Pokémon Sleep Patent Hints at Potential Trading Feature on Nintendo Switch and Mobile

A recently surfaced Japanese patent has ignited discussion within the Pokémon community, suggesting that new trading capabilities may soon be coming to Pokémon Sleep on Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms.

Pokémon Sleep, developed collaboratively by Niantic and The Pokémon Company, blends sleep tracking with the Pokémon universe, letting players collect and research Pokémon based on their real-world sleep patterns.

Since its global launch on mobile devices in July 2023, the app has stood out within Nintendo’s expanding suite of innovative Pokémon experiences beyond the traditional handheld entries. The patent, filed under JP Patent No.

7703801, was first spotted in the Pokémon Sleep subreddit and seems primarily intended to describe mechanics introduced during the in-game "Cresselia vs.

Darkrai" event.

However, close inspection reveals an intriguing section that appears to detail how players might soon be able to transfer or trade Pokémon with other users—a long-awaited feature for many Pokémon Sleep fans. According to translated interpretations by community members, the patent describes a system where Pokémon become eligible for trading after they have been befriended for a set duration or once players accumulate a particular amount of "Sleeping Time Shared." As part of this feature, users could earn "trade points" by consistently tracking their sleep, which would be required to initiate trades.

Additional details noted in the patent summary include: - Players may pre-select Pokémon to offer or request ahead of their nightly rest period. - Trades would be conducted without user control over trading partners—matching is based on overlapping sleep sessions. - Pokémon received via trades may alter traits such as their nature or sub skills, although this point remains unclear. - Following a successful trade, a temporary boost to players' drowsy power is mentioned, potentially increasing morning rewards or research potential. - Pokémon acquired through trading might also become more likely to appear in subsequent research sessions. Though player-to-player trading is a hallmark of the mainline Pokémon series, it has been implemented sparingly in spin-off titles.

Past examples, such as Pokémon TCG Pocket, faced community pushback regarding trading system accessibility, eventually leading developers to revise their approach for a more user-friendly experience. It is important to emphasize that patent language is often broad, describing a range of possible implementations, and does not represent a direct confirmation of incoming features.

There is no guarantee that all the mechanics detailed in JP Patent No.

7703801 will be integrated into Pokémon Sleep.

However, the documentation’s publication underscores The Pokémon Company’s ongoing innovation in connecting players and deepening engagement in its mobile offerings like Pokémon Sleep. Pokémon Sleep continues to evolve as part of Nintendo's strategy to expand its foothold in lifestyle gaming, supported by regular content updates and community events.

Whether or not this trading feature materializes in future updates, the ongoing attention to patents and new mechanics highlights the game’s relevance among both casual and core Pokémon fans.

For the latest news and official feature updates, players are advised to follow announcements from The Pokémon Company and Nintendo Direct livestreams.

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