Free-to-play Pokémon browser game is the perfect gym simulator for sports fans

Pokémon has always been about catching 'em all and raising the best squad of 'mons possible.

It's the formula that has led to countless spin-offs, whether you're looking at cutesy town-life sims like Pokopia or 3D battlegrounds like Stadium.

But what would you do if everyone had completed their decks and finally caught 'em all? How do we split the greatest trainers from the rest?

Well, instead of your usual gym sessions, one fan-made browser game has thrown up the perfect alternative, turning Pokémon's finest beasts into prime Madden stars.

'All 22 Pokemon' is the new sensation that has taken social media by storm, as players draft all-star American football teams from a complete Pokédex and put them to the test in a plethora of game modes.

All 22 Pokémon is the free-to-play browser overnight sensation

Free browser games have become increasingly popular in 2026 as new programs have emulated the classic titles like Super Mario 64 and offered new ways to enjoy your most beloved franchises.

Pokémon has been a solid recipient of this wave of fan-made projects, specifically through an Emerald remake that has opened the door to a cool multiplayer experience that was never possible on the Game Boy or DS.

Now, the legendary franchise has become the focal point for a trend of sports sims, as Charizard and co. are put into the stereotypical American football formation to see which 22-character lineup has the perfect balance of speed, attack, HP, defence, and types.

Created by X user ColeThereum, All22pokemon.com was released on October 10 and has quickly become a massive hit on social media, with players sharing their elite teams and arguing over whether Machamp is best as a four-handed quarterback, a nippy wide receiver, or a bullish linebacker.

The goal of the initial game mode is to spin the randomiser and sort categorised Pokémon into their best positions in a bid to create an unbeatable team and complete the undefeated 17-0 NFL season.

Since its release, the community project has evolved beyond its draft status to boast a fully functioning Madden-like game, where you can execute different plays, sending Rapidash on 'go long' routes, have Taurus burst through the gaps left by Nidoking and Golem in the blocks, or plonking Snorlax over the line for a two-yard touchdown.

Read More: Modder has made a Pokémon x Snake puzzle game where up to 1,000 pocket monsters follow you at once

The game also includes a multiplayer version of the draft, where friends can compete in a snake draft, and once a Poke has been claimed, it cannot be used by anyone else - a new take on Fantasy Football.

While we wait for Pokémon Winds and Waves, this incredible new pastime is the perfect blend of entertainment and grind, as players search for the right recipe for their unbeaten campaign.