“Pokkén Tournament” Announced

Pokémon/Tekken Crossover to Hit Japanese Arcades in 2015

By Michelle Curtis on August 26, 2014 at 3:26pm

When the trademarks for “Pokkén Fighters” and “Pokkén Tournament” were registered in both the U.S. and Europe, speculation abounded that it would only be a matter of time until we received confirmation of a "Pokémon" fighting game. Just one year later, and the wait is over.

The Pokémon Company revealed its newest installment in the ever-growing “Pokémon” franchise via the Nico Nico live-stream. “Pokkén Tournament” is a crossover between the two massive franchises “Pokémon” and Bandai Namco's “Tekken.” While game footage isn't final, the announcement trailer features two fighting Pokémon (Lucario and Machamp) engaged in a battle which appears similar to the Tekken fighting game style (perhaps using the same game engine that the “Tekken” franchise uses).

Previous teaser footage appeared on the “Pokémon Game Show” last year, showcasing a battle between Lucario and Fire/Fighting-type Blaziken. Mere days after this footage was shown, Siliconera divulged that they had uncovered trademarks in the U.S. for “Pokkén Fighters” and “Pokkén Tournament.” Trademarks for these names were also filed in Europe in Jan. 2014. While both segments of footage show only bipedal, fighting-type Pokémon, there is no indication that the game will feature fighting types exclusively.

It is important to note that Nintendo does not own the Pokémon franchise but has carried it exclusively. However, with Bandai Namco collaborating with The Pokémon Company on “Pokkén Tournament,” it is very possible that we could see our first Pokémon title on a non-Nintendo console. Granted, the current announcement is for the Japanese arcade release but taking into consideration the predilection for home consoles in the U.S., as well as Nintendo's current financial situation, a multiplatform release could be a reality.