Thursday, July 2, 2026

New Pokémon Go Battle System Is Live

Some few months ago, Pokémon Go put in the Preview Cup as a way of testing the new battle system and reforms to the PvP system. As of about a week ago, that battle system and in effect the reforms are now live for all kinds of PvP battles (and league "cups") in the game. As such, I thought about discussing it to a certain extent, in particular for a bit of the short term and the long term, as well as how I've personally dealt with the change and the battles of concern.

Now, this change occurs in the midst of the competitive season, so where earlier the new system was put in as an aside to the old for testing, this time the old system is available as an aside to the new as the Competitors Cup, for use in current competitions with Great League as its basis. Fairness has to be kept after all, so the competitions have to use the old system as the currently prevailing system until the end of the competitive season.

That would be pretty much until the end of the general season for everyone else playing the game, since something else important - to be explained - goes on for that purpose then. Meanwhile, everyone else can feel the dynamics of the system right away through Go Battle League and what it has to offer. After that, everyone is expected to be on a level playing field once again as the new PvP system will be the only one available going forward.

Personally, having gone through the system during its "beta" phase and "release" phase, I can feel the refinement... and perhaps a need for adjustment as well. The speed is there, and so is the responsiveness - seemingly so for my opponent as well: the matter of fact is that I haven't had a good record with the new system so far in both cases above - either that, or I'm just unlucky. Like everyone else, I may have to keep adjusting in any case.

While the release of this new PvP system may be considered untimely in a way due to it happening in the midst of certain things (this season, both competitively and not), it can be argued that reforms to PvP also cannot wait for the better, and that may then be regarded as the ultimate reason for instituting the new system right here and now. At least, there is now some leeway for competitive and non-competitive Trainers to move forward along with it.

Three years ago: Cosplay: Akazora Fest
Five years ago: The Element Cup of GBL
Eight years ago: Let's Go Trade
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Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Venturing Forth to Measure Up Problems

The previous post marked the end of the first half for the tenth year of this Pokémon blog, so this post would then mark the start of the second half of that year. I'd already given a bit of reflection on the post from yesterday, and I thought I'd continue that reflection with a somewhat different yet related topic. Now, I did mention finding a "solution" to the previously discussed quandary, which would take another post to deal with... and this post would effectively be dealing with that in a way, yet certainly without leaving Pokémon behind. 

What that solution would be is as usual hinted by the title of the post. It is said - by a certain character in a popular series that I might have mentioned elsewhere on this blog - that if you're concerned about the scale of your problems, then it may be worth it to sail away, after which you might find that your problems aren't that big after all. It's a sage advice for those who live in the realm of that particular series, but it could be conceived to have its applications to those who deal with Pokémon and characters that exist within that very realm.

Certainly, Pokémon Trainers can also sail away literally, but it's more likely that they'll do their "sailing" on land. In that sense, it might be more apt to consider them as "venturing", and that is why this post is titled as such, in line with the above saying. Over the course of that venture, they also will likely encounter problems of their own and others... but as the saying goes, they will likely realize how (in)significant they may be compared to their ventures.

Meanwhile, as for linking the saying to the quandary that I've previously presented and how it personally applies, there is a sense that the "Politoed" may need to keep venturing beyond the realms of the holes that it has personally recognized. And if that may mean finding a good Trainer to travel together and battle with - perhaps reminiscent of a related situation in that other realm - then that may very well be the course that one needs to take.

Based on what I've presented, it may be that a certain venture (or ventures) may be necessary in my future for both Pokémon needs and other needs. Whether or not that will affect this blog and perhaps my presence on is another matter altogether, but if it could still work out, then I would still be in for that and whatever Pokémon happenings it would cover.

Perhaps as a final thought, I'd have to say that the two songs about sailing (away) that I had brought up at different times in this blog echo the above sentiments... or maybe it would be the other way around. Regardless, the spirit of sailing (away) can have a way of manifesting itself among Pokémon fans, and in this case, it might just need to manifest for me personally.

Three years ago: A Virtual Cosplay Card
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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Am I a "Politoed in a Well"?

It's now the midpoint of my tenth year of Pokémon blogging, and there's been a lot of ups and downs in all that time - perhaps more so the latter than the former recently. For that, I thought about making a reflection of what has transpired and what may be in the future for me and this Pokémon blog, certainly with some Pokémon viewpoints or takes. The current opportunity for that prompts me consider that things may not seem as they are for me and the Pokémon things that I deal with or participate in.

The situation has to do with the expression I put forth in the title of this post. It's a Pokémon interpretation of an expression that relates to a certain kind of person whose worldview is limited. The person is likened to a creature that resides within a well - here a Politoed, a particularly relevant example - who only sees a tiny circle of the sky and deals with the water in the well like that seems to be its whole world. Of course, by reasoning, that is definitely untrue, and thus the creature (and by extension the person) is in a limited state.

Having started this blog many years after I've returned to the place where I currently reside and dealt again with Pokémon affairs in the place, it might seem that I've locked myself out of certain Pokémon views and opportunities beyond this realm. In that way, it seems I might be considered to have become the "Politoed", even with me trying to get at some of the things, particulars, and information that exist somewhere else for the purpose of the blog.

At any rate, the views and opportunities I carried with me from my previous place of residence - which would be the U.S. - had already expanded my worldview, including for Pokémon itself, preventing me from becoming the "Politoed" I would otherwise have been had I not been there. For the purpose of this blog, that then seems to work out sufficiently well, allowing me to cover all the Pokémon happenings that are fit for me and everyone else who may read.

So, it seems that I could consider myself a "Politoed" who does understand that there is a big and great (Pokémon) world out there - yet it's just that I seem to be hopping from "well" to "well" and potentially restricting my views based on whatever "well" I end up in. It's not quite in the spirit of the phrase, but it evokes certain similar ideals by the situation.

Everything in the big and great (Pokémon) world out there deserves to be understood and known, even for Politoed who lives in a well (or wells). The solution for that is or may be wholly another matter of discussion, but it's something that is also deserving of an understanding for me and other fans whose worlds may sometimes be restricted.

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Monday, June 29, 2026

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/29/2026

This Pokémon Go season is called "Forever Forward", and this would be its first month. That month is also coming to a close, so before that happens, I want and need to make the rollup of its events... plus a related one from the prior month and season. It would then be the first month of making new forward steps - if Pokémon Go and other (Pokémon) matters may be of any indication - and as such, getting on with it just becomes pertinent.

Now, the first couple events of this month and that related previous one are all related to (or more appropriately, accompany) the regional Go Fest events that occur on their weekends. They each featured a Team Leader and their costumed "mascot" Pokémon along with a Kanto first partner and "Eeveelution", plus a distinctly strong Pokémon and one of a regional form. Other Pokémon of characteristic types and related interests also joined in through Field Research encounters. Each of the related events also had a Go Pass of 60 ranks associated with them that contained interest-related bonuses as well as encounters with some of the Pokémon as described above, with it having no points limit during the Go Fest weekend. Evidently, as they all have a similar structure, summarizing them in this way makes things easier... or should.

Blanche was up first with her "Quest for Knowledge" from May 26 to June 1, accompanying the edition in Tokyo. Her "mascot" is a Lapras with a bandanna, and the accompanying species are Squirtle, Vaporeon, Larvitar, and Galarian Zigzagoon, along with others of the Water type. As it was oriented to "knowledge", the Field Research tasks involved the completion of those very tasks, with additional Candy and Incense bonuses furnished by the Go Pass. Certainly, that would reflect the cool and clear blue water that is so associated with the Team Leader.

Spark was next with his "Caretaking Quest" from June 2 to 8, accompanying the edition in Chicago. His "mascot" is an Elekid with a sleeve, and the accompanying species are Bulbasaur, Jolteon, Dratini, and Alolan Raichu, along with others of the Grass and Electric types. For the "caretaking", that would mean hatching Eggs, which became the focus of the Field Research tasks, and the Go Pass furnished bonuses that assist with those efforts. Spark is a warm guy, and so is essentially this "yellow" quest with its focus.

Candela was the last with her "Quest for Victory" June 9 to 15, accompanying the edition in Copenhagen. Her "mascot" is a Ponyta with a necklace, and the accompanying species are Charmander, Flareon, Mankey, and Hisuian Growlithe. "Victory" certainly implies battling, and that is reflected in the tasks demanding to win raids; the Go Pass has bonuses related to this endeavor, not to mention the items needed. It can therefore be a demanding week with such a quest, whether or not one is participating in the Go Fest event on its weekend.

Meanwhile, the remaining event of the month that isn't related to Go Fest is the Flying Taxi event from June 23 to 29. The "flying taxi" in question is not the one in Galar, but in Paldea, which is powered by Squawkabilly, making its debut here. Still, Rookidee and other Pokémon of the Flying type appeared during this event, especially in Field Research encounters and raids. The event's Go Pass of 60 ranks started out light but progressively got darker, since this event had a Taken Over portion from June 25 onwards featuring Shadow Reshiram from Giovanni (who is now PokéStop-only) and as always, the rotation of Shadow Pokémon, removal of Frustration by TM, and frequent Grunt appearances with varied IVs. It is also the only week with a "Community Saturday" apart from the Go Fest events as above and Community Day, with a Super Mega Raid Day for Mega Skarmory with the usual fixings and a presentation of sky-high take on going places with the event overall.

With all that went on within this month and a little bit from the previous one, there is something for the fans who can make it to a Go Fest event and fans elsewhere, and sky-high aspirations can apply in either case. It may be just a matter of getting there and moving forward, as the season suggests.

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Sunday, June 28, 2026

Cosplay: ChibiCon X & ICC

Me: Well, I said it's a "fine day", isn't it? Even today?

Ash: All in ChibiCon!!

Goh: Looks like it's two "fine days", if you ask me - yesterday and today as usual?

Me: Well, sure, and you're right. And this would be the tenth edition, at least according to Japan Culture Daisuki - somehow I lost count myself.

Pikachu: Pika, pika, pika... [counting]

Me: But does it matter. Anyhow, I think this is pretty much the same old, same old convention, so we don't have to touch on the actual convention details too much. Well, maybe aside from what's different this time.

Goh: Aside from not sending Ash yesterday.

Me: Well, Mega Skarmory is a priority, no matter how close or far away. So I took care of that myself yesterday and saved a bit of effort and cash. As for today...

Ash: They made the music stage a part of the traffic flow! And there were a lot more booths - or that's what it felt like.

Me: OK, what else?

Goh: Hi again!

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["There he is!"]

Ash: Goh is here! From the beginning too. But I was sent with my Sinnoh outfit...

Goh: I think it looks great.

Ash: Well, you know, so does my friend's girl fan, and - she's here too! 

Goh: Hey, thanks for showing her to me. You know, the one who sent me has a lot in common with her.

Ash: I think we're finding out about that now with all our friends!

Goh: Including... the brother of the one who sent me, who deals with the public transport booth.

Me: Hey now, this sounds like it's going to be a Pokémon adventure at the convention - so let's focus on that instead of the convention itself.

Ash: Yeah! So before I got in, I met one of your Pokémon friends who likes dance groups and stuff. Then after I got in, I met another one who used to play with you and makes drawings and comics.

Goh: I saw that too. Your girl fan really liked the stickers. 

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["That she does."]

Ash: I do too. Our friend said he wanted a comic book of his, so I got it.

Me: Thanks! This is an excellent setup for that. I may never know when I'll meet him again.

Ash: Many of the other booths had really nice Pokémon stuff too... but I'm sure our friend isn't going for that right now.

Me: Yeah - I'm still in a kind of a pinch even though I could get some more. So now is not really the time.

Ash: Oh, um, but I missed the ICC thing. It was today, wasn't it.

Well, you're with us today. Don't worry about it.

Me: Like Goh said. So, what else happened on this Pokémon adventure?

Ash: We toured for all kinds of Pokémon things, even up until your girl fan and Goh had to go back.

Goh: I'll join you back for the summary after that.

Ash: Sure! We'll talk again in a bit.

Me: That Goh is really something, isn't he?

Ash: And so's the person who sent him - it's kind of, well...

Pikachu: Pika pika... ["It's more than him..."]

Me: Oh, I gotcha. It's a thing about being spiritually "above and beyond", isn't it?

Ash: Um... yeah!

Me: I'll say. 

Ash: Besides Goh, I also met Rei and Akari from Hisui! And... there was another one of me in my Kanto and Johto outfit!

Me: Wow!! A whole lot more characters from Pokémon today.

Ash: I thought we saw James too - but we couldn't check or find him again. And there was also a plain Trainer - I guess, in a way. 

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["I can vouch!"]

Goh: I'm back! I just heard that bit about other characters too. That had to be quite fun.

Me: You know, this was the most Pokémon-filled one of any festival or convention I've sent Ash to so far. It blew the others out of the water.

Ash: Everyone went "all in", like the ditty.

Goh: That is it.

Me: If this is the way it's going to go down for ChibiCon in the future... then sure, "all in" with Pokémon it is, just like today.

Ash: Yeah!

Me: It's always a fine time if Pokémon is going to be involved - and that will so be the case. 

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Saturday, June 27, 2026

Nekonoi Katsu's Foray into Pokémon

It seems like it's a fine day to discuss about something "meta" to (Pokémon) cosplay - that is, not directly tied to a festival or convention - so I thought I'd do just that. In fact, one aspect that I don't mention very often on this blog is the cosplayers themselves... aside from yours truly, but this post will change that up a bit. Those who have read my blog might have come across the name mentioned in the title of this post on two occasions - the same one in fact, just separated by a year - and that name becomes the focus of this post, furthermore with relevance to Pokémon as the overarching focus of this blog.

Nekonoi Katsu (Instagram: @nekonoikatsu) is a well-known local cosplayer, specifically in my region of residence. She has gone international several times, one time of which is in 2017 as the country representative for the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) - which is incidentally around a year after I started this blog. She has also cosplayed as characters of various standings in profile, including of course Ara Akazora for the local festival in order to represent the main face of Japan Culture Daisuki. She has definitely made her mark.

And then comes her Pokémon dealings or "foray". Recently, she has become a featured cosplayer to promote the TCG locally, and that includes playing it - not an easy task, if one of the videos with her indicates. Going back to cosplay, she had taken up Canary, a recently introduced character through the Legends: Z-A game; it's a fascinating choice, given the various other characters from other fandoms that she has brought with her cosplay, many of which could be considered "edgy" somehow, especially this one.

Personally, I'm only glad to see another person taking up Pokémon cosplay, although the fact that the person is an established cosplayer is a big plus for me and her legion of fans - but I consider myself as a friend to her, rather than a fan. With that, the possibility of us somehow collaborating seems to be quite remote, even for matters related to Pokémon (cosplay), which in that case being friends to a certain degree is still fine for me.

While her foray into Pokémon is much more recent compared to my appreciation that has practically lasted since the beginning, with that foray, she could be considered to have "seen the light" as to what makes Pokémon so enticing and appealing to its fans. That seems to bode very well for her as much as that has always been the case for me, and that may just entrench Pokémon further in both of our respective circles.

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Friday, June 26, 2026

Let's Get Going Today, Again

Many moons ago, Pokémon Go introduced the Today View as an expansion of its Research feature. In fact, it kept on expanding and expanding and... it became rather loaded with its collection of sub-features by current times. As such, the development team decided to take on a rework of the feature, first testing it out for certain players (Trainers) before it was made available for everyone else. The latter had just in fact happened a couple of days ago, and now I'd like to discuss the changes that are involved in that effort.

Research as the "core" of Today View remains accessible by tapping the binoculars icon, but it is now within a single main tab on the right side. It does, however, contain sub-tabs for Field Research ("Today"), Timed Research ("Events"), and Special Research, organizing them in the process. The "Today" tab also still contains info of Pokémon put into different places (Gyms, Power Spots, and Showcases) and the two main streak progressions (capture and PokéStop spin); also, Special Research sets now have unique headings.

The left-side main tab, meanwhile, is now where Go Passes reside, an element that has now been made prominent. Their progressions and associated tasks are now effectively separated from Research proper, and in this way, they also don't interfere with Timed Research as they may have done before - especially if Deluxe track was purchased for any Go Pass, which gives a special interface background, otherwise it's the seasonal one. Needless to say, Research retains its characteristic "professor's table" background.

Game event-related information, most importantly, have been shoved onto a separate screen accessed from the main screen by tapping the calendar icon that also shows the date of the month. They cover the Daily Discoveries and other goings-on as usual, now with a "Learn More" button to show the events' news pages; community meetups are also indicated. While this does somewhat mean that a split has been involved, it also means that what is left as above on the screens is now able to show its relevance.

With the way that Today View has been around since its inception, it's quite natural for it to be restructured after all the additions that had been implemented within that time up to the present. So, that restructuring has happened, initially to test how it can ideally work for some, and now ideally for everyone else. Whether or not all of these still warrant the "Today View" name is up for debate, but there is no doubt that Trainers in Pokémon Go still need to get going each and every day, hopefully with its help.

Three years ago: This Is My Pokémon Way
Four years ago: Cosplay: Outfest 2022
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