The Pokémon series has started to forego 3rd versions of its main series games, and instead release DLC. In the past regions, Nintendo would release an enhanced version of a previous region’s set of games, like Pokémon Emerald releasing after Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire. However, starting with Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, games instead got expansion packs, with those two games specifically getting Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. Pokémon Legends: Arceus could also get DLC, although it’s likely too late for new Legends: Arceus content.
This new practice of DLC has served the same function as third installments once did. New endgame content and Pokémon get added as a part of this post-launch support. Instead of being the cost of a new game, these packs are a bit cheaper.
The recent Pokémon direction of using DLC packs is much more consumer friendly than 3rd versions, and a welcome change for the series. In addition to saving costs for players, adding on to the original game’s content also allows players to keep their original teams and playtime, letting them get right into new endgame areas. However, this new direction admittedly takes away some fun that came with a new entry to a familiar region.
Pokémon: DLC Is A More Consumer Friendly Approach Than 3rd Versions
So far, the pricing on Pokémon DLC has made it a much more viable option than third versions. Players got to keep their team members from their original playthrough, while adding new Pokémon regional variants into new endgame content. Instead of paying what would’ve likely been $60 for a third version set in the Galar region, players could instead buy the game’s Expansion Pass for half that price at $30. In addition, this is especially nice for difficult endgame fights, where it feels more satisfying to defeat challenging Pokémon in post-main game areas.
There is still something lost by not making definitive third editions of Pokémon games. There was a certain joy in going back to a region after a few years, and playing a remake of a new game especially. Despite this, though, the positives in price and continuity far outweigh that slight drawback.
Overall, it seems the DLC packs are here to stay instead of third Pokémon versions. While it is a bit unfortunate that it takes away some of the effect of getting to play through an old region again, better pricing and team consistency are just two of the benefits that make additional updates like Sword and Shield‘s Crown Tundra better for Pokémon fans than a new version. Fans will get to see if this DLC trend continues or if there will be another third Pokémon version when Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet release on November 18, 2022.
