Summary
- Pokemon GO has largely overlooked Sword and Shield, focusing on Gen 9 instead, leaving a gap for Gen 8 content.
- Niantic should introduce more Sword and Shield elements into Pokemon GO, including the Dynamax mechanic and Max Raids.
- Pokemon GO could redeem the controversial Sword and Shield by putting Gen 8 features and Pokemon in the spotlight.
With Pokemon GO continuing to take full advantage of past generations no longer in the spotlight, the mobile game's next opportunity could be fast approaching with Pokemon Sword and Shield's short-lived legacy. Pokemon GO recently commemorated Pokemon'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 with Pokemon GO Fest 2024 still underway, it seems that Niantic will make the most of Pokemon's history, while Nintendo focuses dead ahead on Pokemon Legends: Z-A and 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 consider Pokemon GO's future concerning new content. While Pokemon GO has already jumped the gun by adding multiple Gen 9 Pokemon including Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's starter trio, it might make sense for Niantic to revisit Galar with Gen 8's Sword and Shield. 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 for Pokemon GO to relive Sword and Shield's legacy.
How Pokemon GO Could Implement Sword and Shield's Best Feature
Pokemon GO is still missing some features from the mainline games, and one mechanic from Sword and Shield seems like it could be the perfect addition.
Pokemon GO Has Largely Overlooked Pokemon Sword and Shield So Far
Despite being the first all-new Pokemon games released on the Nintendo Switch, Sword and Shield were 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 and atoned with Gen 8's Sword and Shield for its creativity with its characters, settings, and customization, all of which Game Freak appears to have carried through to Gen 9 with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Even Scarlet and Violet's DLC paid tribute to these Gen 8 games, with several Pokemon from Sword and Shield receiving new cross-gen evolutions or convergent forms.
However, Pokemon GO seems to have so far shafted Sword and Shield by skipping ahead to Scarlet and Violet, 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, Sword and Shield's starter trio has yet to be added while Sprigatito, Quaxly, and Fuecoco from Scarlet and Violet were among the first Gen 9 Pokemon to debut in Pokemon GO. So while Niantic hasn't restricted itself to introducing Pokemon to Pokemon GO generation 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 in Pokemon GO barring a few exceptions, Gen 8 is already shaping up to be a natural step towards where the game will go next. The latest introduction of a "fusion" mechanic for Pokemon GO's Necrozma during 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 Niantic could finally add from Sword and Shield, other factors make these Gen 8 games a good fit for Pokemon GO.
For instance, as per recent leaks, Pokemon GO could introduce Dynamax forms and Max Raids as an ideal alternative to its current Ultra and Mega Raids. Even Sword and Shield's other gimmick of Gigantamax forms are comparable to existing Mega Evolutions, meaning Pokemon GO could easily adapt this and other areas of these Gen 8 games to its format, including those from the examples below.
- Choice-based research events for Pokemon like Toxel, Kubfu, and Calyrex.
- New evolution methods for Pokemon like Cursola and Alcremie.
- Reward Pokemon with Gigantamax forms from special and limited-time events.
Ultimately, Pokemon GO could give the short-lived features and gimmicks from Sword and Shield another chance alongside these overlooked Gen 8 Pokemon, potentially redeeming the games' legacy beyond its original release.
WHERE TO PLAY
Pokémon GO is an immersive open-world multiplayer RPG that enables you to live your own RPG adventure in augmented reality. Find and evolve all Pokémon and battle with other players in AR online in this multiplayer adventure RPG.
COMPLETE YOUR POKÉDEX AND INCREASE YOUR TRAINER LEVEL!
Catch your favourite Pokémon as you explore the open world in augmented reality, trade them with other Trainers, or get the chance to catch a Pokémon after winning a Raid. You can also collect Pokémon by hatching eggs through walking! Evolve your Pokémon in your Pokédex, gain levels to catch more powerful Pokémon and earn adventure rewards during a Raid in multiplayer or online PvP battle.
EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE IN MULTIPLAYER AND PvP!
Start your own adventure and challenge other Trainers online in PvP during epic Gym battles or in the GO Battle League. You can also enjoy multiplayer by facing off with other players in PvP battles to win rewards, or team up with other Trainers for a chance to catch Pokémon after a Raid Battle.
CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!
Customise your avatar, join one of the three teams and pick your Buddy Pokémon from your Pokédex to journey by your side in this AR adventure RPG.
SWITCH BETWEEN THE REAL WORLD AND THE VIRTUAL WORLD WITH THE AR+ MODE!
Bring the RPG to the real world and search for Pokémon in locations around you. With the AR+ mode, Pokémon appear right in front of you — Catch it with your PokéBall and add it to your Pokédex.
Catch your favourite Pokémon in AR as you explore the world and battle online with other Trainers in PvP and Raid battles.
