Pokemon Gen 10: Why the Battle Frontier Must Return to Keep Fans Hooked!

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As the Nintendo Switch 2 draws near, excitement among fans about Pokemon, one of Nintendo’s iconic series, is growing in anticipation for the unveiling of the upcoming installments in the franchise. With over two years having passed since the debut of the previous generation, Gen 10, it could be introduced around the 30th anniversary of Pokemon as a whole. To truly pay tribute to its past and maintain enduring popularity as a generation, a key characteristic from the past should make a comeback in priority.

In the mainline Pokemon games, the gym challenges have traditionally provided a framework for the game’s progression. However, once the main story is finished, some of these games can feel rather empty. The Battle Frontier, introduced in games from the 2000s, offered a unique take on competitive battling that has kept certain titles popular due to their replayability. Nowadays, such depth in supplementary content isn’t common for the Pokemon franchise anymore, but introducing more of it could help win over dedicated fans.

No Pokemon Postgame Offering Has Lived Up to the Legacy of the Battle Frontier

The Missed Opportunities Following Gen 4

As I delved into the Battle Frontier of Pokemon Emerald, the traditional path to defeating gym leaders and claiming the title of champion took an unexpected twist. Instead of my trusted Pokemon leveling up as we progressed, they were confined to fixed levels. To make matters more intriguing, I was given the option to rent Pokemon instead of relying on my own battle-hardened companions. The diverse gimmicks integrated into the various Battle Facilities made this postgame challenge feel like the culmination of a master’s journey. Pokemon Platinum paid tribute to this formula by introducing its unique spin, but sadly, that was the last time we saw this concept fully realized in an official game.

Instead of completely removing the Battle Frontier as seen in ORAS, and reducing it to just the Battle Tower in BDSP, many other Pokemon titles have swapped out the full version for a single structure like the Battle Maison in Generation 6. This change simplifies the method for earning Battle Points and achieving winning streaks, but offers less variety compared to what Gen 3 emphasized.

The Return of the Battle Frontier in Pokemon’s Tenth Generation Could Ensure a Lasting Impact

Allowing a Potential Switch 2 Flagship Title to Stand the Test of Time

If the upcoming mainline Pokemon games debut when the Nintendo Switch 2 is just starting out, they will have a significant influence on how long this generation continues to captivate fans. While a compelling storyline and multiplayer competitive battles are universally liked, reintroducing the Battle Frontier could provide players with enduring challenges that keep them sharp for years after release. As DLC expansions have become more common than traditional third games that build upon the foundation of the initial pair, there’s a chance that the Battle Frontier could be the main focus of such updates in the future.

A Platform for Celebrating Decades of Characters

The unique and memorable Frontier Brains, who first appeared long ago, are still vividly remembered today. Introducing a new set could bring the same advantages for Generation 10. Since the franchise has been around for so long, it might be fitting to reintroduce popular characters from previous games, similar to the Pokemon World Tournament, giving them another chance to shine.

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2025-01-28 02:12