Nintendo Life: What is your earliest memory of Pokémon?
Masaaki Hoshino: My journey with Pokémon began while I was creating fighting games at Bandai Namco. Pokémon was the talk of the town, especially among kids. Curious, I picked up Pokémon Yellow, and I was instantly drawn into its world. The battle system fascinated me, and I couldn’t help but admire the genius behind it.
Have battles always been a key part of your love for the series?
Definitely. My background in fighting games made battling a major passion of mine. When I first dived into Pokémon, the battle system struck me as simple yet layered with depth and strategy. That balance has stood strong throughout the series. It’s impressive how the core mechanics, crafted by Game Freak’s Shigeki Morimoto, still resonate today.
Working with Morimoto on a project now feels like a dream come true.
Did your experience with Pokkén Tournament shape your work on Champions?
Absolutely, working on Pokkén Tournament heavily influenced Pokémon Champions. Our goal with Pokkén was to make the game deep yet friendly for newcomers, a philosophy we’ve carried into Champions. We want everyone, whether seasoned players or newcomers, to enjoy Pokémon battling. That’s why we’re also launching a mobile version for easier access.
Champions is similar to earlier spin-offs like Stadium. Was that a deliberate choice?
I’ve played all the main Pokémon games, including spin-offs like Stadium and Colosseum. Each of these games has added its flair, shaping how battles are experienced today. In developing Champions, we drew from those experiences. Our aim is to build on that rich legacy and create a modern platform for battling.
When did you decide to develop for Switch 2? How has it impacted the game?
Midway through Champions’ development, we recognized the need to support the Nintendo Switch 2. This shift allowed us to enhance visuals and performance, giving players a richer experience.
How are you making sure new players feel welcome in Champions?
As Pokémon Champions evolves into a platform for competitive battling, we prioritize making it accessible for newcomers. We’ve simplified the training and preparation processes, which have historically been complicated. Our goal is to create an inviting space for both veterans and those brand new to Pokémon battling.
What steps protect against a ‘pay-to-win’ model in Champions?
Right now, we’re focusing on game balance, but we want to ensure that spending doesn’t lead to an unfair advantage. We’re actively working on this aspect.
Champions will feature various special evolutions. How do you balance these forms for fairness?
For the initial season, we are showcasing Mega Evolution. We’re building the game in a way that supports multiple mechanics for future seasons. Ensuring fairness while keeping combat engaging is a constant focus during development.
How do you plan to expand the roster post-launch?
Champions will launch with a select group of Pokémon suited for the competitive season. This approach makes the game less overwhelming for new players. We’ll gradually introduce more Pokémon over time, keeping the experience fresh and enjoyable.
The series is celebrating 30 years this year. What is your favorite memory?
A pivotal moment for me was a simple lunch at an Italian restaurant. While playing Pokémon with friends, I envisioned Pokémon battling in real time. That idea sparked everything from Pokkén Tournament to Pokémon Champions. Watching that vision flourish into globally recognized titles is truly special.
Thanks to Masaaki Hoshino and the teams at Nintendo UK and The Pokémon Company International for facilitating this interview.
Pokémon Champions will be available on Nintendo Switch in April 2026.
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