Pokkén Tournament DX: Direct Fighting, Phases, and Pokémon Partners

You control the fighter directly

Pokkén Tournament DX arrived on Nintendo Switch in September 2017. It is a real-time fighting game in which the player directly controls a Pokémon, rather than selecting moves for a turn-based party. The Ferrum League provides a progression structure, while battles against other players test timing and decisions. DX includes the Wii U game’s Battle Pokémon and additions such as Decidueye, Darkrai, Scizor, Croagunk, and Empoleon.

Recognizable Pokémon do not make this a conventional type-chart contest. Our editorial view is that the most useful starting point is learning a fighter’s movement and the distance at which its actions work. A favorite species can provide motivation, but control of the space between opponents is a different skill from planning a team in a core adventure. That distinction helps set expectations before the first match.

Normal attacks, grabs, and counters form a triangle

Nintendo explains a three-way relationship: normal attacks beat grabs, counters beat normal attacks, and grabs overcome counters. This creates a decision about what an opponent is likely to attempt. The same broad idea was central to the original Wii U game. It is not a replacement name for Fire, Water, and Grass weaknesses; it concerns categories of fighting actions within a real-time encounter.

When practicing, try noticing one recurring opponent choice rather than memorizing a long sequence immediately. If an opponent repeatedly approaches in the same way, identify which response could challenge it. Then watch how the opponent adjusts. This makes the match a conversation of decisions instead of a contest to press buttons faster. A simple action used for a clear reason is easier to learn from than an accidental flourish.

Field Phase and Duel Phase change the space

Battles begin in Field Phase, where movement takes place across a three-dimensional area. Certain exchanges shift the fight into Duel Phase, using a two-dimensional plane. Support Pokémon can assist during combat, and other systems include Burst attacks and a three-member Team Battle mode. The phases make position matter differently across a single match, rather than keeping every encounter in one unchanging layout.

Use the change of phase as a prompt to reassess the situation. The distance that felt comfortable moments ago may now call for another approach. Ask where you can move, what the opponent is threatening, and whether assistance has a clear purpose. These questions are more transferable than relying on one impressive-looking move. They also explain why a match can stay interesting even when the same two fighters meet again.

Local sessions and optional additions

Nintendo describes shared-system battles, local wireless play, and online competition for DX. Relevant online play requires Nintendo Switch Online. The optional Battle Pack adds content beyond the base roster; its second wave includes Blastoise and Support Pokémon Mew and Celebi. Battle Pokémon and Support Pokémon serve different roles, so a support character should not be advertised as a separately controllable fighter.

For a local session, agree on the control setup and format before comparing results. Try several fighters, then return to one long enough to recognize its basic options. Paid additions are not required to learn the attack triangle or phase changes. Our other battle-game articles offer a useful contrast: Stadium and Champions ask for turn-based team decisions, while Pokkén makes the Pokémon’s actions directly responsive to the player’s hands.

Sources & further reading

• Nintendo Pokkén Tournament DX profile · Checked 2026-10-04
• Nintendo original Pokkén Tournament mechanics · Checked 2026-10-04
• Nintendo Pokkén Battle Pack Wave 2 · Checked 2026-10-04