Pokemon’s 2026 Release Whiplash is 2022 All Over Again

Beyond bringing the classic Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen to the Nintendo Switch, this year has seen the release of two new Pokemon games: the relaxing life-simulation and crafting game Pokemon Pokopia, and the strategic battle simulator Pokemon Champions. While fans still have to wait until 2027 for the next main series games, Pokemon Winds and Waves, this year has offered plenty to enjoy. However, the two new releases haven’t been equally well-received, with Pokemon Pokopia and Pokemon Champions seeing vastly different reactions – a pattern that feels similar to the mixed reception of Pokemon games released in 2021 and 2022.








