Pokemon Fans Think Switch 2 is Perfect Opportunity to Revive Spin-Off Series

Following news that the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers may include mouse-like functionality, a Pokemon fan shared their hopes that the new technology would be the best opportunity for the Pokemon Ranger spin-off series to return. The Pokemon fan posted a picture that illustrated their wish and sparked a discussion over which spin-offs could work on the Switch 2.

Originally released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS, Pokemon Ranger was a different spin-off than other titles at the time. Rather than catching Pokemon with a Poke Ball, Pokemon Ranger utilized the DS’ touchscreen and stylus to capture Pokemon that could temporarily be used to help fellow trainers, deter criminal activity, and defend natural habitats. Pokemon Ranger was followed up by two sequels, called Shadows of Almia and Guardian Signs. Although the Pokemon Ranger trilogy was re-released on the Wii U Virtual Console in 2016, the beloved spin-off series has not seen a release on the Nintendo Switch.

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However, following some news about the Nintendo Switch 2’s capabilities, some Pokemon fans pondered if Pokemon Ranger would return on the new console. On the r/Pokemon subreddit, a Redditor named HyrulePeasant shared a picture that depicted the Switch 2’s Joy-Con alongside a quote from the 1994 comedy film Dumb and Dumber. The top half of the picture highlighted a Nintendo patent of how the Switch 2’s Joy-Con controller could be used like a mouse. The patent showed the controller’s left side turned to the bottom, the player’s hand gripping the analog stick with the right thumb, and two fingers on the R and ZR buttons.

Fans Hope The Switch 2’s Mouse Functions Will Allow Pokemon Ranger To Come Back

Assuming the R or ZR buttons can simulate a left or right click, the mouse functionality could act as a substitute for the touchscreen and stylus controls of the DS. The bottom side of the picture had a superimposed Pokemon Ranger logo placed over Jim Carrey’s character from Dumb and Dumber, Lloyd Christmas, who said, “So you’re saying there’s a chance.”

In response to HyrulePeasant’s post, fans discussed how the Switch 2’s controls could allow Pokemon Ranger to work without damaging the tablet’s touchscreen. Other fans debated how the mouse would be more difficult to control than a stylus. At the time of writing, the only confirmed 2025 title The Pokemon Company is developing is Pokemon Legends: Z-A for the Switch.

Although more details about the Switch 2 will likely not be revealed until the April 2 Nintendo Direct, that has not stopped fans from hoping that the Pokemon Ranger series will get another game. With Pokemon Day approaching, only time will tell what The Pokemon Company’s plans are for the rest of 2025.

Pokemon

Created by

Satoshi Tajiri