As of the most recent Pokémon games, main series entries no longer include the full roster of Pokémon, begging the question of if filling a regional Pokédex is a good embodiment of the series’ catchphrase, “gotta catch ‘em all”. This catchphrase was brought back as part of the marketing for Pokémon X and Y, only to be undone just six years later. Since the first sequels, Pokémon Gold and Silver, were released, it’s almost always been possible to transfer Pokémon from older games in the series to newer ones. The only time this originally wasn't possible was from Gen 2 to Gen 3, when the Pokémon data format was significantly overhauled to the one still used in recent games. Every other traditional game has allowed transfers.
Then came the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield, when catching 'em all was no longer possible. Once Pokémon HOME, the more expensive version of Pokémon Bank, was made compatible with the new games, old Pokémon not in the Galar region’s Pokédex could not be transferred into Sword and Shield. This announcement was originally made in the most casual way during a Nintendo Treehouse presentation, and only to English audiences. Pokémon Sword and Shield's developers don't regret this, despite the huge backlash it has caused.
Pokémon Sword & Shield's Reason For Cutting Pokémon
The excuse for Dexit, as it was to become called, was that it allowed for better animations and balancing for a curated selection of Pokémon in each game. The latest games, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, are enhancing the textures of the available Pokémon, but the animations look to be the same as ever. Compared to other RPGs on Switch like Dragon Quest XI, the animations in Pokémon games are embarrassing. In fact, even Digimon Cyber Sleuth does a much better job, and that was a PSP Vita game. Although the Pokémon and Digimon rivalry never made sense, the latter blows Pokémon out of the water in the visual department.
If time were taken to actually increase the animations and quality of the textures much sooner and clearly, the decision would be a lot more palatable. Digimon games exclusively use limited rosters of monsters to ensure that everything looks as good as it can, and that series doesn’t have the benefit of being the most profitable media franchise of all time. There is no excuse for Pokémon to not do the same because this series can afford much more time and effort than Digimon can even dream of. If it means merchandising and other deals have to be delayed in order to ensure a quality product, Nintendo should really push for it, as shoddy Pokémon games reflect badly on their brand.
Another main issue that comes up with Dexit is that it greatly limits the time that completionists will spend on the game, especially if popular Pokémon aren't included. Trying to complete the Pokédex is one of the series’ main draws, so cutting the roster by more than half like in Scarlet and Violet will also remove a lot of fun for people who like the play the game that way. If catching ‘em all is reduced to catching 40% of ‘em all, it’s not quite the massive feat that it has previously been. Locking the GTS to Pokémon HOME also makes this more of a hassle.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Haven't Fixed The Series' Pokédex Problem
Perhaps the worst aspect of Dexit is that it undermines one of the core aspects of the Pokémon series. The games are all about building lasting bonds with a team so trainers can overcome anything, like Ash and Pikachu's famous bond. This is now untrue, as many players can’t overcome the game’s restrictions and have their favorite Pokémon in the games with them as they journey through every region. If Pokémon are arbitrarily cut from the roster between entries, they will remain jailed in Pokémon HOME.
Fans are hyped about the mere possibility of which Pokémon might return in DLC, but that doesn't bode well for Scarlet and Violet right now. The franchise has lost a bit of that magic that made it so unique in the earlier entries because of Dexit and the rejection of that "gotta catch 'em all" philosophy that was once so key to Pokémon's identity. Ultimately, it might have been untenable to expect every game to keep the Pokémon series’ initial “gotta catch ‘em all” outlook, but it’s sad to see it removed in such a haphazard and farcical way.
