Credit: Nintendo/The Pokemon Company
Two big additions in lieu of a third version.
PokeDex and graphical controversies aside, Pokémon Sword and Shield has done pretty well for itself (and for Nintendo), selling well over six million copies worldwide. In what has become a tradition for the series, Pokémon Sword and Shield will be receiving some additional content to hopefully keep the gravy train rolling. However, unlike previous iterations that received a third version or a direct sequel, Pokémon Sword and Shield will be receiving two DLC expansion packs, titled “The Isle of Armor” and “The Crown Tundra,” respectively.
These packs will take trainers to previously unexplored parts of the Galar region, including a lush tropical island that’s home to a martial arts dojo and a massive, snowy mountain. You’ll be able to enroll in the dojo and join the mountain expedition to uncover new story highlights, as well as new Pokémon like the martial artist Kubfu and the large-headed Calyrex. There will also be a new regional variant for Slowpoke, which can actually be caught in-game right now. Additionally, Gigantamax forms will be added for the final evolutions of the three starters, Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon. Multiple Pokémon from previous generations will also be returning in a free update, including Garchomp, Magnezone, Crowbat, and more. Finally, over 100 new pieces of clothing will be available for trainer customization.
“The Isle of Armor” will be releasing some time in June of 2020, and “The Crown Tundra” will release some time the following Fall. The packs can be purchased separately for a currently unknown price, but Nintendo would prefer you purchase the Expansion Pass for $29.99, which contains both. Just a heads up, there are separate passes for both versions of the game, so you’ll need to buy the one that corresponds to your version. Pre-orders are already open for the pass, and if you do pre-order, you’ll receive Pikachu and Eevee-themed uniforms for your trainer.
