Pokkén Tournament DX is a polished Pokémon fighting game with a distinctive two-phase battle system, a varied roster and strong local multiplayer. It is an easy recommendation for newcomers who want a portable-capable fighter; for Wii U owners, the five new Pokémon and added modes may not be enough to justify buying the game again.
What kind of fighting game is Pokkén Tournament DX?
Developed by Bandai Namco Studios and released for Nintendo Switch on September 22, 2017, Pokkén Tournament DX brings Pokémon battles into a one-on-one fighting game. Its defining feature is a match that shifts between two distinct phases rather than staying in one camera perspective.
![Pokkén Tournament DX - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qJmE9jjNL._SL160_.jpg)
![Pokkén Tournament DX + Battle Pack DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51RQ9X53+UL._SL160_.jpg)
![Pokkén Tournament DX Battle Pack - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Xn3ESPD6L._SL160_.jpg)
Field Phase and Duel Phase
In Field Phase, fighters move around a three-dimensional arena, looking for openings and positioning. A successful exchange can shift the match into Duel Phase, where the view tightens into a more traditional fighting-game plane and combos, blocking and mixups take center stage. The transition makes spacing and timing matter in different ways across a single match. Nintendo Life and Nintendo Wire describe this two-phase structure in their reviews: Nintendo Life and Nintendo Wire.
The controls are approachable enough to get into a fight quickly, but that does not mean the game has no depth. Learning when to pressure, defend or use a Pokémon’s tools gives experienced players room to improve. Its feel is distinct from a conventional 2D fighter, so players looking for a familiar, purely side-on format should know that movement and the phase shifts are central to play.
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#1 Best Overall
- The Pokémon 1-1 battle action game "Popfist POKKÉN TOURNAMENT DX" is now available on Nintendo Switch! With 1 Nintendo Switch, you can share the Joy-Cons and battle in no time, anywhere
- In addition to the elements of the Popfist Arcade and Wii U Edition, the Popfist DX are packed with new elements only from the Popfist DX
- In addition to the arcade version of Pokémon, Juniper is now available as a battle Pokémon. A total of 21 unique Pokémons will join the game. You can use all of your Pokemon to battle them from the beginning!
- The Popfist DX supports all modes: Table Mode, TV Mode, Mobile Mode and all modes. You can freely switch between modes according to the way you play and enjoy it
- There are many fun elements such as "Online Battles" that fight against players around the world, "Ferm League" that advances story, "Practices" that can practice battles as much as you like, and "Mightown" that can create your own avatar
What is new in the DX version?
DX expands the original Pokkén Tournament rather than introducing a new campaign or replacing its core combat. Its main additions make the roster and match formats more varied.
Five additional playable Pokémon
The Switch version adds Croagunk, Empoleon, Darkrai, Scizor and Decidueye as playable Battle Pokémon. Nintendo Life also notes that the full roster is selectable from the start. Nintendo lists 21 playable Pokémon for the game in its product specifications: Nintendo’s Canadian product listing.
Team Battle
Team Battle lets each player choose three Pokémon, which fight one after another. Nintendo Wire describes the surviving fighter as carrying its remaining health and meter forward, so the mode rewards managing a team across successive matchups rather than treating every round as an isolated fight. See Nintendo Wire’s review.
Switch play options
Nintendo lists TV, tabletop and handheld play, one- or two-player play on a single system, local wireless play for two, and online play for two. The official listing says the game is supported on Nintendo Switch 2 consistently with Nintendo Switch. These are published product specifications, not a guarantee of current online matchmaking activity or service conditions. Joy-Cons can be used for quick local battles, as Nintendo Wire notes; an additional controller is optional, not a requirement for standard play.
Rank #3
- New fighters added to the roster, in addition to new support Pokemon characters
- Multiple ways to battle on the Nintendo Switch Console
- All new team battle mode lets you battle with a Pokemon party
- Brand new Replay mode lets you record and share your favorite battles. Group match allows you to battle friends in tournament-style play
- Rating pending
Is Pokkén Tournament DX worth buying?
For a first-time buyer, DX is a strong standalone fighter if Pokémon characters, a less conventional arena-based combat system, or playing locally with another person are appealing. Reviews praise its presentation, character animation, variety, multiplayer and the depth beneath its accessible controls. Nintendo Life also highlights replayability, while Nintendo Wire emphasizes Team Battle and local play. The game’s Switch formats add the option to play away from a TV.
For someone who already owns the Wii U release, the decision is closer. DX offers five new playable Pokémon, Team Battle and Switch portability, but preserves much of the familiar core experience. Nintendo Everything recognizes the appeal to people who missed the original while questioning whether the additions justify a second purchase: Nintendo Everything’s review. Nintendo Life, by contrast, considers DX a strong fighter on its own merits while likewise leaving the upgrade question open: Nintendo Life’s review.
How to decide
- Buy it as a newcomer if you want a Pokémon-themed fighter with offline and online modes, local play, and the flexibility of Switch handheld or TV play.
- Consider it if you own the Wii U version when one of the five added Pokémon, Team Battle, or portable play is a meaningful reason for you to return.
- Wait or skip the double-dip if you mainly want a substantially different campaign or a large change to the original combat; DX is an expanded edition, not a new campaign.
What do reviews say about the game?
The reviews are broadly positive about DX as a polished, unusual Pokémon fighter, but they do not agree that the upgrade is equally worthwhile for every owner. Nintendo Life praises its depth, presentation, multiplayer and replayability. Nintendo Wire calls attention to the added team format, animation and local play. Nintendo Everything is more cautious about whether the Switch additions merit another purchase for Wii U players. That difference is useful: the game’s standalone quality and the value of upgrading are separate questions.
Bandai Namco Studios identifies itself as the developer and gives the release date as September 22, 2017: Bandai Namco Studios product page. Retail price, stock and current online activity are not established here, so check current listings and service availability before buying on those grounds. For a product search, use the exact phrase “Pokkén Tournament DX Nintendo Switch.”
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