After teasing fans that a big announcement was coming, the first Nintendo Direct of the year led to the company announcing the latest, and first true 3D Pokemon titles, Pokemon X and Y.
While the company has long seemed to prefer a mobile gaming platform for the franchise, it still seemed like a bit of a surprise when they passed on their newest console in favor of the 3DS for the latest Pokemon game. Maybe we should have seen it coming, but the question "why" still remains.
Game Informer was able to get an answer from J.C. Smith, Pokemon Company International's director of consumer marketing, who said: "I can't speak to the specifics, but traditionally Game Freak has always loved the game to be on a portable device because of the communication, trading, and the experience of taking this adventure with you. That's why they've always prioritized a portable version of the game first. They've always liked what you can do in the real world with that."
So despite the fact that Nintendo could really use the boost in sales for the Wii U that a console version of Pokemon could potentially provide, "It comes down to what the creators want to do. Every time I've heard them talk about it, it's been about the portable experience, taking the adventure with you, being able to share it with friends, communicate, trade, battle - really encouraging that interaction."
Maybe there'll be a Wii U Pokemon game down the road, but for now, if catching tiny monsters is your deal, better grab a 3DS.
Not many other details are available for X and Y, only that both games will release this October, giving Nintendo a lot more time to hype the game's new features and monsters.
We'll keep you informed as new information is released.
