Pokémon fans got a surprise with the sudden release of Pokémon Friends, a puzzle game available now on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. It might not be your typical monster-battling adventure, but this one offers a cozy, plush-filled challenge that’s kinda charming in its own right. Wonderfy Inc. teamed up with The Pokémon Company to bring this to life, and it’s set in a place called Think Town.
On mobile, the game is free to start, but additional downloadable content is available. If you’re looking to grab it on Switch, though, it carries a $14 price tag. Players will find themselves tackling over 1,200 puzzles themed around Pokémon plushies. The goal? Solve puzzles to collect yarn, which you can use to create a whole bunch of plush Pokémon pals.
What to Expect in Pokémon Friends
- Daily new puzzles to keep things fresh.
- Personalize your own plush room with the Pokémon plush you earn.
- Friend quests where town folks ask for specific plushies.
- Rewards from friendship levels that include furniture for decorating your plush rooms.
It’s not just about puzzles; the game encourages players to build relationships with the townspeople by fulfilling their plush requests. Those interactions will unlock rewards and let you decorate your in-game space with furniture and plushies you’re too attached to give away.
For those wondering how this fits into the bigger Pokémon picture, Pokémon Friends was announced during a recent Pokémon Presents event. That same stream also teased an upcoming animated series, Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, from Aardman Animation, which will debut in 2027 and is set in the Galar region. Plus, there was some fresh footage of Pokémon Legends Z-A for the Nintendo Switch 2.
If you’re curious about the vibe of Pokémon Friends, a trailer is available that showcases the puzzles, plushes, and the overall cozy atmosphere of Think Town.
Are puzzle games your thing? Or does this plush-collecting twist sound like a different kind of Pokémon experience worth checking out? Either way, it’s always interesting to see the franchise try something a bit out of the ordinary.
