Pokémon at 30: A Global Phenomenon Facing Gameplay Stagnation
In 2026, Pokémon marks its 30th anniversary as a cultural juggernaut, transcending its video game origins to influence music, merchandise, and even theme parks. From Katy Perry collaborations to a £12 million trading card sale, the franchise is at its peak. However, the core video games that started it all are under fire for technical flaws and design rigidity, sparking debates about their future.
The Switch Era: Incremental Steps Amidst Fan Discontent
Since Pokémon Sword and Shield debuted in 2019, each new entry has drawn criticism for repetitive gameplay and subpar graphics. Fans lament one-time gimmicks and cheap visuals that don't match the franchise's status. While efforts like Scarlet & Violet's open world show progress, they lack the revolutionary impact seen in Nintendo's other titles, such as Super Mario Odyssey.
Comparisons to Monster Hunter Stories 3 highlight Pokémon's shortcomings, with the former offering dynamic animations and stylish art on a mid-budget. Game Freak's small team size—around 200 employees—contrasts sharply with giants like Rockstar North, raising questions about resource allocation.
The Dexit Dilemma: Balancing Quantity and Quality
With over 1,000 Pokémon, managing the roster has become a nightmare. Game Freak's decision to cut species in recent games, dubbed Dexit, sparked outrage but was necessary for balance and development efficiency. Yet, fans expect a vast selection, creating an unwinnable situation for developers.
"Every Pokémon is someone's favourite," as evidenced by individual 30th-anniversary logos for each creature. This loyalty complicates any permanent cuts, forcing Game Freak to juggle innovation with tradition.
Why Change Seems Unlikely: The Profit Motive
Despite complaints, Pokémon games sell tens of millions of copies. Scarlet and Violet moved 10 million units in three days, proving the strategy works financially. Takato Utsunomiya of The Pokémon Company emphasizes a fixed release cadence, prioritizing steady profits over radical overhauls.
Without a serious competitor like Digimon or Palworld denting sales, Game Freak and Nintendo have little incentive to alter their approach. The games' low budgets guarantee profitability, barring a fan uprising.
Winds and Waves: A Glimmer of Hope for Evolution
The announcement of Pokémon Winds and Waves offers potential for change. With a 2027 release date, it suggests longer development cycles, possibly aligning with a once-per-console model. Rumors of MMO elements and improved graphics could address longstanding issues, but if it remains fundamentally unchanged, fans may need to accept Pokémon's static nature.
Ultimately, while spin-offs and merchandise sustain the brand, the mainline games crave a Breath of the Wild moment. Winds and Waves might just be the tide that turns the series toward a brighter future.
