• [Dailystar Icon]
• Tech
• Gaming
• Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't have a confirmed Pokemon game and here's why

Despite Pokemon Presents yesterday, we're still without an entry for the historic series confirmed for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console here's why that could be the case

[Pokemon Legends Z-A]

Pokemon Legends Z-A is targeting Switch 1 for now(Image: Pokemon)

The Switch 2 is coming this year, but we're still waiting for the April 2 Nintendo Direct which will reveal the console's launch lineup.

It should also give us the system's price and when we can play it, but what about Pokemon? The series has long been a console-mover for Nintendo, but while we hoped yesterday's Pokemon Presents would give us a hint of news about Switch 2, we're still in the dark about when Pikachu and pals could come to the Switch's successor.

While it's worth noting Nintendo doesn't often launch consoles with Pokemon titles, we had hoped we may get a glimpse after the disappointing Scarlet and Violet which arrived with an array of technical issues.

Is this why Pokemon isn't announced for Switch 2?

[Pokemon Legends Z-A]

Trainer battles are more dynamic in Legends Z-A(Image: Pokemon)

The next Pokemon game for Switch 1 is Pokemon Legends Z-A, and we finally got a full gameplay reveal at yesterday's event. And, while Lumiose City looks like a fun location to explore, it's fair to say the game is not pushing any boundaries when it comes to visuals.

Admittedly that's never been a big focus of the series, but if Nintendo dubbed it a 'Switch 2 title', there's every chance the narrative devolves into one about the console being underpowered.

With most games being backwards compatible from Switch 1 to Switch 2, Pokemon Legends Z-A will play on Switch 2, but by putting it alongside the only other confirmed first-party title in the untitled Mario Kart, Nintendo runs the risk of its console reveal being on the back foot already.

[Pokemon Legends Z-A]

Lumiose City is a big part of the upcoming title(Image: Pokemon)

Given the Nintendo Switch is approaching 8 years on the market, it's understandable it's not offering the same level of visuals as its rivals, but given the aforementioned Scarlet and Violet marking a big disappointment at launch, Nintendo is likely to properly focus on Pokemon for the Switch 2 when the console is revealed fully.

And, who knows? Maybe the April 2 reveal will include a look at Pokemon, or offer some kind of enhanced versions of prior Switch 1 titles with the increased performance of the new console.

For more on Pokemon, be sure to check out our interview with Peter Murphy, Senior Director of Marketing at The Pokemon Company International where we discussed what could come in future titles.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.