Pokemon Quest was announced this evening at a press conference held in Tokyo, Japan. While this isn’t a core Pokemon RPG, it is developed by main series studio Game Freak and will be coming to both the Nintendo Switch and smartphones.
Pokemon Quest has a decidedly strange visual aesthetic. Instead of featuring the graphics we’re used to, everything is very blocky. Like Minecraft blocky. The game features “Pokecells” which are the blocky versions of Pokemon you see in the video below.
You’ll be able to play Pokemon Quest either on Switch or smartphone, and the game will be “free to start” on both platforms. It’s likely that Nintendo is following the same model it used for Super Mario Run with the first part of the game being free and the rest unlocked via a one-time purchase. However, it could just free-to-play like Fire Emblem Warriors instead. Hopefully, it’ll be the former.
Pokemon Quest Release Date
No release date has been announced for Pokemon Quest yet. We do know it is set to launch sometime in 2018, but that’s the only clue we have. Check out some GIFs from the game in the Tweets below.
Update: Pokemon Quest is available now for Nintendo Switch and will come to mobile at the end of June 2018.
Grab your Nintendo Switch and get ready for a new adventure! With Pokémon to befriend and hidden treasures to uncover, #PokemonQuest is a brand-new land for you to explore! pic.twitter.com/VZyCXNbG1A
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) May 30, 2018
The Pokémon in #PokemonQuest were originally discovered in the Kanto region—but this time, they have a boxy, cube-like appearance! pic.twitter.com/CAjZUvFJcH
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) May 30, 2018
#PokemonQuest allows Trainers of all ages to get in on the action! In this free-to-start game, you can face off against wild Pokémon and embark on many exciting expeditions. pic.twitter.com/CZ57iGKWMX
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) May 30, 2018
In #PokemonQuest, you get to decide which characteristics your Pokémon will have! You can use special items called Power Stones to strengthen your team. The kind of Pokémon they become is completely up to you! pic.twitter.com/zI8kmZxhHg
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) May 30, 2018
#PokemonQuest takes place on the mysterious Tumblecube Island, which is known to be filled with hidden treasures and special items. pic.twitter.com/nIqynGVu54
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) May 30, 2018
With a team of up to three Pokémon, you can explore the secrets of Tumblecube Island. Battle wild Pokémon, gather treasure, and even befriend new Pokémon—if you have the right ingredients, that is! #PokemonQuest puts the power in your hands. pic.twitter.com/BuVVenFAYR
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) May 30, 2018
