Pokemon trainers have came out in force to reject the decision taken by Game Freak to not include an option to complete the Pokedex in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
No national Pokedex
The somewhat shocking news first surfaced on June 11 in Nintendo’s first Treehouse event. Up until the yet to be released 2019 Pokemon games, you could complete the entire Pokedex – known as the national Pokedex.
While the hundreds of Pokemon aren’t available to capture in all of the games directly, Pokemon Bank would allow you to transfer them over. However, Pokemon Sword and Shield will now mark the first game where this isn’t possible.
Game Freak U-turn?
Given the backlash to the news, it is still possible Game Freak will reverse this decision. It may not be as simple as them deciding to include the missing Pokemon, though.
Factors such as hardware restrictions and the resource required to create each of the Pokemon’s animations may prevent it, regardless.
Pokemon fans react
The response has been pretty brutal. As of the time of writing, the video where the news was revealed has more than a 74% dislike ratio. This is a testament to how highly Pokemon trainers prioritize completing the Pokedex. After all, it’s always been part of the game.
Some fans understood the decision, but the bulk of the responses were negative. A lot of trainers have already threatened to not buy Pokemon Sword and Shield altogether. So, let’s take a look at some of those reactions.
#BringBackNationalDex #BringBackTheNationaldex
GF: *gets rid of National Dex*
Fans: *Cancel their Preorders*
GF: pic.twitter.com/mXrif3p7eY
— Scoochh (@scoochh) June 12, 2019
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Only time will tell whether this bombshell will cause Pokemon trainers to cancel their pre-orders of Pokemon Sword and Shield. We may get an inside peek as to how pre-order totals are performing, as a backtrack on the removal of the national Pokedex may indicate poor sales.
There would only be a need for sprites not excessive animations, could even put all the original sprites from the original games as they were released for a fun nostalgic feel. It wouldn’t make it totally better but better than nothing
— Abye Baines (@AbyeBaines) June 13, 2019
Other responses, while disappointed, suggested ways to resolve the issues that may alleviate the current issues Game Freak face. Being able to register the Pokemon, but not being able to use them directly, may fix development issues while appeasing Pokemon trainers.
#BringBackTheNationalDex … gotta catch some of ‘em :face_with_cowboy_hat: pic.twitter.com/PikrYtZI4o
— mannyinthemix (@mannyintheremix) June 12, 2019
Others inevitably poked fun at Pokemon’s slogan – gotta catch ’em all. With the news of the limited Pokedex in Sword and Shield, it’s now, apparently, ‘catch some of ’em.’
I was upset at first, but after giving it a day and coming back to it, I'm not upset. It makes sense, and though I love all the previous generations and whatnot, holding onto the past always drags you down. It keeps you from enjoying the present in future. And that applies to all
— Isaac Stearns (@isaac_stearns) June 13, 2019
Nevertheless, some trainers were more philosophical about the decision, suggesting looking forward to the future is a healthier way of taking the decision.
Pokemon Sword and Shield is scheduled to release on November 15. It will be fascinating to see if Game Freak change their plans as a result of the backlash, but only time will tell.
