Pokemon Friends Nintendo Switch 1 Mini Review & Gameplay Impressions

July 22, 2025July 22, 2025 Handheld Players 0 Comments 2025, Gameplay, Nintendo, Pokemon Friends, Switch

Game Title: Pokemon Friends
Released: July 22, 2025
Price: $9.99 / €9.99
File Size: 731 MB
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch 1
Version: 1.0.0, played in Docked mode

During the latest Pokémon Presents, a new mobile game called Pokémon Friends was revealed – featuring 1,200 plush-filled puzzles! That’s exactly why we’re diving into it in this mini review.

📝 Mini Review

In Pokémon Friends, you solve sets of three random puzzles to help clear your mind, then use the yarn you earn to power the Plush-O-Matic, a whimsical machine that crafts virtual Pokémon plush. These adorable creations can be used to decorate your in-game plush rooms or to fulfill friend quests across town.

The base game includes 30 puzzles, 70 craftable plush, and all 11 yarn types, with additional puzzles available via paid DLC.

I spent about 25 minutes with the game and managed to create several Pokémon plush while completing a few friend quests. The puzzles are simple and clearly geared toward younger players, making it a cozy experience for Pokémon fans. However, puzzle game enthusiasts may find the early stages lacking in challenge.

If you’re a diehard Pokémon fan, there’s plenty of charm here to enjoy. But for others, the gameplay may start to feel repetitive – and the reliance on paid DLC for added puzzles could be a drawback.

✅ Pros

Adorable Collectibles: Crafting virtual Pokémon plush is a delight for fans, adding a cozy and rewarding layer to gameplay.
Wholesome Daily Play: Features like stamp calendars and friend quests encourage short, relaxing play sessions—perfect for unwinding.

⚠️ Cons

Simple Puzzle Design: The puzzles feel basic, especially in early gameplay, and might not satisfy players seeking challenge.
Limited Content Without DLC: With only 30 puzzles in the base game, much of the extended content requires paid DLC, which can feel restrictive.

🔚 Final Verdict: 6/10 – AVERAGE

While the Pokémon plush are undeniably charming, the puzzles feel underwhelming and lack creativity. This one’s clearly designed for Pokémon enthusiasts, but even they might be put off by the reliance on paid DLC, which doesn’t do much to boost the game’s appeal.

📽️ Gameplay Video

In our gameplay video, we explore the first 25 minutes of *Pokémon Friends* on Nintendo Switch 1, offering a cozy look at puzzles, plush crafting, and early quests.

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