The Pokemon Company Teases Exciting Possibilities for New Detective Pikachu Spinoffs

Highlights

The creative teams behind Detective Pikachu Returns are interested in potential spin-off titles, indicating the possibility of more adventures in the same universe.

The Detective Pikachu series sets itself apart from the mainline RPG series by centering around a talking Pikachu and emphasizing mystery-solving.

Although the main storyline of Detective Pikachu has reached its conclusion, the managing director of Creatures Inc. and the president of The Pokemon Company have indicated that a spin-off may be possible if there is sufficient demand. The outcome of Detective Pikachu Returns will likely have an impact on this decision.

The release of Detective Pikachu Returns for the Nintendo Switch is still fresh, but the creative teams are already discussing potential spin-off titles. This sequel to the 2016 Nintendo 3DS game is one of the big releases for the Nintendo Switch this holiday season, along with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's second wave of DLC set to be released this winter.

Unlike the mainline RPG series focused on capturing and battling Pokemon, the Detective Pikachu series revolves around solving mysteries with the help of a talking Pikachu and his partner, Tim Goodman. This unique gameplay sets it apart from other games in the franchise. However, what makes it even more appealing is the ability to see all the Pokemon in Detective Pikachu Returns interact in a distinctive environment. While the sequel wraps up Tim and Pikachu's story, it doesn't mean that there aren't more adventures waiting to unfold in the same universe.

In a Famitsu interview, Hiroyuki Jinnai, managing director of Creatures Inc., and Tsunekazu Ishihara, president of The Pokemon Company, discussed the future of the Detective Pikachu series. Jinnai confirmed that the main story has concluded, but hinted at the possibility of a spin-off featuring the loquacious Pikachu. Ishihara then expressed that "there is potential for a spin-off" if the demand exists.

For fans of the mystery series, it's exciting to hear that there will be another entry in the style of Detective Pikachu. Pokemon has become an annual gaming franchise with numerous remakes, remasters, new mainline RPGs, and spin-offs in development. With Detective Pikachu Returns expected to be a surprise hit for Nintendo this holiday season, there could be a strong demand for it.

However, The Pokemon Company has a history of leaving some spin-off titles untouched for extended periods of time. Fans of Pokemon Snap had to wait decades before a sequel was finally announced. Similarly, Pokemon Conquest, which debuted on the Nintendo DS over ten years ago, has been largely forgotten.

Pokemon Colosseum and Conquest are considered by many fans as two of the best spin-offs in the franchise. However, every title in the Pokemon catalog has its own dedicated fan base and is cherished by different sections of players. Regardless of the development team's future projects, there will always be excited fans eagerly anticipating them.

You can now play Detective Pikachu Returns on the Nintendo Switch.

Source: Famitsu (translated by VGC)