The new Pokemon RPG could Switch back to the days where you had to catch all 151 original Pokemon

For the last two years Nintendo has stolen the show at E3. From Breath of the Wild to Super Mario: Odyssey, Nintendo has relied on its big hitters to lead the Switch into mainstream attention. Nintendo now need another big game to steal the limelight from Sony and Microsoft, and rumours have been circulating for a while that it could be a new Pokemon game. But recently these rumours have taken a new turn and all seem to be pointing in the direction of Kanto…Where Pokemon’s journey first begun.

Pokemon Red and Blue were many peoples’ first introduction to the franchise. They also created the formula for future handheld Pokemon games, and it seems only fit that a similar game would do the same for Nintendo’s handheld/home console hybrid. Based on Pokemon Go’s success, it seems that many still have fond memories of the original 151 Pokemon, with many losing interest in the newer generations, so it makes a logical starting point.

Information has been very scarce, sadly. But some rumours have indicated that there will also be companion Pokemon, much like Pikachu in Pokemon Yellow. Interestingly, it seems that either Pikachu or Evee could be the companion Pokemon. This is supported by an apparent leaked image from the Pokemon Switch title.

Viewers with eye-sight better than Pidgeot have noticed a similarity between this screenshot and Route 21 from Kanto. Plus Evee can be seen on the character’s shoulder. Despite the similarity of the drop-down view, it’s disappointing to see that Nintendo may not use the Switch’s full potential and have a third person Pokemon adventure. This is something many fans have wanted for years.

According to some, however, Nintendo may be aiming to use the Switch’s portability potential, and perhaps tie in the game to Pokemon Go. This could include a similar gameplay style, or even link it to the Pokemon caught to the main game: there was code found in Pokemon Bank linking it to Pokemon Go. Seeing how Nintendo always seem to link two different Pokemon games, this could be the next step forward for the company.

Kanto is a region which is embedded is many gamers’ memory. Hopefully this is something which Nintendo are planning to build on, using the Switch to its full potential. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more about this title in this year’s E3.