Pokémon X/Y on 3DS inaugurates the franchise's 3D polygon visuals and France-inspired Kalos. Mega-Evolutions, trainer customisation and Wonder Trade. A major visual turning point for the franchise.
Your verdict
Category
RPG4 players7+
Description
A trainer explores the Kalos region, inspired by France, in this sixth entry introducing Mega Evolutions and full 3D combat. Published by The Pokémon Company, released in Europe in October 2013. 72 new Kalos Pokémon, spectacular Mega Evolutions, fully 3D combat, Xerneas legendary. Translated version including Korean.
Pokemon X review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
With the scent of the France-inspired Kalos region, the music turns elegant and refined, blending orchestra, jazz and electronic touches. The themes, lively and chic, embrace the modernity of this sixth generation. This melodic freshness, more ambitious than ever, accompanies the adventure magnificently.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Catching, raising and evolving a team across a journey where every route promises a new species sets up gaming's most famous collection loop. Completing the Pokédex, fine-tuning stats and facing other trainers extend things indefinitely. The scenario stays light, but this “gotta catch 'em all” quest keeps a formidable hook.
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Massive"
Roaming the Kalos region, inspired by France, unfurls the first fully 3D Pokémon, rich in Mega Evolutions. The generous main quest, methodical catching and a social endgame hold you for long hours. That refresh of the formula, paired with endless collecting, founds a lifespan dear to trainers.
The NTSC release of Pokemon X is one of the most widely distributed Pokemon cartridges on 3DS, but collector focus concentrates on first pressings with the Mythical Pokemon pre-order sticker, GameStop golden pre-order band, or copies bundled with the XL Pokemon Edition console. The standard release remains very accessible.
Better with friends
The series' first great leap into three dimensions, smoothing battles and remote trades to bring trainers closer than ever. The competition flourishes in strategic duels where each team voices a personal vision, the mutual aid in trades that seal friendships. Completing the Pokédex often runs through a partner, and every shared battle strengthens rivalries as stubborn as they are joyful.
A questionable morality
The whole universe rests on a routine you never question while playing: you catch wild creatures, lock them inside little balls, then send them to fight in your place so you can become the best. Sold as a grand tale of friendship, the adventure mostly comes down to collecting living beings and making them brawl, which raises a smile in hindsight.
Is Pokemon X still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 2013 on 3DS, Game Freak's project brings the series into three dimensions, trading sprites for animated models and battles with a modernised staging. The Kalos region, inspired by France, the addition of the Fairy type and above all Mega Evolution, which transforms certain Pokemon mid battle, renew a classic formula of capture and turn based strategy. The trainer customisation and the online functions enrich the experience. The overall easiness divides veterans. A striking turning point of the series, recommended for fans of capture RPGs and for newcomers.
