Nintendo announced some major new Pokémon games today during the Pokémon Direct livestream.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX brings new life to the Gameboy and DS red-and-blue rescue games that were released nearly 15 years ago. A free demo will be released later today, and you can carry over the saved data when the game drops on March 6.
The biggest announcement came from Game Freak: It has found a way to create longer Pokémon adventures. Two new expansion passes for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will lead the way to further releases enabling fans to explore new areas of the Galar region and collect brand-new Pokémon.
After purchasing one of the expansion passes, you can enjoy The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra as they are released.
The Wild Area was only the beginning.
Forge a brand-new path to greatness with the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass!#PokemonSwordShieldEX pic.twitter.com/G6GCXp2ixW
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) January 9, 2020
Take up an apprenticeship under Mustard Dojo to explore off the shores of the Galar region in the Isle of Armor, due out in June. The theme of growth is evident as you meet Kubfu, a fighting-type Pokémon, who evolves into a Gigantimax form of Urshifu when you train with him enough. Meet the final evolutions of various Pokémon that you previously met in the Galar region, too. What they become depends on the expansion pass that you purchase.
The Crown Tundra focuses on an unchartered world in the game that focuses on exploration. Discover hidden temples, mystery trees, and legendary Pokémon to meet and make into allies.
Due out in the fall, there will be new battles to challenge you when you co-op play. Game Freak is developing even more Pokémon at the moment, mentioning Calyrex, which is a graceful grass-type.
In both games, players move around freely and can easily connect with other trainers. More than 200 Pokémon species will be found and can be sent from other games through a cloud-based system called Pokémon Home — which is due out in February, but we’re still waiting for more info.
Today, a new software update is available. Head to Wedgehurst station to collect a Clarion Slowpoke. It will evolve differently depending on whether you own Pokémon Shield or Pokémon Sword. The expansion packs for both will be available to preorder for $29.99 later today on the Nintendo eshop.
🚨 Trainer Tip 🚨
You’ll also encounter a Galarian Slowpoke that’s wandered in from the Isle of Armor. Galarian Slowpoke can evolve into Galarian Slowbro if you use an item found on the Isle of Armor, or into Galarian Slowking if you use an item found in the Crown Tundra. pic.twitter.com/On2SWneYA5
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) January 9, 2020
Photo: Nintendo
