One of the surprise releases for Nintendo Switch this year is Detective Pikachu Returns, a sequel to the 3DS game Detective Pikachu that had reportedly been in development before all talk of it went silent. Revealed as part of a Nintendo Direct in June, the new game is now in players' hands as of October 6, and many Pokemon fans are enjoying experiencing the series' unique world in Detective Pikachu Returns and its crime-solving gameplay segments.

Following up on the Detective Pikachu movie starring Ryan Reynolds, the new Switch title starring Tim Goodman and his wise-cracking Pikachu partner is already in a good position to interest fans who liked the film. However, it has plenty of stiff competition this month, releasing alongside other games such as Sonic Superstars and even Nintendo's own Super Mario Wonder. However, this may be a purposeful move on behalf of either The Pokemon Company or Nintendo itself to help Detective Pikachu Returns snag some easy sales during the coveted holiday season.

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Detective Pikachu Returns is the Perfect Easy Present for Pokemon Fans

It's easy for gamers to look at the stacked month of October and think that Detective Pikachu Returns' release date was poorly timed, but the decision was likely made on purpose. While the 3DS game was successful enough to warrant a sequel, possibly in part to the movie's success at the box office, Detective Pikachu as a video game isn't entirely one of Nintendo's bestsellers. Considering the other big release for the Switch this month, along with how even Pokemon's own Scarlet and Violet DLC began rolling out last month, it's likely understood by the companies publishing the game that it won't make the sales chart in a big way in the first few weeks.

This puts Detective Pikachu Returns in a curious position for the next few months as the lack of sales can be used as great justification to discount the game during big sales periods such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and any other holiday sales that the Nintendo eShop will try to pull off in the weeks leading up to Christmas. As Detective Pikachu Returns already retails for around $40 dollars, any discount at all may entice potential buyers.

What might be the ace in the hole of this potential plan is that Pokemon is arguably one of the most successful IPs that Nintendo has. No matter if players watch the anime, play the games, or just play Pokemon GO, there are numerous Pokemon fans who will likely get something related to the series for the holidays. As a result, that means there's a good number of potential customers who want to get something Pokemon-related for someone as a gift for the holidays. This is where seeing Detective Pikachu Returns on sale might make for an easy purchase. Nintendo's not known to hand out discounts on its titles that often, though.

After all, even though Detective Pikachu Returns lacks the "Pokemon" name in the title, Pikachu itself is a rather iconic household name to where it can be recognized by itself with ease. In fact, with how many Pikachu lovers there are among Pokemon fans, the name "Pikachu" itself will likely be enough for customers to see it and take it as a gift for a fan of the Mouse Pokemon.

Sadly, not many fans might be happy with getting Detective Pikachu Returns as a gift as the game itself is arguably rather lackluster. It seems to be getting mixed to average reviews with critics, and the conclusion of Detective Pikachu Returns' biggest mystery may be disappointing to some players. However, if potential buyers are in a rush to get something that a friend or loved one likes dealing with Pokemon, it's likely that'll be the key that'll make Detective Pikachu Returns a great product for Nintendo to have on the market for the next few months.

Detective Pikachu Returns is available now for Nintendo Switch.

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