Pokémon Smile is a spin-off mobile game in the Pokémon franchise. The game uses a device's camera and augmented reality to teach children how to brush their teeth. It was released in June 17, 2020, by The Pokémon Company and is available as a free app for Android and iOS mobile devices.
| Pokémon Smile | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | The Pokémon Company |
| Publisher(s) | The Pokémon Company |
| Series | Pokémon |
| Platform(s) | iOS, Android[1] |
| Release | June 17, 2020 |
Gameplay
editThe game uses the camera of the device it is being played on for an augmented reality system, which is used to play the game. Bacteria appear in the player's mouth and attack Pokémon. By brushing their teeth, the player is able to rescue the Pokémon. At the end, the game allows the player to attempt to catch one of the Pokémon.[2] After catching Pokémon, they can be leveled up.[3] The player may also earn other rewards, such as hats and stickers.[2] The time spent brushing can be set between one and three minutes.[4] Each day, the game can notify users up to three times to remind them to brush their teeth.[5]
The game will sometimes fail to recognize a player's brushing. According to The Pokémon Company, a colorful toothbrush in a bright room usually solves the problem.[6]
Release
editThe game was announced during a Pokémon Presents presentation on June 17, 2020, and made available later that day.[1] It was downloaded more than half a million times in its first month.[7] The game received its first major update in November 2021, adding several new hats and four new Pokémon.[8] The second major update to the game was released in June 2022. It added over 100 Pokémon, including all remaining generation II Pokémon (from Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal) that were not already in the game.[9]
References
edit- ^ a b Nedd, Alexis (17 June 2020). "'Pokémon Smile' left me with clean teeth and lots of questions". Mashable. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
- ^ a b Plunkett, Luke (2 July 2020). "Pokémon Smile: The Kotaku Review". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ Naudus, Kris. "'Pokémon Smile' uses AR to get kids to brush their teeth". Engadget. Archived from the original on 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ Shea, Brian. "Pokémon Smile Is Here To Remind Your Kids To Brush Their Teeth". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ Keane, Sean. "Pokémon Smile is a free app for brushing your teeth". CNET. Archived from the original on 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ Han, Karen (11 August 2020). "I thought I knew how to brush my teeth until I played Pokémon Smile". Polygon. Archived from the original on 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ Forde, Matthew (7 August 2020). "Pokémon Café Mix generates 2.9 million downloads in first month, tops $1 million revenue". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^ Wales, Matt (8 November 2021). "Pokémon Smile gets first ever content update, nearly 18 months after launch". Eurogamer.net. Archived from the original on 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ Hagues, Alana (3 June 2022). "Pokémon Smile Adds Over 100 Pokémon, And They're All Utterly Irresistible". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-05-19.