Pokémon-Amie

Pokémon-Amie artwork

Pokémon-Amie (Japanese: ポケパルレ Poké Parley) is a feature in Pokémon X and Y that allows the player to develop stronger bonds with their Pokémon. It uses the touch screen to allow players to pet, feed, and play with Pokémon currently on their team. Players may interact with their Pokémon by petting or feeding them via the touchscreen or mimicking their movements using the camera. There are three new options to choose from for the player: play, hunger and friendliness, and there is a display screen showing the options. Large Pokémon, like Tyranitar and Snorlax, take up both screens of the 3DS.

Playing with a Pokémon increases its friendship with the player, and allows it to avoid attacks and land critical hits more often.

Interaction

Interacting with Pokémon in Pokémon-Amie is performed in many different ways. You can use your stylus or other similar item, if you don't have one, to rub on the Pokémon. There will be certain areas which Pokémon will like being rubbed on, and other areas that will anger them. You can also feed them Poké Puffs, which often make them happy, and raise the fullness meter. You get more Poké Puffs by playing three games entitled Berry Picker, Heat It, and Picture Puzzle. You may also use facial expressions to make them happy, which is triggered by holding your device a foot from your face, and smiling. The Pokémon then will request you to match their facial expressions, and when fulfilled, will give them enjoyment.

Some Pokémon cause effects, both negative and positive, usually reflecting the Pokémon itself. Negative ones usually freeze the cursor and make Pokémon less happy, others are only aesthetic, and are treated like normal rubbing.

Freezing - The cursor becomes blue with a freezing sound, and stays still for a moment. (Example: Touching the spike of a Bergmite.)
Burning - The cursor becomes red, with a sizzling sound effect, and stays still. (Example: Touching anywhere but the eyes on a Slugma.)
Paralyzing - The cursor turns yellow with an electric sound, and stays still. (Example: Touching the cheeks of a Pikachu.)
Gooey - One which is positive, only aesthetic, it turns the cursor slightly blue and has a higher pitch than normal rubbing. (Example: Rubbing a Ditto.)
Haunted - Another aesthetic positive one, which simply turns your cursor more transparent. (Example: Touching the hair of a Gourgeist.)

Bennefits

Playing with your Pokémon in Pokémon-Amie raises its Affection towards you. The chosen Pokémon's level of Affection is displayed onscreen by the number of hearts present. This level can range from no hearts at all to a full five hearts. The benefits gained are based on the level of affection, where few hearts grant no real bonus, but a full heart meter grants a wide range of benefits. Of these benefits are: