Reawakening Hope: Is the Return of the National Pokedex in Pokemon On the Horizon?
The National Pokedex's return in Pokemon remains uncertain despite its absence in recent RPGs With an abundance of Pokemon and evolving technology, the challenges of reintroducing it persist However, devoted trainers can still access the National Pokedex through Pokemon Home
Highlights
The National Pokedex is unlikely to return in future Pokemon games due to the overwhelming number of over 1000 Pokemon, making it difficult for new players to catch them all.
The addition of new Pokemon brings along fresh gameplay elements and characters, enhancing the immersive nature of the Pokemon games. Sacrificing innovation for the National Pokedex could prove to be detrimental for the series.
Even though recent Pokemon RPGs do not include the National Pokedex, it remains available through Pokemon Home. Players can complete it by transferring creatures from various titles, though a premium membership is necessary for this.
Pokemon games have excluded the National Pokedex since Generation 6, much to the dismay of completionists in the community. This has raised concern among fans who question how one can truly "catch 'em all," as the English slogan of the Pokemon franchise suggests, if not all Pokemon are available.
The National Pokedex encompasses every existing Pokemon. In the inaugural games of the series, Red and Blue, there were a total of 150 Pokemon that could be caught. Each subsequent generation introduced approximately 100 new creatures. Notably, Generation 6 (Pokemon X and Y) featured the smallest addition with 72 new Pokemon, while Generation 5 (Pokemon Black and White) introduced the largest number with 156. Regrettably, fans may not be able to capture all these Pokemon in a single game any time soon, as justifying the inclusion of the National Pokedex has become increasingly challenging.
There Are Too Many Pokemon
The addition of new Pokemon every few years has led to a tremendous expansion of the National Pokedex. With over 1000 Pokemon now in existence, the sheer quantity is an astounding factor. This alone is a significant obstacle to the National Pokedex's return; the sheer number of creatures is simply overwhelming.
Including over 1000 monsters in each new game no longer seems logical. For newcomers, this number is completely absurd. The task of catching, collecting, and trading for over 1000 creatures is not suitable for everyone. A more reasonable number, such as the approximately 400 catchable Pokemon found in Scarlet and Violet, would provide a comfortable variety without being excessively overwhelming. These games cater to a wide range of players, from young children experiencing their first Pokemon game to more experienced enthusiasts of the series.
New Pokemon Worlds and Technology
Not only do new Pokemon get introduced in each new generation, but there are also fresh gameplay elements and numerous characters to encounter. This includes gym leaders, rivals, professors, antagonists, and friends who assist along the journey. The presence of human characters and intricate cities greatly enhances the experience of exploring each new region. As gamers increasingly seek more immersive experiences, the shift towards open-world design has become necessary.
Throughout its history, the Pokemon RPG series has not simply introduced new creatures with each generation. The games themselves have evolved alongside advancing technology, which has made significant leaps and bounds over the past few decades. While some criticize the series for being repetitive and bound by tradition, developer Game Freak has been making sincere efforts to cater to the preferences of modern players while retaining the core gameplay.
Scarlet and Violet mark the debut of the first authentic open-world Pokemon RPGs. While it is true that the 9th Generation titles may encounter certain technical challenges, they undeniably present refined and contemporary interpretations of the beloved Pokemon formula. The inclusion of every single Pokemon in every new game could potentially hinder the exploration of innovative possibilities.
The National Pokedex Lives On In Pokemon Home
While the National Pokedex may no longer make an appearance in the Pokemon RPG series, it is still present in Pokemon Home. Currently, it is possible to achieve a complete Pokedex in Pokemon Home by playing a range of different titles. Players who are currently engaged with the 3DS Pokemon games can continue to transfer numerous creatures, which are not included in more recent titles, to the Pokemon Home service through the use of Pokemon Bank. However, it is important to note that with the closure of the 3DS eShop, Pokemon Bank is no longer available for download.
The Pokemon franchise is set to continue beyond Scarlet and Violet, with future games likely to include rare creatures that have been unavailable over time. Game Freak will seize the opportunity to reintroduce neglected Pokemon, potentially as unique regional variants. While these creatures may not be compatible with every game, they can still be transferred or stored in Pokemon Home.
Regrettably, Pokemon Home requires a premium membership to hold more than 30 creatures. Some may argue that this is a paywall for accessing the National Pokedex, but it is still preferable to not having access at all. On a positive note, Pokemon caught in other titles, such as Pokemon Go, can also be migrated to Pokemon Home to aid in completing the collection.
