Play Pokémon Picross Online

Summary

Pokémon Picross has a quirky backstory: it was originally slated for the Game Boy Color and even promised Super Game Boy compatibility, but the cartridge never saw the light of day. Years later the concept resurfaced on the Nintendo 3DS as a downloadable title, keeping the same name but shifting to a modern freemium model.

On the 3DS, the game follows the classic nonogram (Picross) formula, where numbered clues guide you to fill or leave blank squares. Completing a grid rewards you with a Pokémon that can be placed on the next puzzle, each creature offering a type‑based ability that works within a cooldown and sometimes only on certain grid sizes, ranging from tiny 10×10 boards to sprawling 20×15 challenges.

The freemium side revolves around Picrites, a consumable used to unlock new zones, increase the roster of usable Pokémon, open Mega Evolution and Alt World stages, or instantly refill the slowly regenerating Energy gauge. You can buy Picrites, earn them by meeting stage objectives, tackling the Daily Challenge, or hitting achievement milestones, and the game even caps spending to grant extra Picrites for free. Collecting Mural Tiles adds larger picture puzzles that piece together as you progress.

The title was announced during a Nintendo Direct on November 12, 2015 and launched worldwide the following month. Critics responded positively, with Metacritic aggregating generally favorable scores. Destructoid praised its fresh mission system and mural unlocks, while Kotaku highlighted the seamless blend of Pokémon charm and Picross logic.