Unraveling Detective Pikachu: An Easter Egg Extravaganza!

Highlights

Detective Pikachu Returns is a sequel to the original 3DS game released five years ago, continuing the story of Detective Pikachu and Tim Goodman.

Tim's family in the game discusses the "R" case movie adaptation, referencing the Detective Pikachu movie. The game and movie franchise mutually acknowledge each other, forming a distinctive and complete connection, with a potential second Detective Pikachu film currently in development.

Since 2018, there have been significant events and a considerable amount of time that has passed. Detective Pikachu Returns serves as a fitting sequel to the original Detective Pikachu 3DS game, which was released five years ago. While the initial game may not have won over all fans who enjoy the traditional Pokemon gameplay, it has garnered enough adoration from supporters to motivate Creatures Inc. to carry on the tale of Detective Pikachu and Tim Goodman. Consequently, Detective Pikachu Returns offers an expansion of the narrative with additional cases to solve, puzzles to unravel, and opportunities to interrogate both pocket monsters and humans.

Nevertheless, it is crucial for fans to remember another noteworthy event that occurred between these two games. Just a year after the release of the 3DS game, a full-length feature film, also titled Detective Pikachu, was introduced. The film's title was not a mere coincidence, as it was based on the overarching story of the game, specifically drawing from the intriguing "R" case featured in the 3DS title's climactic conclusion. In a further nod to the film, Detective Pikachu Returns has chosen to incorporate references to it within its own storyline.

Detective Pikachu is an In-Universe Movie in Detective Pikachu Returns

Detective Pikachu Returns takes place two years after the initial game, where Detective Pikachu and Tim have earned the title of "renowned detectives of Rhyme City." After receiving a commendation for their efforts, Tim's mother and sister discuss their achievements, specifically mentioning the infamous "R" case. They inquire if Tim has heard about the movie based on their case with Detective Pikachu, highlighting how well-known they have become. Given that the movie, the 3DS game, and the upcoming Switch sequel function as intertwined promotions, fans of the movie are sure to take notice.

If they do, it comes at an opportune time, as fans of the Detective Pikachu movie may question the presence of Tim's sister and mother, considering the movie had portrayed him as an only child with a deceased mother. Just like the movie is justified in-game as an adaptation of the "R" case, Tim's sister Sophia playfully wonders why they were not included in the film. In response, the young detective explains that movies often take creative liberties. This humorous explanation effectively addresses the inconsistencies between the game and movie versions of the story, delighting fans of both mediums.

It is a clever move by Creatures Inc. to immediately address the misconception that the Switch game is a sequel to the movie. This meta joke creates a unique connection between the Detective Pikachu titles, where the movie adaptation of the first game becomes an Easter egg in the second title.

This connection may not end here, as reports suggest that a second Detective Pikachu film is in development. If this is true, there is a possibility that both versions of the franchise will continue to reference each other, with the film writers potentially including a reference to Tim and Pikachu getting their own video game. Although there have been limited updates on the second movie, the release of the sequel to the 3DS title indicates that there is more to come for Detective Pikachu.

Detective Pikachu Returns is available now for the Nintendo Switch.