Pokemon Legends: Arceus is set to launch in January, giving Pokemon fans the chance to experience a very different take on the Pokemon formula. However, Pokemon fans will get rewarded if they've played the more traditional games in the series, as Nintendo has recently revealed some bonus content that Pokemon Legends: Arceus players can get if they have save files of older games on their Switch.
First up, those who have Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield save files on their Switch will be able to claim the mythical Pokemon Shaymin (Land Forme), along with a special Shaymin Kimono Set to customize their Pokemon trainer with. Players will be able to catch Shaymin after receiving a request to do so in Jubilife Village upon completing beating the story and seeing the end credit sequence. The Shaymin Kimono Set, meanwhile, is earned by talking to the clothier of the Galaxy Expedition Team.
Being able to catch Shaymin is a big deal, but there are other save file bonuses for Pokemon Legends: Arceus fans to look forward to as well. Those who have save files for Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu or Let's Go Eevee will be able to claim Pikachu and Eevee masks for Pokemon trainer customization purposes. Similarly to the Shaymin Kimono Set, the Pikachu and Eevee masks are obtainable by speaking to the Galaxy Expedition Team's clothier.
Not only will Pokemon Legends: Arceus have save file bonuses, but Nintendo has also confirmed save file bonuses for the upcoming Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl as well. And like the Pokemon Legends: Arceus save file bonus, the Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl bonuses will net players mythical Pokemon.
Any Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl players that have Sword or Shield save files can add Jirachi to their team. Meanwhile, any Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl players with Let's Go Pikachu or Let's Go Eevee save files on their system will be able to get Mew. Getting Mew and Jirachi will be an endgame activity like with Shaymin, so Pokemon fans should keep that in mind.
Right now, Nintendo's main focus is on Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, but once those games are out, one has to imagine that the push for Pokemon Legends: Arceus will increase. Hopefully this means that Pokemon fans have some more Pokemon Legends: Arceus gameplay trailers to look forward to in the near future.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus launches January 28, 2022, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.