Unpacking Nintendo’s First Pokémon Direct Of 2020
Pokémon Sword and Shield released less than two months ago, but they’re already getting new content added, via both paid and free DLC. In case you missed the full Direct, it was a brisk 20 minutes, and you can watch it in full right here:
Right off the rip, there’s almost too much to digest here. Nintendo’s Directs are hit or miss for me, but every so often they jam an absolute fuckload of content into a single 20 minute window, and it reinstills my faith in them as the best damn company on the planet.
The big focal point here, obviously, is the new Expansion Pass for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra expansions both look huge, and will run $30 total for a DLC pack that covers two whole games. Not bad, Nintendo.
Now, as I type this blog, I’m sure there are Twitter bots going absolutely apeshit over this. Pushing petition links, boycotting Nintendo for having the audacity to introduce downloadable content, the whole nine. In reality, though, Nintendo’s adding over 200 more Pokémon to SwSh from previous generations via a FREE PATCH, that will be released in conjunction with the DLC. That’s right folks, you’re not paying for new Pokémon, you’re getting them for free. So lets put down the pitchforks and enjoy the greatness.
In addition to this free patch, the new Expansion Pass adds two new parts of the Galar region, both which play like a Wild Area. Every Legendary (!?!!?) will be randomly encountered in the area’s new raid dens, and Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres all look like they’re getting either new evolved forms or Galar forms.
*huge deep breath* — We all caught up yet? Nope.
Venusaur and Blastoise are getting new G-Max forms with their addition to the game, as are all Galar starters (finally). AND as if all of that wasn’t enough, starting today you can find a Galarian Slowpoke at the train station – which I’m sure is adorable.
The Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass is $30. Part 1 – The Isle of Armor drops in June of this year, and Part 2 – The Crown Tundra arrives this fall.
