The Pokémon Company and Game Freak are dealing with a lot of flak at the moment. Basically, it seems like the newest game in the multi-billion dollar franchise, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield has a few problems that diehard fans aren't too fond of.
A summary can be found here, but essentially, Game Freak has decided not to include all the Pokémon in their newest game. This is odd, considering that the Pokémon Bank was built upon the principle of carrying all your Pokémon into any future games. Now, we're not here to take a hardline stance on whether Game Freak is in the right or wrong about this issue, as there are arguments for both sides. But, since the list of included Pokémon seems to have leaked, we're here to pick the top 10 worst Pokémon Game Freak excluded.
10 Snubbull & Granbull: Literally Designed After UK Creature
Pokémon Sword & Shield is known to take place in the Galar region, an area that is quite obviously influenced by the UK. Some fans have theorized, however, that the "Ga" in Galar is a reference to Gaul, an area of old Western Europe heavily influenced by the Celtics, which explains the Irish/Scottish hints we've seen.
One such legend of this area is the Cu-sith, a fairy-like dog creature of ancient mythology, more commonly known as the Black Dog. Now, there's actually a Pokémon - Snubbull - with a design that's heavily influenced by the creature! The same Pokémon who was cut from the list of appearing creatures in Sword & Shield! Why? Why would Game Freak eliminate a Pokémon with a background that's connected to the Galar region and a dog breed (bulldog) that's directly beloved by the English? It makes no sense.
9 Some Other Starters: Please Don't Just Give Us Charizard
So, we've all seen Gigantamax Charizard. As conventional as Charizard's design is (seriously, it's just an orange pseudo-dragon, nothing special), admittedly, this Gigantamax form is pretty cool looking.
Now, we realize that Game Freak only has a certain amount of Gigantamax'd Pokémon that they can develop, but why is Charizard literally the only "starter" Pokémon included in the game out of all soon-to-be eight generations? You didn't have to give the other ones a Gigantamax form! While this isn't quite as unforgivable of an offense as to require asking the POTUS to take action, at the very least, include a single starter from each gen!
8 Nidoking & Nidoqueen: It's Just Too Easy
When people think of Britain or the UK, many stereotypically think of tea, those guys with the funny hats, and of course, the Queen. Not saying it's accurate, but still. The Queen herself seems to be the talk of England at all times. That same passion is seen for her in America as well.
The idea of royalty is something that's obviously crucial to the image of the UK. And, it's been confirmed multiple times that the new region is influenced by said United Kingdom. Then, why would Game Freak cut two Pokémon who literally have words for royalty in their names? Nidoking and Nidoqueen are basically begging for Galarian variations or Gigantamax forms! Imagine Nidoking with a poison crown and a fuzzy, kingly robe! But no, instead we get Gigantamax Meowth with a neck longer than Alolan Executor.
7 Meltan & Melmetal: They're Brand New Pokémon! Why Hide Them?
More than any other Pokémon, this choice is just confusing. Meltan and Melmetal were new Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Go, arguably the biggest mobile game of all time. These two metallic cuties were then available in Pokémon: Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee through a special event. Then, to solidify them even further, Ash himself caught a Meltan in the Pokémon anime series, and kept it in his main party!
So, it's safe to say that both fans and Game Freak like this new Pokémon. So, why would they then cut their newest addition from Sword & Shield? That just seems like an obvious addition.
6 Zeraora: A Brand New Legendary With Shockingly Little Screentime
And, speaking of new Pokémon, Zeraora the mythical thunder-cat is new too. This amazingly-designed Pokémon is the last entry into the Alolan dex and made its debut in Ultra Sun and Moon. Basically, this bipedal feline takes influence from Kanehekili, the Hawaiian god of thunder, which explains its typing.
It also appeared in the recent movie The Power Of Us. Frankly, we love its design! And, it's a new addition to the Pokémon roster, so it should absolutely be included in the newest game in order to promote new Pokémon! But, alas, it's sadly not allowed to join the rest of Galar's Pokédex.
5 Kangaskhan: The Iconic "Bipedal Large Creature" Needs To At Least Be There
There are few Pokémon more widely known than Kangashan. Sure, Pikachu and the starters are easily recognized, by as far as Gen 1 Pokémon go, Kangaskhan and its child are some of the most beloved. That said, its exclusion alludes to another problem with the Galar Dex, the lack of bigger bipedal creatures.
There's always one in every gen, creatures like Aggron, Rydon, Tyrannitar, heck even Ursaring or Pangoro would count. Pokémon that start off small and grow into something huge that then protects its small brethren. But, none of these lads are showing up in Galar, and that's a real shame.
4 Lopunny: The Best Rabbit Game Freak Loves To Ignore
Along the same train of thought as Nidoking/Nidoqueen, Lopunny would make an awesome addition to the Galar Dex. She's another bipedal creature that could've easily taken influence from English sensibilities for a Galar variation. Ears tied up in a bun, with an English wide-brimmed hat? Easy. And, even ignoring that, she's a fan favorite! It's why she was so prevalent in the anime and also why she got a mega-evolution.
She even shares a similar influence with Scorbunny! But, Game Freak doesn't seem to agree, and instead included the other rabbit-like Pokémon, Diggersby, which frankly is just one of the more hideous Pokémon designs out there.
3 Garchomp: A Beloved Icon That Fans Will Miss
Quite honestly, Garchomp's design is a bit much. But, even then, we understand that this mach-speed sand dragon is well-loved by the fanbase. Garchomp has a mega evolution, qualifies as a pseudo-legendary, and was even the forefront Pokémon of the best Elite Four Champion Cynthia.
And, even more than that, Garchomp has a place in competitive Pokémon! So it's quite the shame that it's been cut from the final Dex. Guess just this once, this hammerhead Pokémon wasn't fast enough to make it in.
2 The Gen IV Additional Evolutions: They Started This "New Form" Craze
This entry might receive a bit of flak, but the Gen 4 extra evolutions given to Pokémon like Magmar, Electabuzz, Lickitung, Tangela, and Rhydon were great. In fact, Lickilicky is actually a personal favorite. But more than that, these extra evolutions showed the fans that old Pokémon could get new forms!
They were the trailblazers that led to things like Alolan variations, Mega-Evolutions, Gigantamax forms, and even Sirfetch'd! So it feels a bit disrespectful not to include any of them for Sword and Shield, especially considering how well some would fit in this region.
1 Chansey & Jigglypuff: Galar Is Missing Two Round & Pink Puffballs
Lastly, let's end with the puffballs. These two lines of Pokémon are both icons of the franchise in different ways. Jigglypuff, for example, is one of the most beloved and simplistic Pokémon of all time. And Wigglytuff's background and design couldn't be a better fit for Galar.
Then there is Chansey. Chansey is the Poke-center Pokémon! They're always around with Nurse Joy to heal and care for injured Pokémon. If they aren't in Galar, how is anyone supposed to feel safe leaving their precious team with some hack doctor? It's just sad.