Pokemon Cut From The National Pokedex In Sword And Shield Will Return Eventually

Pokemon Sword and Shield will be burning up the charts very soon, no doubt, but the game has brought up some bittersweet feelings all around. While it’s great we’re finally getting a full scale, non-remake console title (technically also still a handheld, too, but still), the cutting of Pokemon from the game’s National Pokedex has caused some real controversy, especially since previous games could always support every Pokemon. There’s a lot of debate about this, but that part we’re going to skip, instead focusing on a more simple question: will those Pokemon be back? And the answer is yes… eventually.

Speaking with Game Informer, Producer Junichi Masuda confirmed that the plans were in place for the cut Pokemon to make their way back. On the less bright side, he doesn’t specify Sword and Shield, instead talking about future games and regions, implying this is probably it for the upcoming title.

“You can look forward to seeing Pokémon that don’t appear in these games appearing in different regions in future games,” he said. “I think Pokémon Home, for a lot of players, will serve as a launching pad to gather them all there and then embark on future adventures.”

Well, it seems those hoping for a reverse on the National Pokedex decision are out of luck, but at least there’s the future to look forward to. Until then, Pokemon Sword and Shield will release November 15th.