Games in the Pokémon franchise have captivated millions of fans around the world over the decades, from the early days of video games to the latest mobile-device releases. Among the best-known and most popular titles, however, there are some hidden works that many players may not have had the opportunity to explore.
In this article, we will talk a little about the games that went unnoticed by most Pokémon fans, even some of the most dedicated ones. Some have very different themes and are consequently more "obscure" products in the franchise, which did not reach such a broad audience or were never even released outside Asia.
Pokémon Tretta
Pokémon Tretta was released only in Asian arcades and combines arcade elements with physical collectibles. The game is played on special arcade machines, where players use physical tokens called "Trettas." Each Tretta represents a specific Pokémon and has a unique QR code. Players place their Trettas in the arcade machine, which then scans and incorporates them into the game.
The game focuses on three-versus-three team battles. One curious fact about Pokémon Tretta is that move effectiveness is decided by a wheel of fortune, which determines the strength and damage that a move will inflict on the opponent. In addition to this combat mechanic, the game lets you hunt Pokémon in different areas.
Pokémon DASH
Unlike the series' traditional games, Pokémon Dash is a racing game that uses the Nintendo DS touchscreen, something innovative at the time. In the game, players control Pikachu across several racetracks, competing against other Pokémon in a fast-paced race to reach the finish line first. Gameplay involves sliding a finger across the Nintendo DS screen to guide Pikachu through obstacles and collect items along the way.
Besides the unusual theme, many fans complained that they could not play as another Pokémon. Although the game shows other characters, they are not playable, and Pikachu is the only available choice.
Pokémon Pikachu!
Pokémon Pikachu! is a game released for the Nintendo 64 console in 2000 and is a highly distinctive title in the Pokémon series. Unlike the franchise's traditional RPGs, Pokémon Pikachu! is a simulation game that casts players as the caretakers of a Pikachu.
In the game, players interact with Pikachu through a variety of activities, such as feeding it, playing with it, and attending to its basic needs. The goal is to strengthen the bond between the player and Pikachu, making the Pokémon happier and friendlier—something similar to what the old "Tamagotchis" did. The game was not very successful, and production was eventually discontinued.
Pokémon Rumble
Pokémon Rumble was originally released for the Nintendo Wii and later became available on other Nintendo handheld platforms. In the game, players control Pokémon toys in frantic battles against hordes of other Pokémon. Battles take place in arenas where players must defeat every enemy to advance to the next stage. Each Pokémon has different attacks and abilities, and players can switch between them during battles to adapt to different situations.
The game also features multiplayer modes in which players can team up for cooperative challenges or compete against one another in PvP battles. It is currently unavailable for purchase following the closure of the Wii Shop Channel.
Pokémon Channel
Pokémon Channel was released for the Nintendo GameCube console in 2003. The game centers on its main character, a Pokémon Trainer tasked with watching television programs alongside their Pokémon companion, Pikachu. The premise focuses more on interaction and entertainment than on gameplay itself.
Within the game, players can browse a variety of fictional channels, each offering different Pokémon-related programs. These include cartoons, news, tutorials, and even interactive minigames. As players watch the programs, they can interact with Pikachu and other Pokémon, taking part in activities such as minigame battles or simply talking.
Pokémon Puzzle League
This is a puzzle game originally released for the Nintendo 64 console in 2000. Based on the popular puzzle game "Tetris Attack," Pokémon Puzzle League's main goal is to match blocks of similar colors to clear them from the screen and send extra blocks to the opponent's play area. The more matches a player makes, the more blocks are sent to the opponent's field, making their game more difficult.
Because its style differs so greatly from the franchise's more traditional games, it did not become particularly successful and its popularity remained quite limited—so much so that most fans do not even remember that it was released.
Pokkén Tournament DX
This is one of the most unusual titles in Pokémon history, simply because the game combines Pokémon characters with the gameplay of the traditional Japanese fighting game Tekken. In Pokkén Tournament DX, players can find a relatively large variety of game modes, including a story mode in which they assume the role of a Trainer and take part in a series of battles.
Although it does not feature a crossover between characters from the two franchises, since no Tekken character is playable, the game has many mechanics similar to those in the games starring Kazuya Mishima and company. Pokkén Tournament DX was originally released for Japanese arcades, but later received versions for Nintendo Switch and Wii U.
Pokémon Mini
Pokémon Mini is not really a game itself, but a handheld console released by Nintendo in 2001. It was designed as a compact device exclusively for games in the Pokémon franchise. Because it had a monochrome screen and used technology already outdated at the time, it ended up hosting games that had no success and fell into obscurity shortly after release.
Even the most dedicated Pokémon fans never got to see Pokémon Mini in action. The project had a short lifespan and was discontinued before it ever received a "second generation."
