Pokemon series sees a directorial change with upcoming titles while classic games eye the Switch platform.
It’s a mixed bag of updates from the world of Nintendo today, with significant news surrounding the Pokemon franchise and some noteworthy port developments of both new and old games.
Pokemon Franchise Updates
The directing helm for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, Pokemon Winds and Waves, has shifted hands to Hiroyuki Tani and Katsuhiko Ichiraku, according to CentroLeaks via My Nintendo News. This marks a departure from Shigeru Ohmori, who has previously directed multiple mainline Pokemon games. Tani’s experience includes directing DLC for Pokemon Sword and Shield, while Ichiraku’s previous works reportedly suggest familiarity with large-scale multiplayer involvement, though details remain sparse. This change could hint at a new direction and fresh gameplay experiences for the Pokemon series moving forward.
In related news, video game leaker Shpeshal Nick has indicated that ports of Pokemon Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire are planned for the Switch and Switch 2. As reported by My Nintendo News, these ports are tentatively set for a late September or early October release. With no official confirmation from The Pokemon Company as of yet, players should temper their excitement until more concrete announcements are made.
Game Porting and Developments
The launch of a remaster for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion on the Switch 2 has been overshadowed by player feedback for further patches to enhance its performance and address issues. As detailed by Nintendo Life, while Bethesda has acknowledged the feedback, specific updates for the Switch 2 remain unannounced.
Meanwhile, THQ’s long-awaited remaster of Sacred 2 is now available on the Nintendo Switch, featuring full expansions and a slew of updates. With revamped visual and gameplay elements, it provides an enhanced nostalgia trip for fans of the original.
Looking ahead, Pearl Abyss has announced tentative plans to bring Crimson Desert to the Switch 2, potentially in the first half of 2027. As covered by My Nintendo News, the studio emphasizes quality, indicating the port will only happen if performance on the platform meets their standards.
In an interesting side note, Bethesda’s recent live playthrough of The Elder Scrolls VI has piqued interest but remains tangential to Nintendo’s current offerings, given Microsoft’s involvement and exclusivity directions.
This week’s assortment of news highlights a period of transition and anticipation for Nintendo gamers, with significant future prospects and much-loved classics on the horizon, albeit with a few uncertainties and unconfirmed details still clouding the picture.
