Jack Crivici-Kramer

But Pokemon's new Pocopia game is more like Animal Crossing.

The stakes, oh, they are way lower.

As that little main character, your job is just to create like a harmonious like recess area for Charizards to relax in peace with Snorlax.

It's a cozy life simulation game.

And you know what?

That is hugely trending right now.

But the real reason Pokemon's new game is such a surprise hit is that it's a spinoff game.

It's not a Pokemon flagship game.

That's right.

That's the key business angle here.

It's gaming's equivalent of a direct-to-DVD movie, right?

Yeah, Pokemon Pocopia didn't get red carpet treatment with all the fancy marketing dollars and the TV commercials.

And here's why that's important.

It's proof how valuable Nintendo's core IP, its intellectual property, really is.

Using the Pokemon IP, Nintendo can create sequels, prequels, spinoffs, and sell a bunch of units.

It can do it with Mario.

It can do it with Zelda.

It can do it with Star Fox.

Without even getting off the couch.

Now, outside of Nintendo, from Hollywood to video games, we're seeing franchise fatigue out there.