In Real Operation, the GBA acts as a PET, allowing the player to indirectly control various NetNavis from previous games in the series.

Players can set reminders on a calendar tracked by their Navi, and in-game tournaments are held on certain days of the week.

To build upon the concept and further immerse the player in the world of Battle Network, director Masahiro Yasuma decided to frame the entire game through the PET.

This led to the real-time clock, Navi conversations, and the removal of real-world gameplay seen in the rest of the Battle Network series.

[3] The soundtrack was composed by Toshihiko Horiyama and Akari Kaida, both of whom wrote music for prior Battle Network games.