Some big news came out of thePokemon SwordandShieldExpansion Pass presentationthis morning as The Pokemon Company revealed a re-release of both games coming to the Nintendo Switch on November 6.
The presentation, which was announced earlier in the week, revealed that special versions of bothPokemon SwordandPokemon Shieldwill include the base game and both expansions released this year in an all-in-one collection, though no price has been revealed.
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The re-releases are a first for the series, where typically a third version of the game would be revealed with slight alterations to the base story and featuring new Pokemon. A third version of the game would typically release a year following the base game releases, butPokemon SwordandShieldhave expansionsinstead.
The news followed the announcement of the release date for the second DLC for bothPokemon Sword and Pokemon Shieldtitled The Crown Tundra. The DLC takes trainers to a new winter setting featuring a fresh story and more Pokemon to catch along with some addition content. The Crown Tundra will include the ability to catch everyLegendary Pokemon in the franchiseas well as a new co-op adventure featuring Dynamax Pokemon and more Gigantamax battles.
Meanwhile, Nintendo has recently reclaimed thetrademark forPokemon HearthGold and Pokemon SoulSilver, leading some to believe that ports of both games may be heading to the Nintendo Switch. While retaining a trademark is nothing new, especially in the game industry, it’s worth noting that 2021 will mark the 25th anniversary of the franchise. Game Freak has already released new versions ofPokemon Red and BluewithPokemon Let’s Go PikachuandPokemon Let’s Go Eeveein 2018, so a re-release of the original games seems unlikely.
The25th anniversaryPokemonrumorsdon’t stop there. A third expansion forPokemon Sword and Shieldhas been heavily rumored, featuring a whole new area to explore as well as new game mechanics. Other rumors suggestPokemon Diamond and Pearlremakes may be on the way following suit from thePokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphireremakes on the 3DS. Quite possibly the biggest rumor suggest a collection of the prior generations of games to mark the anniversary, although similar rumors are suggested for theLegend of Zeldawhich will celebrate its 35 anniversary in 2021.
