Discontinued Pokémon game with 3DS connection could return after Nintendo files new trademark

Nintendo and Game Freak continue to expand the Pokémon world in sometimes unexpected ways. The Nintendo Patents Watch Bluesky account noticed a new trademark filing from the two companies. Registered on November 19th, it appears to reference the defunct Pokémon Tretta arcade game. The machines that scanned and distributed collectible tiles went offline in 2023.

Marvelous AQL and Takara Tomy shipped the unorthodox arcade cabinets to Asian countries, including Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. It’s since been replaced by similar versions called Pokémon Ga-Olé and Pokémon Mezastar. Through an accessory, the 3DS game Pokémon X and Y offered some integration with the arcade series.

Tretta featured many of the mechanics seen in Pokémon Legends: Z -A and other recent Pokémon games. However, the main difference was the use of plastic tiles when hunting for and battling creatures. After scanning a maximum of three Tretta, players could face off against Pokémon found in various locations. If successful, the machines would spit out a new tile that players could collect and use in future games.

What the new Nintendo trademark could mean

Why Nintendo would apply for the trademark called “POKEMONTRETTA” is anyone’s guess. The document mentions “game programs for arcade video game machines” and “amusement machines”. It's large enough in scope to also include physical media for “programs for hand-held games with liquid crystal displays”.

The infamous Teraleak revealed several upcoming Pokémon games like Pokémon Wind and Wave. There was no hint of Tretta or the more recent iterations. Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures Inc. may simply want to keep their options open for future projects. Or, arcades may see Tretta return in some form.

Nintendo has produced some unexpected accessories for its Switch 2. Next up, the rerelease of the Virtual Boy headset will unfold in February 2026. 3DS experts may remember the Tretta Lab, which allowed players to analyze their stash of tiles and simulate battles. Still, with the game never achieving much fame outside of Asia, a worldwide debut of a new accessory seems unlikely.