There is an entire subcategory of items inPokémonthat has been abandoned by recent games and is unlikely to ever make a return in future titles. Of course, as the franchise has evolved many items have fallen into disuse and been replaced, but for the most part these changes have simply reflected the modernizing world both in the games and reality. However, one such feature arguably owes its disuse largely to core issues with its implementation.
As thePokémonfranchise has grown, it is far from surprising that the types of items that can be gathered have also grown dramatically in number. From single-use consumables like Berries to the many unique Held items, the vast majority of theseitems are naturally useful in Pokémon battles. Of course, there are items with other uses; many have unique functions of their own, perhaps the most notable being the iconic Pokédex, although others have fallen into disuse. However, while at least oneitem should return in the Gen 10 games, others will likely never receive the same treatment.
Pokémon’s Mail Would Not Work In A Modern Game
The Best Version Of The Feature Would Not Be Realistic To Implement
Various types of patterned Mail are obtainable inPokémongames from Generations 2 to 5, with a very simple purpose; writing and sending messages to other players by having a traded Pokémon hold the Mail in question.Although the initial implementation of Mail in the Gen 2 games allows for 32 characters to be freely entered, mostPokémongames limit people to pre-defined phraseschosen via the games’ easy chat system. Moreover, Mail items past Gen 2 also provide a limited number of slots for these chosen phrases. All of this is naturally incredibly limiting considering Mail’s intended purpose.
Most varieties of Mail are easily bought at Poké Marts, with many specific patterns being limited to a certain location. However, it is worth noting that some Mail is instead hidden in the overworld for people to find and collect.
A modernPokémongame with Mail would potentially enable a person’s message to be sent anywhere in the world through the use of Wonder Trade. However, neither of the basic Mail mechanics that have been used in the games so far would work in a new game. For example, the system of pre-defined phrases would ultimately render any messages generic. Furthermore,Mail’s absence since Gen 5 indicates that Game Freak did not believe this system was worth carrying forward into modern titles, leaving it behind as one of thePokémongames’ abandoned features.
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Meanwhile, although the original Mail’s freedom of expression would be much more preferable, it is also far more possible to abuse. Even with safeguards like content filters in place,some people would inevitably find ways to subvert any such measures to send offensive or otherwise inappropriate messages to random people. Of course, this would never be allowed in a modern video game, especially given the high chances of children being exposed to such material.
Mail Items Never Fulfilled Their Full Potential
Technological Limitations Prevented Mail Achieving True Success
Of course, it is worth noting that despite the clear intention behind Mail, these items were never implemented in the best way possible. While the limiting nature of later versions of the system is already clear, it is worth keeping in mind that Generation 2 games did not have access to Wi-Fi to enable online trading. As such,it would only be possible for Mail to be exchanged via in-person trades, which naturally makes the feature irrelevant; after all, there are few situations when one would want to send a digital message to somebody they could simply talk to directly.
Some trades with NPCs also give the player Pokémon carrying mail with pleasant messages.
This means thatthe most free-form version of Mail was never able to traverse the world,which arguably would have fit the spirit of the feature best. Then again, given the understandable concerns over content that this could raise, this could be for the best. The lack of proper online communication services in early games may have also contributed to Mail falling out of usage, arguably making the feature awasted opportunity for thePokémongames, and not one that is likely to be revived.
The Pokémon Games Have Left Sending Mail Behind
There Is Little Incentive To Revive The Concept
Ultimately,Mail is unlikely to ever be reintroduced into thePokémonfranchise. The feature was never able to balance creative freedom and long-ranging communication, and any potential future iteration likely would not be able to either. Of course, future ports of games that do use Mail are likely to retain the items, so the feature may not be permanently gone. But at the same time, Mail was notably absent from theOmega Ruby and Alpha Sapphireremakes despite being part ofRuby and Sapphiresuggesting that anyremakes ofPokémon Black and Whitewill not include it either.
Mail was far from ever being a key feature of anyPokémongame, but it held a charming promise in the ability to send friendly messages to people who may be complete strangers. Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that a perfected version of the feature will ever appear in a future title, if only because it would inevitably be abused. Instead, Mail has simply become one of many features to quietly disappear from the franchise, left behind as the games as a whole continue to grow and evolve.
