Ever since Pikachu took over Pokémon Yellow, the expectation is that Pokémon The duology will be followed by a third, less modified version. This strategy has actually changed somewhat over the last 10 years, via Black and white each receiving a specifically, as did the original RPG effect Ultra Sun and Moon. (In fact, it's just 3DS titles X and Y direct follow-up).
But Nintendo and Game Freak mixed the formula again Sword and shield yesterday's announcement of Expension Pass. While this is not the first time the platform manager has been stuck in multiple DLC packages, it is a significant step change for the Pokémon series as the following content is about to add a new base, let alone the same region.
Both the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra add new areas to explore, with a new story line to take players on, as well as a ton of new monsters and additional features to extend their Sword and Shield adventure. They will release in June and Autumn 2020 respectively, surprising for expansion during the year, but collectively represent a new Pokémon game – something rarely seen this shortly after launch.
The prices are particularly interesting. As happened with the previous Nintendo DLC, you can buy packs separately or buy an extension Pass at a reduced price for both. You are one of the most expensive passes the platform owner has released to date for $ 29.99, only worth Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
By comparison, Smash Bros Ultimate & # 39; s Elastic Pass was $ 24.99, Fire Emblem Warriors it was $ 19.99, ways to get past both Wild Breathing and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 they were $ 17.99, too Mario Kart 8 (Wii U, not Switch DX version) charged $ 11.99.
So it makes sense if the price spike during Pokémon Direct yesterday caused a brief respite for some fans, but it's worth a direct comparison. Both Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon launched at $ 39.99 each, meaning that fans had to build around $ 80 to capture & # 39; m all. The third / alternative edits were also total values, or most of the content (i.e. the region you are researching) indeed the same.
Whether the Sword and Shield Expension Pass really represents the right amount of money depending on how large these new areas are and how to complete the newsletter. But personally, we get the prospect of a new $ 30 content far more attractive than spending $ 40- $ 50 on some upgrades (sorry, & # 39; Ultra & # 39;) for a game already played.
And we're pretty sure we're not alone in that – when Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon launched in the UK back in 2017, their week single sales were 74% higher than their forebears. (That said, they were 32% higher than that Black 2 and White 2, previous sequences, showing that the desire for Pokémon promotion has been growing over the years.)
There is something more exciting, here. According to Nintendo, Sword and Shield players will be able to "experience the beginning of the Expension Pass & # 39; story even if they didn't buy the DLC. This shows a lot of focus on existing players & # 39; promotion & # 39; in the following releases; and hope they buy a Passport to continue the story.
This could be an attempt to find out the potential shortage of Pokémon's biggest launch in 2020. Thanks to a used or Ultra version, plus a few spin-offs, Pokémon has been an annual franchise for the last four years: Sun and Moon
While this is happening we will see a Diamond / Pearl remake or maybe Let's call Johto come October, it can be very beneficial that the series can release a year (at least in terms of full release – we still have Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: DX Rescue Team looking forward to this year). It would be only the third of 13 years that you haven't seen the new Pokémon RPG lineup.
And before the #Dexit brigade begins their battle cry of "A year is out? Awesome designers!", The fact that previous Pokémon have been included in the descriptions shows that this has always been part of the plan – and that it is entirely possible to lose a lot & # 39; I've been added to a future expansion (although this doesn't happen, since Game Freak will focus on next gen). Maybe they'll be imported, like free enemies added to Smash Bros. or new tools introduced Manufacturer of Super 2.
Sword and Shield may not have been the moment to redefine some of the characters they could hope for, but the introduction of adjectives suggests that Nintendo and Game Freak will be taking a different approach to the series going forward. Depending on how well these packets work, they can tell how Pokémon sequels and other programs are made in future generations. The Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra could be the first steps in the larger world of Pokémon.
