Pokémon CEO Sees Switch as Chance to Create a “Deeper” Pokémon Game

The Nintendo Switch is an innovative console that has players wondering where it will take all the big game franchises. Of course, players aren’t the only ones pondering the future of their favorite series with the hybrid home and portable device. Although The Pokémon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara had some doubts about taking the franchise to the Switch, he is now embracing the move.

At E3 2017, Ishihara announced a new mainline RPG Pokémon title coming to Nintendo Switch in 2018 or later. In a recent interview with Bloomberg Magazine, Ishihara spoke about the opportunities the Switch is bringing to the popular Pokémon video games. He expressed that the technical capabilities of the console could lead to a more dynamic gaming experience for Pokémon trainers.

“With the Switch, we see it as a chance to create Pokémon that goes deeper and with a higher level of expression,” explained Ishihara. “As a result, that makes it an extremely important platform.”

Pokémon games have evolved over time, moving from a simple 2D top-down style to a more cinematic 3D design as the series developed. However, the mainline games have been limited to handheld consoles like GameBoys and the DS family of devices, so the advanced specs haven’t been there for anything too ambitious.

The higher definition screen the Switch definitely excites the executive as well. “Right now we’re using 7 to 8 inch screens, but on a high-definition TV you can express a whole different world with graphics and sound.”

Moving from the small 3DS screens to the Switch’s larger tablet — and of course even larger televisions — could mean more diverse and intricate environments, perfect for hunting Pokémon.

“Until now, games were made as one for one person, but now you can go home and play with everyone — so how do we tackle these themes, and how do we make sure it’s not complicated?” pondered Ishihara.

Sounds like the company could be implementing a more advanced multiplayer system without separate players having to purchase their own console and game copy. Or, at least, they’re thinking about it.

Read the full interview with Tsunekazu Ishihara here, and check back with A9K for the latest Pokémon news.