Digimon was a hallmark of my childhood. The anime, the toys, and of course, the games were staples of early 2000s pop culture. Yet, despite its cultural significance and devoted fan base, The games have largely failed to maintain the momentum they once had. While franchises like Pokémon have continued to evolve and thrive, Digimon's gaming entries have been inconsistent, often leaving fans disappointed. Let’s dive into the rise, fall, and puzzling stagnation of Digimon games, and why Bandai Namco's handling of the franchise—particularly its Digivice merchandise—has left many feeling frustrated and much to be desired.
Fans remember these games fondly, not just for their mechanics, but for the sense of discovery they offered. Unlike the more linear structure of Pokémon, Digimon games often had a more open-ended, experimental approach. You didn’t just "catch 'em all"—you nurtured, trained, and digivolved your partners, and every digivole feel unique for every companion rather than just collectibles.
But after this golden era, things began to change. Instead of building on the strong foundation they had created, Bandai Namco started releasing games that felt rushed, repetitive, or simply uninspired. And while there have been exceptions like Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, the overall trajectory has been one of decline.
And I'm not sure what demographic they are targeting, Bandai Namco has dabbled in all of these genres, but rarely with the polish or vision needed to create something truly memorable. Many modern entries feel like they’re chasing trends rather than setting them.
Take Digimon Survive, for instance. Announced with much fanfare as a hybrid visual novel and tactical RPG, it promised to offer something different. But delays, lack of communication, and underwhelming execution left many fans cold. The game felt like a missed opportunity, especially when you consider how well similar titles like Fire Emblem have performed.
Meanwhile, Pokémon has steadily grown into a global phenomenon, with games like Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet pushing boundaries (despite their own controversies that I can mention all day long of course). Even side projects like Pokémon Legends: Arceus have been celebrated for their innovation, proving that the franchise is willing to experiment. Put in mind that Pokémon doesn't have to do that much of change either, fans will stuck by the basic game anytime, This willingness to evolve is something Digimon games have sorely lacked, it just boggled my mind how Bandai can't do one decent release
What’s worse is how the Digivice concept feels like a missed opportunity. With the rise of mobile gaming and augmented reality, a modern Digivice could have been the perfect platform for a game akin to Pokémon GO. Imagine exploring your neighborhood with a Digivice in hand, scanning for wild Digimon to battle or train. Instead, Pokémon GO delivered that experience first, capturing the world’s attention and feeling more like what a Digimon game should have been.
Similarly, the idea of raising creatures through a portable device could have been expanded into a modern-day Monster Rancher-style experience. Instead of innovating, Bandai Namco seems content to rehash old ideas without adapting them to current trends. The company’s website has been a particular point of contention. Fans on Reddit and YouTube have shared horror stories of clunky interfaces, payment errors, and lackluster customer support. Limited-edition items sell out within minutes, only to reappear on resale sites at inflated prices. It feels less like Bandai Namco is celebrating Digimon's legacy and more like they’re exploiting nostalgia for profit.
One Reddit user lamented, “It’s like they don’t care about the fans who kept this franchise alive. They just want to milk us for everything we’re worth.” Another commented, “Every time I try to order from their site, it’s a nightmare. How can they still be this bad in 2024?”
Games like Okami, Virtua Fighter, and Onimusha also demonstrate what’s possible when franchises embrace their legacy with confidence. These series made triumphant returns, recapturing the joy they brought decades ago while modernizing their gameplay for a new audience. Digimon, with its rich lore and devoted fanbase, could follow a similar path if Bandai Namco were willing to invest the effort.
Pokémon succeeds not just because of its gameplay but because of its ecosystem. From anime to merchandise to spin-off games, everything feels connected and intentional. Digimon, on the other hand, feels fragmented. The anime, games, and merchandise don’t always align in tone or quality, leaving fans unsure of what to expect.
But for that to happen, Bandai Namco needs to change its approach. They need to listen to the fans, invest in quality over quantity, and stop treating the Digivice and other merchandise as mere cash cows. Only then can Digimon reclaim its place as a gaming powerhouse rather than a nostalgic footnote, and surprisingly, we might hear about this really soon! Digimon Con 2025
Scheduled for late March 2025, Digimon Con 2025 will be streamed online, offering fans worldwide insights into upcoming projects, exclusive content, they didn't share much on the teaser but I'm hoping for a new game new story and hopefully a remake to the world trilogy
The Golden Era: 2000s Nostalgia
Back in the early 2000s, Digimon games felt different. Titles like Digimon World for the PlayStation, Digimon Rumble Arena, and even niche handheld games captured the imaginations of players. These games stood out because they brought the essence of the franchise to life: raising Digimon, exploring digital worlds, and battling other creatures. Digimon World 3 and Digimon World DS were particularly beloved for their depth, charm, and replayability.Fans remember these games fondly, not just for their mechanics, but for the sense of discovery they offered. Unlike the more linear structure of Pokémon, Digimon games often had a more open-ended, experimental approach. You didn’t just "catch 'em all"—you nurtured, trained, and digivolved your partners, and every digivole feel unique for every companion rather than just collectibles.
But after this golden era, things began to change. Instead of building on the strong foundation they had created, Bandai Namco started releasing games that felt rushed, repetitive, or simply uninspired. And while there have been exceptions like Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, the overall trajectory has been one of decline.
Is Digimon a dead franchise ?
We still have content made for the franchise such as Liberator, the new v-pets and the TCG is doing well. The problem comes down to Bandai isn't doing more to both promote what we have amd make more of their merch more available and easier to find. Since a lot of it is through online Premium Bandai these days, but since my trip to Japan in 2018 I noticed Digimon weren't “everywhere” and couldn't find the simplest merch, you'd think Digimon is still popping there still but maybe not the extent we thought ofThe beginning of the end
One of the primary complaints that formed quickly is that Digimon games have struggled with its identity. Are they RPGs? Monster-raising sims? Arena fighters? While I really don't mind their experimental approach, this time it feels like they have no basis to experiment as it's a reboot of a rebootAnd I'm not sure what demographic they are targeting, Bandai Namco has dabbled in all of these genres, but rarely with the polish or vision needed to create something truly memorable. Many modern entries feel like they’re chasing trends rather than setting them.
Take Digimon Survive, for instance. Announced with much fanfare as a hybrid visual novel and tactical RPG, it promised to offer something different. But delays, lack of communication, and underwhelming execution left many fans cold. The game felt like a missed opportunity, especially when you consider how well similar titles like Fire Emblem have performed.
Meanwhile, Pokémon has steadily grown into a global phenomenon, with games like Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet pushing boundaries (despite their own controversies that I can mention all day long of course). Even side projects like Pokémon Legends: Arceus have been celebrated for their innovation, proving that the franchise is willing to experiment. Put in mind that Pokémon doesn't have to do that much of change either, fans will stuck by the basic game anytime, This willingness to evolve is something Digimon games have sorely lacked, it just boggled my mind how Bandai can't do one decent release
The Digivice apocalypse
Beyond the games themselves, Bandai Namco’s treatment of the franchise’s merchandise has also drawn ire. The Digivice, a symbol of childhood joy, has been reduced to a cash grab in the eyes of many fans. Modern Digivice replicas and toys are often sold at exorbitant prices, with limited stock and frustrating pre-order systems.What’s worse is how the Digivice concept feels like a missed opportunity. With the rise of mobile gaming and augmented reality, a modern Digivice could have been the perfect platform for a game akin to Pokémon GO. Imagine exploring your neighborhood with a Digivice in hand, scanning for wild Digimon to battle or train. Instead, Pokémon GO delivered that experience first, capturing the world’s attention and feeling more like what a Digimon game should have been.
Similarly, the idea of raising creatures through a portable device could have been expanded into a modern-day Monster Rancher-style experience. Instead of innovating, Bandai Namco seems content to rehash old ideas without adapting them to current trends. The company’s website has been a particular point of contention. Fans on Reddit and YouTube have shared horror stories of clunky interfaces, payment errors, and lackluster customer support. Limited-edition items sell out within minutes, only to reappear on resale sites at inflated prices. It feels less like Bandai Namco is celebrating Digimon's legacy and more like they’re exploiting nostalgia for profit.
One Reddit user lamented, “It’s like they don’t care about the fans who kept this franchise alive. They just want to milk us for everything we’re worth.” Another commented, “Every time I try to order from their site, it’s a nightmare. How can they still be this bad in 2024?”
Inspiration from the Competition
When you compare Digimon’s trajectory to that of Pokémon, the difference is stark. While Pokémon continues to innovate (albeit with its own share of criticisms), Digimon games often feel like relics of a bygone era. Even smaller franchises like Monster Hunter Stories or Ni no Kuni have managed to carve out unique identities, offering polished, engaging experiences.Games like Okami, Virtua Fighter, and Onimusha also demonstrate what’s possible when franchises embrace their legacy with confidence. These series made triumphant returns, recapturing the joy they brought decades ago while modernizing their gameplay for a new audience. Digimon, with its rich lore and devoted fanbase, could follow a similar path if Bandai Namco were willing to invest the effort.
Pokémon succeeds not just because of its gameplay but because of its ecosystem. From anime to merchandise to spin-off games, everything feels connected and intentional. Digimon, on the other hand, feels fragmented. The anime, games, and merchandise don’t always align in tone or quality, leaving fans unsure of what to expect.
A Glimmer of Hope?
Despite these frustrations, there’s still hope for Digimon fans. The franchise has a rich world, compelling characters, and a loyal fanbase that desperately wants to see it succeed. Games like Cyber Sleuth prove that there’s a market for well-crafted Digimon RPGs. And with the rise of indie developers and crowdfunding, it’s possible we could see more innovative takes on the franchise in the future.But for that to happen, Bandai Namco needs to change its approach. They need to listen to the fans, invest in quality over quantity, and stop treating the Digivice and other merchandise as mere cash cows. Only then can Digimon reclaim its place as a gaming powerhouse rather than a nostalgic footnote, and surprisingly, we might hear about this really soon! Digimon Con 2025
Scheduled for late March 2025, Digimon Con 2025 will be streamed online, offering fans worldwide insights into upcoming projects, exclusive content, they didn't share much on the teaser but I'm hoping for a new game new story and hopefully a remake to the world trilogy
Final Thoughts
The Digimon franchise has so much potential, but it’s being squandered by mismanagement and short-sighted business practices. Fans deserve better—better games, better merchandise, and better treatment. Until Bandai Namco steps up, it seems Digimon will remain stuck in the shadow of Pokémon and other competitors, a reminder of what could have been.
Last edited:
