The next main series Pokémon games have been confirmed. Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon will launch on the 3DS before the end of 2016. These two new entries into the immensely popular turn based RPG series will be the first original titles for the franchise since 2013’s Pokémon X and Y.
Pokémon games are often released as part of separate generations, with the most recent games – Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are part of the 6th generation. It is currently unknown whether these titles will be part of the current generation or will in fact be the first 7th generation games. Nintendo failed to show off any new Pokémon designs during the announcement, and, besides the game’s titles and release window, not much else is known about the upcoming titles.
It was also revealed that the 3DS virtual console re-release of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow will be compatible with the Pokémon Bank service which allows players to store their creatures online. Where it was previously impossible to transfer Pokémon from the 1st generation games into the more recent entries, this revelation now means that players will be able to transfer their gen 1 Pokémon into Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire games. Players will also be able to move their Pokémon into the upcoming titles Moon and Sun.
Pokémon Sun and Moon will launch globally in time for Christmas 2016 and will feature nine different language options, including traditional and simplified Chinese. Pokémon as a series is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary tomorrow (February 27th 2016).