Pokemon Gen 10 Should Bring Back One Fan-Favorite Feature that's Been Missing Since Gen 4
With the Nintendo Switch 2 looming on the horizon, Pokémon fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next generation in the iconic franchise. Following the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
The Lost Appeal of Postgame Pokémon Challenges
Pokémon games have long been structured around gym challenges and Elite Four battles, but once players become champions, many games feel lacking in terms of postgame content. Since the early 2000s, the Battle Frontier provided an exciting, dynamic layer of competitive play that stood out as the pinnacle of postgame features. These unique battle challenges, with their diverse formats and unpredictable rules, offered more than just a simple grind after the main story ended. Unfortunately, this kind of engaging, long-lasting postgame experience has become less common in recent generations.
The Battle Frontier: A Memorable Era for Pokémon's Postgame
The Battle Frontier first made waves in Pokémon Emerald and immediately stood out as one of the most ambitious additions to the franchise. By introducing various battle facilities—each with its own rules and unique twists on combat—it gave players something to strive for beyond just leveling up their teams. The option to rent Pokémon, along with the leveling restrictions that made battles more strategic, elevated the entire postgame experience. Later, Pokémon Platinum expanded on this idea, but unfortunately, this would be the last time the full Battle Frontier concept was featured in the series.
In the years following Gen 4, the Battle Frontier began to fade. Titles like Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire and Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl either omitted it entirely or reduced it to a single battle structure like the Battle Tower or Maison. While these formats still offered some challenge, they never captured the same excitement or depth as the original Battle Frontier.
The Return of the Battle Frontier in Gen 10 Could Make All the Difference
With the impending launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Pokémon Gen 10 will face heightened fan expectations. As the franchise celebrates three decades of success, a return to form with the Battle Frontier could reignite the sense of wonder and competition that defined previous generations. Beyond the usual storylines and competitive multiplayer, the inclusion of this complex, varied postgame content could give the game lasting appeal. In a time when DLC expansions are replacing the traditional third version of Pokémon games, the Battle Frontier could even become the centerpiece of a series of post-launch updates.
Celebrating the Legacy of Iconic Characters
What made the Battle Frontier so memorable was its array of colorful and eccentric Frontier Brains, each with their own personality and challenge style. Reintroducing these characters in Gen 10 would not only give veteran players a wave of nostalgia but also provide opportunities for new players to experience the unique quirks of the Pokémon world. Given the age of the series, it might be an excellent idea to bring back fan-favorite characters from past generations, similar to how the Pokémon World Tournament in Black 2 and White 2 allowed players to face off against past champions.
Conclusion
If Gen 10 of Pokémon wants to stand the test of time and satisfy fans old and new, it should prioritize the return of the Battle Frontier. This beloved feature provided deep, engaging postgame content that has yet to be matched by any other entries in the franchise. As the series enters its next era on the Nintendo Switch 2, reviving this classic concept could ensure that Pokémon’s 30th anniversary is celebrated in the best possible way, with a game that offers not just a memorable story but an enduring, exciting challenge for years to come.