The Generation 10 Pokémon games could make a striking change by having a title that switches the focus to Pokémon Contests. Pokémon battles are at the heart of Pokémon’s core games, and Gyms and the Pokémon League are a key part of the traditional formula for any new titles. However, becoming a traditional Trainer is not the only path presented in the franchise, and a game that focuses more on rewarding creativity rather than damage dealt could prove to be a refreshing change of pace.

Pokémon Contests are among the more elaborate make Pokémon’s next Generation the best so far.

A New Pokémon Side-Game Should Focus On Contests

A Full Contest Game Would Provide Unique Gameplay Options

Of course, no matter how interesting, Pokémon Contests could never replace the Gym circuit found in the traditional dual-version releases. Instead, a single side-game would be far better suited to exploring the concept. This would allow the gameplay to be fully oriented around the Contest experience, rather than competing with other aspects of a core main game. It would not even be necessary for it to take place in Gen 10’s new setting, given Contests are already associated with Hoenn and Sinnoh, although a Contest-focused game could still provide a new perspective on the latest setting.

The five categories that Contests can be held in are Coolness, Beauty, Cuteness, Cleverness, and Toughness, each with their own list of suitable Moves for the Talent/Acting round.

Furthermore, although it may not necessarily count as a core game, this isn’t to say that such a title could not have an engaging storyline of its own. For example, it would be more than reasonable for the game to include a rival character and a goal of working towards a championship like the anime’s Grand Festivals. The protagonist may even face complications regarding cheating or other issues appropriate for a competition setting. On the other hand, the game could simply be thoroughly light-hearted, and it would not necessarily suffer from the lack of more serious subject matter.

In of actual gameplay, a full game could expand greatly on the present versions of Contests. Features like the five standard categories and cooking stat-improving treats (whether Pokéblocks, Poffins, or something entirely new) are ubiquitous enough to be guaranteed inclusion, but new Pokémon Coordinators could also be tasked with collecting props and deg costumes to improve their chances in a given category. People could also directly craft routines for their Pokémon, taking full advantage of the visual improvements seen in recent Generations.

Contests Would Look Amazing In A Modern Pokémon Game

Modern Graphics And Other Improvements Would Suit Contests Perfectly

It must also be acknowledged that a new version of Contests would be able to take full advantage of the franchise’s shift towards open worlds. This would allow Pokémon to visibly dance and perform with their full 3D models in even more detail than the Contests seen in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Various accessories could also be fully modeled and worn by Pokémon, allowing them to have truly unique appearances. Similarly, props could be implemented to unlock unique actions, and could perhaps be introduced after the player gathers the materials needed to craft them.

Given that Contests are also intended to focus on the visuals of a move instead of the damage dealt, it may also be possible for people to create detailed choreography by carefully directing their Pokémon. For example, Flamethrower could be used to trace fiery images in the air, or a Water-type Pokémon could create a rainbow with a spray of water. Of course, implementing this effectively may mean limiting the number of Pokémon and Moves available to the player, but a good variety of both would be a reasonable compromise.

This level of control over a Pokémon’s actions and Moves would be a new direction for the franchise, and the level of creativity it would promote would be a notable selling point for the game. The potential of the visual effects is particularly notable when considering that this game would presumably be released for the Nintendo Switch 2 console. The technological capabilities of the Switch 2 will benefit Gen 10 Pokémon games immensely, and a title like this would take full advantage of this fact.

Coordinator Protagonists Can Offer A New Multiplayer Experience

Contests Provide A Perfect Basis For Friendly Online Competition

The established online capabilities of the Switch and, by extension, the Switch 2 also mean that it would be simple to freely compete in Contests with people from around the world. Although single-player gameplay should be included, multiplayer could be where this game truly shines, perhaps to the point of real competitions being formed for the title. It may even be possible for one or more people to act as judges in place of the game’s own NPCs, allowing for a fully immersive competition experience.

Meanwhile, established routines could also be shared online, allowing people to impress their friends or even copy and improve on each other’s work. This would only further foster a community for the game, and encourage people to work together and collaborate just as much as they compete against each other. As such, it is clear that Pokémon Contests have the potential to be just as popular multiplayer experiences as traditional battles are, and a game based on them could therefore be incredibly successful.

Ultimately, a new game centered on Pokémon Contests could not only revive a classic Pokémon feature, but turn it into something that allows for an incredible level of creativity. With the presumed capabilities of the Switch 2 in particular as the driving force behind the gameplay, it would be more than possible for Contests to have the same spectacular visuals that the anime depicts them with. It is clear that a game about a Coordinator has incredible potential, and a title like this fully deserves to become part of the Pokémon franchise.