Taking center stage during today’s Pokémon Direct was the first title in the series to come to the Nintendo Switch: Pokkén Tournament DX. This enhanced release of the Wii U fighter will take advantage of the system’s design to offer head-to-head matches anywhere you take your Switch. To illustrate this, the video focused on a young man traveling overseas to visit his brother while engaging with locals and other travelers alike with the game. After all, if two trainers eyes meet they have to battle!
Anyone who was wondering when the quartet of arcade added fighters would be making their way to the Wii U version may be out of luck, as they’re instead coming along with the DX version of the game. That means Darkrai, Scizor, Empoleon and Croagunk will all be playable in addition to all the other fighters from the first console release. Capping off the roster is newcomer Decidueye, bringing some highflying sharpshooting to the mix with a peek at some flashy moves both on the ground and in the air.
When it comes to new features, the most prominent seemed to be three-on-three team battles. Players will be able to select a trio of Pokémon to face off against another trainer’s set, though the fights will still be a single Pokémon versus another. Online features will include Ranked, Friendly and Group matches to suit all kinds of playstyles and attitudes.
The wait for Pokkén Tournament DX won’t be long, though for anyone who wants to see it in action can look forward to seeing it during E3 next week. Those attending the show will be able to try a demo of the game, while those at home will be able to catch it via Treehouse Live. An invitational tournament will be held on the 14th, joining the likes of ARMS and Splatoon 2 for Nintendo’s competitive entertainment. The full details for it can be spotted below:
Name: 2017 Pokkén Tournament DX Invitational
Date: Wednesday, June 14
Time: 10:30 a.m. PT*
Competitors: Eight YouTube and Twitch stars
Format: Crew battle with four teams and two players per team. Random draft order. The first person in each crew must choose one of the new characters; the other person can choose one of the original characters.
Prize: Winners will each receive a Pokkén Tournament DX art piece signed by Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company, and members of the development team.
Casters: Jordan Kent, D1 and VikkiKitty
Pokkén Tournament DX will be launching later this year on September 22nd, alongside another pair of familiar games making their way to the 3DS. Look forward to more info and coverage closer to release!
Missed today’s Direct? Check out the Pokkén Tournament DX footage here:
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Written by Ricky Berg
When he isn’t writing for Nintendo Wire, Ricky’s anticipating the next Kirby, Fire Emblem, or if the stars ever align, Mother 3 to be released. Till then he’ll have the warm comfort of Super Smash Bros. to keep him going.
