Jobaaj Stories
During the recent Pokémon Presents livestream on Pokémon Day 2025, The Pokémon Company unveiled two major titles: Pokémon Champions and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Despite these significant announcements, there was no mention of Nintendo's upcoming console, the Switch 2, leading to speculation about the reasons behind this omission.
Pokémon Champions is a new multiplayer battle game set to release on the Nintendo Switch family of systems, including the forthcoming Switch 2, as well as on Android and iOS platforms. The game allows players to import their Pokémon from titles like Pokémon Scarlet, Violet, and Pokémon Home, facilitating online competitions. However, not all Pokémon available in Home will be usable in Champions, and those obtained in Champions cannot be ported back. The game is set to release on the Nintendo Switch family of systems, including the forthcoming Switch 2, as well as on Android and iOS platforms.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is slated for a late 2025 release and is set in Lumiose City within the Kalos region. The game will feature Mega Evolutions and offers an immersive experience in the urban landscape of Lumiose City. Players will explore detailed environments, engage in real-time battles, and delve into the history of the Kalos region.
The absence of any mention of the Switch 2 during the presentation has raised questions, especially given Nintendo's partial ownership of The Pokémon Company and the strong historical ties between Pokémon games and Nintendo consoles. Several factors might explain this decision:
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Strategic Marketing Alignment: Nintendo may have a planned marketing strategy for the Switch 2, with a significant information release scheduled for April. Mentioning the new console during the Pokémon Presents could disrupt this timeline and potentially dilute the impact of their upcoming announcements.
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Product Positioning: Both Pokémon Champions and Pokémon Legends: Z-A are designed to be compatible with the current Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms. Highlighting their availability on the Switch 2 might shift focus away from their primary platforms and could create confusion regarding their performance and features on different systems.
By choosing not to reference the Switch 2 during the Pokémon Presents, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company may be aiming to maintain a clear and focused marketing message for both the new console and the upcoming Pokémon titles. This approach allows each product to shine independently and ensures that announcements align with their respective promotional strategies.
