Nintendo’s first direct of the year is, in fact, a Pokemon one. This came as a bit of a shock to most, with Pokemon Sword and Shield releasing fairly recently in November. Meanwhile, fans of Super Smash Brothers are dying for more information on the next DLC character. Despite that, Nintendo has huge announcements for how Sword and Shield will look in the coming year with some bonus announcements as well.
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Team DX
First up the announcement of a remake: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX. Based on the Gameboy Advance title Red Rescue team and the DS title Blue Rescue team. You’ll be turned into a Pikachu and going on adventures with other talking Pokemon! It releases March 6th, 2020, and today you’ll be able to download a demo version. In addition, the demo version save data will carry over to a purchased copy of the game. Happy rescuing everyone!
Sword & Shield Expansion Pass
https://youtu.be/o5afasEAiN0
The rest of the direct was all about the announcement of the Pokemon Sword and Shield expansion pass. On the horizon, we have two DLC’s. Described by Gamefreak Producer Junichi Masuda and director Shigeru Ohmori, in the past to update Pokemon titles, they’ve come out with a third title. Think Crystal, Emerald, Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon, etc. Now is the age of DLC for Pokemon, this way, there is no starting over, and you can jump into these with your current save data.
Part 1 The Isle of Armor
The first DLC will be Part 1: The Isle of Armor with a focus theme of Growth. In this DLC, you’ll have beautiful nature, beaches, forests, and dunes. New Pokemon aplenty (some familiar ones too) and a Dojo where you’ll have battles. You’ll also meet a new rival, unique to Pokemon Sword or Shield.
Part 2 The Crown Tundra
The second DLC Part 2: The Crown Tundra with a focus on exploration. A particular person appoints you as the leader of an exploration team. This map is filled with a snow-filled tundra, small towns that rely on each other, and a large temple to explore.
Both of these expanded regions of Galar will 200+ Pokemon well-known from past entries. You’ll also get new legendaries for both DLC’s and the potential for legendaries from every previous title. Even if you don’t purchase either DLC, you’ll still get the updates when they come. That means you can get those familiar Pokemon by trading, or with another feature set to release in February.
Pokemon Home February 2020
Pokemon Home will launch in February 2020. As long as the pocket monsters are in the new expansion, you’ll be able to transfer from Pokemon Let’s Go titles to Home and then to Sword or Shield. Keep in mind during the video, it did say Home will be a paid service similar to Pokemon Bank. No mention of exactly how much the service will cost.
The expansion pass will be available today for pre-purchase $29.99. For more detailed information on the new DLC’s and the updates that are happening today, check out our article specifically for that announcement. Happy training everyone!
