From its early days with Red and Blue to the latest titles Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon has captured the gaming world’s imagination by releasing its games in dual versions. This unique strategy was partly inspired by the desire to compete with the monumental success of another Nintendo giant, Super Mario. Shigeru Miyamoto, the iconic figure from Nintendo, recently shed light on this intriguing decision.
Pokémon’s dual-version releases have been a hallmark since its Game Boy debut, allowing the franchise to double up on sales by encouraging enthusiasts to buy both editions. This strategy has paid off handsomely, as was the intention from the beginning.
Insights from the Masters
During a recent investor Q&A meeting, Shigeru Miyamoto recounted a conversation with Pokémon’s creator, Satoshi Tajiri. In response to a question about whether Mario Kart’s incredible sales could be outdone, Miyamoto shared a fascinating tidbit: Tajiri had joked that to surpass Mario’s success, he needed to sell two versions of Pokémon. “That is one reason why Pokémon started with both Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue,” Miyamoto explained, highlighting how daring ideas can lead to innovative creations.
The dual-version model not only fuels sales but also enhances player interaction. Each version offers exclusive creatures, prompting players to connect and exchange Pokémon. Some newer games even introduce slight story differences between versions, enticing fans to engage with both for a complete experience. Double packs featuring both versions are often available, sometimes at a reduced price.
Mario Kart’s Unstoppable Momentum
As for dethroning Mario Kart, particularly the stellar sales of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch, Miyamoto remains optimistic yet realistic. He believes that if a new Nintendo innovation captivates audiences as something truly original, it might extend beyond entertainment’s usual boundaries. “One thing that is interesting about Nintendo is that it’s okay to try anything,” he mused. However, he concedes that Mario Kart’s enduring appeal might never be fully eclipsed.
Recently, the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A continued the franchise’s tradition with new Mega Evolutions. Next year marks Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, sparking anticipation for the next mainline games, the 10th generation, which reports suggest will follow the dual-version philosophy.