It Looks Like the Pokémon Mini Could Be Making a Comeback

Here’s everything you need to know about the tiny device.

After 20 years in hibernation the Pokémon Mini may be making a triumphant return according to Nintendo UK’s official store.

Observant eyes were quick to notice the website added ‘Pokémon Mini’ to a list of search filters. The filter can be found under the 'Originally For' section, alongside the Gamecube.

If you’re unfamiliar with the tiny handheld console, you’re not alone.

Honestly, I wasn’t even aware of its existence until it entered my radar this morning, but now, it’s all I can think about.

Designed to take on the Tamagotchi, which at the time was the toy to have around the playground, players were treated to a variety of Pokémon-themed mini-games through Game Boy-like swappable cartridges.

It was similar in size to the Tamagotchi, weighing in at 71 grams back in 2001, and came in three colours: Wooper Blue, Chikorita Green, and Smoochum Purple. (How cute does Smoochum Purple sound?)

In total, there were 10 Pokémon themed games, but only five of those were made available outside of Japan.

You could argue that the Mini was before its time, boasting features like a real-time clock, infrared port for multiplayer gaming, the ability to detect shakes, and a motor to give force feedback.

Sadly, the Pokémon Mini never reached the levels of popularity that the Tamagotchi and Digimon Digivice did, fading away into non-existence in gaming purgatory.

If you want to get your hands on a Mini these days, a quick eBay search shows you’ll have to fork out over $150 for an original. It might be cheaper just to wait for a the rumoured re-release like the rest of us.

A return of the pocket console shouldn’t come as a surprise to Pokémon fans. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the franchise, and Nintendo have successfully used that milestone to announce the upcoming remakes of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well as the amazing looking open-world game for Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Legends.

Here's a full list of Pokémon Mini games:

• Pichu Bros. mini
• Pokémon Breeder mini
• Pokémon Party mini
• Pokémon Pinball mini
• Pokémon Puzzle Collection
• Pokémon Puzzle Collection vol. 2
• Pokémon Race mini
• Pokémon Tetris
• Pokémon Zany Cards
• Togepi’s Great Adventure

Here's hoping that we haven't seen the last of the Pokemon Mini. We'll make sure to keep you updated when we hear more.

Header Image: Nintendo UK