Detective Pikachu Returns release date: When is the new Pokémon game coming?

The direct sequel to 2019’s original Detective Pikachu on the 3DS, the Switch outing is promising more of the humorous hi-jinks we've come to know and love in this still-unlikely buddy cop comedy.

Here's everything you need to know about the Detective Pikachu Returns release date, pre-order, gameplay and story details. Quick Attack to the end of the page to watch the latest trailer!

When is the Detective Pikachu Returns release date?

Detective Pikachu Returns will release on 6th October 2023. There are plenty of upcoming releases to look forward to in the near future if you can’t wait until then.

Also releasing in autumn is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1: The Teal Mask, so when the leaves start changing we’re going to have plenty of Pokémon to look forward to.

It would be great to see the original Detective Pikachu for the 3DS make an appearance on the Switch to bring it to a wider audience, and if such a thing does come to pass, we’ll be sure to let you know.

Can I pre-order Detective Pikachu Returns?

Detective Pikachu Returns can be pre-ordered for £39.99 from the Nintendo eShop. You can also pick up a physical copy for a similar price on sites including GAME and Amazon.

If you don’t have a Switch but are desperate to get one for Detective Pikachu, then have a gander at our collection of the best Nintendo Switch accessories.

It’s a shame there isn’t a tie-in model in the same vein as the Tears of the Kingdom Switch OLED - but perhaps we’ll see a PikaSwitch when the rumoured Nintendo Switch Pro breaks cover.

Which consoles and platforms can play Detective Pikachu Returns?

Detective Pikachu Returns will be a Nintendo Switch exclusive. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise seeing as Nintendo founded The Pokémon Company back in 1996.

They’re not going to let go of the reins any time soon as the series brings in some serious money for the Japanese games giant.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are reported to have sold over 22.1 million copies by the end of the Japanese fiscal year on the 31st of March, according to Nintendo’s own financial report. It’ll undoubtedly be higher now so it’s a safe bet Pikachu will be staying put.

Detective Pikachu Returns gameplay and story details

Not much has been revealed about the gameplay but the game looks to be similar to the original Detective Pikachu for the 3DS, in that we can expect to travel around Ryme City as Tim Goodman in his red hoodie looking for clues - and talking to people and Pokémon alike to get to the bottom of many mysteries.

We know Mewtwo will be making a return, and the game appears to pick up where the 3DS title left off in continuing the search for Tim’s father, Harry Goodman.

What’s for certain is that Detective Pikachu will be making his trademark quips and enjoying different coffee roasts along the way.

Is there a Detective Pikachu Returns trailer?

Yes, there is in fact a Detective Pikachu Returns trailer that was shown off at the latest Nintendo Direct which we’ve included just below.

We can see Ryme City in higher fidelity than ever thanks to the much more capable hardware of the Switch that is lightyears ahead of the 3DS, despite it being six years old now.

Against a detective-staple jazz soundtrack, it’s revealed that it is the start of the Pokémon friendship week and what follows is a series of snapshots of cutscenes from the game with Detective Pikachu being his usual goofball self.

We see some of the other Pokémon we’ll no doubt interact with too, who will have clues and, perhaps, entire mysteries of their own to solve to.

Subscribe to our free Gaming Newsletter for weekly insights, and visit our Gaming hub for all the latest news.

Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide.

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home — subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast