Pokemon Sword and Shield have two DLC packs: The Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra. But, thanks to rumors, it's been thought that a third DLC pack for the Galar region games would get released.
No official information has been released about this DLC. Unfortunately, because of the Pokemon 25th anniversary announcement, these rumors may just be simple fan theories.
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The Third (and Fourth) Pokemon Sword and Shield DLC Rumors
Previously, a theory that players would be able to visit Kalos in an upcoming DLC pack held credence because it's thought that Kalos and Galar are located near each other. Kalos is based on France and Galar is based on the UK, and visitors in these real-world countries can take the Channel Tunnel to cross the water between the two nations. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, fans believe there is a similar train that runs between the two regions. And in terms of deep Pokemon lore, Kalos and Galar also have a long history, a relationship influenced by the Kalos-Galar War and the Ultimate Weapon.
There was also a rumor circulating a couple of months back that the third DLC pack would be called Cinder Citadel and other alleged leakers have called it the Scepter Sea, or even considered this to be a completely separate fourth DLC. Both suggested the player would be brought to a region based on Wales, which, depending on how it's looked at, could make more sense than the Kalos-Galar rumor. In past games, players have never been able to travel from Pokemon region to region. But in Crown Tundra, players are brought to an area based on Scotland, which, like Wales, is located in the UK.
Of course, these rumors were already thought of as highly unlikely, and yet, fans were amped up for the idea. But when taking a look at not only Nintendo's plans and formal announcement for a 25th Pokemon anniversary celebration, it leads to much doubt that any more content for Pokemon Sword and Shield may be coming.
What Pokemon's 25th Anniversary Means
Just last week, The Pokemon Company officially announced its acknowledgment for the franchise's 25th anniversary via the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, with dancing Pikachus and an unveiling of the official 25th-anniversary logo. No other information has been announced but considering all of the possible plans that Nintendo could have for upcoming Pokemon games, there's reason to think that the company has moved on from Sword and Shield, and is looking onward to what's in store.
Fans should also take into consideration how heavy-handed Nintendo went with the Super Mario 35-year celebration, which came this year in the form of titles like Super Mario Bros. 35, Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, and more. They tackled titles for a wide range of players, from kids who could enjoy playing a virtual Mario Kart in their living room to adults who find nostalgia from the older Super Mario titles.
While Pokemon isn't a bigger franchise than Mario, its sales are more than Super Mario's, meaning that whatever the Japanese developer has in store for the franchise, fans can likely expect it to be big, whether that's with rumored Diamond and Pearl remakes, speculated Let's Go! Johto games, or even a new generation of Pokemon. Though this doesn't necessarily rule out the possibility of upcoming DLC packs, Game Freak will have its hands full with upcoming games. And, of course, rumors are just rumors, and there's still no hard evidence that any past DLC theories will ring true.
Pokemon Sword and Shield are out now for Nintendo Switch.