The Nintendo Switch is set to be both a home console and a portable gaming device at the same time. The main "Pokemon" games have always been released on handheld devices and now series producer Junichi Masuda addresses what the nature of the Switch means and if a main "Pokemon" game could release on it instead of a pure handheld like the 3DS.
In an interview with Spanish gaming site Meristation, Masuda explained that in Japan portable gaming was thriving and an argument could be made that portable devices like the 3DS were more popular than home consoles such as the Wii U, PS4 or Xbox One. There was a strong emphasis on kids getting together to play at a park or each other's homes.
To that end, he stated the Nintendo Switch was indeed the future. It merges the traditional domestic gaming culture that consoles have thrived in since the 1980s and the portability of handhelds. This doesn't necessarily mean a game like "Pokemon Sun and Moon" would be ported to the Switch.
"We will have to wait until it comes to the market and study how it can benefit from 'Pokémon,'" he told the publication. "When people have it, we will have to see and study deeply how they use it to then think about how the next instalments of 'Pokémon' will be and how the saga could benefit from this new console."
Masuda carefully works around his answers as he did not confirm or deny releasing a main "Pokemon" entry for the Switch, Nintendo Life reported. Masuda's response simply confirms the developers will have to wait and see how the Switch performs in the market before making any decisions.
It is noted that there are rumors of "Pokemon Stars" launching for the Switch. The game is set to be exactly the same as "Pokemon Sun and Moon" but with a higher resolution and a few features that will take advantage of the Switch's capabilities.
In many ways it will be like how "Pokemon Yellow" was for "Pokemon Red and Blue." Nintendo and Game Freak have yet to confirm if "Pokemon Stars" is even in development and these rumors should be taken with a grain of salt.