Pokemon Legends: Arceus is an open world RPG adventure, and it’s heading to Nintendo Switch

During its special livestream event, Nintendo revealed the existence of an all new Pokemon game, which just so happens to be in development for its Switch hybrid. Entitled Pokemon Legends: Arceus, this new project will take the form of an open world RPG, which means it very well could end up being exactly what fans have been asking for.

This adventure will once again be set in the Sinnoh region, although its timing appears to be well before any of the previous games’ narratives. This hunch was cemented by a tweet, which refers to Arceus as a ‘Sinnoh pre-make,’ as opposed to the ‘Sinnoh remakes’ that were also announced. Those being Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl.

Here’s how Nintendo and the Pokemon Company described this game:

As trainers explore the natural expanses in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, they’ll encounter pokémon that call these grand vistas home. To catch wild pokémon, players can study the pokémon’s behaviors, sneak up to them, then throw poké balls. Players can also battle wild Pokémon with their ally Pokémon. By throwing the poké ball holding their ally pokémon near a wild pokémon, players will seamlessly enter battle. This new gameplay angle is intended to provide trainers with an immersive experience.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is expected to release in 2022.