Pokémon Champions: First Impressions

I'm actually a bit (or somewhat) late to this for reasons that will soon become clear, but it deserves to be discussed anyway. So, Pokémon Champions have graced both platforms of Nintendo Switch and mobile, and it's already set as the game on which competitive battling (being the realm of VGC) will take place this year. Even with my history of ups and downs with the format, since it's Pokémon, I still have a "stake" in it - and that is why I've also opted to download and install it. With that being done, I've chosen to give my initial impressions of how the game is presented to me and what I think of it.

Actually, the download had been made since April, being for the Nintendo Switch version since I have it on hand and my phone can't handle the mobile version since it's becoming full in any case. Yet I've only been able to touch the game recently due to other necessities and in part waiting on the mobile version to release and gauge interest based on that. Regardless, I was still able to get and claim the "early download" bonus and the Raichu Mega Evolution bonus for the launch of the mobile version.

Meanwhile, the game's initial content is a nice touch, with an overview/tutorial of how main series battles work for those who haven't had experience with them, and even more of them (perhaps they could be called the "Advanced Tutorial") in the Train section. The given Pokémon to battle with, including the free recruitment, is totally workable for those who might only start with this game - at least before sending others from Pokémon Home for a visit, which many fans are likely to have now.

The game's user interface is oddly reminiscent of Pokémon Unite in its early days with the layout of buttons on the main screen as well as its color scheme that has shades of purple and some orange, which perhaps may be the exact point of it all. The Trainer outfits also do have some resemblance, further tying in the similarity and the feel. Still, that may be par for the course when Pokémon training is a given.

Overall, the game being a "stub" from the main series games to serve battling purposes - it is a "battle client", after all - makes its intent quite clear. The fact that it is already being used for tournaments and has received updates to fix some things that are off for that purpose means that it's here to stay for the foreseeable time, and it should take some pressure off the main series games for actual competitive battling.

Still, it will take a little time for me to continue to explore its battles and features, especially now with the expanded player base that the mobile version offers. That will make itself evident in future posts, which should encapsulate my dealings with current and future Trainers and show what my champion potential is really like.

One year ago: "Dumping" Rare Candy and Rare Candy XL

Two years ago: On the Green Side with Pokémon

Three years ago: Cosplay: Indonesia Comic Con - Pop Asia 2023, Day 3

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/25/2022

Five years ago: Who Floats - Pokémon Floats

Six years ago: Uniting the Heart

Seven years ago: Evoked Emotions

Eight years ago: Promoting Local Establishments with Go

Nine years ago: Four Notions

The Next Step: Pokémon Champions on Mobile

Fans who are eager to play Pokémon Champions as the standalone "battle client" edition for battles in the traditional main series style have been able to do that since the version for the Nintendo Switch was released ("unleashed", my term) a couple of months ago. The rest of the fans who don't have the console had to wait for the mobile version to be released... and now happily, I can say that the day has come. The mobile version of said game has been released today, and fans can and should be able to get in on the action. That said, there are a few more things to note, which prompts this discussion about the "next step".

Some parts of that "next step" concern devices and device limits. Though their devices are somewhat modern, some will nevertheless be unable to play the game on the devices since they're behind in hardware and/or software. Then there's the matter of space: the initial download for the game is nearly 1 GB in size, and the extra data will further balloon the storage requirements, making it on par with a certain electronic card game. These issues demand ways to deal with them that may neither be quick nor easy. 

But once Trainers get over those issues, they'll be in for the fun - but then there's still some work to do. For many of those who don't commonly deal with Pokémon affairs on the Nintendo Switch (or their consoles in general), they'll still have to ensure Pokémon Home is linked to it, especially if Pokémon have been put there from Pokémon Go, the most likely source for them as such. Then there are the intricacies of this specific game, but that's also to be understood as things go along.

Meanwhile, fans beyond the Nintendo Switch system are setting up (or in fact have set up) their support systems - as in the communities of players they'll battle with and against. That would also mean future competitions and tournaments that can now cover those who play without a Nintendo Switch, but still with the possibility of playing with those on it. The support systems would help to ensure that they get up to speed on what is needed for this style of play in order to be effective in it.

Now that Pokémon Champions covers the breadth of platforms that it's meant to cover, the "new era" of VGC as suggested in the earlier "unleashed" post is starting to come into its own with the involvement of the mobile platform implementation and the players (Trainers) who will take it up. It's a "next step" just as much as the game itself is a "next step" for continued enjoyment of Pokémon across players and time.

One year ago: Switching Up (and Upgrading)

Two years ago: Not Alone... But Alone

Three years ago: The Mystique of 151

Four years ago: Knotting Destinies and Love

Five years ago: The Mystique of the Slowpoke Well

Six years ago: Good Storage Limit Counts

Seven years ago: I'm a "General"!

Eight years ago: Viewpoints and Preferences

Nine years ago: Hounds and Hyenas, Canines of the Dark

New Terms Involving Pokémon

Before I get into the main content of this post, I'd like to say that I had been planning to make this post for over four years, but I have never dealt with some of the elements that are to be mentioned in this post - at least, not in their actual first-hand implementation. For that, I will mention the reasons why and developments since then, after the respective elements are mentioned in parentheses (). Now, on with the actual post.

People in many fields of discipline will eventually grapple with new terms for elements that are introduced with increased knowledge or improved states of affairs in those fields. While not exactly a "field of discipline", Pokémon has a lot of things that are tantamount to that, and fans, players (Trainers), and so on have to grapple with new terms as well. Most recently (or in the most recent past), a few of these new terms have come to light for them - certainly, including me - so I thought I'd go over those new terms, three of them in fact.

The first of these new terms is "Paradox Pokémon". These are Pokémon species that look like some other Pokémon that are already known, but they're not that; they stand alone much like Legendary Pokémon or Ultra Beasts. They also come from the two times of "Ancient" (which represents the past) and "Future". Their English names are also natural words (for example, "Great Tusk" and "Iron Treads" respectively that look like Donphan superficially) rather than contrived words, and they lend themselves to the dynamics of the ninth generation.

(I still do not have the main series games of the ninth generation, which is what I was hoping to deal with before I actually cover this term. However, I did mention it briefly in an older post about "historical Pokémon", which was a necessity given the topic; the intent was still to make the first or at least formal mention in this post. Since then, as I've witnessed, they've also been present in the TCG - one way of which is to be explained soon - and there's even one example in Café Remix.)

Next comes the term of "Alpha Pokémon". Making themselves present in the Legends games, these Pokémon are of a bigger size than what is mostly expected, and they're also stronger in battle - which also becomes evident with their high IV values when taken out of those games. In those games, when present in the wild, their eyes (if they have them) are also glowing red, the nearly universal sign of something angry and fierce. At least, they can become a fierce part of one's collection as well.

(I also still do not have either of the existing Legends games, for which this term is evidently so associated with them. Yet a couple of years after the release of the first Legends game - Arceus - Pokémon Go hosted the first Go Wild Area, which featured Mighty Pokémon that essentially becomes the implementation of this concept in much the same way, pretty much minus the angry red eyes. Mighty Pokémon then stayed for the next one, and with Alpha Pokémon staying in Legends: Z-A as well, they're here to stay.)

Meanwhile, in the TCG realm, there is the new term of "Pokémon Tool". This term represents a sub-class of cards that can be attached (equipped) to Pokémon with useful effects for them. They used to be in the Item sub-class of Trainer cards before they were differentiated (in a way, expanded), and given what they do, it's not hard to see why - they can be defined, delimited, and regulated in this way. The differentiation has since occurred for cards in different sub-realms of the TCG, both past and present.

(I have no cards of this kind, at least ones that are in both English and physical form, yet I've seen them in action physically by way of my TCG fellows. More importantly, I've dealt with them electronically in some way, including in the most recent realm of TCGP, where they were introduced a little over a year ago. As with Paradox Pokémon above, that post was also waiting on this long overdue post for its first formal blurb, which was desperately necessary but now is more or less fulfilled for that.)

Fields of discipline and Pokémon have one thing in common (at the very least) in that both of them are in constant development. That process also means that new terms are very much possible for the realms of concern - and in the case of Pokémon as above, that has in fact happened. Grappling with the ones above in particular becomes - or has become, given their time presence - the concern of fans for the franchise, and doing so might just become the prompt for future (and great) developments that they can muster.

With that, this long overdue post has been written up and covered all the details that it is (was) intended to cover. Hopefully, future developments won't take so long to be covered as with these, and I would eventually be able to deal with them as intended.

One year ago: The Light and Shade of the Moon Islands

Two years ago: A Pokémon Performance Dream

Three years ago: Notes on Development Notes

Four years ago: Prankster Possibilities

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/6/2021

Six years ago: Repetition for Reputation

Seven years ago: Be with You, Always with You

Eight years ago: (The Least) Local Ex-Raid, 6/6/2018

Nine years ago: Pokémon Direct, 6/6/2017

The State of Champions

At the beginning of this month, Pokémon Champions was released ("unleashed", in my terms), bringing about a completely new way of enjoying main series-like battles, including VGC - at least for now on the Switch. With the passage of time since its release, I thought that now I'd recap a few interesting points since that release and discuss what it means for the game, not to mention its mobile version that is still in the pipeline to allow broader enjoyment of the battles as mentioned above. 

Being that the game epitomizes main series and VGC battles, it has to conform to their many specifications... and it does. But because of its independence from the adventure aspect by virtue of it being a "battle client", it can then start to diverge (or more appropriately, vary) with regard to certain aspects, like changing some moves for older Pokémon and introducing elements for new ones - particularly brought about by Legends Z-A. Like VGC occasionally changing its format, it's a real possibility.

Meanwhile, like recent Pokémon games (and owing to the fact that Eterna City wasn't built in a day), the game has also received updates and fixes, which is inevitable since the main series aspects are complex. It's also expected since the game itself is expected to update to the changing dynamics of tournaments and competitions, and likely the entry of species from future generations... of which one is to come soon. Since this is happening for the Switch version, the mobile version is expected to be polished.

For the actual reception of the game, it looks to be pretty good - especially if recently held tournaments with thousands of participants can be considered an affirmation of that. Players (Trainers) have also come up with a myriad of strategies and team compositions, some familiar and others new, and they've been successful or attractive (or both) to different extents, appealing to different people. It is certain that once the mobile version gets rolling, the appeal will become more widespread to others.

If the above situations - taken to represent the current state of the game - are indicative of anything, it is that Pokémon Champions is already looking good as the current face of main series and VGC battling. The future will certainly be shaped by how players (Trainers) continue to strategize in the game, what will be added to and changed within it, and of course when the mobile version will manifest. It's a state that will demand improvement over time by those in this Pokémon battle path.

One year ago: A Pokémon Lanyard and ID Holder

Two years ago: Hobby vs. Responsibility

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/30/2023

Four years ago: Pokémon and Virtual Pets

Five years ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Shaping for Success

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/30/2020

Seven years ago: A New(?) Pikachu Doll

Eight years ago: A Sun & Moon Doujin Manga

Nine years ago: Cosplay: ComiCamp 2, Day 2

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

Two years ago: Pokémon for the Sake of Pokémon?

Three years ago: Pokémon: Hisuian Snow

Four years ago: On Trainer Footwear

Five years ago: Doing Well on Pokémon Quizzes, Right Now

Six years ago: Voyager of Glory

Seven years ago: You Can, I Can

Eight years ago: (Continuing the) Local Ex-Raid, 4/8/2018

Nine years ago: On the Road Again

Champions Expectations

The recent "anniversary edition" of Pokémon Presents had also shed further light on Pokémon Champions, the next way of experiencing main series-like battles that will also be accessible to all (by way of its planned mobile version). Its usage for this year's World Championships as it is planned - also as I had noted - would carry lots of implications for it as a "battle client" game. It is then (now) high time that I discuss those implications along with some expectations for the game, its playability, and Pokémon in general.

Because it's for use in the World Championships, by implication and expectation, the game will have to support the VGC format. That means supporting the standards that are in place now (and in a way as they have been) and potential evolutions of the format (perhaps not in style, but surely any restrictions that are applied and un-applied to the battles and teams). There are interesting prospects in this regard for old Trainers returning to face the VGC format - I would be included here - and new Trainers that want to try to deal with it.

Meanwhile, there is the use of species. The game will surely be able to allow players to procure species from within it by certain means, but it is also a certainty that Pokémon Home linkage, as explained, will allow the breadth of species from the main series games (in particular, those that are already VGC-capable) and even those imported from Pokémon Go to be used. They'll still be subject to any standard or restriction that will apply as above, but as an implication and expectation, many species will become fair game for this purpose.

Linking with others is also an expectation for its orientation of battling with others and an implication by the way that other Pokémon games also facilitate the means in order to allow players to engage others in battle. That further ties into the expected use of the games in the World Championships and the implied means of engagement in that setting. While it is likely that species management and the associated engagements for that will be carried out through Pokémon Home, some engagements for this may just occur here.

  

Since April as the month of the game's release is coming up very soon, answers to these expectations and implications will also be due out very soon as well, once players (Trainers) on the Switch get their hands on the game first, followed by the prospective players on mobile platforms later on. Accessibility as a core tenet of those expectations and implications, not to mention the purpose of the game itself, remains vital to it and will define the future for the battles in the associated competitive Pokémon realm.

One year ago: TCGP: A Battle in Space and Time

Two years ago: For Want of Rotom Devices

Three years ago: Faster Leveling for One-Minute Cooking?

Four years ago: Ready System for Pokémon Go Raids?

Five years ago: Be the Winning Team

Six years ago: Looking for Good News

Seven years ago: Nominating PokéStops

Eight years ago: Envisioning More Local VGC Tournaments

Nine years ago: Slowpoke Moments

One by Air, Two by Sea: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2026

Where February's Go Tour follows, Pokémon Presents does too - although that's more of a consequence of Pokémon Day rather than the mentioned game event. My discussion on the matter, as in many of the past years, has been tied to a certain theme that may or may not directly pertain to the contents of the feature, but it's still useful anyway as a guide to some of those contents at the very least. This time, the theme may be construed as means that some things may be delivered, but it's also relevant to a very important part of the feature.

That important part can be saved for later, so as usual, the discussion starts with updates to some current games. Pokémon Go had the festivities for Go Tour as well as on the road ahead, which promises to be exciting. Pokémon Unite had the three Legendary birds of Kanto as well as the first partners of Johto coming as Unite Licenses, which will surely fill up the field further. Physical TCG has something special on tap given this Pokémon anniversary, but that is a matter that will take more time to deliver and determine. 

For lesser games, Café Remix is on a celebration of first partners, TCGP has a new Themed Booster Pack (like clockwork, and for a few days now - something that I may need to get on soon), Masters EX is going back in time to deliver Trainer characters from bygone eras, and Pokémon Sleep is bringing in a famed Mythical Pokémon of origin and two Legendary Pokémon of sibling attachment - something that should be very clear. They're all delivering in drops and rounds, almost as if by the above means.

Next up was some news on the rather expected "battle client" game of Pokémon Champions. The game is shaping up, and in fact its release on Nintendo Switch has been set for April this year, with the mobile version to come later. Furthermore, once it's released, it's also set for use in the World Championships... which will also be the case this year (the World Championship preview itself, as usual, will come when it comes close at the end of August). This has many, many implications that can't all be covered here.

Meanwhile, this coverage continues with some upcoming content, both partial to an existing game and for a new game itself. Mega Garchomp Z is coming to the Legends: Z-A game by way of the DLC and Mystery Gift, another exciting addition to the main series "alternate". Then, Pokémon Pokopia is set for release on March 5, and more of its content continues to be divulged, including DJ Rotom and a Greedent chef named "Dente". Its "timesink" quality seems to be shaping up even shortly before its release.

Lastly, it's time to make the "delivery means" clear and to fill in the blanks I left in Pokémon Day. "Blowing air" refers to the winds and "riding sea" refers to the waves... and they'll be the subtitles of the next main series games, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, which are due out next year. The "first look" or teaser shows an island region (name coming later) with vibrant islands and seas, and the first partners of the region and games have also been revealed alongside to start the hype for them.

Delivering new content updates is definitely the role of an edition of Pokémon Presents, and this particular edition for the 30th anniversary of Pokémon delivers (ahem) on that with what is set to be a fun-filled time with current and future Pokémon games and experiences. With that, the delivery means may not be all that important so much as it is the (essence of the) content that is important; whether they come by air or by sea, the best Pokémon happenings are those that will stoke and delight fans, and those from this edition may be some of the best yet.

One year ago: Ever Onward: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2025

Two years ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 8.5

Three years ago: It's All Relative: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2023

Four years ago: Newfound Glory: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2022

Five years ago: More PokéStops in Specific Areas?

Six years ago: Re-Experiencing Main Series Battles

Seven years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2019

Eight years ago: Investing for PokéCoins

Nine years ago: To Pre-Order or Not to Pre-Order?

A Big (Mega) Time DLC

For the last discussion of the "gimme five" surrounding the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the topic to be discussed is a big and weighty one, not only in terms of scope but also in terms of cost - additional ones, as a matter of fact. That, of course, implies a paid DLC for the game, which is in fact the case... or will soon be. It's also profound due to its timing - precisely at the beginning of the game's life - as well as the content that it provides, and therefore it has to be discussed alongside the release of the game proper.

The DLC is called "Mega Dimension", and at the core of it, Hoopa is present. As advertised as early as last month (through certain information channels), it also brings forth Mega Raichu, split into X and Y forms as with Charizard and Mewtwo. Whatever else the DLC brings is not yet known as the DLC is still in a bit of development and will come somewhat later on, but it's already available for purchase now; those who do that will get the bonus of an outfit that can be worn even while the main game is in progress.

What becomes rather apparent is that the DLC is a way of restricting some content behind payment, otherwise called "paywalling". Even if Raichu isn't (quite) as popular as its "devolved" brethren, it still conceivably has a certain legion of fans, and they'll appreciate the addition of Mega Evolution to it - in two forms, no less. To have that "paywalled" behind DLC instead of being in the main game outright could be considered a bit of disappointment, particularly with the popularity of the content in question for fans.

Meanwhile, Ranked Battles will obviously be carried out online, and online services on the Switch console require the subscription... which can be thought of as an indirect "paywall" or DLC. In fact, the reward for the first season is the Mega Evolution of a particularly popular frog, and thus content is already being "paywalled" as I speak. It's only pertinent to the actual DLC as above by its similar nature, but it bears mentioning with consideration that the DLC is already in the works to supply actual paid content.

Having DLC present for any game may be controversial to some extent, and now it is apparent that the new Legends: Z-A game can't escape that controversy, as it has a (planned) DLC of its own. It's an additional scope with an additional cost for elements of possible interest, and it is furthermore being presented early on in the dynamics of the main game. That makes it a big-time thing for a big-time game - or rather, "mega", in light of the major concept that the game and its setting revolves around and brings back.

One year ago: Old-Time Watcher's Dream

Two years ago: Mission Bingo in Café Remix

Three years ago: A New Set of Pokémon Dolls

Four years ago: My Qualms in Taking On Ranked Matches

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/17/2020

Six years ago: Wallpaper: Pokésoft Mix

Seven years ago: The First Sinnoh Saga Japanese Opening Theme

Eight years ago: Pokémon and Trains

Legends: Z-A Unleashed

OK, so the big day is finally here. Today is the day that the follow-up game in the Legends (sub-)series is released after a long wait. As has been previewed, it already promises many elements of interest and excitement, including a whole lot of new Mega Evolution forms. How that then translates to the interest and excitement of fans is to be seen today and throughout the coming times as they go through this new game and all that it offers.

For some, the first order of business may be to unlock Ranked Battles as the primary in-game competitive endeavor. This also has other implications that involve a certain aspect to be detailed separately, and is already associated with the game. It is certain that some players (Trainers) will look into the competitive endeavor as soon as possible, although completion of the game to certain points for this and its competitive materials is necessary.

Some others might just not deal with that (too much) and just take in the game as is, being that the return to Kalos and the return of Mega Evolution are the more enticing aspects to go through in their entireties. And there's no shame in that, since the original games were big on these, and they made them bigger still. That also goes for Lumiose City as this game's central focus, now bigger than ever with a lot of big things inside it as well.

As for local reactions among my fellow fans, they seem to be muted, whether they're the ones with vested interests in the main series and its ilk or just remotely interested ones who play other Pokémon games (TCG, Pokémon Go, and so on) more than the main series, which is known for its "barrier to entry". Of course, some of these "barriers" - including the apparently muted reactions - might just be broken down sooner or later to show the true reactions.

Now that the game has been released, the biggest thing for Pokémon - besides this game and Mega Evolution as the key "big" aspect - may just be making this second-of-its-kind game a really big success, also given that a big momentum is ahead. For now, there are other big things to deal with and within this game, and dealing with that will be big (or even bigger than big) for whichever big Pokémon fans are concerned.

One year ago: (Half-Hearted) Attempts at New Unite Event Formats?

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/15/2023

Three years ago: Taking Raids to the Elite Level

Four years ago: Quickies: Real Interest in Pokémon Sweet Treats

Five years ago: Hunting for Rewards from the Go Battle League

Six years ago: Where I Want to Go

Seven years ago: (Improving the) Local EX Raid, 10/16/2018

Eight years ago: Trainer Fashion

Making Mega Evolution a Persistent Concept?

Also as stated earlier, I would bring up Mega Evolution as a discussion topic, since the concept has been made a key part of the game and the associated region. It too has waded its way to other Pokémon game realms, in a way cross-promoting the game. Yet for all that, the concept hasn't been exactly persistent in the regular main series games, seemingly only returning by way of the alternate Legends series. The issue then centers on how a persistence could be achieved for the concept, especially for the main series games, regular or otherwise.

But first, it may be helpful to gain insights from the lore behind the concept. It is said that some of the stones in the Kalos region possess special powers, and people found they could use them to allow certain Pokémon to gain access to the concept form, something that is larger than even their own lives. But then, in Hoenn, others also independently discovered the same thing for other Pokémon, and then there's the matter of Rayquaza accessing it by a Meteorite and strong wills from people who are linked to it.

The lore above thus concerns the original main series game as well as the related remake game with the concept. It suggests that there is a significance in both of the regions where the concept is (was) featured with major incorporation of it into the gameplay and lore. This is then compared to the seventh-generation games, where the concept was just there but not seemingly having any significance in gameplay and lore, even though it did feature in them. So, the featuring part of the concept is easy; the integration part may be harder.

Persistence for Mega Evolution, then, may seem to lie in being able to have it being a good  (or key) part of the games where it can be featured, and then having something new to complement the feature and make it engaging for the players. Many Pokémon even now still don't have a Mega Evolution form, and future instances of the concept being featured can stand to have new forms for species that don't already have it, in the same way that the remake games featuring the concept had that to complement its original feature.

Mega Evolution has been a fascinating concept since its debut, and its preservation (albeit not its persistence) has been somewhat surprising as well with the assistance of other games beyond the main series. For the latter as well as any other Pokémon game, making it persist is the greater challenge, but the two takeaways above of incorporating it well and contributing something new to it appear to be important for maintaining its persistence. After that, the only challenge is having the "mega" guts to keep dealing with it. 

One year ago: Renewing the Anime, Revisited

Two years ago: Cosplay: Road to CHoCoDays 10th

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/15/2022

Four years ago: Chiki Balls Pokémon Coins: Expanding the Collection

Five years ago: Strange Eggs, and Getting Estranged with Eggs

Six years ago: Rekindling Old Games

Seven years ago: Ultra Ball Hanging Ornament

Eight years ago: Cosplay: MAXcited

The Future of the Legends Series

As I've stated, the future of the Legends series may make for a good discussion, and that's what I've chosen to take up as the next topic in this "Legends: Z-A week". Granted, it's a topic that's a bit "far out" as topics go since only the next member in the series, the one that makes it as such, is just being released. Yet there seems to be no harm in trying to establish what the future might hold for this new (and newly established) series of Pokémon games.

The first consideration would certainly involve the region. Two regions have already gotten the treatment (Sinnoh as Hisui and Kalos), and there's still a lot of potential out there. Given the strong Legendary connections, Alola could make a perfect target for an in-the-past approach like the first game, while Hoenn does so likewise for in-the-future like the second game. Other regions may also be possible with surprising developments.

Included Pokémon would certainly be a given. The featured region would certainly have to have its characteristic species, but beyond that, considerations might just go any which way. Species appearing in a region from a later generation retroactively appearing is always an interesting prospect, especially how to make them work as special features. As for older species, they're a natural, but they can also have finer points and surprises too.

Finally, timing is a major consideration as well. The current Legends game is actually being released at a point closer to a momentous time, and the current time may be considered an inter-period between major milestones. If another Legends game is in the works, it would have to be situated between other major Pokémon milestones and take advantage of that so that fans can in turn take advantage of the new game for their needs.

Considering the above, the future looks to be promising for another iteration of the Legends series, but the content and timeframe could be anyone's guess - though certainly at least a few years in the future, likely to continue drumming up Pokémon interest while being in the "doldrums". That may be a future worth waiting for, and while waiting for that, there's always the current iterations of the Legends series for planning out that future.

One year ago: Nobody's Perfect

Two years ago: Cosplay: MCP Mini Contest 

Three years ago: The Evolution Cup of GBL

Four years ago: A Pokémon Best Friend Dream

Five years ago: Workouts, Exercise, and Fitness with Pokémon

Six years ago: Community vs. Central Management

Seven years ago: Cosplay: Akatsuki no Matsuri

Eight years ago: Never Stop Exploring

How to Regard the Legends Games

I have to be up front and say that this week, the long-awaited Legends: Z-A game will be released - specifically in three days' time. As such, I thought it would be a good idea to take this month's "gimme five" and discuss its eventual release and topics surrounding the game, including Mega Evolution as something touted of the game and its featured region (Kalos). For that, the first topic concerns the game together with the previous one (Legends: Arceus), considering both as a (sub-)series now established by the new and upcoming game.

That first topic in particular concerns how to regard this newly formed Pokémon game series. I had earlier characterized the previous game on its launch as a "spinoff", but considering what has been presented, that might seem "improper". Sure, the game has different mechanisms for battles with wild Pokémon and others, but many things line up with the main series games, like the selection of starters (first partners) and other battle aspects. A Legendary Pokémon is also featured much like the main series games from the second generation onwards.

Furthermore, in the earlier game, Pokémon are kept in "pastures", which are essentially boxes under another name. Meanwhile, the new game will have a form of ranked battling and other online conveniences similar to the most recent main series games of Scarlet and Violet - but this will be further allocated in different posts over this week. And then, there is the highly evident inclusion of Mega Evolution, a revival of a past main series mechanism and with many new entries included, likely alongside the old ones as well within the game.

Based on the points presented above, it can be regarded that the Legends games are most like the main series games with a number of "riffs" or changes. As such, they can then be most aptly considered as "main series alternates", not unlike a "third game" (something that has been long absent) yet also so far removed from the concept - which may be why it could have been so hard to see it all this time. This too opens up a myriad of implications that may be better reserved for later discussions alongside the links to the main series.

Although possible future installments of the Legends games - something that's definitely up for a later discussion - may further tie into the idea above yet separate from its predecessors, including the original main series games they are (or will be) based on, considering the new game series as "alternates" still very much makes sense. That "making sense" will need to be carried over if and when more games of the new series are planned, and of course for the next new game that won't be long now before it's finally released.

One year ago: Cosplay: Axis Cup and Cosplay Festival

Two years ago: Unexpected Collaborations with Pokémon

Three years ago: Pokémon Café Remix Burnout?

Four years ago: Tournament: Raid Group "Relaxed" Lunar Cup

Five years ago: The Day-Night Cycle and Pokémon Games

Six years ago: Cosplay: KAI ESports Exhibition

Seven years ago: Pokémon and Adventure Games

Eight years ago: Respect for Ikue Ootani

It's Everywhere Competitors Want to Be

The last stop on this current "Pokémon Is Everywhere" tour is the grandest stop of all, since this weekend is the Pokémon World Championships, and Friday today is its first day, the day I cover the festivities. Now, this annual Pokémon agenda could be considered localized and routine after all these years, but on the other hand, it is always special no matter what the year is and in recent times it has wide-ranging impacts for Trainers not even at the venue. As such, I decided to "shoehorn" it into this "everywhere" week, regardless of it making perfect sense - and I've even remarked on it (by the title of this post) in a manner that the more affluent of Trainers will recognize.

As for the location of this year's edition, that would be in Anaheim, California, making it a return to the U.S. mainland (and this city, many years ago). The city is also known for it being "hip" (in some way) or being close to other centers of "hip" people (in one way or another), and so the Pokémon also get into the vibe. Notably, that is in the form of varsity jackets that evoke such a feeling by way of association with schools or colleges, and the representing Pokémon (including the de facto series mascot Pikachu) wear this attire for the vibes. Pikachu in particular is not only present in illustrations but also in merchandise form as well as in forms that the games can make use of... but that's for later.

Speaking of the games, the lineup remains consistent with main series VGC (the classic), physical TCG (the "handy"), Pokémon Go PvP (the blitz), and Pokémon Unite (the team-spirited). All the players - that is, the competitors - have certainly qualified to be a part of this event and to duke it out against others of similar caliber, including the representatives of my local area for all of these, which are still part of an entourage with good size. They'll all surely come out fighting in their battles, whether or not in the end they'll be on top.

Now, the World Championships have been in a bit of transition in recent times - besides with regard to the venue - to something enjoyable for everyone, including those who don't compete. For that, including last year's edition, people have been able to reserve Spectator badges as well as spots at a pop-up edition of Pokémon Center, in particular to buy that Pikachu with the varsity jacket outfit. And then there's the possibility of cosplayers being present, which I don't have to say that it would be a dream for me (and Ash) to be able to go there.

In some capacity, Anaheim is also known for a kind of magic that it offers for certain groups of people, in addition to that "hip" thing I keep droning about in this specific coverage. Whether it's magic or "hip", though, Pokémon benefits from that and especially for a grand tournament like this one, returning to that city after many years and certainly with new and modern twists for competitors and supporters alike.

Many players will still dream of competing here, and now many fans too might dream of coming here just for the fun of it. Either one is a great thing, but then it would be even greater to be able to make that dream come true. For those whose dreams have already come true and are here for either, then I wish good luck as always (for the competitors) and great fun (for supporters) in that "hip" and happening place.

One year ago: Respect for Rachael Lillis... in Memoriam

Two years ago: The Matter of Mega Evolution in Unite

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies, Round 4

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 8/14/2021 and 8/15/2021

Five years ago: Matters of Shadow and Light (Purification)

Six years ago: The Subtle Generational Spoiler

Seven years ago: Don't Look Back... in Anger

Eight years ago: Pokémon Desktop Wallpapers

Making a Difference: Pokémon Presents, 7/22/2025

Well, that (bi)annual happening I referenced in this year's Pokémon Unite anniversary post is none other than an edition of Pokémon Presents. Sometimes there's just one of it in one year, but other times there are two of them in one year; evidently it's the latter for this year because there had already been one earlier. And if there's a second one, then that means some of the information is important and can't wait for the usual anniversary edition. It may be construed as a way of "making a difference"... which becomes highly evident.

First up, dedicated fans and viewers who tuned in early could catch a one-hour long DJ Pikachu performance featuring tunes from the first generation games from the early game to the endgame, all remixed in typical DJ fashion but still with different styles. This is certainly different from earlier iterations that don't have actual "pre-show" entertainment, and though it's not really part of the presentation proper, it's still pretty much adjacent and rather complementary to it, something to be considered for future iterations of the presentation.

The actual presentation, meanwhile, is approximately half an hour long and contains all the expected info and more. One of those is for the upcoming World Championships in Anaheim, CA in the U.S., with a preview of the festivities. This was followed by info for existing games: Scarlet and Violet (main series) with a new battle event, the physical TCG with card content for the new Mega Evolution expansion, Pokémon Go with a really big wrap-up, Unite with its anniversary festivities, Café Remix with a seafaring event, Sleep with a beastly trio event and a new area, and Masters EX with a new Sync Pair and bonuses - all of them a handful and varied.

Entertainment is also hot on the list. Pokémon Concierge, the stop-motion series on Netflix, now has a preview of its upcoming episodes slated to premiere in September. Speaking of stop-motion, the "kings" of it - Aardman Animation - also want in on Pokémon, and they've come up with a different animation featuring Sirfetch'd and Pichu, also teased here and slated for release in two years. For more realistic entertainment, there is also PokéPark Kanto - not a game this time, but a whole amusement park in the flesh (at least, a subset of one); it's due to open early next year. All the entertainment will come in due time.

Also hot are new games on tap. The first is a wholly new game called Pokémon Friends, which combines brainteaser puzzles and plush collections, available now on the Switch and mobile platforms. Meanwhile, Pokémon Champions has revealed more of its mechanisms (a "Recruit" feature and stat adjustments), which may just affirm its "battle client" spirit, as well as a planned release next year. As for the eagerly awaited Legends: Z-A game, it'll be due in three months and its most tantalizing additions are revealed here as well, including a new Mega Evolution of a very familiar dragon. Worlds of differences seem to await players and fans alike.

If certain worldly and life principles are of any indication, being different is not necessarily bad, and this edition of Pokémon Presents had that quality in spades. This edition had that for its introduction, the new content to existing games, the forthcoming entertainment forms, and certainly all the new games that fans can't wait to get their hands on and play. They're all important and beyond the usual norms, and that may be useful for Pokémon in general, as the maintenance of norms while occasionally breaking them for variety.

One year ago: Seventh Anniversary of My Raid Group

Two years ago: Cosplay: Shokumatsu

Three years ago: Respect for Zeno Robinson

Four years ago: More on Ideal Raid Lengths

Five years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 5

Six years ago: Movie Manga, Part 2 (Really 2)

Seven years ago: Pokémon Style Figure Sun & Moon 2 - Mimikyu

Eight years ago: Cosplay in a Bag

Best Generation to Start the Main Series?

A friend recently asked me a question about the main series of Pokémon games. The question involved a query regarding which game someone should start playing if that someone is interested in these games. At the time, since we could only converse briefly, I could only give a short answer in a short time. It's a fascinating question, so I thought about expanding it with a more substantial answer; naturally, that would be in the form of a blog post on this Pokémon blog, the perfect medium for its discussion.

The initial answer I gave was that if the person wanted to "get their feet wet" in Pokémon, I suggested starting with the games from the third and/or fourth generation, including the remakes from earlier generations and their own remakes in the later consoles. My rationale is that these games provide a good diversity of species that are well-known back then and still are today, and if they then wanted to get into competitive play, the basics are introduced fairly well. In either case, it's a fair balance to a good extent.

Still, if they want to get into competitive play right away, then they need to have the most recent games, the present case being Scarlet and Violet from the ninth generation. There will be a lot to learn, but the gradual design of the Pokémon games means that not everything will need to be applied right away. The most important thing as well is being able to battle with contemporary Trainers and not be stuck without a way of doing so in an older game for an older generation. Other concerns apply, but these are foremost.

For those who don't really care about any of the above, or at the least only care about the nostalgia of Pokémon through all these years, they can start on any older game that is accessible in some way or form. They can even start on the very old games from the first and second generations, even though they no longer have much of a bearing in today's Pokémon affairs. Nostalgia and history are still their bearings, if anything, and if they're the only important things, then any of these games are fitting.

It's understandable that Pokémon of today still carries with it the elements of its past, which includes all the prior main series games. Therefore, the question posed my friend is perfectly valid and demands to be answered. That answer too is not necessarily simple nor applicable to everyone, which becomes evident with the discussion above. At the least, I've delivered my take through both the previous conversation as well as the discussion in this post, and there are good Pokémon starting points for all.

One year ago: The Solo Challenge in Pokémon Unite

Two years ago: Still Not Quite Outside the "Ilex Forest"

Three years ago: The Rock-Paper-Scissors Principle

Four years ago: Transparent Language Presentation?

Five years ago: More YouTube Pokémon Highlights

Six years ago: Trading Styles

Seven years ago: The No's of Go

Eight years ago: Site Design

Before Ruby and Sapphire

Almost all games of today go through a beta version of some sort, and Pokémon ones are no exception. Many years ago, I detailed the one for the second-generation games, which at that point had just come to light. The same has recently occurred for the games of the third generation some time ago, which becomes another prompt for a discussion here on this blog. It also makes this discussion somewhat late, but it's still got to be done to point out the interesting particulars of that beta version.

Like the previous one, some of the Pokémon species were pretty close to what was then finally had, but others looked very different. A notable one was an early form of what would become Blaziken, which looked more like a hawk and related to a different Pokémon. These and others in the beta were eventually retooled to the modern species families and evolution lines, as did their appearances. Of course, there were still many others that didn't make the cut - a good number - while only a few might be recognizable as similar to later Pokémon.

Meanwhile, the overworld maps had both major and drastic as well as minor and incremental changes. The latter was mostly conserved to cities and towns as well as some land routes, while the former occurred for a number of land routes and many of the sea routes. These sea routes in particular went from mostly barren to becoming more richly structured as seen in the final games. Notably, a few maps would only later on be developed for significant events like the encounters with the Titan Pokémon - also a late development.

Some miscellaneous tidbits are also pertinent. The early monikers for the versions appeared to have been "Vermilion" and "Indigo", which might have been an interesting twist. Wally, the sickly character, was also planned to have a more prominent role as a Gym Leader, albeit an up-and-coming one. Secret Bases had also been planned to be accessed differently with tools instead of the Secret Power move. Since quite a bit of the revelation was also recent, some of it also still needs to be dug through and examined even now.

Very much like the beta version for the earlier generation, a lot of things needed to be polished in the beta version for this one before they could appear fleshed out in the final version, something radically different from that. Yet much of the commonalities seem to suggest that development of the games were becoming quite standardized, in method and viewpoints. But then, that seems to be the point of most beta developments, and Pokémon going through that is only a (fine) matter of refinement.

One year ago: Making Road Runs with Pokémon

Two years ago: SA Factions: My First Four Weeks

Three years ago: How Many Pokémon for Each Role?

Four years ago: Pikachu and Bulbasaur Donuts

Five years ago: I Believe, in Love

Six years ago: (Wet and Wild) Local EX Raid, 4/12/2019

Seven years ago: Wallpaper: Pokémon 20th Anniversary

Eight years ago: Pokémon Couriers?

Rotations in Pokémon Games

A song in an obscure source - perhaps linked to the would-be dealings of certain Pokémon, if it were that way - states that everything changes, and everyone knows that. So too do things change in Pokémon affairs, and one way that happens is with "rotations" of some kind from one facet to another. Through my observations, now seems to be a fascinating time to discuss them and how they're realized in certain areas of Pokémon.

In Pokémon Go, its players (Trainers) will surely recognize the rotation of formats, cups, or leagues in the Go Battle League. This rotation keeps things fresh and interesting, though it does present challenges for those whose format specialties are limited to a few select ones. Regardless, it's the way things have been done, and it has its own whimsy to evaluating the skills of those who battle, making it viable to be kept even all this time.

Then, the realm of the physical TCG has implemented "regulation marks" on each card that determine when a card is (no longer) playable - officially at least - which shifts every so often and forces players to swap out older cards for newer cards. It can become hectic (and likely also expensive) to keep up with cards in this manner, but that may be considered as being part of the challenge and interfacing with the cards in some way.

Similar to the above, contemporary VGC also implements what are called rotating Regulations that specifically outline which Pokémon can and can't be played, quite a bit of which pertain to Legendary Pokémon. This too dictates some specific preparations, some of which might involve going back to versions as old as Sword and Shield for certain Pokémon (and even Shiny ones) and then conforming teams to the specifics - never an easy matter.

Rotations like the above are definitely examples of change, particularly reflecting the current state of Pokémon affairs in different games and forms of play, which also have changed in their own ways. How these rotations will change up next time could be (in part) anyone's guess, also much like the song I referenced earlier, but that's also further affirmation of the song's premise - and Pokémon premises in general.

One year ago: Quickies: One Day on a Pokémon Ranch

Two years ago: Factions Battlefields, Season 2 Cycle 4

Three years ago: Working for Pokémon?

Four years ago: Outsourcing Pokémon Development

Five years ago: Cosplay: Robotto no Sekai + SUCOFEST 2020

Six years ago: The Marketing of Expectations

Seven years ago: How Many to a Raid?

Eight years ago: To Be Continued... maimai ORANGE (PLUS)

Everyone's Battle Client??

Perhaps the most fascinating announcement from Pokémon Presents a week ago is not the upcoming Legends: Z-A game but the new "new" game called Pokémon Champions that promises Pokémon battles like the main series games, meaning that battles in the style of the Stadium or Colosseum games and ultimately VGC appear to be fair game. With that, it seems that the game might be an "everyone" game, just like how Pokémon Go is "catching" for everyone, Pokémon Unite is MOBA for everyone, and even the latest TCGP is TCG for everyone. It's a point that merits to be fleshed out along with the relevant particulars that make it so.

The game is planned to be playable not only on the Nintendo Switch but also on mobile platforms. By that fact alone, it's clear that the point is to draw as many players as possible to the experience, that of classic style Pokémon battles. Of course, some people might have their platform preferences once the game actually comes out, but that's for much later. For now, the assurance of multiple platforms is enough to clarify that fans of the games can and should be involved in this to make it as successful as possible.

Furthermore, linking with Pokémon Home is planned for the game, which itself already has links to several main series games as well as Pokémon Go. This means players (Trainers) will probably be able to use virtually any Pokémon they have, including ones ready for VGC purposes. While it's not yet known how else Pokémon may be brought about for play, particularly in the game itself, having the facility to use these Pokémon looks to be a way of diversifying battles and the Pokémon that may be used within those battles.

Now, I say "battle client" because the game also looks to be a way of having a separate means of organized battles, and again, including for VGC. This would mean something like Pokémon Showdown but in an official capacity, and it would also allow entry to VGC where Nintendo consoles are not prevalent and furthermore are reputed to have problems getting in, likewise for Pokémon main series games and VGC in general. That would make the game rather lucrative, although this has to be seen once it's released.

Considering the above, the "everyone" factor of Pokémon Champions seems to be high for all its relevance to main series battles, including those in the style of Stadium or Colosseum as well as VGC. It too seems to be able to take up the position as a "battle client" accessible to those who may just have the means. With that, the fascination for the new "new" game is well deserved and may have to be maintained up to and beyond the game's eventual release.

One year ago: Let's Go and Activate Adventure Effects

Two years ago: Ionic Bondings in the Silph Arena

Three years ago: Need Some Help, Game Freak?

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/6/2021

Five years ago: Tell Me Why, My Brother

Six years ago: (Make Way for a) Local EX Raid, 3/6/2019

Seven years ago: Bipeds and Quadrupeds

Eight years ago: Ride the Pokémon

Ever Onward: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2025

Following Pokémon Go Tour, the matter of Pokémon Presents from the anniversary day for the franchise also needs to be dealt with, in similar fashion as a couple of the past years (see below). Last year - which was discussed on a different date - I brought up the theme of "continuity" for how the things brought up in the presentation at that time followed on for certain Pokémon things. This time, it may be said that those things kept following on to the future, which is why I've settled on the descriptor and theme as in the title of this post.

"Onward" truly describes the situation of existing games. Pokémon Go had Go Tour as its announcement (of course) with another early twist, while Café Remix had an announcement of a very apple-y festival. Pokémon Unite is getting three new Unite Licenses, two within the next two months, and TCGP has a new Themed Booster Pack. For other games, Sleep is getting the tale of the "moon islands", Masters EX is getting two new supreme Sync Pairs, physical TCG is getting Mega Evolution, and current main series games (Scarlet, Violet) are preparing the fully evolved starters for gleaming things. The games are all moving forward in some way.

Then, other areas are also moving forward. For Latin America, certain games and the physical TCG will be localized in Latin American Spanish, which ought to allow more of its speakers to enjoy Pokémon in that language. Pokémon Concierge, the stop-motion animation series on Netflix announced two years ago, will also receive new episodes, while its first four will be available on YouTube for a limited time. They're steps that hopefully will please many fans.

Last on the discussion agenda is new games on tap. A new game has been announced, which will be called Pokémon Champions; it looks to be in the style of the Stadium or Colosseum games, which also might mean a possible entry of VGC-style battles, and is therefore a way of experiencing them in a different manner, something that I had postulated several years ago, on this very day (also see below). Then, there was also a "first look" at Legends: Z-A, showing that the game too is really moving forward, including with regard to its time setting.

It might seem that fans have needed some reassurance that some Pokémon things - especially the very last one I brought up - are moving forward somehow. The things announced in the "anniversary edition" for Pokémon Presents may provide that reassurance, as well as show that they're proceeding "ever onward" for the next things to serve the enjoyment of the fans. In that way, the fans should be able to make much of the same moves in the same direction.

One year ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 8.5

Two years ago: It's All Relative: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2023

Three years ago: Newfound Glory: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2022

Four years ago: More PokéStops in Specific Areas?

Five years ago: Re-Experiencing Main Series Battles

Six years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2019

Seven years ago: Investing for PokéCoins

Eight years ago: To Pre-Order or Not to Pre-Order?

Max Mushrooms - Between Pokémon and Battles

Something that is inherently tied to the Pokémon "gargantuan phenomenon", as Dynamax and Gigantamax, is an object - or more appropriately classified as an item - that assists in realizing the manifestations for the Pokémon of concern. That object is the Max Mushroom, which evidently has a "max" sense imbued in it. That sense, however, seems to be apt to be differentiated in the places where the object is present, originally from the main series games but now in Pokémon Go as well. And the differentiation carries an understanding of duality that either applies to the Pokémon or the battles they take part in.

Recently, the introduction in Pokémon Go was as an item, which powers up Pokémon during Max Battles for a set time of 30 minutes, with a 10-minute trial available. Obviously, this allows Trainers who are less capable and/or in smaller groups to complete Max Battles, though a good number will have to activate the item, and the item itself needs to be purchased from the shop nor is it cheap to obtain (by coins or real money proxy). Some "elite" Trainers would scoff at those who purchase and use them, but at least it's a way out for others.

As for its presence in the main series games, it is part of the mechanism - the same one I addressed in my Gigantamax treatise - that enables Pokémon to access the Max forms, albeit in a general sense. Being already baked into the games' systems, obviously one only has to go through the processes of the mechanisms to realize its objective. In effect, it really is powering up the Pokémon as well, just not for certain battle progressions but for their general state. Yet it's still a different sense nonetheless.

The duality here certainly concerns issues of permanence (or the lack of it) and efforts put in by the player Trainer. Even so, for the same object rendered as items in the respective games, the effects they have seem incomparable, though their relation to the "gargantuan phenomenon" is apparent and obvious. The object is thus "stuck" between two kinds of interpretations, as the title of this post might suggest.

It may be that Trainers would have to just contend with these disparate usages for the same object and item, given their separation in different Pokémon game realms anyway. The phenomenon to which this object and item is linked to is regardless still a thing - especially now in Pokémon Go - but if anything, the use of the object and item may still be (and is) warranted for the circumstances in which that use applies.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/4/2024

Two years ago: Distilling TCGO-TCGL Matters

Three years ago: The Past, Present, and Future of Silph Arena PvP

Four years ago: The Consideration of Gaming Journalism

Five years ago: Lost Player Ties

Six years ago: The False Gods

Seven years ago: Tournament: PTC18 Online Tournament 2

Eight years ago: Pokémon and Mahjong Tile Games