Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Double Pack - Nintendo Switch

While its a bit to late to help anyone whos already preordered this I figured this review might help someone. Like many other people I preordered this game, it came on 11/15 as promised, but there was no DLC code for the golden studded backpack. I contacted nintendo with proof of my purchase and never heard back from them so I called in to Amazon to attempt to get this resolved. After escalating it to the marking team I received an email 5 or so hours with a code in it. This code was already used (go figure it wouldnt be that easy) so Im currently putting another request in. If you have this problem the number you reach them at is : - U.S. and Canada: 1-888-280-4331 - International: 1-206-266-2992

Im enjoying the game regardless of all the controversy surrounding the DeX. The atmosphere is charming outside of the wild area in my opinion. If you love pokemon, buy the game. Also, if youre having issues with the in-game code you have to put the code in as a mystery gift. Dont give the game as a whole a 1 star rating over Amazons incorrect instructions.

While I have been enjoying some parts of the games, this isnt gonna be the best in the franchise, and is likely too controversial to do so. I like most of the new Pokemon on display, and there are some great ideas, such as the Wild Area, with returning mechanics such as Pokemon actually roaming the overworld from the Lets Go games (thankfully, the annoying catching minigame hasnt returned this time around). My main problem is that this game wasnt ready for the spotlight, more than likely being rushed by the Pokemon Company. Firstly, the main reason these games are controversial is the fact that not all Pokemon are in the game. Out of the 890 Pokemon there are right now, there are only 400 in these games. That necessarily wouldnt be a big issue, older games, such as Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald for example, didnt have all the Pokemon either, and even the 3DS games required transferring your old Pokemon over. What makes it an issue is that Pokemon that arent coded in these games will not be coming anytime soon, and unlike a GameBoy Advance, the Switch is a more powerful gaming system, a system that can run Doom and Witcher 3, that can receive patches for games on the platform. So you mean to tell me that you cant simply code the lost Pokemon in so people can simply transfer their favorite Pokemon over when available? Another issue that adds to this is the fact that the graphics arent that big of a jump up from the 3DS games, and it shows. Theres some new effects going on, such as Depth of Field, but other than that, they really couldve done more here. First, the character models, for the Pokemon at least, were simply ported over, which isnt necessarily bad as they didnt look bad, but it does make me wonder why so many Pokemon were omitted when they were finished projects before. Secondly, while character models dont look bad, the scenery is rough, and no place show this off better than the Wild Area, where trees are low poly and low res, and battle backgrounds leave a lot to be desired. Sometimes you start a battle in town, but the battle takes place in a field. And how would you like to meet Team Yell in a fancy hotel just to be battle in an inside of a hallow pearl? Then theres my biggest pet peeve, the performance. You can get frame drop from just the Battle Start animations, and during battle, the game may not do anything for a second or two. Most of the time, the Pokemon will go on ahead and attack, but sometimes, they just do nothing for a few seconds until finally they start hitting each other. This was also a problem with the 3DS games, but I chalked it up to the CPU on the system to be slowing things down, but on Switch, I dont see what could be causing the problem. Is it something to do with the engine itself, or did GameFreak run out of time to properly optimize the game? And dont even bother playing the Wild Area online. All these players running around, and it causes the game to freak out and drop frames harder the bass, and with the reliability of Nintendo Switch online, joining in Raids is impossible. I could go on, but its clear that these games were rushed to meet a deadline. If you just want to play another Pokemon game, then either one of these games are not bad buys. Like I said, I do like playing these games, except for Lets Go, but to the parties involved in making these games (if you guys are even reading this that is), I got a few words of wisdom. Pokemon Company, let the developers work on the game without worrying about your toys and anime. GameFreak, make sure you actually finish the games. And finally, Nintendo, fix your broken online system.

It’s a pokemon, it’s fun, entertaining and, kills all my free time. It’s not a perfect game no game is. But it is a great pokemon game. I like it so much more then black and white, and sun and moon. Yes we don’t have the national dex and we are likely never getting it back, it’s heart breaking to say the least but don’t let that ruin your experience.

Excellent love the game

Solid game and a good base for expansions

Apologies for the earlier review, Came with code through email and still an awesome product

My grandsons went bonkers over this game for their switch.

Daughter requested for 16th birthday and she and her 10 yr old brother love it

Upset- I cannot use any of the codes because amazon an item from another region (country). I spent over $100 for the product in advance to get the promo as well as the inside the box codes and all 3 are useless. Very disappointed!! I’d use some rude words here, but I know that kids might read this.