While both The Pokémon Company and Nintendo always make sure Pokémon is well represented throughout the year, 2016 and 2017 has been particularly stellar periods for the franchise, especially with the release of Sun and Moon, Pokémon GO, and potent rumors of a possible Pokémon title for the Switch.
It's been difficult to keep up with Pokémon news lately, in fact, what with the release of Magikarp Jump, a rumored RPG Pokémon game on the 3DS, and a new mobile title akin to the Pokémon Rumble series.
So here's a recap of the most important Pokémon news you may have missed.
Magnemite Gets Its Own Music Video
It's no argument that Pikachu is the chief mascot of the Pokémon franchise, which is why it comes off as a bit odd that the company's Japanese YouTube channel released a music video starring the steel-type Pokémon Magnemite.
The video features the tiny Pokémon in common places, interspersed within everyday items: desks, foiled leftovers, plates, purses, bathroom tiles, and even private messages. Exactly why Magnemite received the full music video treatment is unclear. Perhaps it hints that a game starring Magnemite is coming? Your guess is as good as ours.
Pokéland
Slated for iOS and Android, Pokéland features toy pocket monster duking it out on various islands inside the game. It's essentially a version of Pokémon Rumble, but for smartphones.
The app requires an internet connection and uses a player's Nintendo account. Pokéland is going to enter alpha testing in Japan for Android users, and it includes six islands, 52 stages, and 134 pocket monsters.
There's still no word on whether it'll launch stateside. Expect due coverage when we learn more.
Magikarp Jump
The just-released Magikarp Jump is a bit of an oddball: a jumping competition game starring Magikarp, a Pokémon that's not exactly highly valued. Who would play that?
In a nutshell, the game tasks players to catch a Magikarp, train them, and help them become the champion of Hoppy Town. You can even evolve the Magikarp into a Gyarados, but mostly for naught. It's a pretty simple game, but check out our article for tips and tricks on how to make your Magikarp jump as high as possible.
Magikarp Jump is available on iOS and Android.
A New 'Pokémon' RPG Headed To The 3DS?
The Pokémon Company could be developing a brand-new Pokémon RPG title for the 3DS, as its newest job listing indicates. The developers are currently looking for a 3D programmer for an unnamed RPG title, which could very well be the beloved franchise.
Still, it could turn out to be a different title entirely, as The Pokémon Company makes other games apart from Pokémon, too. As always, one should be cautious of rumors. It's best to simply wait until the company itself offers official word on this. Keep in mind that E3 is just days away, so it's possible we'll get some news by then.
Thoughts about Magnemite's new creepy music video? How about the forthcoming Pokéland title? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
