Summary
WithPokemon GOcontinuing to take full advantage of past generations no longer in the spotlight, the mobile game’s next opportunity could be fast approaching withPokemon SwordandShield’s short-lived legacy.Pokemon GOrecently commemoratedPokemon’s Gen 7 with a series of Ultra Raids which introduced previously unavailable Ultra Beasts, including the debut of Necrozma and a new fusion mechanic for its Dawn Wings and Dusk Mane forms. Yet withPokemon GOFest 2024 still underway, it seems that Niantic will make the most ofPokemon’s history, while Nintendo focuses dead ahead onPokemon Legends: Z-Aand the return of Mega Evolutions.
However, now that every Ultra Beast is available with only a handful of Gen 7 Pokemon left to go, Niantic should considerPokemon GO’s future concerning new content. WhilePokemon GOhas already jumped the gun by adding multiple Gen 9 Pokemon includingPokemon ScarletandViolet’s starter trio, it might make sense forNiantic to revisit Galar with Gen 8’sSwordandShield. With many Gen 8 Pokemon yet to be added, a new fusion mechanic to capitalize on, and Max Raids as a perfect replacement, there’s never been a better time forPokemon GOto reliveSwordandShield’s legacy.
Pokemon GO Has Largely Overlooked Pokemon Sword and Shield So Far
Despite being the first all-newPokemongames released on the Nintendo Switch,SwordandShieldwere met with a mixed reception, as issues ranged from the scrapped National Pokedex to lackluster storytelling. However, some players have recently come to look more favorably andatoned with Gen 8’sSwordandShieldfor its creativity with its characters, settings, and customization, all of which Game Freak appears to have carried through to Gen 9 withPokemon ScarletandViolet. EvenScarletandViolet’s DLC paid tribute to these Gen 8 games, with several Pokemon fromSwordandShieldreceiving new cross-gen evolutions or convergent forms.
However,Pokemon GOseems to have so far shaftedSwordandShieldby skipping ahead toScarletandViolet, even going so far as to use new Gen 9 Pokemon like Gimmighoul and Gholdengo as part of early research storylines. In addition to this,SwordandShield’s starter trio has yet to be added while Sprigatito, Quaxly, and Fuecoco fromScarletandVioletwere among the first Gen 9 Pokemon to debut inPokemon GO. So while Niantic hasn’t restricted itself to introducing Pokemon toPokemon GOgeneration by generation, there’s already a growing disparity when it comes to Gen 8 Pokemon.
Pokemon Sword and Shield are Perfect for Pokemon GO
With most Pokemon up to the seventh generation now available inPokemon GObarring a few exceptions, Gen 8 is already shaping up to be a natural step towards where the game will go next. The latest introduction ofa “fusion” mechanic forPokemon GO’s Necrozmaduring its Shared Skies season could even be seen as foresight for the eventual addition of other fused Pokemon, such as Gen 5’s Kyurem or, more importantly, Gen 8’s Calyrex. But beyond the many new Pokemon that Nianticcould finally add fromSwordandShield, other factors make these Gen 8 games a good fit forPokemon GO.
For instance, as perrecent leaks,Pokemon GOcould introduce Dynamaxforms and Max Raids as an ideal alternative to its current Ultra and Mega Raids. EvenSwordandShield’s other gimmick of Gigantamax forms are comparable to existing Mega Evolutions, meaningPokemon GOcould easily adapt this and other areas of these Gen 8 games to its format, including those from the examples below.
Ultimately,Pokemon GOcould give the short-lived features and gimmicks fromSwordandShieldanother chance alongside these overlooked Gen 8 Pokemon, potentially redeeming the games' legacy beyond its original release.
WHERE TO PLAY
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