Nintendo is gearing up to launch its new game, Pokémon Champions, next month, bringing turn-based Pokémon battles to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, with plans to expand to mobile devices later this year.
Massive Gameplay Changes
The developers have announced “historic” changes to the core of the battle system, most notably the removal of one of the most complex and enduring stats in the series: Individual Values (IVs).
IVs have always been randomly assigned to each Pokémon upon capture, determining how much its attack, defense, and health (HP) increase as it evolves. By removing this system, the game aims to eliminate the element of “randomness” in team building, making the competition more about skill rather than luck in catching the strongest Pokémon.
Behind the Scenes: Heated Debates and Lowering the “Blocks to Entry”
In a Zoom press conference, Masaki Hoshino, the game’s development director and producer, revealed that the decision to eliminate IVs was not easy. Hoshino confirmed that it required “heated discussions” with Shigeki Morimoto, one of the original designers of the Pokémon series, to reach this decision, which primarily aims to lower the “blocks to entry” for new players and make the game smoother and simpler.
Changes to the EV System and Compatibility with Pokémon Home
In addition to eliminating IVs, the game will simplify Effort Values (EVs). Instead of basing them on the type of opponent the Pokémon faces, players will be able to distribute EVs (up to a maximum of 66 points) to boost stats of their choosing.
The developers noted that Pokémon transferred from Pokémon Home will have their stats adjusted to fit the new system in Champions, but will revert to their original stats if transferred back to the service.
Release Date
Pokémon Champions is scheduled for release as a free-to-start download on April 8th for Nintendo, with smartphone versions to follow later this year.
