The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, boasting an exciting lineup of standout titles. Among these are first-party essentials like Mario Kart World, as well as third-party ports of previously unplayable games, such as Cyberpunk 2077. The introduction of this new generation presents an opportunity for older games and franchises to shine again, whether through sequels or complete remakes. For instance, when the first Switch was launched, we saw the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and modern iterations of Pokémon Yellow. As the game library expands, fans are hopeful for a revival of one of Nintendo’s most unique franchises: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, where players transform into Pokémon characters.
Spinning off from Spike Chunsoft’s Mystery Dungeon series, the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games challenge players to navigate randomly generated dungeons while engaging in turn-based battles similar to the mainline titles. Players take on various missions, such as rescuing Pokémon or delivering important items. These side quests occasionally pit them against Legendary Pokémon like Rayquaza, fleshing out their stories beyond just being coveted captures for players.
The series started with Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, which debuted nearly 20 years ago on the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS in 2005. This franchise diverges from the “Gotta catch ‘em all!” essence of the classic Pokémon games. Instead of capturing Pokémon using Pokéballs, players actually become the Pokémon. Your transformation is determined by a personality quiz reminiscent of the quirky content often seen on mid-2000s DeviantArt pages.
From 2005 to 2015, the series had several releases on the DS and Nintendo 3DS, before the latest installment made its debut. This was followed in 2020 by a remake titled Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, for Nintendo Switch. This remake retains the original gameplay and personality quiz but introduces an option to select your Pokémon if you’re unhappy with the quiz result. Notably, Rescue Team DX features a stunning new painterly art style.
Rescue Team DX garnered a mixed reaction at its launch yet quickly surpassed one million copies sold. Nevertheless, Nintendo is known for its unique approach (for example, reviving Kirby Air Ride after 22 years for a sequel called Kirby Air Riders, set to release later this year).
Since the last original Pokémon Mystery Dungeon game, The Pokémon Company has introduced three new generations of mainline titles, alongside the new Legends series. With such a vast array of Pokémon now available, a new Mystery Dungeon game could allow players to become a myriad of characters — who wouldn’t want to play as the charming apple-inspired Fuecoco or the rhythm-loving Grookey? Nonetheless, given Nintendo’s unpredictable nature, the future of the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series is uncertain. Perhaps we’ll see an announcement during next month’s Pokémon Presents for the Switch 2; here’s to hoping for that!
