Summary
Following news that the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers may include mouse-like functionality, aPokemonfan shared their hopes that the new technology would be the best opportunity for thePokemon Rangerspin-off series to return. ThePokemonfan posted a picture that illustrated their wish and sparked a discussion over which spin-offs could work on the Switch 2.
Originally released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS,Pokemon Rangerwas a different spin-off than other titles at the time. Rather than catching Pokemon with a Poke Ball,Pokemon Rangerutilized the DS' touchscreen and stylus to capture Pokemon that could temporarily be used to help fellow trainers, deter criminal activity, and defend natural habitats.Pokemon Rangerwas followed up by two sequels, calledShadows of AlmiaandGuardian Signs. Although thePokemon Rangertrilogy was re-released on the Wii U Virtual Console in 2016, the belovedspin-off series has not seen a release on the Nintendo Switch.
However, following some news about the Nintendo Switch 2’s capabilities, somePokemonfans pondered ifPokemon Rangerwould return on the new console. On the r/Pokemon subreddit, a Redditor named HyrulePeasant shared a picture that depicted the Switch 2’s Joy-Con alongside a quote from the 1994 comedy filmDumb and Dumber. The top half of the picture highlighted a Nintendo patent of howthe Switch 2’s Joy-Con controller could be used like a mouse. The patent showed the controller’s left side turned to the bottom, the player’s hand gripping the analog stick with the right thumb, and two fingers on the R and ZR buttons.
Fans Hope The Switch 2’s Mouse Functions Will Allow Pokemon Ranger To Come Back
Assuming the R or ZR buttons can simulate a left or right click, the mouse functionality could act as a substitute for the touchscreen and stylus controls of the DS. The bottom side of the picture had a superimposedPokemon Rangerlogo placed over Jim Carrey’s character fromDumb and Dumber, Lloyd Christmas, who said, “So you’re saying there’s a chance.”
In response to HyrulePeasant’s post, fans discussed how the Switch 2’s controls could allowPokemon Rangerto work without damaging the tablet’s touchscreen. Other fans debated how the mouse would be more difficult to control than a stylus. At the time of writing,the only confirmed 2025 titleThe Pokemon Company is developing isPokemon Legends: Z-Afor the Switch.
Although more details about the Switch 2 will likely not be revealed untilthe April 2 Nintendo Direct, that has not stopped fans from hoping that thePokemon Rangerseries will get another game. With Pokemon Day approaching, only time will tell what The Pokemon Company’s plans are for the rest of 2025.
