The "Pokemon" series, aka Pokemon, is very popular all over the world.
Pokemon Sword Shield", released on Nintendo Switch in November 2019, is also a huge hit, and the location-based game "Pokemon GO" for smartphones has long been loved by many fans.
In addition to games, "Pokemon Center Shibuya", which opened on the 6th floor of the newly renovated Shibuya PARCO, has been a big success every day.
I visited the Pokémon Center Shibuya the other day, and was impressed by the large number of people of all ages and genders, not only from Japan but also from other countries, who enjoyed shopping while talking about everything from the titles they have played in their respective generations to the latest titles.
New information about the latest title in the series, "Pokémon Sword Shield", was revealed during the " Pokemon Direct" broadcast on January 9, 2020, at 23:30.
Large-scale expansion DLC "Expansion Pass"
The announcement this time is the "Expansion Pass", a major expansion DLC that expands the world of "Pokémon Sword Shield"!
The "Expansion Pass" is a DLC that allows you to visit new locations in the Galar region in two stages.
The first part "Isle of Armor"
The first "Expansion Pass" is the "Isle of Armor" with the theme of "growth".
You will be able to visit the new "Isle of Armor" in the Galal region.
On Isle of Armor, there is a Pokémon Dojo, and you will be apprenticed to "Mustard", the master of the champion "Dande".
A student of the dojo appears as a rival.
In Sword, Clara, a German type user, appears as a sister apprentice, and in Shield, Savory, an Esper type user, appears as a sibling.
What kind of story will unfold between these rivals who are training to have their own gym?
A legendary Pokémon that holds the key to the story will also make a new appearance.
It is a "Dakuma", which is a Kakuto type Pokémon.
The main character is entrusted with Dakuma by Mustard during his various training sessions.
The "Dakuma" can evolve into an "Urshifu" by going through training together with the main character.
"Urshifu" is a Pokémon with two different types of "Kata".
One is the "Strike type", which strikes a blow with overwhelming speed and is a target or an evil-type Pokémon.
The other is the "Brick Break type", which is a nuclear or water-type Pokémon that delivers a series of attacks like a torrent of water.
Furthermore, "Urshifu" has been confirmed to have a Gigantamax form, and its appearance differs depending on its "form".
It seems that you can choose which form to evolve to in the story. Both look strong and cool, so it's hard to decide...
Not only new Pokémon, but also "Gorilander", "Aceburn" and "Inteleon", the first three partners evolved in the Garal region, can be Gigantamaxed!
We can't wait to see what kind of Gigantamax moves they will be able to use.
There will also be items that will make adventuring more convenient.
- A brand-new "Teachable Move" will be available!
- Bonguri, the material used to make balls
- The "Keiken Omamori", which gives you more Keikenchi (experience)
and new items to change your clothes and the look of your new bike.
new items to change your clothes, a new look for your bike, and much more!
"Isle of Armor" will be available by the end of June 2020!
The second "Crowned Snowfield"
The second expansion pass is the "Crowned Snowfield", which is based on the theme of " exploration".
The setting is the Kammuri snowfields, a world of snow and silver in the Galal region.
People live together in a small village in this extremely cold region, which is closed off by the snowy mountains.
There are mysterious ruins in "Kammuri Setsugen" and mysterious giant trees.
There are mysterious ruins and mysterious giant trees in "Kammuri Setsuen".
The theme of the game is "exploration" and there are many interesting things to explore.
The main character is appointed as the leader of an expedition team by a certain person in "Kammuri Setsugen".
Together with the expedition team, you will investigate various places!
Legendary Pokémon also appear in the "Crowned Snowfield".
It is an Esper and Wedge-type Pokémon called "Badorex", which is said to have once ruled over a part of the Garal region, including the Kammuri Setsuen.
In "Crowned Snowfield", the story of the mystery of Budrex will be spun.
A new cooperative game will also be introduced!
In this mode, you and your friends explore a Pokémon nest in the basement of the Kammuri Setsugen.
Legendary Pokémon from previous games in the series may appear in the depths of the nests as Dymaxes!
By advancing through the adventure in "Crowned Snowfield", you will be able to join all of the Legendary Pokémon!
And there are even some completely new Legendary Pokémon that are sure to make an appearance, so expectations are high!
The "Crowned Snowfield" is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2020!
A lot of additional elements have been added!
The "Expansion Pass" adds a lot of new elements to the game!
The "Expansion Pass" will add a large number of new items to the game, including "Isle of Armor" and "Crowned Snowfield", with a total of more than 100 items to change.
After clearing "The Isle of Armor" and "The Crowned Snowfield", you will be able to challenge new tournaments!
And "Isle of Armor" and "Kanmuri Setsugen" themselves are one huge map, like a wild area, where you can roam freely!
Pokémon nests are scattered throughout the area, and Pokémon that have never appeared in the Galal region before will appear!
In total, more than 200 familiar Pokémon will appear in the "Isle of Armor" and the "Crowned Snowfield", so you may be able to see your favorite Pokémon again someday!
The game is currently under development to rave reviews, so let's wait for more news!
Free update!
A free update for "Pokémon Sword Shield" will be available prior to the release of "Isle of Armor" and "Crowned Snowfield".
The update will allow those who do not have an Expansion Pass to obtain Pokémon appearing in "Yoroi Island" and "Kanmuri Setsuen" through exchange.
In addition, "Pokemon HOME", which is scheduled to be launched in February 2020, will be available.
service scheduled to launch in February 2020, you will also be able to bring Pokémon from past titles that appear in "Isle of Armor" and "Kammuri Setsuen" with you! You can travel again with the partner you raised so carefully!
After the update, when you go to "Brushy Town Station" in the main game of "Pokémon Sword Shield", you will see "Clara" in the Sword.
You can meet "savory" at the shield.
In addition, you can join the Galal form of "Yadon", which wandered in from the "Isle of Armor.
"Yadon" will evolve into "Yadoran", a Garal form of "Yadran" with an item found in "Isle of Armor", and into "Yadking", a Garal form of "Yad" with an item found in "Crowned Snowfield", so be sure to make him your friend! Be sure to make him a member of your group!
"Expansion Pass" is on sale today!
The "Pokémon Sword Shield Expansion Pass" will go on sale today after the Pokémon Direct ends, priced at 2,980 JPY (tax included).
It can be purchased from My Nintendo Store, and after the update, it will also be available from the "Pokémon Sword Shield" menu screen.
If you purchase the "Expansion Pass", you will be able to play "The Lost Island of Armor" and "The Crowned Snowfield" immediately after they are released.
As a purchase bonus, you will receive a set of "5 Pikachu uniforms" that you can use immediately.
The "5 Eevee Uniforms Set" will be given as a free gift.
You can explore the Garal region in your new outfit until the "Isle of Armor" is released in June!
Note: "Pokémon Sword" players must purchase an "Expansion Pass" for their Sword, and "Pokémon Shield" players must purchase an "Expansion Pass" for their Shield. If you are a "Pokémon Shield" user, you must purchase an "Expansion Pass" for the Shield.
If you buy the wrong "Expansion Pass", it will not work.
The "Pokémon Sword + Expansion Pass Set" and "Pokémon Shield + Expansion Pass Set" are also available, but they do not work if you already own the main game. If you already own the main game, be aware that you will get the same set as the original game.
Be sure to purchase the "Expansion Pass" for the one you are playing!
『ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド』の『エキスパンションパス』購入についてお問い合わせを頂いています。
「ソード」をお持ちの方は「ソードのエキスパンションパス」
「シールド」をお持ちの方は「シールドのエキスパンションパス」をご購入ください。逆の組み合わせではプレイできません。
— 任天堂サポート (@nintendo_cs) January 10, 2020
For more information, please visit the official "Pokémon Sword Shield Expansion Pass" website!