Pokémon Playhouse - THE POKEMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

image for Pokémon Playhouse

Short takes

Pokémon Playhouse is an interactive and educational game, based on the popular TV show Pokémon. Basic motor skills are required and as all instructions are verbal, no reading skills are required. There is some in-app purchasing but this is behind a parental lock.

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No gambling content found in the levels played

This review of Pokémon Playhouse was completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 6 June 2019.

About the app

This section contains details about the app provided by an ACCM Reviewer.

Name of app: Pokémon Playhouse
Developed by: THE POKEMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Platform reviewed: Apple App Store
Cost: Free
Developer's suggested age: 4+
ACCM suggested age: 4+
Gambling content advice: No gambling content found in the levels played

ACCM review

This review of Pokémon Playhouse contains the following information:

The level to which the game was reviewed

All available features were considered for this review.

App description

Pokémon Playhouse provides players with the opportunity to interact and play with animated cartoon Pokémon characters, from the popular Pokémon TV show. The child is presented with multiple animated Pokémon characters to play with from the outset and can also gain new characters. Players receive and ‘egg’ which cracks open with every additional game played, and eventually cracks to reveal a new Pokémon character that can be played with. Once one egg hatches, the player gets another egg. Players can explore the Pokémon Playhouse including the playroom, kitchen and playground. Throughout these areas, there are additional games including puzzles, reading a book, identifying Pokémon characters in the dark with a flash light, and grooming the Pokémon. There are no stages or levels to progress (besides gaining more players with the egg progression) and players can continually play the game. A human narrates the whole game, and no written instructions are provided so most children can enjoy this game. There is background music and the Pokémon characters make fun sounds.

Reviewers comments

Pokémon Playhouse is a fun, interactive game with multiple learning opportunities. For example, identifying characters and matching to a puzzle, and reading a book (words are presented on the screen with verbal accompaniment, so children who cannot read can still follow along). Also, continual playing of activities gradually cracks the egg open to reveal a new Pokémon character. 

Although the game is quite basic (as there are multiple elements and games available), this game is likely to provide entertainment for quite young children, but also children slightly older. There is no concerning content such as advertising or gambling. However, although there is some in-app purchasing - it is behind a parental lock and only opens to similar Pokémon apps.

 

In App purchasing

There is In-App purchasing in this game, examples include:

  • Access to more similar apps by entering a code written on the screen which would be easily completed for players with basic reading ability. The in-app purchases available are similar Pokémon games.

Online information

Once downloaded, there is no internet connectivity required to play the game.

Gambling

At the time of review, the reviewer found no simulated gambling content. If you discover simulated gambling content in this app, please contact us with the details so we can update our review.

Advertising and product placement

There is no advertising or product placement in this game.

Gender stereotypes and sexual references

None noted. 

Coarse language

None noted. 

Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents

None noted. 

Other

N/A.

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About our colour guide

Content is age appropriate for children this age

Some content may not be appropriate for children this age. Parental guidance recommended

Content is not age appropriate for children this age

Privacy advice

These icons signal the use and/or transmission of your personal data. (Please note, not all apps on our website have been checked)

Transmits Sensitive Data
Uses Dangerous Permissions
No Privacy Policy
No tracking found in current check

Gambling content advice

Most games contain elements of risk, chance and knowledge, that is why they are fun to play. There is growing concern about the impacts of simulated gambling games on the health and wellbeing of children. That's why we are identifying games that contain gambling elements on our site. These icons signal simulated gambling activity and where none was noted.

Simulated casino style gambling. Not suitable for minors

Contains some elements of gambling. Some content is not recommended for minors. Parental guidance recommended

No gambling content found in the levels played