Pokémon fans worldwide were buzzing after E3 2017, when The Pokémon Company International president and CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara confirmed that Game Freak had officially started development on a core Pokémon RPG title for the Nintendo Switch.
This milestone marked a significant leap for the franchise, as it transitioned from handheld exclusivity to Nintendo's popular hybrid console, the Nintendo Switch—a move eagerly anticipated by both longtime followers and newcomers to the series.
In a revealing conversation with Game Informer, Game Freak co-founder Junichi Masuda addressed the studio’s vision for Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch and the unique opportunities the new hardware presents.
Masuda remarked that what fascinates him most about the Switch is discovering how players will choose to engage with the console.
“I’m eager to see whether players enjoy the Nintendo Switch primarily at home or while on the go.
It’s likely that playing styles will differ depending on where players live and possibly even country by country,” he explained.
This adaptability in player experiences, Masuda emphasized, has always shaped Game Freak’s approach to game design—prioritizing how gamers play and what kinds of experiences they derive from Pokémon. Pokémon as a series has a rich platform history, having previously transitioned from the iconic Game Boy family to the dual-screen Nintendo DS.
However, the shift to the Nintendo Switch, with its unique hybrid nature, presents novel challenges and opportunities.
“This transition is unlike our previous platform changes,” Masuda noted.
“Playing on a home console is fundamentally different from the purely portable systems we’ve designed for in the past.” The reaction to the Pokémon RPG announcement at E3 2017 was overwhelmingly positive, and Game Freak is acutely aware of the heightened expectations among the franchise’s devoted fan base.
Shigeru Ohmori, director of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s tremendously rewarding to see such excitement, but it also brings a considerable amount of pressure.
We’re fully committed to developing a game that meets these high expectations.” Masuda reinforced this commitment while also cautioning against sky-high expectations.
“Developing these games is always a significant challenge,” he admitted.
“We ask that fans keep their anticipation realistic, but rest assured that we’re putting in every effort to create a game worthy of their passion.” As Game Freak works to bring the world of Pokémon to the Nintendo Switch, both Masuda and Ohmori’s comments demonstrate the developer’s dedication to delivering a transformative Pokémon experience that honors the series’ legacy while embracing the possibilities of new hardware.
With the transition to Nintendo’s hybrid system, the next era for Pokémon promises to be an evolution that merges innovation with the beloved traditions of the franchise.
This milestone marked a significant leap for the franchise, as it transitioned from handheld exclusivity to Nintendo's popular hybrid console, the Nintendo Switch—a move eagerly anticipated by both longtime followers and newcomers to the series.
In a revealing conversation with Game Informer, Game Freak co-founder Junichi Masuda addressed the studio’s vision for Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch and the unique opportunities the new hardware presents.
Masuda remarked that what fascinates him most about the Switch is discovering how players will choose to engage with the console.
“I’m eager to see whether players enjoy the Nintendo Switch primarily at home or while on the go.
It’s likely that playing styles will differ depending on where players live and possibly even country by country,” he explained.
This adaptability in player experiences, Masuda emphasized, has always shaped Game Freak’s approach to game design—prioritizing how gamers play and what kinds of experiences they derive from Pokémon. Pokémon as a series has a rich platform history, having previously transitioned from the iconic Game Boy family to the dual-screen Nintendo DS.
However, the shift to the Nintendo Switch, with its unique hybrid nature, presents novel challenges and opportunities.
“This transition is unlike our previous platform changes,” Masuda noted.
“Playing on a home console is fundamentally different from the purely portable systems we’ve designed for in the past.” The reaction to the Pokémon RPG announcement at E3 2017 was overwhelmingly positive, and Game Freak is acutely aware of the heightened expectations among the franchise’s devoted fan base.
Shigeru Ohmori, director of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s tremendously rewarding to see such excitement, but it also brings a considerable amount of pressure.
We’re fully committed to developing a game that meets these high expectations.” Masuda reinforced this commitment while also cautioning against sky-high expectations.
“Developing these games is always a significant challenge,” he admitted.
“We ask that fans keep their anticipation realistic, but rest assured that we’re putting in every effort to create a game worthy of their passion.” As Game Freak works to bring the world of Pokémon to the Nintendo Switch, both Masuda and Ohmori’s comments demonstrate the developer’s dedication to delivering a transformative Pokémon experience that honors the series’ legacy while embracing the possibilities of new hardware.
With the transition to Nintendo’s hybrid system, the next era for Pokémon promises to be an evolution that merges innovation with the beloved traditions of the franchise.
