Switch 2 Could Bring Back Pokemon Ranger—Fans Are Hyped!

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Summary

  • Fans hope the Nintendo Switch 2‘s mouse functionality will allow for a revival of the Pokemon Ranger spin-off series.
  • The Pokemon Ranger series debuted on the Nintendo DS and had players capture Pokemon using the system’s touchscreen.
  • Mouse functionality could substitute the DS touchscreen controls for capturing Pokemon on the Switch 2.

A Pokémon enthusiast voiced their anticipation after hearing rumors about the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers potentially having mouse-like features, expressing optimism that this development would provide an ideal platform for the revival of the Pokémon Ranger spin-off series. The fan’s post showcasing their desire sparked a conversation among other fans about which spin-offs might be suitable for the Nintendo Switch 2.

First appearing in 2006 exclusively for the Nintendo DS, Pokemon Ranger offered a unique twist compared to other games in the series. Unlike traditional methods of capturing Pokemon with Poke Balls, this spin-off made use of the touchscreen and stylus, allowing players to temporarily capture Pokemon that could then be utilized for various tasks such as assisting fellow trainers, preventing criminal activities, or protecting natural environments. The game was continued with two sequels titled Shadows of Almia and Guardian Signs. Regrettably, despite the trilogy being re-released on the Wii U Virtual Console in 2016, the captivating spin-off series has yet to be released on the Nintendo Switch.

As a passionate Pokemon fan, I’ve been wondering if Nintendo might bring back Pokemon Ranger for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. A fellow enthusiast on r/Pokemon, going by the username HyrulePeasant, shared an intriguing image that got me thinking. The picture, inspired by the 1994 film Dumb and Dumber, juxtaposed a mock-up of the Switch 2’s Joy-Con with a quote from the movie.

The lower half of the image showcased a Nintendo patent illustration demonstrating how the Switch 2’s Joy-Con controller could be manipulated like a mouse. The patent design displayed the left side of the controller turned to the bottom, my hand gripping the analog stick with my right thumb, and two fingers positioned on the R and ZR buttons – just as if I were using a real mouse. It’s an exciting prospect for gamers like us, as this innovative control method could potentially open up new possibilities for games like Pokemon Ranger.

Fans Hope The Switch 2’s Mouse Functions Will Allow Pokemon Ranger To Come Back

If we imagine that the R or ZR buttons could serve as stand-ins for left or right clicks, then the mouse capabilities could potentially replace both touchscreen and stylus functions on a DS device. At the bottom of the image, there was an overlaid Pokemon Ranger logo, which was placed upon Jim Carrey’s character from Dumb and Dumber, Lloyd Christmas, who famously said, “There’s always a chance.

In response to HyrulePeasant’s post, fans pondered over potential controls for Switch 2 that might enable the functioning of Pokemon Ranger, without causing harm to the tablet’s touchscreen. Meanwhile, some fans argued that a mouse would be more challenging to manage compared to a stylus. Currently, the only officially confirmed game from The Pokemon Company slated for release in 2025 is Pokemon Legends: Z-A on the Switch.

Despite the lack of official details about Switch 2 until the April 2 Nintendo Direct, enthusiasts continue to speculate that the Pokemon Ranger series might receive a new installment. As Pokemon Day draws near, we can only wait and see what The Pokemon Company has in store for the remainder of 2025.

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2025-02-12 02:15