Yesterday, I’ve decided, after spending some time reading about it, to buy the Pokémon Sword and Shield video game for the Nintendo Switch.
It’s All Started at Pokémon Center Osaka
One of the reasons that made me even consider that option was when I visited Pokémon Center Osaka DX in Daimaru Main Building shopping center in Osaka, Japan.
If you ask me what was exactly the thing, I might say that it’s the combination of anime inspiration that I’ve got when visiting Animate, alongside the adorable and colorful Pokemon characters that I’ve seen in the store. This made me want to learn more about Pokémon, but what actually made me want to buy the Switch game?
What I Usually Play?
On my free time, I usually play multiplayer first-person shooter games and a MOBA game on my Switch. Lately, I played Borderlands 3. However, I got to a point that I just had enough of FPS games and I want something different. I am quite a busy person, so I am searching for something casual and one that I can ply on my bad using the Switch, rather than play it on my laptop computer. Pokémon fits the bill here.
The other reason is things related to the gameplay itself. I love RPG and Strategy videogames and Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield seem to have the right amount of depth that I’m searching for in a game, alongside competitive multiplayer gameplay aspect, deep progression and of course, gorgeous cartoon-style visuals.
Heavily inspired by Japan’s Street Culture
You can’t be in Japan without getting inspired by the street culture here. As an enthusiast gamer, I found myself spending quite a lot of time in retro-gaming stores here in Osaka. I love games since I was a child and that didn’t change throughout the years. This is the type of digital interactive experience that I like most.
Of course, as I explored the world of video games in Japan, I saw many promotions for the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield game for the Nintendo Switch. Even at stores like Super Potato, you can find some promotions for the game.
I Thought Pokémon It Just for Kids
I actually first thought it’s a game for 5yo kids, not for an adult gamer like myself. Oh boy, I was wrong. This game actually has all the right ingredients to make it very appealing to an adult gamer like myself. It is designed to be fun to play for all ages, like a CCG game. That being said, it has enough depth to make it challenging and interesting, especially once you challenge yourself against other Pokémon trainers from all around the world.
I can definitely see myself, trying to build my own Pokémon team and see how I match up against other players. It reminds me of CCG games, but it has so much more depth to it. This is one of the reasons I am so excited to get my hands on Pokémon Sword and Shield and see how a Pokémon video game actually plays for the very first time.
Which One to Buy – Pokémon Shield or Sword?
I was thinking about which version of the game to buy, Pokémon Shield or Pokémon Sword. I am still not that enthusiastic to get the Double Pack (which includes both games). I don’t mind not having the plush keychains, nor missing some Pokémons of the other game (which are tradeable later on from what I’ve heard).
I personally rather spend more for another game, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild, which I haven’t played yet (don’t laugh).
I’ve seen some images of some of the Pokémons that are exclusive for each variant of the game, Sword or Shield. From what I’ve seen, I prefer going for the Pokémon Sword. For me, it’s all about the characters that are appealing to me. Ones that I prefer being beside me when I explore the Pokémon world for the first time. Characters that I can emotionally get connected with and ones that I enjoy seeing on my screen with my trainer’s avatar.
I might change my mind, but as of the time of writing this article, I am into Pokémon Sword more than Pokémon Shield.
Buy Pokémon Sword and Shield Physical or Digital Version?
Another thing that I was breaking my head with is whether to purchase Pokémon Sword/Shield physical game or buy the digital version of the game. The thing is that with physical games, that you feel that you actually bought a product. For me, it’s because I get printed art, so I feel like I get something extra.
That being said, I don’t want to mass around with putting cards into the Nintendo Switch when I want to change the game that I play. Having said that, it happens that Pokémon Sword and Shield will be the only game I’ll play on the Nintendo Switch for quite some time.
I usually pick on the game and stick with it. I try searching for games that have a long shelf life, ones that I can play in short sessions (the competitive aspect of the game). I usually don’t play several games at the same time. Like when I played Borderlands 3, I was invested in that game and didn’t play ‘Arena of Valor’ MOBA game, which I really like.
Other reasons are related to not needing a lot of space on the device, as the big chunk of the game installment is on the card itself. On the other hand, if the card has issues, I won’t be able to play it. Although from what I’ve read, this isn’t an issue, unlike CDs, which can damage more easily and become unusable (e.g. scratches).
Honestly, I still haven’t decided yet. It would be cool buying a Japanese version of the game if I am already here in Japan. I’ve asked the seller in the Pokémon Center in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. He told me that the game supports several languages. So if I buy the Japanese version of the game, I’ll be able to choose the English language on the menu.
Also, if I buy the game here in Japan, unlike being abroad, I won’t need to wait for shipment and I can play on day one. I enjoy playing games the day they are released and being a part of the release party, being among millions of other players trying the game on the day it is released.
I remember when buying Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. I bought the physical copy because, for some reason, it means something having a physical purchase rather than getting the digital version of the game.
The other reason is related to the download size. I’ve read that it’s 10.3GB. The problem is that I don’t want to use a lot of bandwidth of my pocket WiFi as I need it for many other things. There might be additional downloadable content, but it won’t get to 10GB. Maybe 1-2 GB but probably much less if at all.
So overall, I’ll make my decision soon, it will probably be the physical version of Pokémon Sword.
That’s it, can’t wait to try out this game when it’s released on November 15, 2019. I’ll be excited being part of this amazing large community of Pokémon fans who are thrilled to try out this Pokémon game on their Nintendo Switch console. Of course, I’ll share more information once I get it, so stay tuned.