Pokémon Sword and Shield producer Junichi Masuda sent a message to fans of the series, citing the negative reaction to the recent announcement that the latest games won't include every Pokémon. During E3 2019, it appeared that Sword and Shield, the eighth generation of Pokemon games, did not allow players to capture them or import captures made outside of the new Galar region via Pokemon Home. This makes Sword and Shield the first major games in the series not to support all Pokémon species, the number of which has surpassed 800. More than 151 appeared in the first few games. Fan reaction was quick, and Masuda spoke about it in an interview with Famitsuearlier this month. In this interview, the producer explained the difficulties encountered in transforming so many Nintendo console Pokémon models in the correct graphic quality and highlighted the challenge of balancing each monster in battles. Although, he said, the decision was very difficult, he knew it was a decision he had to make and decided to "choose quality."
Catch as much as you can
In this latest statement posted on the official Pokémon website, Masuda sticks by the decision despite lingering discontent (to which he has a remarkably positive reaction). "Thank you to all of our fans for your interest in Pokémon. Recently, I shared the news that some Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. I have read all of your comments and appreciate your love and passion for Pokémon. As do all of you , we are passionate about Pokémon and each one of them is very important to us. After so many years of developing Pokémon video games, it was a very difficult decision for me. I would like to clarify one thing: even if a specific Pokémon is not available in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, that doesn't mean it won't appear in future games." Masuda then emphasizes that "the world of Pokémon continues to evolve. The Galar region offers new Pokémon to meet, trainers to battle, and adventures to go on. We're pouring our hearts into these games. and we hope you'll want to join us on this new journey." Pokémon Sword and Shield will be released on November 15 for Nintendo Switch.