The Pokemon Sword and Shield expansion pass was revealed today during the Pokemon Direct, with Nintendo and Game Freak announcing two separate expansions. The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra will both add new Pokemon, new features, and new areas to explore, all for $29.99.
But what are your thoughts on the new expansion? Do you agree with the $30 price point, or do you think it’s too steep for what is being offered? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll feature our favorite reply in tomorrow’s Tell GR!
Michael Leri, features editor: “Pokemon Sword and Shield both deserve to be added on to and some of it sounds great, like that new Slowpoke and legendary birds. But it’s hard to imagine how the game will be less boring and disappointing. Of course, new Pokemon and areas will partially address its lack of content but it won’t solve how stale, dated, or technically flawed the game was. It was one of our most disappointing games of the year on 2019 and most of that is baked into its core.”
Paul Tamburro, executive editor: “It’s a better approach for Pokemon Sword and Shield to sell expansions rather than updated improvements of the same game, and I’m particularly interested in The Crown Tundra’s more explorative take. I think if both expansions can be distinct from one another and offer more than just the features and Pokemon that were missing from Sword and Shield, it’ll be a great move on Game Freak’s behalf.”
Jason Faulkner, senior editor: “I think it’s not too bad since it seems like you can still get traded the old Pokemon that are being added or transfer them into the game via Pokemon Home, even if you don’t buy the DLC. However, it seems like they’re making you pay for what used to be included in the base games. Pokemon Sword and Shield have probably the lightest post-game of any main series Pokemon games, and now it seems like that content is being delivered post-launch with a $30 price tag. I guess it’s cool we don’t have to pay for enhanced versions of Sword and Shield to get this stuff, but it still feels kind of weird.”
Mack Ashworth, lead editor: “While I would have liked more content in the base version for $60, I still find myself pretty hyped for the Expansion Pass. There seems to be a good amount of content in each DLC drop, including some awesome-looking Legendaries. With that said, from what we’ve seen so far, $30 seems a little steep.”