Gorgeous Pokémon rival locks in surprise PS5 and Xbox launch for this year

It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that we’ll likely never see a Pokémon title land on PlayStation or Xbox.

It’s a major system seller for stakeholder Nintendo, and it’s unlikely ever to share the IP with its competitors.

In recent years, however, several new prominent creature collecting games have surfaced, giving Pokémon a run for its money after years of dominating the genre.

Palworld, of course, is a significant example, although that sets itself apart with its survival-based elements.

For something that’s more in line with the traditional Pokémon RPG experience, you’re going to want to try LumenTale: Memories of Trey.

Developed by Beehive Studios and published by Team17, LumenTale: Memories of Trey is a monster collecting RPG that originally landed on PC and Nintendo earlier this year.

After a successful launch, the title will soon make its way to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S - and it’s not one to miss.

The ports will land by the end of 2026, so there isn’t long to wait

The pixel-art game makes use of a HD-2D art style, popularised by Square Enix, and follows the tale of Trey “as he navigates his way through a land full of mystical creatures to reveal the mystery behind his lost memories”.

Team17

“Long ago, in the golden era of Talea, the Emperor kept the lands peaceful, and the people prospered. After passing away without naming a successor between his twin sons, a civil war raged between the North, Logos and the South, Mythos - fighting for who would take control of the throne,” the synopsis begins.

“The townsfolk lived in fear from the atrocities being carried out in the conflict. In a bid to stop the destruction, a part of the empire’s military became Talea’s dedicated protectors. From the everlasting darkness of war, these people were the beacon of light that brought people hope.

“The Lumen were born, and as guardians in their provinces, they ensured the safety of the residents of Talea, both the people and the Animon.”

It’s at this stage that we enter the story as Trey, a young man who sets out to catch as many Animon as possible and recover lost memories while doing so.

Just as is the case in classic Pokémon entries, LumenTale: Memories of Trey’s combat is turn-based as you battle your Animon against those who stand in your way.

The game boasts over 140 species and 13 elemental types.

You can either partake in 1v1 duels or 4v4 showdowns as LumenTale: Memories of Trey allows you to form a party, recruiting others to join you in your adventures.

It wouldn’t be a Pokémon-like if you couldn’t trade your Animon; head to Trade Stations to exchange Animon with friends or the community.

READ MORE: Pokémon Gen 2 could be next to return as Nintendo drops glaringly obvious tease

Outside of battle, you’ll be able to cook and craft, with recipes granting helpful buffs during battle, plus there’s Anispace, a weird, unattached realm where you can basically customise a base and hangout.

As for what gamers have to say about the title, one Steam review reads, “So, this is coming from a big fan of Pokémon since Red and Blue on the GameBoy and I can firmly say that this game is what I wanted from Pokémon all along.”

As for those PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S ports, it’s been announced that they’re coming in 2026, although a precise date is yet to be narrowed down.

That should be a nice little treat - especially as Pokémon Winds and Waves aren’t due until 2027.