Highlights
- Detective Pikachu Returns is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 game, continuing the story with new cases and a new threat in Ryme City.
- Japanese customers can receive special pre-order bonuses such as an exclusive trading card and plush figures, while other retailers offer different bonuses like coffee mugs and tote bags.
- The Pokemon Company has not yet announced pre-order bonuses for regions outside of Japan, but introducing them worldwide could boost sales for the game and potentially tie into the Detective Pikachu sequel film reportedly in development.
Some gamers may receive a special bonus with their Nintendo Switch copy of Detective Pikachu Returns later this year. Detective Pikachu Returns is the long-awaited sequel to 2016's Detective Pikachu for Nintendo 3DS, continuing the story from where the original title left off.
A Detective Pikachu sequel was speculated and rumored for years before the reveal of Detective Pikachu Returns at the June 2023 Nintendo Direct. During the August 2023 Pokemon Presents livestream, The Pokemon Company reintroduced the upcoming sequel to fans with a new trailer highlighting characters, Ryme City, and returning Pokemon like Mewtwo. Protagonists Pikachu and Tim will investigate several cases while looking for Tim's father and uncovering secrets involving a new threat in the city. Ryme City's residents and Pokemon may hold the answers toward solving the many mysteries that Pikachu and Tim must solve.
The official Japanese website for Detective Pikachu Returns reveals that customers get a special bonus with early purchases. Pokemon fans may earn an exclusive Growlithe trading card and a 5.5cm tall plush figure of Detective Pikachu with their pre-order at Pokemon Center locations in Japan. Several other bonuses will be offered at participating retailers in Japan such as Amazon Japan, Biccamera, and Yodobashi. The pre-order bonuses on offer include Detective Pikachu Returns coffee mugs, tote bags, Pokemon Trading Card Game deck cases, mini towels, and acrylic keychains. These physical goods are limited in quantities, so stock is expected to run out at some Japanese retailers before launch day.
The Pokemon Company has yet to reveal any Detective Pikachu Returns pre-order bonuses for regions outside of Japan and Asia, however. Currently, My Nintendo users may redeem exclusive Pokemon Scarlet and Violet physical rewards with sufficient Platinum Points, so the introduction of Detective Pikachu Returns physical rewards to the My Nintendo program seems likely.
Pokemon fans are already clamoring for some of the Japan-exclusive Detective Pikachu Returns pre-order bonuses, so The Pokemon Company may want to consider introducing its bonuses and My Nintendo rewards for customers around the world. Pokemon is one of the most successful gaming franchises in the world, but high-quality physical goods and rewards could further promote sales of Detective Pikachu Returns this October.
A new Detective Pikachu sequel film is reportedly in the works, so Detective Pikachu Returns fans might have more content to look forward to in the form of a theatrical release. The film is in production at Legendary Entertainment, but details regarding the movie's story and a potential release date were not revealed.
Detective Pikachu Returns launches on October 6 for Nintendo Switch.
Source: Nintendo Life
