Pokémon X and Y were released for the Nintendo 3DS, making them the first main-series Pokémon games presented with fully 3D polygonal graphics.
The Nintendo 3DS provided a substantial visual upgrade over the sprite-based presentation used by earlier handheld Pokémon games. X and Y used 3D models for Trainers, Pokémon, environments, and battles, allowing more dynamic camera movement and animation. The system’s stereoscopic 3D effect was available only in selected portions rather than throughout the entire adventure.
The games launched worldwide on October 12, 2013, and began Pokémon’s sixth generation. Their Kalos region was inspired by France, with Lumiose City drawing heavily on Paris. The titles also introduced the Fairy type, Mega Evolution, trainer appearance customization, Sky Battles, and Horde Encounters.
The Nintendo 3DS should not be confused with the Nintendo DS, which hosted the fourth- and fifth-generation main games. While both systems belong to Nintendo’s DS family of handhelds, X and Y were designed specifically for the newer 3DS hardware.