Ready, aim, fire!
The Pokémon Company is expanding its growing range of tabletop games with Pokémon Whoosh!, a brand-new board game launching in Japan on 30th July 2026!
Some games revolve around luck, but this one is all about skill. Players flick Poké Ball cards across the table in an attempt to catch Pokémon. It's quick to learn, easy to play, and looks like the kind of game that could get surprisingly competitive!
For now, Pokémon Whoosh! is a Japan-exclusive release, so fans outside the country will need to import a copy if they want to give it a go.
The fourth game in the series!
Pokémon Whoosh! is the latest entry in Pokémon's newer line of tabletop games. It follows on from:
- Pokémon Babanuki
- Pokémon Babanuki Super High Tension
- Pokémon Taruka
Each game offers a different way to play using Pokémon-themed cards, and Pokémon Whoosh! keeps that trend going with another fresh idea.
Rather than focusing on strategy or collecting sets, this one puts your flicking skills to the test!
How does it work?
The rules are simple, which makes Pokémon Whoosh! easy to pick up for players of almost any age. Each Pokémon card displays a set of numbers. Your goal is to flick a Poké Ball card so that it lands on top of the Pokémon card.
If the Poké Ball completely covers every number shown on the card, you've successfully caught that Pokémon. Nice shot!
Every Pokémon you catch earns you points based on the numbers printed on its card. Once all the rounds are complete, players total their scores, and the player with the highest score wins. It sounds straightforward, but lining up the perfect flick could be trickier than it looks!
Special Poké Balls change the game!
Not every Poké Ball works in the same way. Pokémon Whoosh! includes several special Ball cards that each come with their own unique effect. These special cards can make catching certain Pokémon much easier and can completely change your strategy during a game.
Here are the different Ball cards you'll find:
- Ultra Ball catches any Pokémon featuring the number 2, even if the card only overlaps slightly.
- Net Ball instantly catches Pokémon marked with Bug or Water symbols with only a small overlap.
- Dream Ball catches Pokémon showing the Sleep status, even with minimal contact.
Knowing when to use these special Balls could be the difference between winning and losing. Save them for the right moment, and you might pull off an impressive comeback!
Cute Pokémon artwork!
As you would expect, Pokémon Whoosh! also comes packed with colourful Pokémon artwork.
The cards feature plenty of charming illustrations that lend the game a lot of personality without making the rules any more complicated. Whether you're playing with family or adding it to your Pokémon collection, the presentation looks every bit as fun as the gameplay.
Japan exclusive... For now!
Pokémon Whoosh! releases on 30th July 2026 and will be available through Pokémon Centers across Japan, as well as the official Pokémon Center Online store.
Considering how accessible the gameplay looks, it would not be surprising to see plenty of Pokémon fans hoping this one eventually makes its way overseas. Until then, importing a copy might be the only way to join in the flicking fun!
