Nintendo is well-known for a number of franchises, with one of the biggest being Pokemon. In the time since its inception, it has become popular throughout the world, spanning many generations of games and continuing to grow as the years go on. Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2, will likely have a new mainline title, as many expect it to. While that sounds great, it also means that the same established formula – with maybe a few unique features here and there – will be followed, which even the most dedicated fans can get tired of. As such, NIntendo should consider taking things in another direction and keep up its experimentation, and there’s a perfect opportunity for the Switch 2 to revive a Pokemon spin-off series that hasn’t been seen in quite some time.
A good reason why the Pokemon franchise is so successful is that it has dipped its hands into genres other than monster-capturing, expanding its reach to an even wider audience. These spin-off titles have experienced mixed receptions, as some became widely known while others faded to obscurity. One, in particular, didn’t do commercially well compared to the mainline entries but was still unique enough in its gameplay that it spawned two extra titles and has dedicated supporters asking for an eventual revival. This subseries is called Pokemon Ranger, and its presence on the Nintendo DS meant a new way to play, with the games incorporating the stylus to capture or tame the franchise’s monsters. The last entry in the series dropped in 2010, and the subseries has yet to be revisited by Nintendo, something the Switch 2 can and should change given how well Ranger‘s distinct gameplay could work on the console.
Why the Switch 2 Is the Perfect Console for Reviving the Pokemon Ranger Series
While a new Pokemon Ranger title could logically make its way onto the Switch 2, one would wonder why the series should even be provided such an opportunity. However, there are a few valid reasons why it would be a sensible idea for Nintendo to pursue:
- The Switch 2’s potential joy-con mouse functionality could see the feature acting as a replacement for the stylus used in Pokemon Ranger‘s typical gameplay.
- The Switch 2’s touchscreen features mean the game can still be played similarly to the DS iterations, so long as Nintendo prepares peripherals that prevent scratches or damage.
- The motion controls would allow for more creative opportunities to add additional mechanics and features.
Given the points above, it’s clear that the Nintendo Switch 2 would be the perfect home for a title like Pokemon Ranger. Hopefully, Nintendo sees that it’s worth trying, as newbies and veteran fans of the Pokemon franchise would likely look forward to playing something a bit more unique.
What the Switch 2 Can Do to Make a Future Pokemon Ranger Title Stand Out Even More
The Nintendo Switch 2 looks to be facing a busy 2025, and plans involving new Pokemon games on the console may have contributed to that. If a new Pokemon Ranger title is being developed, then Nintendo will have to do something to make it more appealing to fans, especially to series newcomers. While the potential mouse function and the touch screen can easily be used to port the circle and symbol-making involved gameplay, it will need to do more than that. One potential idea is to use the console’s motion controls to incorporate in-game movement gestures that can expand the capturing and taming process. This helps make the gameplay more complex but still easily doable while trying something new, potentially attracting people into trying it.
Pokemon‘s potential plans for the Switch 2 could create the perfect storm for the Pokemon Ranger series, as the console’s features mesh perfectly with Ranger‘s gameplay formula. It’s an opportunity that Nintendo should consider, as it’s yet another way of expanding the franchise to another market outside its mainline entries.
Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs
