Pokémon Smile

Pok%C3%A9mon Smile cover

Pokémon Smile is a mobile game developed and published by The Pokémon Company for iOS and Android platforms. Released in June 2020, the game is designed to encourage children to brush their teeth by using the concept of catching Pokémon as a reward for proper dental hygiene practices. Pokémon Smile utilizes the front-facing camera of the mobile device to track the player's tooth brushing activity and provides feedback and guidance to ensure a thorough cleaning process.

Gameplay

In Pokémon Smile, players are tasked with rescuing Pokémon that have been captured by cavity-causing bacteria. By brushing their teeth, players can defeat the bacteria and save the Pokémon. The game uses the device's camera to monitor the player's brushing technique and duration, encouraging them to cover all areas of their mouth and brush for the recommended two minutes.

As players progress, they can catch over 100 different Pokémon, including popular characters like Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur. Each successful brushing session increases the player's chances of catching rarer Pokémon. The game also features a collection aspect, where players can gather Pokémon Caps, which are hats that Pokémon can wear.

Development and Reception

Pokémon Smile was developed with the aim of making tooth brushing a fun and engaging activity for children, thereby promoting dental hygiene. The game was announced and released without prior notice on June 17, 2020, as part of a Pokémon Presents video presentation.

The reception to Pokémon Smile has been generally positive, with praise directed at its innovative approach to encouraging good tooth brushing habits among young children. However, some critics have noted that the game's camera tracking can sometimes be inaccurate, leading to frustration. Despite this, Pokémon Smile is seen as a valuable tool for parents to motivate their children to brush their teeth regularly and effectively.

Features

• Augmented Reality (AR): Pokémon Smile uses AR technology to superimpose Pokémon and bacteria over the player's real-world environment, making the tooth brushing experience interactive and entertaining.
• Pokémon Collection: Players can catch and collect over 100 different Pokémon by brushing their teeth regularly and effectively.
• Customization: The game offers various customization options, including different toothbrush colors and Pokémon Caps for the caught Pokémon.
• Parental Features: Pokémon Smile includes features for parents to track their children's brushing progress and set reminders for tooth brushing times.

Conclusion

Pokémon Smile represents an innovative use of mobile gaming technology to address a common challenge faced by parents worldwide: encouraging children to adopt and maintain good dental hygiene habits. By combining the universal appeal of Pokémon with the daily routine of tooth brushing, The Pokémon Company has created a game that is not only fun but also contributes to the health and well-being of its young players.