While every generation ofPokemongames has its fans, the most iconic generation is probably Generation One, set in the Kanto region. In addition to introducing an all-star cast ofnow-famous Pokemon like Pikachu, the Kanto games have a well-regarded set of cities and routes, filled with memorable opponents. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the games received a remake on the Game Boy Advance, in the form ofPokemon FireRed VersionandPokemon LeafGreen Version. They even received another remake with thePokemonLet’s Go!games for the Nintendo Switch.
A dedicatedPokemonfan has created an incredible arcade cabinet for one of the series' best-regarded games,Pokemon FireRed Version. While the cabinet is entirely custom and not going to be mass-produced anytime soon, it is an exciting glimpse into an alternate world where classicPokemongames released in arcades.
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TikTok account Bitgamess created the arcade cabinet from scratch, adorning the sides with fanmade art ofPokemon FireRed’s protagonist Red. Bitgamess created all of the game’s woodwork himself, and then inserted a standard computer screen to act as a monitor. This presumably means that the game is emulated, giving him more flexibility in setting up the controls. At the same time, he ensured that the arcade control pad would map onto the standard Game Boy Advance controls, and the game appears perfectly playable in action.Click here to see the TikTok of thePokemon FireRedarcade cabinet.
As a clever touch, Bitgamess also superimposes some Pokemon fromPokemon Goover his work as he constructs the cabinet. It creates the impression that the Pokemon are cheering him on, which is undeniably charming. One of the best parts ofthe smash-hit filmDetective Pikachuis the way in which Pokemon and humans work together, and it’s nice to see Bitgamess calling on something similar to add personality to his “making-of” video.
Of course, thePokemonseries has appeared in arcades before, but never in the context of the turn-based combat most associated with the series. Probably the best known Pokemon arcade game isPokken Tournament, which many have played through thePokken Tournament DXSwitch port. Admittedly, that game’s fast-paced fighting is better suited to arcade gameplay than the methodical strategy ofPokemon FireRed Version, but fans would still probably line up to play a turn-basedPokemongame in arcades.
Beyond just thePokemongames, many Nintendo fans are eager to return to the library of the Game Boy Advance, and are frustrated at Nintendo’s refusal to make that possible. While there are rumors that there will beGame Boy Advance games on Nintendo Switch Onlinesoon, fans don’t have anything substantial to work with yet. The arcade cabinet doesn’t help with that, but it does at least showcase one of the very best games the Game Boy Advance offers.
Pokemon FireRed Versionis available for Game Boy Advance.
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