New Pokemon games help Nintendo escape the hardware trap

Company starts to embrace the rise of mobile gaming after fighting it

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Nintendo reaches for the popular Pokemon franchise again. (Photo by Taro Yokosawa)

SHIKO UEDA, Nikkei staff writer

OSAKA -- Nintendo has revealed a suite of new Pokemon games for the popular Switch device, taking a step to decrease the company's exposure to hit-or-miss hardware sales by expanding the reach of popular content.

The role-playing game "Pokemon Quest" debuted on Wednesday, free to download on the Switch while a version for smartphones arrives at the end of June. It will generate revenue largely through in-game item purchases.

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