While fans may be familiar with the mainline Pokemon games and several of its spin-offs, there have been a ton of releases that some players might not know about. One of these titles recently made headlines when it was confirmed that online services for Pokemon Shuffle on the 3DS would be discontinued. As a standard entry into the match-3 puzzle genre, Pokemon Shuffle did well with over two million downloads logged within a month of release in 2015, marking the start of Pokemon venturing further into the free-to-play market.
However, fans might just be learning that Pokemon Shuffle was released on mobile as well as the 3DS. While the 3DS version will be removed from Nintendo’s 3DS eShop with services like microtransactions no longer supported, it’s not yet been confirmed if the same will affect the mobile counterpart. Pokemon Shuffle isn’t the only lesser-known mobile game in the franchise, as the series has had an extensive relationship with mobile gaming since 2006. While some titles may no longer be available, fans might be interested to learn about some of Pokemon‘s previous mobile ventures.
Pokemon Shuffle
Released in 2015, Pokemon Shuffle came during the series’ sixth generation. It operates on a basic match-3 premise that sees players advancing stage-to-stage, battling other Pokemon and capturing them if possible to use in later stages. Between mobile games like Pokemon GO and Candy Crush, Shuffle differentiates itself in the match-3 genre by having opposing Pokemon “disrupt” gameplay as the players’ Pokemon have various abilities and Mega Evolutions too. While the game did update content following the release of Pokemon Sun and Moon, it hasn’t kept up with the series’ eighth generation.
Pokemon Rumble Rush
As part of the Pokemon Rumble spin-off line, Pokemon Rumble Rush was released in 2019 and indicated a move away from Nintendo’s consoles. Previous titles, such as Pokemon Rumble Blast or Rumble World, had been similar to Pokemon Shuffle and made available on the 3DS, but Rumble Rush was the first exclusively available as a mobile title. While earlier entries were real-time beat ’em ups, Rumble Rush appeared to scale back gameplay to fit its mobile format with tap controls. However, Rumble Rush officially shut down in 2020.
Pokemon: Magikarp Jump
Centered around the titular Pokemon, Magikarp Jump sees players raising Magikarp to compete in “battles” where whichever Magikarp jumps the highest wins. The game requires little input beyond sending Magikarp out for training, eating food, and ultimately competing in leagues. This is something critics cited, as the silliness of the premise had charm but its incremental style of play was uninteresting. However, Pokemon: Magikarp Jump is still available for fans as of this writing, suggesting that the game might have some kind of popularity.
Pokemon Quest
Perhaps the most popular Pokemon mobile game that hasn’t reached mainstream notoriety like Pokemon Unite or Pokemon GO, Pokemon Quest was a voxel-style game released on Switch and shortly thereafter to mobile in 2018. The game tasks players with maintaining and expanding a base camp, conducting expeditions, and looking after its “Pokexels.” Within a week of its release, Pokemon Quest did well with over seven million downloads demonstrating. However, it did receive criticism from fans following The Pokemon Company shutting down Pixelmon, a popular Minecraft mod that shared its voxel design aesthetic.
Pokemon Duel
Initially released for Japanese audiences in 2016, Pokemon Duel was released worldwide the following year. It’s strategy board game where players go against each other using six Pokemon figurines with unique moves and abilities. The goal of the game is to move from the players’ own bench to the opposite side of the board, utilizing these moves or additional “plates” that can be attached to provide boosts or extra maneuverability. Though the game did have a storyline, it was never completed as the game’s service was terminated in 2019.
Camp Pokemon
Camp Pokemon was developed more for younger audiences. The game educated its users about the basics of Pokemon, including mini-games where they were taught things like how to catch a Pokemon, how to evolve them, and the various typings. Initially released for iOS in 2014, the game was expanded to Android in 2016 and had a further update following the release of Gen 7. However, the game was ultimately discontinued in 2017, perhaps owing to its limited appeal since most Pokemon games will offer tutorials or help new players regardless.
Pokemon Playhouse
Another Pokemon mobile game for younger audiences, Pokemon Playhouse is still available to download. Pokemon Playhouse was aimed at preschool kids, and this is reflected in its art style and gameplay. Players are encouraged to befriend Pokemon via activities such as grooming, completing mini-games or puzzles, and reading along with fully voiced stories. While it is still available, the game hasn’t received an update to its content since Gen 7 beyond bug fixes through 2020.
Pokemate
This particular Pokemon game is far less known due to its exclusivity to Japan, as it never saw a worldwide releasedespite being shown at E3 in 2006. The game serves as an online messaging service for Pokemon fans, but Pokemate is also a virtual pet simulation game where players can take care of their Pokemon. New Pokemon were made available to catch and collect with additional bonuses via a monthly subscription. Though it was discontinued in 2008, it has the accolade of being the first official Pokemon mobile game ever released.
