Nintendo takes a huge step on iOS with Pokedex app

NewsPublish Date 16/11/2012 - 11:38am GMT

Out now in Japan, complete with in-app purchases.

Nintendo has released its first paid for app onto Apple App Store, with the Japanese launch of Pokedex, an iOS version of the 3DS app.

Pokedex is developed by Nintendo-owned studio Creatures Inc., which has a hand in the development of the DS titles.

The initial app purchase will set you back 170 yen (around £1.30), but the full experience will cost substantially more. Four extra packs featuring monsters from early generations of game are priced 500 yen each (£3.90).

There's no word on the app coming to Europe, but given it exists on 3DS outside of Japan we can't see why it won't.

Source: serebii.net

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Mintyrebel @ CheekyLee

I'd buy it, don't get me wrong. I just don't think Nintendo would ever release a "game" that could directly compete with something that could draw a customer to their platform.

Posted 18:23 on 16 November 2012

MJTH @ Mintyrebel

Agreed, whilst Nintendo only own half of the pokemon brand, I doubt they'll ever let Game Freak release a full on game for any other platform other than a Nintendo handheld, new game or remake alike. And even if they did make a phone version, it would never be sold for anything under £5 (or the equivalent Yen price). A brand as big as pokemon wouldn't be as successful on the app store because it would never be competitively priced (i.e. 69-99p). And one of the core features in Pokemon is the competitive battling, and you won't be able to achieve that if one kid has a 3DS and the other kid has an iPhone. Segregates the main audience.

This pokedex is a great idea for an app though, allowing you to more convenient access info on your phone then closing you game and going to you 3DS pokedex.

Posted 18:19 on 16 November 2012

CheekyLee @ Mintyrebel

You're replying to one person who will buy whatever console Nintendo make to play Nintendo games. But, a straight up re-release of a 16 year old game? They won't be losing anything by testing the waters with it. I'd probably buy it, and I suspect I'm not alone.

Posted 18:19 on 16 November 2012

Mintyrebel @ CheekyLee

I don't think they would re-release Pokemon Blue on IOS as appose to 3DS, simply because it would be the first step in Nintendo becoming a game development studio and not a console creator. Why buy a dedicated Nintendo console to play your favorite IP's when you can play them on your phone? I know a few people, some even from this forum, who are buying a Wii U just for the Nintendo exclusive games.

Posted 17:34 on 16 November 2012

CheekyLee

I downloaded a free Pokedex on Windows Phone, and would gladly pay the makers if they gave me the option to. (Obviously, the only reason Nintendo haven't forced them off is because they are free.) This is such an obvious thing for Nintendo to do, and it would even be smarter of them to do an iOS version of Red and Blue. Get Apple to print them some money!

Posted 17:26 on 16 November 2012