?

Ash: It was an expo center outside of the city downtown.

Me: I've been there myself for a different event, so yeah, that's a pretty neat place.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Very neat!"]

Me: Anyhow, I still want to start out smaller somehow to get on with those things.

Goh: Don't pressure yourself too hard - but try to get it done.

Ash: Goh has the right idea!

Me: After these two expos, the intent and drive to "expose" is still there.

Three years ago: The Language of Money
Four years ago: Keeping Things Down
Six years ago: Writer Shortcuts
Eight years ago: 1000 Pokémon Species?
Nine years ago: That Way You've Got
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Saturday, April 4, 2026

Dealing with Go Pass Offerings

Now that the Go Pass is more widespread in Pokémon Go beyond the prime paid events (Go Tour, Go Fest, and Go Wild Area) and their associated prelude events, I consider that it is necessary to provide tips - based on my experience - for dealing with what they have to offer. It certainly makes the events a lot more exciting and rewarding, but at the same time they have a few quirks that one can take advantage of according to one's needs and situations. Hence, the tips may just be useful in that regard.

First up, aside from purchasing the Deluxe track through the in-game shop, it can also be purchased through the Web Store, and like most other purchases, it has more value that way. In fact, many will feature just the Deluxe track, Deluxe track with extra ranks, and Deluxe track with extra ranks and more bonus items as purchasing options - each of them valued differently, of course. It is up to the player to choose the best option for them and how far (in rank) they've progressed on the Go Pass accordingly.

With that, if a player is already set to want or need the prime item of a Go Pass (such as the Lucky Trinket or a Bottle Cap), that player should buy the Deluxe track right away - with the rank boost if necessary or applicable - and deal with the extra rewards as they come. Otherwise, if the player is still unsure, the player can defer purchase of the Deluxe track until the last moment the Go Pass is available... which I've done in the past. Still, that does mean dealing with a lot of rewards all at once.

Speaking of which, the "Claim All" button makes it easy to get everything - especially if only "petty" rewards are left - but a player should try to claim certain rewards as their usage potential becomes apparent (like Poké Balls for a capture event) instead of waiting until the end. Pokémon encounters in the past had to be dealt with individually, but although they can now be dealt with in a sequential manner by "Claim All", it's still advisable to manually go through them one by one for what they may be.

Last but not least is making sure that one earns all the points one needs to go up through the ranks. On the initial few days, there is often a limit, but on the final days, there are no limits - and thanks to Daily Discoveries, Mondays are double point days. Players will have to check which actions earn points for a Go Pass by tapping the rank progression points, especially for the days for which limits are set. Whatever the tasks, some commitment is surely needed to ensure good progression on this.

The Go Pass is now certainly a vital part of minor and major events in Pokémon Go, and as such, knowing how to deal with it for its paid aspect and rewards can be quite helpful to make sure that the effort of obtaining and using the rewards measure up to what was paid (or not paid) for them. The aspect will be here to stay for the events ahead - even if their rewards are fleeting due to the way they are used up - and there will certainly be some lasting impressions from making good use of all that it can offer.

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Friday, April 3, 2026

Pokémon Paths on Water

There are two ways of interpreting "paths on water": it could be a track on land (or other surfaces) that is bordered by water on two sides, or it could be a course that is fully or almost fully present on water. Both of these "paths" are present in the real world in various guises. Since the Pokémon world is based on (or a mirror of) the real world, it is conceivable that they would also be present there - and in fact, they are. For that reason (and one more), it seems apt to try to make a discussion out of them somehow, which this post attempts to do.

For the first kind, some examples are noticeable across various regions in the Pokémon world. The causeways on the eastern side of Kanto are particularly long instances in this regard, while the one in the Hoenn region for a pond between Petalburg City and Rustboro City is a shorter one. Then there are the strips of land under the Cycling Road in the latter region, serving as the alternate track (for non-cyclists, especially) to that venue. These paths definitely cross or pass through water and thus satisfy one of the interpretations of the phrase above.

Meanwhile, the second kind is particularly evident for the first few early regions where one is expected to have a Pokémon that knows the Surf move for carrying the Trainer across water (and a requisite Gym badge to be able to do so) to go through various region portions that are almost completely over water - termed "sea routes". Later regions don't follow the mechanic as much, although Alola does allow actual surfing to be able to travel across certain islands. In a way, you see the path when you see them, a concept that does take some effort to grasp.

What about the phrase itself? Well, for me, that's evocative of a musical piece with the exact same title by Yanni, an artist I'm obviously fond of. It's actually a fast-sounding piece that could be construed as a remix of another one of his pieces, which I might or might not get to on this blog at a later point in time. The vision that I have is a dynamic one of literally hopping across water, which is evocative of traversing the "sea routes" as above. Then again, it is also very much evocative of the surface paths as explained; in either case, Pokémon can play into that.

"Paths on water" do conjure up certain images and interpretations, particularly for traveling over them; they're certainly likely to appear in some places where bodies of water are present, and moving over them might be literally and figuratively quick, as quick as the sound of the mentioned musical piece. And in all of this, Pokémon can become relevant by the presence of such paths in the world as well as the imagery of being with them on these paths according to the circumstances. It's a vivid and lively one for Pokémon fans, and especially me.

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Thursday, April 2, 2026

Quickies: Washed-Out Altaria

Many fans will recognize the "cotton bird" that is Altaria as the evolved form of Swablu. It's certainly an impressive-looking creature with its wings that are literally made of "fluff". Despite that being the case, what may be less known is that those wings can actually be quite delicate; said wings can actually lose their fluff when exposed to water (and particularly a lot of that), making it and the Pokémon seem "washed-out" as a result.

This situation has in fact been depicted in the anime at one point in time. An Altaria was shown as having been exposed to a lot of water, turning its wings from a fluffy wonder to a limp shade of itself. Understandably, the wings had to go through a drying process in order for them to return to their glorious appearance, and the situation becomes a practical confirmation of a Pokémon oddity that may or may not be known by many.

Meanwhile, as a more sentimental and personal relation to this phenomenon, at times I feel like a "washed-out" Altaria myself, in the sense that I feel like I was flushed with great quantities of water spiritually or figuratively, and not in a good way either. Like the actual Altaria being incredibly moistened with that water, I'd have to go through the "drying process", which may not necessarily be simple or brief according to the situation.

The example of Altaria losing the fluff in its wings due to exposure to lots of water may seem comical at the surface, but beyond that, it can be rather serious for real Trainers who possess this very species in this world. Dealing with it could be an effort in itself, analogous to dealing with feelings of figuratively going through the same thing. At least, Altaria remains majestic even with this situation and conundrum that could make it less so.

Two years ago: Going through the 13s
Four years ago: Language Bridging Songs
Six years ago: Quizzes and Knowledge
Seven years ago: Going For New Competitions
Eight years ago: Artistic License
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Wednesday, April 1, 2026

April Fool's Day 2026: A Shade of Difference

March goes and April comes, bringing with it that tricky day known as April Fool's Day. As is typical of today, there are certain shenanigans for various things, including Pokémon. Over the course of many years, those shenanigans have surely become differentiated in many ways, and this year wouldn't be an exception to that. For this year's occasion, that seems to make a good point for discussion... along with how that may be reflected in certain "shades" that apply to people, Pokémon, and everything in between.

Surely it is obvious that people and Pokémon are all different, even among those who share a common element; as examples, that would be background for people, and type for Pokémon. The "shades" then could be their colors - in a literal sense of the word - as well as the features that they possess, like for outfits and such (also in a different literal sense). That's more of a material for a typical day, so for a bit of a silly day like today, something else has to play into that and the happenings to make them "shenanigans". 

For that, the "shades" have to be things that make them stand out in all their silliness and present considerations for what they mean to them. There will always be reasons for this, of course, but then the reason of today being April Fool's Day might just make things stand out and be meaningful even more to the parties of concern. Pokémon elements can present such a potential, especially if prior years are considered.

Now, today's "differences" are best addressed, like in previous years, with a talk about them with some familiar parties for that case:

Ash: Hey, it looks like there's a Mimikyu nearby!

Me: Hey, thanks! I'll go catch it. 

Goh: Ooh. It looks like Pikachu, but then there's something inside there.

Ash: You don't want to know.

Goh: Absolutely.

Pikachu: Pi pika... [shudders] 

Me: And, well, since you're here, how about you raid for Regidrago?

Ash: I did just that - but I didn't get a Shiny one. Or anything special.

Me: Huh. I guess there are tricks afoot with the raids.

Goh: I think they're tricky, whether on this tricky day or not.

Ash: I know! One of them even ran away.

Me: I suppose that's what makes things different.

Ash: And then there was Pikachu and Mimikyu appearing at the same time in the same hour!

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Hey, hey!"] 

Goh: It really is a tricky day this year!

Ash: Some things just don't change.

Me: But a little difference like Mimikyu this year is always nice. 

Well, it seems the "shade of difference" for this year has become evident. But whether they're "tricky" or "shady", some differences keep things going and may just something to think (and talk) about for all the forms they can take for Pokémon and beyond.

Happy April Fool's - it's a tricky and different world out there, now and ever.

Nine years ago: It's April Fool's Day!
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