Pokken Tournament Confirmed For Wii U, Worldwide Release In Spring 2016

Pokemon Company has finally confirmed in the Pokemon World Championships 2015 that Pokken Tournament will be coming to the Wii U worldwide in Spring 2016. On the side, this marks nearly the two year anniversary when they shared that Lucario vs Blaziken teaser in Pokemon Game Show.

The Pokemon YouTube Channel uploaded the announce trailer, which also revealed a new playable character. Pikachu Libre is a Cosplay Pikachu, introduced in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and as you can tell from the heart shaped spot at the end of her tail, she’s a female Pikachu to boot!

Make no bones about it, Pikachu Libre gets introduced as a tough as nails gal performing the Gotch headstand and performing a high jump off the top rope. She clearly has a different moveset from the other Pikachu, but there’s another curious possibility here.

Going back to Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Cosplay Pikachu can actually change her costume, thereby learning a different move with each costume. Is it possible the other Cosplay Pikachu could be in the game too? I’d like to learn what kinds of moves Pikachu Pop Star or Pikachu Ph D could possible have.

Pokken Tournament is now the first major Pokemon title for Wii U. While Nintendo did release Pokemon Rumble U on the console, that is admittedly a smaller niche title.

One last tantalizing bit that will pique your interest. While Pokemon Company did not announce it here, a patent filed earlier this week revealed that Pokken would be using NFC features. That was an early tell for a Wii U port, but also points to amiibo integration.

Are you a Wii U owner looking forward to Pokken? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.