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Guide: Pokémon's Enduring Appeal: Why It Remains a Constant in Adulthood

An adult fan smiling while holding a Nintendo Switch displaying a Pokémon game, with Pokémon TCG cards and anime characters subtly in the background, symbolizing a lifelong connection to the franchise.

Ah, Pokémon. For so many of us, it’s more than just a game; it's a foundational pillar of our lives. As I navigate the wonderfully chaotic world of adulthood, I find myself drawn back to its comforting embrace more and more. Whether I’m binging the latest anime arcs, battling at my local TCG league, or sinking hundreds of hours into the recent Switch titles, Pokémon is a constant. And yes, unlike some of my fellow trainers, I actually hold a pretty positive view of the Gen 9 games and the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Those sleepless nights spent roaming Paldea during my 2024 surgery recovery certainly endeared it to me, but honestly, I believe it features one of Game Freak’s strongest narratives to date.

Yet, deep down, the certified Gen 3 lover in me still yearns for the simpler days. Days of chiptune melodies and crisp pixel graphics. It’s a feeling I know many of you share. But what if I told you there's a brilliant way to bridge that gap? A solution that could please nearly every Pokémon fan, old and new?

This year, I had the absolute joy of reviewing both the Dragon Quest I+II HD-2D Remake and Octopath Traveler 0. Consequently, I’ve fallen head over heels for the HD-2D style. And frankly, I can’t stop thinking about how perfect it would be for Pokémon.

The Allure of HD-2D: A Modern Retro Revolution

For the uninitiated, HD-2D isn't just a fancy marketing term; it's a genuine artistic innovation. Coined by Square Enix with the original Octopath Traveler, this style masterfully blends 2D pixel art character sprites with meticulously crafted 3D environments. But it doesn't stop there. Modern flourishes like complex lighting and shadows, dynamic particle effects, and impressive depth of field are woven in, transforming what could be a simple retro tribute into something truly unique and utterly contemporary.

This isn't just about looking pretty, either. These games leverage the latest game engines, making them feel as modern to play as they look. Square Enix has been on a roll, applying this magic to titles like Triangle Strategy, the incredible Live A Live remake, and a trio of Dragon Quest remakes. The results speak for themselves: vibrant, living worlds that honor their pixelated roots while pushing visual boundaries.

Now, imagine that for Pokémon. It’s the perfect way to propel the series forward technologically while simultaneously recapturing that potent nostalgia that keeps so much of its maturing audience coming back for more. And here’s the kicker: while Square Enix was smart enough to trademark the term "HD-2D" back in 2018, they don't own the art style itself. This means Game Freak is completely free to experiment, without any legal hurdles. It's an open invitation to innovate.

The Community Has Spoken: Fan Creations and a Gen Five Blueprint

I’m clearly not alone in this dream. Just a quick hop onto YouTube will reveal at least two absolutely fantastic fan renders of Pokémon Red reimagined in HD-2D. Remember Dott’s breathtaking showcases of Pallet Town and Vermillion City from 2023? They were so faithful to Octopath Traveler's lighting, color palette, and architectural style that they looked like they could be upcoming DLC locations. More recently, Nionx took it upon themselves to learn Unreal Engine 5, creating their own stunning recreation of Kanto. Nionx’s version is brighter and more colorful, a vibe I think suits Pokémon even better, though they admit to mixing in "Black and White style and other inspiration" alongside Square Enix's proprietary aesthetic. It just goes to show the hunger is real.

Speaking of Black and White, Game Freak actually flirted with this exact concept themselves back in Gen 5. Those games utilized 2D character sprites within 3D environments and a slightly shifted perspective, creating a pseudo-2.5D look. For years, we’ve been clamoring for a Pokémon Black and White remake, and their original art direction makes them the ideal testing ground for an HD-2D port. Game Freak could effortlessly punch up – or even reuse – existing Unova sprites, then build out a truly detailed, textured world around them for us to get lost in all over again.

Why HD-2D Remakes Are a Win-Win for Everyone

Remakes are fantastic for making beloved older generations accessible to new players. However, as we saw with the mixed reactions to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, tampering too much with the source material can be a risky move. HD-2D offers a respectful yet modern approach. Personally, I’d be ecstatic for a fully-fledged Emerald remake in this style, perhaps even with Mega Evolution to bring it in line with Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, but I admit, I’m biased.

For me, a Gen 5 remake for the upcoming 30th anniversary would be incredibly convenient, as I still need to experience those games firsthand. But beyond my personal desires, an HD-2D remake strategy offers numerous benefits:

  • Nostalgia Meets Innovation: It perfectly balances the yearning for classic pixel art with the demand for modern graphical fidelity and technological advancements.
  • Preserves Accessibility: Brings older, potentially hard-to-play games to current consoles without alienating long-time fans with drastically altered art styles.
  • Sidesteps Past Pitfalls: By leaning into a stylized approach, it avoids the criticisms leveled at remakes that try to be too realistic or deviate too much from the original aesthetic.
  • Fills a Critical Gap: While mainline games like Gen 10 continue in full 3D (and leaks seem to confirm this trajectory), HD-2D remakes could provide a parallel track, revitalizing beloved regions without disrupting the main series’ evolution.
  • Satisfies Fan Demand: Honestly, it might finally get us to quiet down about wanting a comprehensive Pokémon retro collection on the Switch!

I don’t foresee Game Freak ditching its current 3D path for mainline games anytime soon. However, HD-2D remakes of past titles would inject them with new life and appeal. It's a way to honor the past while brilliantly stepping into the future.

What are your thoughts? Come and chat to me about all things Pokémon in the Pocket Tactics Discord server. And while you're there, make sure to check out our lists of the best new Switch games and new mobile games coming out in 2026 to keep your gaming backlog happily overflowing.

FAQ

Will Game Freak actually adopt the HD-2D style for Pokémon?

While there's no official word or leak suggesting Game Freak will use the HD-2D style, the community's strong positive reaction to fan renders and the success of Square Enix's HD-2D titles indicate a clear demand. It's a speculative proposal, not a confirmed plan.

What Pokémon games would be best suited for an HD-2D remake?

Games that originally featured 2D sprites or a 2.5D perspective, such as Generation 1 (Kanto), Generation 2 (Johto), Generation 3 (Hoenn, especially an Emerald remake), and Generation 5 (Unova), would be ideal candidates. Their original art direction provides a perfect foundation for the HD-2D aesthetic.

Does Square Enix own the HD-2D art style?

Square Enix trademarked the term "HD-2D" in 2018, which means other companies cannot use that specific phrase for their games. However, they do not own the underlying art style concept of combining 2D sprites with 3D environments and modern lighting effects, leaving Game Freak free to create something similar without legal issues.