‘Pokemon Stars’ Nintendo Switch release, news and update: Game to cost more than 3DS version; ‘Guardians Rising’ expansion adds 140+ cards

Fans are eagerly expecting a Pokemon game for the big screen. “Pokemon Stars” could come to Nintendo Switch, though it hasn’t been announced yet. The console-maker has already talked about it though. Thus, it’s not just guesswork.

Experts believe it is an inevitable move for Pokemon game-makers to expand the game to maximise reach and profits. No title has been announced formally. Reports are already suggesting what Nintendo is planning and they expect the information to be formally announced in the coming months. The codename for the game that is coming to Switch is “Pokemon Stars.” It is expected to be an amped-up version of the hit 3DS game “Pokemon Sun and Moon.”

Several sources inside GameFreak, the series’ developer, have leaked information on the upcoming game. The game is reportedly already in production. It was originally meant to be released during the summer months of 2017. However, the game has been delayed. Another leak in August 2016 suggested that the Switch will be getting a Mario and Pokemon game within six months of its launch. This timeframe has also gone for a toss and “Super Mario Odyssey” will not be released before the end of this year, reports Digital Spy.

The Switch line-up of games is expected to be upgraded late-2017. Thus, an educated guess puts the release of the new Pokemon game during that time. The game may not change drastically when released on Switch. “Pokemon Stars” will feature much of the same content as that of “Pokemon Sun and Moon,” as is the case with “Splatoon 2” and “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.” Players are expecting graphical upgrades because of the 720p screen and for the fact that Switch has a computational advantage over Nintendo 3DS.

The game will surely be playable on the TV screen and can be played on 1080p. Eight-person battles are possible so that “Stars” can make use of the console’s networking feature. Version-specific Pokemon also seem plausible. Players are also widely speculating about the price. On Nintendo 3DS, “Pokemon Sun and Moon” costs around £30 (AU$50 approx). This is likely going up on Switch. It will be a good idea to start saving the pennies. “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” costs £20 more than the Wii U version.

“Super Bomberman R” is going for £50 (AU$82 approx). Meanwhile, the next Pokemon Card game expansion, “Guardians Rising,” is releasing in US and Europe on May 5. It will include 140+ cards and also add several cards based on Pokemon first seen in “Sun and Moon” video games, writes WWG.