A Pokémon Sword And Shield DLC Bundle Hits Stores This November

Find it kind of suspicious that they didn’t reveal the price of the bundle. I’m hoping it doesn’t cost much more than $60, but I have a bad feeling that it will combine the prices of the game and DLC with no discount, making it potentially $90.

@PoopScoop In Japan cost about 70 euros. I think it will cost 79.99 in the west or 69.99, not less.

Very curious how they price this one, $60, $90 or somewhere in the middle. My 1 son already has the game but hasn't purchased the DLC, he wasn't impressed by the game, my other son never purchased the game, think he outgrew it, playing Skyrim on PC now. Maybe he'd buy the whole thing for $60 though.

I wonder who sets the price - Nintendo still has not released Zelda BotW Complete yet, if they did it would probably be $80, but if this is Gamefreak's decision it could be $60.

I've always disdained the whole re-release with extras in physical medium, because on the one hand, it makes me mad for being an early adopter. Granted, some of the events and mystery gifts I got so far were pretty good, but still, I'm not sure how I feel about this being re-released with the DLC as I have limited space in my memory card.

And of course, the price for both...

Depending on the price, I may rebuy Shield because I'm a moron who brought the game on release.

The sting is reduced a bit because I haven't purchased any of the DLC, tho.

Shout out to @Grumblevolcano for this comment in the live feed, which I how I found out this was a thing as I missed the vid:

"So now we know the big holiday title for Switch this holiday, the retail packaged version of Sword/Shield + expansion pass"

Pokémon always always always has a new game on the store shelves for the holidays for grandparents to buy for their grandkids. This isn't new, but if it's $60 and a kid doesn't have it yet, well it's something. If it's $80 or more I suppose they'll leave the base game on the shelves next to it. Price is key with this one, do they want 4 boxes on store shelves?

Another swift kick to the goolies for early adopters. We all knew this was coming I guess, but it's annoying for fans of the game. Ironically, as someone who isn't really into Pokemon, I might get this and end up with the whole package on cart for cheaper.

I liked this idea of relaunching the game including the DLC. It will give an extra boost to the sales (even because it will attract many fans who were missing the old Pokémon that only appeared in the expansions) and it also encourages the purchase of the second game for those who have only one of them (in my case, e.g. , I have Sword and in the long term I intend to acquire Shield DLC Bundle).
I also think the price will be somewhere between 60 and 90 dollars; it should probably be USD 79.99.

@PoopScoop I really doubt it, I don't think even GF/TPC would sell a game for 90$

It'll stink on some level if these bundles end up being $60 (compared to spending $90, buying the game at launch or a bit after and then DLC separately). But like was mentioned, we all knew or at least speculated this would happen. So I'm not really too nonplussed about it

glad i havent picked it up yet

I have never played a pokemon game yet only a short demo but I would rather wait for the next main series game hoping it will be better received critically and fix this game's issues....

Okay if these end up being 60 bucks then I may cave yet...... maybe. Just maybe. Dynamax stuff still keeps me very very uncertain on purchasing this.

If the price is right I may be interested, otherwise meh.

Once again, GF finds themself in a pickle. Keeping it at $90 will just annoy new consumers while lowering the price will make some who already bought the DLC regret their purchase. GF should have announced this physical option back when they revealed the DLC in January.

I'll pick up this version since I haven't bought Sword, yet.

Edit: I don't see TPC/Nintendo charging less than $90 for this bundle. Unless they de-list the original game, selling both versions for the same price would cannibalize sales for the old version. Nintendo is not that dumb.

Guys this really should not be something to be upset about. The point of getting a game at release is to play the game at release. The DLC was released to add to the value of your experience by adding new paid content. These kinds of packages have been common since the 360 Generation with these Complete or Game of the Year editions. These are meant for those who chose not to get the original game as an incentive or for newcomers who just got a Switch.

Don't feel bad as you will get to enjoy the DLC when it comes out (for those who want this edition they need to wait an extra two weeks to enjoy the Crown Tundra) and this package does not diminish the dozens if not 100s of hours you have already put in the game.

This happens a lot with other games, where they do an ultimate edition a year or so after release with all the dlc included. Not so common with first-party Nintendo titles, but it is normal for mainline Pokémon games to release an expanded version so this isn't really a shock.

It makes complete sense. This is only for those who waited long enough to get the game (aka, no fans, or fans that complaint about the quality of the original).
I bet it will be 60€, and nobody should complain. Games always low their prices with time. This is just the same as if the base game happen to cost 30€ a year after launch (which happens all the time, everywhere).

I'm glad they're doing this. This way I think I'll finally get into this entry.

@kaiofelipe This isn't a stock holders meeting.

@Wexter

Are people really mad about this tho?

A few people, myself included, are putting the blame on ourselves for buying this day one, but that's contingent on what the price is for this pack.

It's gonna be 80-90.they aren't discounting this game any time soon

Internets: I hate DLC, it should be on a cart so it doesn't get lost in aether
Also Internets: I can't believe they want us to pay more for DLC on a cart later

@JuiceMan_V Nah I'm just kinda saying don't beat yourself up too much about it. Because getting to enjoy these games and DLC content before those who waited is worth it! Even if you need to pay an extra $10-15 versus if you just waited. As enjoying the game for the 100s of hours you put it is alone worth the value of admission.

But, if people are mad about this then they need their head checked.

@Bliquid This is actually a really good move by Gamefreak. They get to sell a "complete" version of the game and if you chose to wait on double-dipping you get the DLC as well! So overall it's a good day.

I'm not sure why people thought a version of this in some form was not going to happen?

So if you wait long enough you can buy the whole game?
How novel.

My daughter’s birthday is 11/6 and I already purchased her a Switch Lite & Pokemon Shield as gifts. Wish I had know about this physical bundle earlier, I totally would have went for it. Oh well I guess.

Either way, I’m excited to team up with all 3 of my kids now for some legendary max raid battles!

I am glad I waited for a Pokemon game for once. This could be cool even if if its the same price as the DLC won't be tied to my account, but the cart itself.

Finally the complete editions of the games release.

@Supadav03 You can still return the copy of Shield that you bought though, can't you?

@HobbitGamer How about 'I wanted a new Pokemon game this year and not a Game of the Year version of last years game.'

This release really does nothing for people who already bought the DLC or have no interest in it.

@korosanbo This will contain the base Sw/Sh game and include both the Isle of Armour and the Crown Tundra. If you were curious about the game and want to jump in this is probably the best time.

@Crono1973 I think Isle of Armour and Crown Tundra was the replacement for a third version. Gamefreak has been very vocal there will not be a "new" Pokemon game this year as they wanted to focus on the DLC. I think the next full Pokemon game will be next year if that is a Let's Go Johto, a Remake of Dimond and Pearl or Gen IX. This package is for those who did not pick up Sw/Sh last year or those who were on the fence. I see this package selling like hotcakes this holiday as there have been tens of millions of new Switch owners this year who will probably want to jump in or get their kids a nice gift to go with their new Switch.

@Indielink No. I bought a sealed copy off a local guy on Offer Up for $30 cash not from a store.

@Supadav03 That is actually a really good deal! With the DLC it will basically be like buying this package! So I think you still did very well for yourself! I'm sure your baby girl will love it!

I don't think the GOTY Editions should be more than $60. Presumably these will replace the original games on store shelves. They haven't released the price yet because they want to see the reaction from consumers. It would be best if people here wouldn't encourage them to price these games higher than $60.

I like to have as much of a game as possible on physical carts, so it would make sense to buy this if I ever want Sword for my collection, but dear Arceus are these covers ugly.

@Wexter Thanks. I’m as excited to give it to her and she is to get it. She’s been sharing mine and really started getting more into Pokémon (and video games in general) this last 6-12 months. She plays with her brothers often. She’ll be turning 7 so I think it’s a good age. She’s getting the grey Switch Lite, a pikachu carrying case, Shield, MK8D & SSBU.

One of the perks in my case of being a more recent Switch adopter. I decided to wait on Sw/Sh a bit and was planning on getting the DLC, so this is a no-brainer.

I can't see the DLC being on the physical cartridge, this is most likely the game with a code on a piece of paper in the box

On one hand I wanna say this will be 80 or 90 bucks because of the extra content.

On the other hand I wanna say it'll be 60 because they always released the third versions that had more content on them for the same retail price as well while still keeping the originals the same price too.

Either way will be too expensive though in my opinion, but as I said earlier I may still cave. Probably not though. Not until I can get a real good deal here.

I’m not a gambling man, but if I we’re, I’d wager this will be $79.99. I highly doubt Nintendo will just give the DLC away for “free” but I could see the bundle at a slight discount to really help driver sales around the holidays. I can see a LOT of people getting this with a new Switch/Lite for X-mas. I think a $90 sticker price, especially sitting next to $59.99 games on the shelf, would turn parents away. They might not even understand the extra content packed in.

Ouch I should’ve waited. Bought this for my son early

Might get Sword in this form to keep for posterity. I already have shield digitally.

Righty, NOW I can buy it lol.

I fully expected Nintendo/The Pokemon Company to bundle Sword/Shield along with the Expansion Pass, as there was no way they weren't going to give the new content a retail presence. Glad it's all in one cartridge too and not just the base game cartridge + a download code for the DLC.

With that being said, the bundle looks to cost as much as the base game and the DLC combined (i.e. $90/€90/¥9,000). Not exactly sure how many people are willing to spend that much cash upfront.

Wow, these games just can't get good box art!

This is exactly why I continued holding off until closer to Tundra's release. I kept betting on a bundle, and I suppose I ended up right.

However, if it's just $89.99 like the Sword/Shield $119.99 bundle, then there wasn't much point in waiting.

Like others have said, pricing will be key. If it's $70 then that would be more of an instant buy for me. But if it's $90 or even $80, then I'll probably feel comfortable holding off on Sword/Shield for whenever I really feel like it.

Game Freak designed the DLC to be a replacement for a tertiary version of the game, but now they circled back to square one. This could easily have a different title and still be the exact same concept as Yellow, Crystal, Emerald, etc.

How does online work in these games? I only played a little bit in the older ones, and it was just go online, get rekt by an enemy team with maxed-out stats.

Do I really need a team of fully leveled-up pokemon to even stand a chance online? Or is there some kinda stat balancing system where you can just jump online after only several hours of catching creatures?

Another question: is it always the same time of day in-game as in real life? I'm just sick of it always being nighttime in past games I played!

I wonder if my save from Pokemon Sword will work on this....?

I guess all the people complaining never bought a game on sale or a GOTY Edition, then.
Tell me what's the difference, and then convince me that having a whole year headstart to play the game isn't worth paying money for.
Boy are people entitled.

@PoopScoop I'm going to use thunderbolt on nintendo.

@clvr I got the game like 3 months ago soo.

@Snatcher so what? Is it Nintendo or GF's fault?
I didn't know they were expected to track every single sale in order to not hurt anyone's fragile feelings.
It's happened to me as well to buy a game and then find out it would've cost less a few days later, what are you gonna do? It is what it is, and certainly it's not the company's fault.

people where pining for a version like this and people are STILL complaining?

yall never satisfied ever.

@Ulysses so you waited, but you are still upset?

i dont understand

@korosanbo its for both in november.

theres no more DLC after this probably a remake next year.

Thank God! Everybody wins!

I don't care one bit if this costs more than the base game, and yes, the packaging is a little ugly, but I'm just over the moon that I can have everything on the cartridge.

Two more copies for me.

As long as the option is always there to have a full experience on cartridge, they can make as much damned DLC as they please. I just hate that I (generally) can't own DLC content tangibly.

Fortunately I got shield as a gift. And the dlc had a tenner knocked off with the reward points but I knew I should have waited!

Yes it does sting a little if like me you have bought the xpac already. But if Nintendo nail the pricing on this one they could have a hit on there hands also. So finally pokemon becomes the game it should have been. And as i said if they nail the pricing 1st time buyers are in for one hell of a treat. And maybe now pokemon could be number one at christmas now isn't that a nice thought?.

Getting Destiny 1 flashbacks
spent a lot of $CAD on the first game and bundled DLC, then they released that for half the cost. they also said they planned destiny 1 to have a long lifetime with plenty of released content... lol

@ZeldaMario1984 Lol. Not upset at all! Merely observing the fact that waiting for a bundle will be pointless if the price point is exactly the same.

Even waiting for a bundle to get new artwork is pointless since the revealed box art is so ugly.

You'll have to send better flame bait than that

Great idea Nintendo 🙌🏻👏🏻 Now I have a reason to buy Shield

@Ulysses not flame just a question....

@Crono1973 This release isn't for people who already have the DLC or don't want it. Therefore, their wants are not relevant to this release.

It's simple.

@HobbitGamer This release isn't for people who already have the DLC or don't want it. Therefore, their wants are not relevant to this release.

Thanks Captain Obvious.

@Crono1973 Sometimes things are worth saying twice a different way
I yield my cap back.

@dil_power
As a huge fan I’d say jump straight in. With the new free Pikachus and upcoming legendary raids and Pokémon GO! compatibility this is a great time to start.

Also the new games are great. The internet is frequently wrong about, well, everything.

Well, I'm glad I didn't buy this yet as I definitely prefer to have a complete game on the cart. I suspect it's going to be more than $60, though.

This is great. As someone that doesn't buy games Day 1, I usually wait for the 'Complete Editions' and was disappointed Nintendo never did this. I hope we see more of it.

I am glad I waited to buy this game. This is the Ultra Sword I have been wanting

Yesssssss!

Any pre-orders live yet?

Might be interested, I've put off on buying the new generation, but I've been thinking about it recently, might just wait for these.

EB Games in Australia currently has these priced at AU$124.95 (they sell everything at full RRP by default). That's the same as paying full price plus the DLC. Other retailers are likely to sell it for a little less. If we're lucky, we might even see it for as little as $99.95 from some vendors.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out with customers.

I still want them, but I am now inclined to get rid of my base game cartridges as a result.

Even with such pricing, I wouldn't mind if Nintendo extended the same treatment to other first party games with the DLC on the cartridge. It's still better value to me overall. I'd rather pay more to have the DLC on the cartridge any day of the week.

@msvt Pre-order live on Amazon in the US.

@Peach64 $89.99 a year later feels less like a Complete Edition and more like a - if I wanted to pay $89.99 I would have purchased it Day 1 Edition.

@JasmineDragon $29.99 more than $60.

@ryancraddock Are you going to update this article now that the $89.99 price is out or is NL planning on doing a new article?

Sword + Shield are on the same page, drop down box.
https://smile.amazon.com/Pokemon-Sword-Expansion-Pass-Nintendo-Switch/dp/B08KHXPSYJ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pokemon%2Bsword&qid=1602025563&sr=8-1&th=1

@rjejr
Thank you!

@msvt You're welcome.

@rjejr Yeah, I didn't realise the price they'd be charging. You can get the game and the expansion for much cheaper on Amazon UK at the moment than you can for this new release. It's so annoying.

@Peach64 I'm actually not sure if you can get it cheaper in the US - well probably on some obscure deal site - but just the idea of putting a $90 Pokémon game on a shelf when last gen on 3DS you could buy a two pack bundle of both games for $80 seems like a bad idea. Parents be like - here play free Pokemon on my phone instead.

Maybe they couldn't do $59.99 but even at $69.99 they probably still make a profit and not scare off folk and it's a bit more fair for people who bought the same game last year and the season pass only recently. They should understand that's how "Complete" editions work on year old games.

If they keep track of this it could be the worst selling Pokémon game of all time. Course it probably would be that anyway as it already sold so well, who knows, maybe they'll only make a handful.

OK back to Prime shopping, my wife's money won't spend itself.

Glad I held off!