Pokemon Sword & Shield are one month away. Are you buying?

[Lukar]

EDIT:

Sorry for the bump, but now that we know all of the Pokémon that are in the game (except for mythicals, I believe), I'm curious to know if anyone's purchasing decision has changed.

Here's the full list of Pokémon in Sword and Shield, for reference. For the sake of people who don't want any Pokédex spoilers, please try to keep any talk of which Pokémon did or did not make the cut in spoiler tags.

Spoiler: full Galar Pokédex

1 to 3 grookey line
4 to 6 scorbunny line
7 to 9 sobble line
10 to 12 blipbug line
13 to 15 caterpie line
16 to 18 grubbin line
19 to 20 hoothoot line
21 to 23 rookidee line
24 to 25 skwovet line
26 to 28 pidove line
29 to 30 nickit line
31 to 33 (galar) zigzagoon line
34 to 35 wooloo line
36 to 38 lotad line
39 to 41 seedot line
42 to 43 chewtle line
44 to 45 purrloin line
46 to 47 yamper line
48 to 49 bunnelby line
50 to 51 minccino line
52 to 54 bounsweet line
55 to 58 oddish line
59 to 61 budew line
62 to 63 wingull line
64 to 65 joltik line
66 to 67 electrike line
68 to 69 vulpix line
70 to 71 arcanine line
72 to 74 vanilluxe line
75 to 77 swinub line
78 delibird
79 to 81 snorunt line
82 to 83 baltoy line
84 to 85 mudbray line
86 to 87 dwebble line
88 to 89 golett line
90 to 91 munna line
92 to 93 natu line
94 to 95 stufful line
96 to 97 snover line
98 to 99 krabby line
100 to 101 wooper line
102 to 103 corphish line
104 to 106 nincada line
107 to 110 tyrogue line
111 to 112 pancham line
113 to 115 klink line
116 to 117 combee line
118 to 119 bronzor line
120 to 123 ralts line
124 to 125 drifloon line
126 to 127 gossifleur line
128 to 129 cherubi line
130 to 131 stunky line
132 to 134 tympole line
135 to 137 duskull line
138 to 140 machop line
141 to 143 gastly line
144 to 145 magikarp line
146 to 147 seaking line
148 to 149 octillery line
150 to 151 shellder line
152 to 153 feebas line
154 basculin
155 wishiwashi
156 pyukumuku
157 to 158 trubbish line
159 to 160 sizzlipede line
161 to 163 rolycoly line
164 to 165 diglett line
166 to 167 drilbur line
168 to 170 roggenrola line
171 to 173 timburr line
174 to 175 woobat line
176 to 177 noibat line
178 to 179 onix line
180 to 181 arrokuda line
182 to 183 (galar) meowth line
184 persian
185 to 186 milcery line
187 to 188 cutiefly line
189 to 190 ferroseed line
191 to 192 pumpkaboo line
193 to 195 pikachu line
196 to 204 eevee line (no new)
205 applin
206 ? (flapple? not seen)
207 appletun
208 to 209 espurr line
210 to 211 swirlix line
212 to 213 spritzee line
214 to 215 dewpider line
216 to 217 wynaut line
218 to 219 (galar) farfetch'd line
220 to 221 chinchou line
222 to 223 croagunk line
224 to 225 scraggy line
226 (galar) stunfisk
227 shuckle
228 to 229 barboach line
230 to 231 shellos line
232 to 233 wimpod line
234 to 235 binacle line
236 to 237 (galar) corsola line
238 to 240 impidimp line
241 to 243 hattena line
244 to 245 salazzle line
246 to 247 pawniard line
248 throh
249 sawk
250 koffing (not galar)
251 (galar) weezing
252 to 253 bonsly line
254 to 256 cleffa line
257 to 259 togepi line
260 to 261 snorlax line
262 to 263 cottonee line
264 to 266 rhyhorn line
267 to 269 ? (probably gothorita line but not seen)
270 to 272 solosis line
273 to 276 karrablast and shelmet lines
277 to 278 elgyem line
269 to 280 cubchoo line
281 to 282 rufflet line
283 to 284 vullaby line
285 to 286 skorupi line
287 to 289 litwick line
290 to 291 inkay line
292 to 293 sneasel line
294 sableye
295 mawile
296 maractus
297 sigilyph
298 to 299 riolu line

300 torkoal
301 mimikyu
302 to 303 cufant line
304 qwilfish
305 to 306 frillish line
307 to 308 mareanie line
309 cramorant
310 to 311 toxel line
312 to 313 silicobra line
314 to 315 hippopotas line
316 durant
317 heatmor
318 to 319 helioptile line
320 ?
321 trapinch line
324 to 326 axew line
327 (galar) yamask
328 ? (not evolved my yamask)
329 cofagrigus
330 to 332 honedge line
333 to 334 (galar) ponyta line
335 to 336 sinistea line
337 indeedee
338 to 339 phantump line
340 to 341 morelull line
342 organguru
343 ? (probably passimian)
344 morpeko
345 falinks
346 drampa
347 turtonator
348 togedamaru
349 to 350 snom line
351 to 352 clobbopus line
353 pinchurchin
354 to 355 mantyke line
356 to 347 wailmer line
358 to 359 bergmite line
360 ?
361 lapras
362 lunatone
363 ? (probably solrock)
364 mime jr
365 to 366 (galar) mr mine line
367 to 368 ? (probably galar darumaka line)
369 stonjourner
370 eiscue
371 duraludon
372 rotom
373 ditto
374 to 377 fossils
378 to 380 charmander line
381 to 382 type null line
383 to 385 larvitar line
386 to 388 ?
389 to 391 goomy line
392 to 394 jangmo-o line
395 to 397 dreepy line
398 zacian
399 zamazenta
400 eternatus

I'm still getting Sword.

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Original post:

And why or why not?

The next generation of Pokémon games is releasing in about a month, and there's a lot of excitement for it, as there always is for the series. New Pokémon, a new region, new gameplay mechanics, some open-world elements, and just being the first all-new main-series HD Pokémon games are selling points for the games, but there are also a few negative things: the exclusion of an unknown amount of Pokémon from previous games, some folks not liking the Dynamax system, and (speculative) worries that there may not be much post-game content.

So, now that we're a month out, what do you intend to do? Are you going to buy at least one of them, or are you passing on them, maybe for one of the reasons I mentioned above? I'm curious to know what the general thoughts of the Era community are regarding these games now that we're close to release.

Personally, I'm still buying Sword. The lack of the National Dex (or, more specifically, all of the Pokémon in it) is very disappointing to me, but at the same time, I'm hoping that it might help bring some other Pokémon (new or not) to the spotlight more, especially in the post-game. On top of that, the concept of the Wild Area interests me, and I'm really into Galar's overall aesthetic. I'm still not sold on the Dynamax stuff, but I'm sure that even though it looks kind of dumb to me, it'll still be fun and fine in the end.

Please keep discussion civil. Don't antagonize other users for their thoughts on why they will or won't be buying the games.

 

[Xavi]

Day 0. Buying Sword. This gen has done a lot to get me hyped, something gen 7 failed to do. I also love all the secrecy behind the reveals, since it seems like they are going to be revealing a lot less this time. We are a month away and we don't even know the starters mid evos.

 

[Kyrios]

Day 0. Buying Sword.

Click to shrink...

Same.

 

[Deleted member 2791]

I'm getting Sword because it's the cooler name and versions exclusives are meaningless since you can get them through trading anyway.

Also the game looks super dope and I haven't played a Pokémon game since 2016.

 

[Weegian]

#TeamBoth

 

[MayorSquirtle]

I've got a voucher ready for Shield.

 

[Deleted member 44371]

ill wait for a deep deep sale

 

[The Last One]

Buying Sword day 1.

 

[The Shadow Knight]

Day 0 for Sword...
...
And probably Shield later down the line somewhere.

 

[cw_sasuke]

Buying Sword day 1.

Click to shrink...

.

ill wait for a deep deep sale

Click to shrink...

lol

 

[Reinhardt Schneider]

I have the double pack preordered before even knowing it oficially exists. I'll keep sword tho, and my friend/rival will get Shiel from the double pack.

Why, do you ask? well the game looks gorgeous, sounds amazing and aims to become the new Sinnoh, it also does interesting things like the amie evolution or the wild zone.

Can't wait to go to the store and get it.

 

[FelipeMGM]

Yep. I'm really excited about this, I haven't jumped on a brand new Pokémon game at launch since Black & White, and I'm super eager to experience the whole zeitgeist around it.

Havent really read up on which pokémons are exclusive to which versions, but I'm team Sword right now because of Sir'Fetched and the legendary

 

[Layell]

Ultra Sun/Moon were the first mainline games I've passed on since Emerald, and I've played since Yellow. I have no plans on buying these games. The lack of national dex just filled me with a permanent sense of dread, and the permanent exp share doesn't sound appealing.

 

[ohlawd]

day zero for both

cuz it comes out the day before on the west coast than the rest of the country >:)

 

[NekoNeko]

both as always. very hyped.

 

[Jahranimo]

Grabbing that Shield version. I went from whelmed to pretty excited since the reveal. Looking forward to these games a bit.

 

[Phellps]

Got that Switch Online voucher just waiting for the pre-order to go up. #TeamSword

 

[Deleted member 37233]

70% will buy it, and 12% aren't quite sure yet. Many people seem to have come around on this games!

 

[Deleted member 38573]

I'll wait for reviews and impressions from trusted outlets/people. It's got to hit the same level of quality as the pre-3DS games.

 

[ffvorax]

Just got a switch a couple of weeks ago... I was planning to get "Lets Go" because of nostalgia, but then I saw it is on digital at the same price as the new games...
So Yes, I will get Sword as it is released.
Also curious about the new mechanics in battles and exploration.

 

[Deleted member 2254]

Never been the biggest fan of the franchise but with the Switch being a much more complete, comfortable and powerful handheld, I figured I'd give Let's Go a chance, see if I enjoy the gameplay loop more. I'm aware the game is dumbed down in many ways compared to the mainline games, but once again I realized I have no interest in the "turn-based standing still and launching 4 attacks in rotation" thing anymore. Dropped that game after about 10 hours of extreme repetition. Saw some improvements like the open-ish areas but I saw no change big enough for me to bother ultimately.

 

[Joltik]

Definitely getting Shield within the release month of the game. Depends if I want to tackle another RPG after beating DQXIS.

ill wait for a deep deep sale

Click to shrink...

For a first-party Nintendo game? Good luck with that.

 

[Lukar]

Yep. I'm really excited about this, I haven't jumped on a brand new Pokémon game at launch since Black & White, and I'm super eager to experience the whole zeitgeist around it.

Havent really read up on which pokémons are exclusive to which versions, but I'm team Sword right now because of Sir'Fetched and the legendary

Click to shrink...

I'm probably sticking to Sword for Zacian as well, but knowing that Galarian Ponyta can only be caught in Shield gave me second thoughts at first lol. I'm definitely gonna be trading for it at launch at least.

 

[logash]

Yup, I am getting Sword :) It will be my first traditional Pokemon game since maybe Ruby. I played Let's Go and I fell in love with the series again. Here's hoping it won't disappoint.

 

[Paperchampion23]

Like with every game, i wait for the expansion, save for X/Y because they never made one. The only one ive ever capitalized on was Black and White because those were actual sequels with decent stories.

 

[lightning16]

Not sure, but leaning towards no. Would be the first games in the series I skip, but I'm not optimistic after the past two gens were kinda bad, and I don't really love what I've seen of this game. Too many other games are releasing right now that I really want to play and I think I'd love to be disappointed by Pokemon again.

 

[Aleh]

Fuck yeah. It's my dream Pokémon game.
Gonna use a voucher for Shield proload and furiously tap on it near midnight.

 

[Ultimadrago]

I don't think I've been less excited for a generation than this one. The Pokemon designs we've seen have been largely lacking, the visual presentation underwhelming and I've yet to see a new feature worth anticipation.

Either there are a crazy amount of surprises in store to wow upon release (likely)or there isn't all that much to keep under wraps in the first place (more likely).

I'll be getting one (Sword) since I'll want to complete confirmations for Pokemon Bank to Pokemon Home transfers, but I'm glad for people that have seen the offerings and will be passing on this one at least until reviews potentially relieve their concerns. You all are my heroes!

 

[Ramsay]

I've bought every game since Gen 3, but this time, Gamefreak has shown absolutely nothing to justify the National Dex cut, much less earn my confidence that Sword and Shield will be a good game, especially after how lackluster Gen 7 (and ORAS) turned out to be. I remember getting extremely hyped for Sun and Moon, as well as Fire Emblem: Fates, and getting burned hard by both of these games.

At the very least, I'm waiting for leaks and the datamine before I make any decision about whether to buy or not. The worry is that the reason why Gamefreak is so secretive about the games is because they know they have very little to show.

 

[A Ream of Paper]

I have Sword preordered. It'll be my first mainline Pokemon game.

 

[--R]

Getting both on Day 1. I can't wait.

 

[FelipeMGM]

I'm probably sticking to Sword for Zacian as well, but knowing that Galarian Ponyta can only be caught in Shield gave me second thoughts at first lol. I'm definitely gonna be trading for it at launch at least.

Click to shrink...

Oh damn, I had no idea it was Shield only. Apparently its Psychic type right? I'd love to have that on my party as well. Hopefully, it will be fairly easy to find someone to trade with

 

[Nykyrian_Q]

Can't wait to preload. Been waiting 3 years for this.

Xavi so... trade me a farfetched/sir'fetched for ponyta?

 

[Leandras]

Getting Shield since I like the name and cover pokemon more. Also prefer the exclusives. If I bite on luigi's mansion 3 I'll get this physical else Ill use my NSO voucher I have spare

 

[Spiritreaver]

It's been a rollercoaster, at first I was super hyped, then not, then just meh. But I haven't played a Pokemon related game since Sun/Moon and I've got the itch again. I'm totally jumping in on Shield and pretty stoked for it.

 

[RockmanBN]

Dunno. Only it most of my favorites are in. That and there's nothing that looks impressive. Feels like it's more the same.

 

[Lukar]

Oh damn, I had no idea it was Shield only. Apparently its Psychic type right? I'd love to have that on my party as well. Hopefully, it will be fairly easy to find someone to trade with

Click to shrink...

It probably won't be too hard to get one. I'm sure there'll be a lot of people putting them for trade online in exchange for one of Sword's exclusives. Could always ask someone on here for one as well.

 

[PadWarrior]

Though I'm disappointed the Froakie line hasn't appeared I'm buying both. Shield for my daughter and sword for me so that we can do raids and trade.

 

[Kyzon Xin]

I'm still unsure. It looks to be more of the same again. The starters haven't even leaked to make me impulse buy either lol. I didn't finish let's go, so idk. Maybe I'm just getting tired of Game Freak's BS

 

[Brawly Likes to Brawl]

Unless something really cool gets announced over the next month, no. None of what has been shown so far has impressed and the weird radio silence this close to release makes me feel like there isn't much left to show in terms of features/content.

 

[SuperSah]

Neither for me.

Sadly, the Pokemon franchise has gone dramatically downhill since the DS games. I feel as if they add in useless gimmicks that go unused later and that the games are too fucking samey.

It doesn't help they are ugly games and run like shit despite the low quality visuals.

 

[GeeseHoward]

No, the lack of the full pokemon roster and the full breath of the combat system is a deal breaker for me.

 

[Carassius Auratus]

GF hasn't done enough to convince me, so no. If I wanted another 20 or so hours of spamming super effective moves, I could just replay an old game.

 

[Deleted member 17402]

Probably. I've been out of flux with the series since Diamond/Pearl, with my disinterest culminating in Sun/Moon. X/Y were the last games I played entirely. I miss the franchise dearly and the National Dex cut is insignificant to me, which means I may find it easier to get into the games since that's not something I care about.

 

[Yukiko]

Day 1, I'm getting both. I haven't been this excited for a Pokémon game ever since gen 5

 

[Xavi]

Can't wait to preload. Been waiting 3 years for this.

Xavi so... trade me a farfetched/sir'fetched for ponyta?

Click to shrink...

You got it!

 

[Faiyaz]

Day negative infinity. Pokemon brings me a sense of joy like no other series.

 

[Aztorian]

I was going to buy Sword, but now I am going to buy Shield. Why? Just look at the boxart. Please. Do it.

 

[Hippopuncher12]

I kept going back and forth, as this would be my first Pokemon since the original Blue/Red, but in the end I decided to wait, I just don't have time to play it right now, my backlog has too many other things I would play first.

 

[Anoregon]

ill wait for a deep deep sale

Click to shrink...

For a high-profile nintendo game that means in like 4 years.

 

[Symphony]

Nope, Game Freak have shown nothing of value to account for the sweeping cuts and the lackluster presentation, nor have they said much of anything to address long standing requests for more post-game content, rebalancing Pokemon or difficulty settings. I want another mainline Pokemon game, I was all ready for this one when it was announced, but I don't want what this has turned out to be.