Pokkén Tournament

System: Wii U Release date: 18/03/2016

Important information

As of 27/03/2023, it will no longer be possible to make purchases in Nintendo eShop for Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
Subscribe to on
YouTube

Go head-to-head with your favourite Pokémon like never before in Pokkén Tournament on Wii U.

  • Play as a Pokémon and experience never-before-seen battles in a fighting game that anyone can play
  • Choose your Pokémon and use their abilities to beat your opponent in exciting battles
  • Battle against the CPU in Single Battles or against a friend on the same Wii U with Local Battles
  • In Online Battles, take on other players in Rank Matches and Friendly Matches

Quick Links

Find out what awaits you in this new kind of Pokémon Battle!!

Learn how to play this unique fighting game on Wii U.

A free Pokkén Tournament demo**** is now available to download from Nintendo eShop.

More Details

Experience a new kind of Pokémon battle in Pokkén Tournament for Wii U. In this intense fighting game, Pokémon appear more lifelike than ever before, with amazing graphics and smooth, fluid movements.

Developed in collaboration with The Pokémon Company and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, the developers behind the legendary fighting series TEKKEN, Pokkén Tournament brings tight gameplay and incredible control to never-before-seen battles between Pokémon. The gameplay is designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of people – even those who have never played a fighting game or an action game before can easily pick it up and play!

A wide variety of Pokémon make their appearance in Pokkén Tournament, adding depth to the battles! Use Pikachu’s powerful electric shocks and quick movements to overwhelm opponents, pummel foes with Machamp’s unrivalled close-range combat skills, or burn rivals with the white-hot power of Charizard.

Pokkén Tournament can be played in a variety of modes. In Single Battles, you'll play against the CPU – you can choose from three difficulty levels, so everyone from beginners to advanced players can enjoy the challenge.

In Local Battles, two players compete on the same Wii U. In this mode, one player will use the Wii U GamePad and the other player will use a Pokkén Tournament-compatible controller*. This configuration allows each player to see the action from their own perspective, with one player watching the TV screen and the other watching the action on the GamePad**.

In Online Battles***, you will be able to compete in Rank Matches and Friendly Matches. In Friendly Matches, you can easily battle other opponents, including players who you have registered in your Friend List. You can also battle people who have entered the same VS Code as you. In Rank Matches, you'll receive rank points based on the outcome of your matches. Compete to see who has the most rank points or the greater number of victories!

There is also a mode that allows you to connect two Wii U consoles together with a Wii LAN adapter to experience head-to-head action at a full 60 frames per second on separate TVs. In this mode, each player can use any compatible controller.

*Additional accessories required for multiplayer mode, sold separately. Pokkén Tournament-compatible controllers: Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller, Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Pokkén Tournament Pro Pad and Classic Controller Pro. Please note: a Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus is required to use the Classic Controller Pro.

**Game images on the TV and GamePad screen during Local Battles will be displayed at 30 frames per second. All other battle modes will display at 60 frames per second.

***Internet connection required during play. The registration of Nintendo Network ID and acceptance of the Nintendo Network Agreement and Privacy Policy are required.

****Broadband internet connection required. The registration of Nintendo Network ID and acceptance of the Nintendo Network Agreement and Privacy Policy are required.

This description was provided by the publisher.


What you need to know

This content is sold by Nintendo of Europe AG. The payment will be made with Nintendo eShop funds usable through the Nintendo Account used to complete the purchase.

This content is sold by Nintendo of Europe AG, payable with Nintendo eShop funds usable through your Nintendo Account. The Nintendo Account Agreement applies to the purchase of this content.

This content may be purchased by users who have registered a Nintendo Account and accepted the respective legal terms. To be able to purchase content for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family systems, a Nintendo Network ID is also required and your funds usable through the Nintendo Account must be merged with the funds tied to your Nintendo Network ID. If the funds have not yet been merged, you will have the option to do so during the purchase process. To start the purchasing process, it is necessary to sign in with the Nintendo Account and the Nintendo Network ID. After signing in it will be possible to review the details and complete the purchase.

To be able to purchase content for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family systems, your funds usable through the Nintendo Account must be merged with the funds tied to your Nintendo Network ID. If the funds have not yet been merged, you will have the option to do so during the purchase process. You will be able to review the details and complete the purchase on the next screen.

The details of this offer apply to users who sign in using a Nintendo Account with the country setting corresponding to the country setting of this website. If the country setting of a Nintendo Account is different, the details of this offer may be adjusted (for example, the price will be displayed in the respective local currency).

After your payment has been processed, the content will be downloaded to the applicable system linked to the respective Nintendo Account, or respective Nintendo Network ID in the case of Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family systems. This system must be updated to the latest system software and connected to the internet with automatic downloads enabled, and it must have enough storage to complete the download. Depending on the system/console/hardware model you own and your use of it, an additional storage device may be required to download software from Nintendo eShop. Please visit our Support section for more information.

In the case of games that use cloud streaming technology, only the free launcher application can be downloaded.

Please make sure you have enough storage to complete the download.

After your payment has been processed, the content will be downloaded to the applicable system linked to your Nintendo Account, or your Nintendo Network ID in the case of Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family systems. This system must be updated to the latest system software and connected to the internet with automatic downloads enabled, and it must have enough storage to complete the download. Depending on the system/console/hardware model you own and your use of it, an additional storage device may be required to download software from Nintendo eShop. Please visit our Support section for more information.

In the case of games that use cloud streaming technology, only the free launcher application can be downloaded.

Please make sure you have enough storage to complete the download.

The details of the offer are displayed based on the country settings of your Nintendo Account.

The Nintendo Account Agreement applies to the purchase of this content.

The use of an unauthorised device or software that enables technical modification of the Nintendo console or software may render this game unplayable.

This product contains technological protection measures.

Content not playable before the release date: {{releaseDate}} . For pre-orders, payments will be taken automatically starting from 7 days before the release date. If you pre-order less than 7 days before the release date, payment will be taken immediately upon purchase.

A new kind of Pokémon battle

Pokkén Tournament, launching on Wii U on 18th March, allows you to experience a new kind of Pokémon battle. Developed by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, creators of the renowned King of the Iron-Fist tournament series TEKKEN, Pokkén Tournament lets you take direct control of various Pokémon characters in intense real-time battles. While this is exciting enough on its own there are plenty more reasons for Pokémon fans to be excited about Pokkén Tournament…

An accessible, real-time fighting game!

Pokkén Tournament presents Pokémon battles in a dynamic real-time setting, where Pokémon move and attack in direct response to the player’s commands. The simple, intuitive controls make this a fighting game that’s accessible to players of all skill levels while still offering plenty to learn and master. Alongside this are the stunning visuals and animations that truly emphasise the abilities and characteristics of each Pokémon.

CI16_WiiU_PokkenTournament_ANewBattle_Combat.jpg

Pokémon as you’ve never seen them!

Pokkén Tournament offers a great line-up of Pokémon to suit all players including Blaziken, Braixen, Chandelure, Charizard, Garchomp, Gardevoire, Gengar, Lucario, Machamp, Pikachu, Pikachu Libre, Sceptile, Suicune and Weavile.

Considering that this is a fighting game first and foremost you may have expected a roster comprised entirely of fighting Pokémon, but what you’ll actually find is a mix of Pokémon to suit all types of trainers! Whether you’re someone that prefers to launch direct ranged attacks, manipulate the arena or if you just want to get up close and personal, there’s a Pokémon for you!

It’s worth noting that Pokémon types such as Water, Fire and Grass aren’t super effective against their corresponding element in Pokkén Tournament, but Pokémon are split by Power, Speed, Standard and Technical combat styles and you will definitely see each Pokémon fighting in its own, unique way.

Pokkén Tournament is also the first Pokémon game in full high definition! What’s more, in single player and online multiplayer* battles Pokkén Tournament runs at a slick 60 frames per second!** Whether it’s Charizard delivering a ground-rupturing Seismic Toss, or Lucario hurling an onslaught of Aura Spheres, you won’t have seen Pokémon like this before, and that’s before we even start talking about Synergy Bursts…

CI16_WiiU_PokkenTournament_ANewBattle_Blaziken.jpg

Customise for victory

Alongside standard battles Pokkén Tournament does let you tweak your character and Pokémon in a number of ways, some fun and some functional, to help make the experience truly your own…

Level Up – While you can play Pokkén Tournament as a pure fighting game you also have the ability to level up each Pokémon individually, assigning skill points to specific attributes as you do. This allows you to build your own Charizard that could specialise in one of the four areas - attack, defense, strategy, or synergy – or be even across the board.

Support Pokémon – Alongside your main combatant you’ll also select Pokémon to support you in battle. Support Pokémon come in pairs and it’s up to you to select which set is best depending on your personal tactics. If you know you won’t have much health you can call in the Pokémon that restores HP. Alternatively you can send in a Pokémon to deal a devastating attack if you subscribe to the school of offense over defence. Perhaps, in true Pokémon style, you realise that there’s one support Pokémon that all Machamp players fall prey to. It’s all about reacting to the flow of the battle so you can land that critical hit.

Trainer Style – Convinced that your battle strategy is the very best? The best there ever was? Well you’ll want an iconic look, too, to round off the package! Pokkén Tournament offers an array of ways to customise your avatar, from the basics of skin tone, eye colour and hair style up to decision between the pink leopard print shirt, snazzy purple scarf, chef’s garb or the Santa outfit! There is a lot of scope to make your trainer your own, showing off your style every time you battle.

CI16_WiiU_PokkenTournament_ANewBattle_Customization.jpg

Play it your way

There are many ways to play Pokkén Tournament. You can dive into Ferrum League and work your way up through the leagues to prove you’re the best battle trainer around, discovering the story of Shadow Mewtwo on the way! Or, if it’s all about bragging rights, you can take on your friends and family in local*** and online multiplayer modes.

When playing in local multiplayer one player will always play on the Wii U GamePad touch screen because of Pokkén Tournament’s unique combat design having the camera follow behind your Pokémon. Online you can match yourself against specifically friends, take down random opponents in both friendly and ranked modes, or accept specific challengers with a unique battle code you can generate at any time. The online rankings are a great way to see how you stack up against the very best in the world , so make sure you practice before hitting the big stage!

CI16_WiiU_PokkenTournament_ANewBattle_Options.jpg

amiibo support

Did you know that every amiibo, yes every amiibo, works in Pokkén Tournament? If you tap an amiibo on the Wii U GamePad, you can unlock in-game items up to five times a day. This includes in-game currency, accessories and titles. You never know, that hat you were always after may become available after scanning your favourite amiibo. Handy! Alongside this there is the Shadow Mewtwo amiibo card which has a special function – it unlocks Shadow Mewtwo for use right away. You’ll have to be quick if you want a Shadow Mewtwo amiibo card, though, as they will only be available in first print editions of Pokkén Tournament!

Find out how battles work in Pokkén Tournament by reading our combat system breakdown

Want to see some of Pokkén Tournament's fighters in action? Check out the Countdown Clash! You could even win a copy of Pokkén Tournament and the Pokkén Tournament Pro Controller!

Pokkén Tournament will be available from shops and as a downloadable version from Nintendo eShop on March 18th 2016, only on Nintendo Wii U.

*Internet connection required during play. The registration of Nintendo Network ID and acceptance of the Nintendo Network Agreement and Privacy Policy are required.

**Game images on the TV and GamePad screen during Local Battles will be displayed at 30 frames per second. All other battle modes will display at 60 frames per second.

***Additional accessories required for multiplayer mode, sold separately. Pokkén Tournament-compatible controllers: Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller, Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Pokkén Tournament Pro Pad and Classic Controller Pro. Please note: a Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus is required to use the Classic Controller Pro.

Combat system breakdown

If you’re a fan of fighting games then you’ll know that BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, creators of TEKKEN and developers of Pokkén Tournament, know how to make a solid beat ‘em up. What you may not know, however, is how Pokkén Tournament evolves the genre in its own unique way to create something that’s simultaneously familiar and fresh. So what can you expect from Pokkén Tournament’s combat? Read on for an overview of this new kind of Pokémon battle…

Simple controls

Taking a cue from the Super Smash Bros. series, Pokkén Tournament’s special moves forego complicated finger gymnastics in favour of a direction + attack button system. By simply combining a direction with one of your three attack buttons (weak attack, strong attack and Pokémon move), it’s easy to deploy an effective offence and, more crucially, hard to mess up that vital counter blow. This means that mind games can instantly take precedence over execution.

Another thing that will be familiar to Super Smash Bros. series fans is Pokkén Tournament’s block mechanic. Hold the R Button and you can defend against any attack move! It doesn’t pay to be overcautious, mind; defend for too long and your opponent will break your block, giving them a free combo opportunity. You’re also susceptible to a grab while your block is raised. Smashing!

CI16_WiiU_PokkenTournament_LearnToFight_Battle.jpg

Rock, paper, scissors

Back to those mind games… Pokkén Tournament’s core combat is largely designed around a core rock, paper, scissors foundation that is attributed to Normal Attacks, Counter Attacks, and Grabs respectively; ideas that should sound familiar to any fighting game fanatic. In short, Normal Attacks beat Grabs, Counter Attacks absorb and crush Normal Attacks, and a Grab stops a Counter Attack in its assumptive tracks. Easy stuff with which to form a basic battle of wits.

Obviously this breakdown ignores the nuances that lead to those rock, paper, scissors scenarios (some characters will naturally prefer to pepper their opponent with a plethora of projectiles for instance, relying on the attack/counter/grab question should they get too close), but a focus on this core will give you a mix-up foundation upon which to build your Pokkén Tournament legacy.

CI16_WiiU_PokkenTournament_LearnToFight_CounterAttack.jpg

Combos!

Understandably, considering its TEKKEN heritage, Pokkén Tournament will allow for some stylish and damaging attack combinations. When it comes to this sort of thing a video says things far better than words, so here’s a glimpse at the kind of combos you can land in Pokkén Tournament

Subscribe to on
YouTube

Fast, frantic fighting

The core mechanics explained thus far would make Pokkén Tournament compelling enough, but the game takes things one step further with its two phase combat system that keeps combatants constantly on their toes.

Every battle starts in Field Phase. In this mode you’re free to move in 360 degrees and you’ll have access to more elaborate projectile attacks. Skilful movement, jumping and dashing will be essential to avoid your opponent’s attacks while looking for an opportunity to land that essential hit that shifts the combat into Phase Two: Duel Phase.

CI16_WiiU_PokkenTournament_LearnToFight_FieldPhase.jpg

Duel Phase moves the combat into a scenario more akin to a traditional fighting game. When in Duel Phase you’ll be locked to a 2D plane of movement, only able to move backwards and forwards. Projectiles are still useful, but effective spacing with normal attacks becomes key, with fighters trading blows, chipping away at each other’s defences and looking to capitalise on their opponent’s mistakes. After enough damage is dealt in Duel Phase the combat will automatically shift back into Field Phase.

CI16_WiiU_PokkenTournament_LearnToFight_DuelPhase.jpg

This ever-changing combat setup creates a dynamic system that keeps players on their toes, and this is before you factor in additional dynamics such as different arena shapes and the absurdly powerful but limited Synergy Burst mechanic. In a similar fashion to the shifting dynamics of on-stage and edge-guarding in the Super Smash Bros. series, Pokkén Tournament forces reactive play to a shifting battlefield which leads to energetic and surprising bouts!

A fighter for every style of play

On top of all these mechanics and ideas sits the essential component for any quality fighting game; a roster of unique and varied combatants to suit any combat style. Here are but a few examples…

Blaziken is a glass cannon with some interesting unique abilities, such as an air dash. Blaziken’s Pokémon Moves often damage Blaziken, meaning it’s important to execute attacks with planning and precision for fear of whittling away your own HP reserves…

Charizard is a hard hitting fighter with the ability to hover in the air, giving him access to unique combos that often end in a terrifying seismic toss. His flamethrower is an effective spacing tool as well, giving him great command over the battlefield.

Gengar is a mix-up specialist able to launch huge attacks that can catch opponents offguard while teleporting around the screen to play with his rival. His ranged grab gives him strong potential to surprise, but this mischief does come at the cost of a smaller health gauge.

CI16_WiiU_PokkenTournament_LearnToFight_Gengar.jpg

Pikachu Libre is a rush-down master, with her ability to transition from strings of attacks into graceful grabs she is a fighter with great potential to stun and stagger her opponent, giving them little room to breathe.

This is but a taste of the characters available and you can customise your style further still with the various Support Pokémon sets. A Support set is a pair of Pokémon that you take into battle alongside your actual fighter, you can then summon the help of one Support Pokémon during a match when they are ready. These Support Pokémon can do a number of things, from simply attacking your opponent to setting traps and even buffing and healing your fighter. The Support Pokémon you choose will inevitably alter your personal approach to a fight, adding an extra layer of personalisation to your chosen fighter.

There's more to Pokkén Tournament than simply playing versus! Find out about the other features await in this new kind of Pokémon battle.

Want to see some of Pokkén Tournament's fighters in action? Check out the Countdown Clash! You could even win a copy of Pokkén Tournament and the Pokkén Tournament Pro Controller!

Pokkén Tournament will be available from shops and as a downloadable version from Nintendo eShop on March 18th 2016, only on Nintendo Wii U.

Categories

Fighting, Arcade

Multiplayer mode

Simultaneous

Players

1 - 2

Publisher

The Pokémon Company

Developer

BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment

More information

Age rating

Download version (Wii U)

System

Wii U (European version)

Release date

18/03/2016

Age rating

PEGI 7

Compatible controllers

  • Nunchuk +
  • Wii Remote,
  • Wii Classic Controller +
  • Wii Remote,
  • Wii U Pro Controller,
  • Wii U GamePad

Languages

English, Spanish, French, German, Italian

Download size

4233.50 MB

Wii U

System

Wii U (European version)

Release date

18/03/2016

Age rating

PEGI 7

Compatible controllers

  • Nunchuk +
  • Wii Remote,
  • Wii Classic Controller +
  • Wii Remote,
  • Wii U Pro Controller,
  • Wii U GamePad

Languages

English, German, French, Spanish, Italian