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The Pokemon Company International announced that there are two more Pokemon Home shiny Pokemon giveaways, and this time we can earn Keldeo and Meltan. Both are available to collect as of February 12, 2025. You need to finish the Pokemon Sword or Shield Pokedex for Galar to get Keldeo. Meanwhile, Meltan is tied to Kanto Pokedex completion for either Let’s Go, Pikachu or Eevee.

Both the shiny Keldeo and Meltan will arrive at level 50 if you manage to earn them. The Keldeo will know Aqua Tail, Double Kick, Quick Guard, and Sacred Sword. Meanwhile, the Meltan will arrive with a moveset that includes Acid Armor, Flash Cannon, Headbutt, and Thunder Wave.

This is the third Pokemon Home Shiny Pokemon giveaway event tied to game completion. The first giveaway started in October 2024. That stars a Shiny Meloetta. It requires you to play Pokemon Scarlet or Violet and potentially its DLC to complete the Paldea, Blueberry, and Kitakami Pokedexes. If you do all that, it ends up being sent to your collection in the app. 

The second giveaway happened more recently. In January 2025, Shiny Enamorus and Manaphy appeared in the app. To get Manaphy, you need to complete the Pokedex in either Pokemon Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl. Meanwhile, that Enamorus is tied to the Hisuian Pokedex in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. 

Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu and Let’s Go, Eevee, as well as Pokemon Sword and Shield, are available on the Nintendo Switch. Pokemon Home is available on the Switch and mobile devices now, and the shiny Keldeo and Meltan promotions are live in that app.

The post Pokemon Home Shiny Keldeo and Meltan Giveaway Starts appeared first on Siliconera.

The next Pokemon plush to show up at Build-a-Bear is Sobble. This character debuted in November 2019 as one of the three new starters in Pokemon Sword and Shield. The retailer updated its online website with an exclusive bundle. However, people might also see the character without the bundle option in physical stores immediately. Online, the bundle is $64/£50. However, outside the bundle the stuffed toy is $34/£26.

The online exclusive bundle includes three other items with the stuffed animal. People get Sobble, a Sobble Shirt, a Sobble Cape, and there’s already a sound chip inside the character with five different sounds. The site notes the shirt would normally be $11.50/£9 alone and the cape $10.50/£9.

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There are some details with Sobble that don’t always apply to Pokemon plush at the store. If you buy it online, you can’t get an “unstuffed” version that could be filled at home or at a store. You also can’t add any scents to it.

This means that all of the Pokemon Sword and Shield starters made their debut at Build-a-Bear. Scorbunny was the first one in the "crew" to show up. It debuted in May 2021. Grookey followed in May 2022.

Sobble is now available at Build-a-Bear. Pokemon Sword and Shield can be found on the Nintendo Switch.

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Another Pokemon game upon us, and it’s going to be a little different than folks expect. Taking what it learned from Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are going to be a bit different. You’ll have different main “storylines” you can follow. It’s more of an open-world game, allowing you to choose what you do and where you go whenever you like. The battle system is also more like Pokemon Legends: Arceus, as things happen in the moment instead of in a specific battle screen. But it might leave you wondering if you should buy Pokemon Scarlet or Violet, or if another entry would be better for you.

Do You Want a More Traditional Pokemon Experience? 6p615v

I’d say go with Pokemon Sword or Shield. these are the traditional Pokemon games on the Switch. You’re a young adult again! You head out to challenge the Pokemon league! The battle system is the same as usual! The multiplayer is limited to raids, trading, and regular competitive fights. It should work out for you.

Is Your Only Pokemon Experience with Pokemon GO? 715g4p

Pick up Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Eevee!. This is a reimagining of Pokemon Yellow, one of the original Game Boy games. You won’t have to worry about a ton of Pokemon. Capturing will be like you in Pokemon GO, tossing balls until you get what you want. You can even bring your characters from Pokemon GO into it. It’s a very relaxed experience.

Do You Want a Pokemon Scarlet or Violet-like Experience, but Different? 3g1n1z

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet seems like an experimental pair of games. If you want to continue that trend and play something that is Pokemon, but not like Pokemon, get Pokemon Legends: Arceus or New Pokemon Snap. The former is a more freeform game with missions, specific areas to explore, Pokemon to catch and fight, and a more action-RPG vibe. The latter is an on-rails “shooter,” except you’re essentially a Pokemon paparazzi snapping pictures of characters as you travel through different areas.

Should You Buy Pokemon Scarlet or Violet? 3l3p3r

I mean, if you want! If you’re on the fence, it’s probably best to wait until reviews are live and other people you know and trust played it. That way, you can get some expressions from other players to see if it is something you’d like.

As to which version, both will be equally good! There are a few minor exclusives in each one. But in general, you’re getting a new Pokemon experience either way.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will come to the Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022.

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While the GameStop Black Friday 2022 ad hasn't leaked, an "early" Black Friday sale flyer appeared. Starting November 13, 2022, a number of deals will be in effect at the retailer. Among them are a selection of reduced Pokemon Switch games, a $10 copy of Resident Evil Village, and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD. [Thanks, Wario64!]

There is a console deal in effect, first of all. People can get an Xbox Series S for $250. This is the digital-only version of Microsoft’s new console. It normally costs $299.

Next, here are all of the sale games in the GameStop Early Black Friday 2022 ad. While certain versions of the games appear in it, they are multiplatform titles and other platform’s versions could also be reduced. Also, some of the Xbox games below can be played on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X. There will also be price drops on desktops and laptops, but no prices or details appeared in the flyer.

• Among Us Crewmate Edition (PS5) - $15
• Call of Duty: Vanguard (PS5) - $20
• Cocomelon: Play with JJ (Switch) - $20
• Dying Light 2 (PS5) - $29
• Forza Horizon 5 (Xbox) - $34
• Grand Theft Auto V (PS4) - $15
• Halo Infinite (Xbox) - $20
• JoJo Siwa: Worldwide Party (Switch) - $20
• Just Dance 2022 (Xbox) - $10
• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (Switch) - $39
• Maneater (Xbox One) - $10
• New Pokemon Snap (Switch) - $39
• Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville Complete Edition (Switch) - $20
• Pokemon Shining Pearl (Switch) - $39, Brilliant Diamond not pictured.
• Pokemon Sword (Switch) - $39, Shield not pictured.
• Resident Evil Village (PS4) - $10
• Sonic Colors Ultimate (PS4) - $15
• Star Wars Squadrons (PS4) - $10
• Subnautica Below Zero (PS4) - $10
• Watch Dogs Legion (PS4) - $10

There will also be an offer that discounts pre-owned games and accessories by 20% if you buy a console at the same time.

Here is the four-page scan of the ad.
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The GameStop Early Black Friday sale runs November 13-19, 2022.

The post GameStop Early Black Friday 2022 Ad Includes Pokemon, RE8 appeared first on Siliconera.

The Pokemon Company will be conducting a bit of spring cleaning, as it will remove certain online features from Pokemon Sword and Shield on November 1, 2022. Players will still be able to trade with each other and participate in Max Raid Battles. However, there will be no more updates to the Wild Area News. Players will also no longer be able to participate in rank battles or online tournaments. [Thanks, Inside Games!]

The Wild Area News was vital to obtain certain rare and Gigantamaxed versions of Pokemon. An example of this is the Gigantamax Snorlax. Players who wish to continue playing Sword and Shield in the future and do not have certain Gigantamax Pokemon may want to before the final update. As for online battles, the ranked season in Battle Stadium will no longer update after November 1. You can still use all Y-Comm features or hold Friendly Competitions. However, Friendly Competitions will not appear in Pokemon Home starting on December 1, 2022.

Pokemon Sword and Shield originally came out in 2019 and make up the eighth generation of the Pokemon franchise. As of June 2022, the games have sold over 24.5 million copies worldwide, which makes it the second most successful generation behind Red and Blue. Some mechanics unique to the Galar region include camping (which is an evolution of Pokemon Amie from X and Y) and the aforementioned Raid Battles.

The newest games in the Pokemon series, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will come out on the Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022. Online features will become limited in Pokemon Sword and Shield on November 1, 2022.

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The grass monkey, that funky monkey, is available as a stuffed animal again. Build-a-Bear added a Grookey plush to its Pokemon collection. People can now find it both on the US and UK websites. It should also be showing up in retail stores as well. Online, it is only available in a $65/£52 bundle. However, if you get the stuffed to separately in a store, it will be $40/£32.

As is common with these releases, the online bundle includes some additional, exclusive items. First, you get a Grookey plush that has a 5-in-1 sound chip inside of it. Pressing it makes it make its cries from the game and series. You also get two pieces of clothing to dress the character up. Both are nods to its nature as a grass-type Pokemon. There is a Leaf Shirt, as well as a Leaf Cape. If sold separately, each clothing item would cost $12.50/£10.

Here's a closer look at the new Build-a-Bear plush. The character is wearing the leaf shirt in the image.

This marks the second Build-a-Bear Pokemon Sword and Shield starter plush. The first one was Scorbunny. Coincidentally, that also appeared in May. The fire-type showed up in stores in May 2021. The only one not represented at the moment is Sobble, the water-type.

People can get the Grookey plush at Build-a-Bear in North America and Europe immediately.

The post Grookey Swings into the Build-a-Bear Pokemon Collection appeared first on Siliconera.

Pokemon fans can deck their social media profiles out with select gym leaders and rivals, thanks to a promotional campaign by the Pokémon Center Japan's official Twitter . It commemorated the release of the Pokemon gym leaders and trainers mascot plush line, a series of dolls based on characters from Pokémon Sword and Shield.

The avatar release was based on raising the number of followers for the Pokémon Center . Once the target number was reached, the ed a set of Pokemon avatars for everyone.

https://twitter.com/pokemoncenterPR/status/1490973683984199681

In total, there are eleven Pokemon avatars to use. They're based on chibi versions of Galar League trainers and gym leaders Bede, Marnie, Milo, Nessa, Allister, Bea, Gordie, Melony, Raihan, Kabu, and Champion Dande. The icons feature the Japanese names of the trainers.

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Missing from the slate of Pokemon avatars are Ballonlea Fairy Badge leader Opal and Spikemuth Dark Badge leader Piers. The two are also absent from the line of plush dolls, though no reason was given for their exclusion. Some of the Galar League gym leaders are exclusive to different versions of the game. For example, Pokemon Sword owners encounter Bea, while Shield owners encounter Allister. Gordie and Melony are also version-exclusive, between Sword and Shield, respectively. Nessa, Kabu, Raihan, Marnie, Milo, and Dande are found in both versions of the game.

As for the Pokemon Trainers Mascot dolls the avatars are based on, the Sword and Shield trainers and gym leaders are available from the Japanese Pokemon Center online store for about 1,650 Yen each (about $15 USD).

Pokémon Sword and Shield are available on the Nintendo Switch. The latest Pokémon game, Pokémon Legends Arceus, released to massive sales in its first week.

The post Pokemon Avatars Show off Sword & Shield Gym Leaders, Trainers appeared first on Siliconera.

Takara Tomy has opened pre-orders for a Pokemon plush of Dracovish. Those in Japan will be able to add the 1/4 scale plush of the fossil Pokemon to their homes for 12,999 yen (~$114.5).

Dracovish is a fossil Pokemon that players can resurrect in Pokemon Sword and Shield by combining the Fossilized Fish and Drake. It is originally known to have a height of 7'07" (2.3m) and weighs 474 lbs (215 kg). This plush will shrink the Pokemon's size to around a quarter of the original height at just 58 cm (~ 2 ft). Anyone will be able to hug and carry the plush since it will only weigh around 1,235 grams (~2.72 lbs). People can also place something into its open jaw to simulate its signature move, the Fishious Rend.

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The plush is described as having a Strong Jaw ability and Fishious Rend as its attacks. When pre-ordering the plush, buyers can choose between the Dracovish plus that comes with either the physical attack-enhancing Choice Band, or the speed-raising Choice Scarf as held items to simulate competitive matches.

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Many Pokemon plushes are available in Japan with varying sizes from life-sized ones to reduced scales. Some of the recent examples include a 1/2 scaled Arcanine, a big Garchomp, and a life-sized Lucario.

Pre-orders for the Pokemon Dracovish plush are available in Japan until January 5, 2022. Takara Tomy will deliver the finished products in mid-June 2022.

The post Pokemon Dracovish Plush Will Come With a Choice Held Item appeared first on Siliconera.

Best Buy will give out free codes to battle and catch Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee in Pokemon Sword & Shield later this month. Best Buy will distribute the codes from October 10 to October 24, 2021, with no purchases required.

After redeeming the code, players will receive a Dynamax Crystal in-game via the Mystery Gift system. Similar to past Pokemon Sword & Shield retail promotions, players can then use the Dynamax Crystal at the Watchtower Lair to challenge the Gigantamax Pikachu or Eevee in battle. Other players can also choose to the fight, or you can decide to start the battle with NPC companions. Once defeated, all battle participants will have a chance to capture the Pokemon.

The Gigantamax Pikachu will reportedly come with the Lighting Rod hidden ability, as well as the moves Celebrate, Double Team, Thunder Bolt, and Wish. Gigantamax Eevee, however, will come with the Anticipation hidden ability, and the moves Celebrate, Wish, Double Edge, and Swift.

Originally, the Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee were only available to those who also played Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! The Gigantamax Pikachu was later made available through Max Raid events, with some running only for a limited time. Similarly, Gigantamax Eevee also appeared in a Max Raid alongside Meowth back in May 2020.

Pokemon Sword and Shield are immediately available on the Nintendo Switch. The Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee free code promotion will run at Best Buy from October 10 to October 24, 2021.

The post Best Buy Will Give Out Free Codes for Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee in Pokemon Sword & Shield appeared first on Siliconera.

If you ever played Pokemon Sword or Shield and wished for your own Rotom phone, you’re in luck. Takara Tomy plans on releasing a Rotom phone toy in October 2021. It is officially called “Pokedex: Rotom Phone+” and will cost 10,990 yen. That converts to around $100. It will be available from toy stores, department stores, and the official Takara Tomy store. [Thanks, Dengeki Online!]

This is a newer version of the Rotom Phone that came out in July 2020. While it retains the ability to look for Pokemon from all eight regions and scanning them into your Pokedex, it also adds in “body actions.” Body actions allow you to move your body in 24 different ways in order to look for Pokemon, so it’s like you’re on your own adventure. Actions include jumping, spinning, climbing, and balancing.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqnUoEbS72g&t=6s[/embed]
 
While it is not a real phone by any means, there is a home screen with numerous apps similar to one. You can use the Rotom Phone+ as a stopwatch, alarm, and calculator. There are also mini-games such as a silhouette quiz for when you’re tired of looking for Pokemon. These functions increase as you gather more Pokemon, so the main focus is still on catching them all. It will also feature characters from the TV series.

Takara Tomy will also launch a series of Gengar capsule toys in late September, wich each roll costing about 300 yen. These toys feature Gengar in various poses and even in his Gigantamax form.

The Pokemon Sword and Shield Rotom Phone+ toy from Takara Tomy will come out in October 2021 for 10,990 yen.

The post Takara Tomy Rotom Phone Lets You Catch Pokemon With Your Body appeared first on Siliconera.

Good Smile Company revealed the next Pokemon Nendoroid, and it is a figure of Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Raihan. He’s expected to release in early 2022, though only the January 2022 Japanese release date was announced. He’ll cost ¥6,700 in Japan. His US price point wasn’t announced.

As far as Nendoroids go, Raihan is a fairly typical example of one. He’ll have three face plates. He’s smiling in two, though in one his eyes are closed. In the third, he’s winking. Duraludon can also be posed. For example, its mouth can open. There is also a Rotom Phone for selfies. When someone gets the figure from the Pokemon Center, they’ll get a second Rotom Phone with a different expression.

Here’s a better look at the new Raihan figure.

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Raihan will be the second Pokemon Sword and Shield. The first was Marnie. She arrived alongside her Morpeko.

It will be the second Good Smile Company Raihan figure, though. Back in December 2020, the company revealed a figma of him. It will launch around September 2021.

The Pokemon Raihan Nendoroid will be sold exclusively through the online Pokemon Center store. It is expected to ship in January 2022 in Japan. If it follows the pattern of other Nendoroids, it will appear in North America in February 2022.

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People will get to see a different take on Pokemon Sword & Shield’s story, as the first volume of the manga will appear in English on August 10, 2021. This series will continue The Hidenori Kusaka and Satoshi Yamamoto Pokemon Adventures series outside of Japan.

The Pokemon Sword & Shield manga adaptation follows both the male and female trainers from the game. In the English version, the girl is named Casey and the boy Henry. Both are research assistants for Professor Magnolia and have a dream of competing in the Galar League, just like players’ avatars in the Nintendo Switch games.

The first volume involves the two trying to get Leon’s approval so they can start challenging gym leaders. There are also hints alluding to the legendaries from this game, as Henry is trying to learn more about the rusted Sword and Shield connected to Zacian and Zamazenta.

The Pokemon Sword & Shield manga volume 1 will be available in English on August 10, 2021. While Viz Media does have a product page for the first volume online, it doesn’t have a preview of the manga available yet. When it does launch, it will cost $4.99. Stores like Amazon and RightStuf are already accepting pre-orders.

The post Pokemon Sword & Shield English Manga Adaptation Will Appear in August appeared first on Siliconera.

The Pokemon Company will release plushes of three Galar region Pokémon next month. Chewtle, Sizzlipede, and Clobbopus will appear in brick-and-mortar stores on May 1, whereas they will be available in online stores from April 28, 2021.

Each Pokémon plush is 1815 JPY (around $16.69 USD). The plushes all have their own charm points, similar to the Pokémon that inspired them. For example, the Chewtle plush perfectly replicates the Pokémon’s ever-present grumpy expression. As well, though Sizzlipede in the game is quite flat, the Sizzlipede plush is a lot more robust in size. The Clobbopus’s big boxing gloves are held up in the air, though whether it’s an intimidation tactic or an invitation for a friendly hug is open for interpretation.

You can view the Galar region Pokémon plushes here:

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These are not the only plushes from Pokémon Sword and Shield. Earlier this month, The Pokémon Company released a series of Pokémon Dolls that draw inspiration from the four Galarian fossil Pokémon. Other Galar region Pokémon plushes include a Toxel from the Comfy Friends series, a big fat Wooloo, and a large sword-wielding Zacian.

The three Galarian Pokémon plushes will appear in brick-and-mortar stores in Japan on May 1 and online on April 28, 2021. There’s no worldwide release date for them yet. Pokemon Sword and Shield are available on the Nintendo Switch.

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There’s a Pokemon Sword and Shield April Fools’ Day event, and it involves some frustrating Magikarp. They’ve temporarily infested the Wild Area’s dens and are all uncatchable. [Thanks, Serebii!]

Here’s how it works. Once you hop into Pokemon Sword or Shield and update the Wild Area, Magikarp will be everywhere. Approaching one of these dens will trigger a warning message that says, “You can’t catch this Pokemon. Is that OK?” If you agree and go into a Max Raid against one, the battle will initially go as planned. All it will do is use Splash and Flail to attack. You’ll also still get item drops from the fight, as usual. I acquired EXP Candies L and XL, Dynamax Candies, Armorite Ore, Dynite Ore, a Pearl, a Waterfall TM, a Surf TM, a Muddy Water TM, and a Hydro Pump TM.

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This isn’t the first time Magikarp has been a star of a Max Raid event. The character was the featured Pokemon for the New Year’s 2020 Max Raids. People who played between December 31, 2019 and January 3, 2020 would see them more often and have a chance of catching a shiny version of the character in-game.

Prior to the Magikarp event, it was easier to find grass-type Pokemon in Wild Area dens. Specifically, characters like Bellossom, Cherrim, Comfey, Lilligant, Lurantis, and Vileplume were lurking about.

Pokemon Sword and Shield are available for the Nintendo Switch, and its April Fools’ Day Magikarp event is available on April 1, 2021.

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New Pokemon related announcements are on the way. A Pokemon Presents will be held on February 26, 2021. The video, which will be 20 minutes long, will air at 7am PT/10am ET/4pm CET. People can catch it on Twitch and YouTube to learn about projects related to the series. It will also honor the series’ 25th anniversary.

As a reminder, Pokemon Presents tend to be like Nintendo Directs. They’re relatively short videos primarily packed with announcements about games and projects. For example, a 2019 presentation revealed a Detective Pikachu Switch game. The June 24, 2020 one ended up being where Pokemon Unite first appeared.

In the meantime, there are musical reveals ahead of Pokemon Day 2021. Ahead of the Post Malone concert honoring the series, he released a new song. People can now hear an “Only Wanna Be with You” cover on services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal. This comes ahead of the P25 Music album that will also include tracks from people like Katy Perry.

A new Pokemon distribution event is here for Pokemon Sword and Shield too. In either game, people can use the Mystery Gift code P25MUS1C to get a level 25 Pikachu. It will know Celebrate, Sing, Electro Ball, and Encore. It will only be available in-game until March 25, 2021.  

The February 26, 2021 Pokemon Presents will be held at 7am PT/10am ET/4pm CET on Twitch and YouTube.

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