Apps

In a survey we conducted on opportunities for Japanese people to think independently, about half of the respondents had answered that such opportunities are naturally decreasing. This trend inspired the creation of "Pokémon Friends," a game app we developed in collaboration with Wonderfy Inc. The game features over 1,200 puzzles starring Pokémon, and is packed with opportunities to think independently, have fun while working out puzzle solutions, and cultivate problem-solving skills. As players solve puzzles and collect items, they are rewarded with in-game Pokémon plush. We wish for players to unwind and feel a sense of accomplishment from puzzling out the correct answers as they think alongside Pokémon.

"Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket" is a mobile game app that allows players to enjoy the Pokémon Trading Card Games anywhere, anytime. Players can open two free digital card packs (5 cards per pack)   every day and arrange their favorite cards on display boards or in binders. They can also trade cards with friends, battle, and experience the excitement of the Pokémon Trading Card Game right on their smartphones. One feature that takes full advantage of the digital format is the "Immersive Card," which brings the worlds depicted in the card illustrations to life. The app even sparks interest in the physical cards. Available now in over 150 countries and regions, it bridges the gap between players and the world of Pokémon. 

“Pokémon UNITE” is a 5-on-5 strategic team battle game. Battles unfold on the field between teams of Pokémon, each team aiming to score the most goals within the allotted time. Because Pokémon each have a particular play style at which they excel, team formations have to be devised with strategic finesse. During battles, players need to predict how the game will develop based on the rival team’s moves, making it necessary for them to talk over and fine-tune their strategy as the game unfolds. In 2022 we launched the National High School Pokémon UNITE Championship Tournament (also known as Pokémon UNITE Koshien), where high school students throughout Japan compete for top place. The event is held in cooperation with Nippon Television Network Corporation. Fans both on the scene and watching the livestream broadcast can follow the play-by-play action and commentary and cheer for their favorite team. In 2022 we also added “Pokémon UNITE” as a category of the Pokémon World Championships. The battles played out in the virtual realm, and the victories won there, make for excitement and thrills just like sports in the real world.

All along, the “Pokémon” series has played out on Nintendo game consoles. Starting with Game Boy Advance, on through Nintendo DS, and then to Nintendo 3DS, thanks to inter-console compatibility players have been able to take Pokémon from one software platform to another. Rare Pokémon captured after hours and hours of searching, or Pokémon raised through participation in one battle after another, are precious buddies. Up to now, though, the newest game console – Nintendo Switch – has lacked compatibility with “Pokémon” software, making Pokémon transfers impossible. Today, all that has been remedied with the creation of “Pokémon HOME,” a cloud service for Nintendo Switch and smartphones that enables Pokémon to be stored “on the cloud” regardless of the game console where they originally appeared. Also, by pairing with “Pokémon GO” it’s possible to transfer Pokémon caught at any location to Nintendo Switch software.

Titles in the “Pokémon” video game series developed by GAME FREAK inc. feature an array of human characters who pair up with Pokémon. Known as “Pokémon Trainers,” in the “Pokémon Masters EX” game app jointly developed with DeNA Co., Ltd. here they play the central role. Pokémon Trainers appearing in “Pokémon Masters EX” include not only main characters from the “Pokémon” series but also their rivals, Pokémon Professors, and Battle Champions too. With Pokémon as their buddies, they vie for victory in “World Pokémon Masters Championships.” This is the first time Pokémon Trainers from the “Pokémon” titles do battle and interact in a different series. By coming to know Pokémon Trainer stories and thoughts not depicted in the video game, players of “Pokémon Masters EX” can discover new favorites, or become even more eager to root for current favorites, making gameplay all the more enjoyable.

“Pokémon GO” and “Pokémon Sleep” were born from our desire to use the entertaining powers of Pokémon to enrich people’s everyday lives. In “Pokémon GO,” relying on real-time GPS data in the real world, players can share recommended routes, and “Community Day” events are held where specific Pokémon appear in large numbers. Activities like these motivate players to rouse themselves and go for a walk. In “Pokémon Sleep,” the user’s sleep is measured and fun can be had collecting the sleeping faces of Pokémon having the identical sleep pattern. We also hold “Good Sleep Days” aimed at helping users get a good night’s sleep around the time of the full moon, when people are said to typically get less sleep. According to a survey we conducted of more than 100,000 people in Japan, the U.S. and 5 European countries, Japanese people were found to sleep the least. But after using the “Pokémon Sleep” app for more than 3 months, Japanese users’ sleep time increased by an average 1 hour and 10 minutes! This demonstrates that using a Pokémon app can change a person’s sleeping habits.

"Pokémon Café ReMix" is a puzzle game built around the concept of "mix, link, and blast away the icons and gimmicks." Players step into the role of a café owner who cooks and serves dishes alongside Pokémon staff to make the café a success. Gameplay involves swiping across the screen to link and clear away icons as if mixing ingredients for the dishes. The more levels you clear and dishes you serve, the more Pokémon will appear to help with the café. Players can also upgrade the skills of existing Pokémon staff. Don't miss the charming art style used to depict the scrumptious food and vibrantly expressive Pokémon.