New Puzzle Game Pokémon Friends Now Available—Train Your Brain with Over 1,200 Creative Challenges

On July 22, during the Pokémon Presents livestream on the official Pokémon YouTube channel, a surprise announcement was made: the new game Pokémon Friends is now available for download starting today. Designed to develop thinking skills through creative puzzles, the game is now live on Nintendo Switch and smartphones. The mobile version is free to play, while the Nintendo Switch version is available as a download-only title for ¥1,400 (approx. $10), with a bundle pack priced at ¥4,700 (approx. $33).

As part of the same presentation, The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, a new stop-motion animated series created in collaboration with Aardman Animations, was also announced for a 2027 release.

Pokémon Friends is categorized as a “brain-refreshing puzzle game.” It features clever challenges inspired by the Pokémon world and its unique traits, offering a fun and intellectually stimulating experience. Players can team up with a variety of Pokémon to solve engaging puzzles, fostering a natural love of thinking and creativity through gameplay.

The game includes over 1,200 puzzles, ranging from beginner-friendly to more advanced challenges. With the help of various Pokémon partners, players aim to achieve that satisfying “I got it!” moment through interactive problem-solving.

As players clear puzzles, they earn “Ito Dama (Yarn Orb),” which can be used in the “Nui(Plush) Machine” to create Pokémon plush toys. These plushies can be displayed in customizable rooms—players can place furniture, change wallpapers, and decorate their space freely. Up to 150 different plush Pokémon can be collected and displayed.

Many of the puzzles in Pokémon Friends are based on content from Think!Think!, an educational app developed by Wonderfy Inc. aimed at nurturing a foundation for thinking skills. The app has been shown to significantly improve math ability and IQ through evidence-based studies. By combining Pokémon’s popular characters with these proven exercises, Pokémon Friends is designed to naturally build a child’s thinking habits while keeping the experience enjoyable and game-like.

Two experts involved in the project shared the following comments

Makiko Nakamuro, Professor, Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University
“Studies around the world have confirmed the effectiveness of digital learning tools in improving academic performance. One key factor is the ability to deliver personalized problems based on each child’s skill level. Think!Think!—developed by Wonderfy and evaluated by our independent research—has shown measurable gains in intelligence and cognitive skills. With Pokémon Friends, I believe the combination of Think!Think!’s puzzles and beloved Pokémon characters will make it easier for more children to engage with these challenges.”

Masanobu Takahama, Founder of Hanamaru Learning Group
“Pokémon Friends is the definitive ‘learn-through-play’ game where kids can build thinking skills while having fun. Developed by education experts with deep experience in mathematical thinking, it’s a serious educational tool in disguise. While digital overuse in children is a growing issue, cutting kids off entirely from devices is no longer realistic. That’s why choosing the right kind of digital experience is crucial. Pokémon Friends is exactly the kind of resource parents need today—one that’s fun and smart.”

Source : ORICON NEWS