Pokémon Sword and Shield Launch Event in Tokyo Cancelled

“Operational Reasons”

Sometimes you have to actively stop yourself from making things worse while you still can. That may be what is going on with Game Freak’s no-longer-existent launch event for Pokémon Sword and Shield. This is the first time that a main series Pokémon game does not have one of these events. As you may know, the new Pokémon games do not include all the ‘mons in the Pokédex, which does not sit well with fans. It kind of goes against the series saying “Gotta catch ’em all!”, that needs to be amended. “Catch as many as you can!”

Pokémon Sword and Shield

The displeasure with the game may be totally unrelated, but Game Freak has cancelled the Pokémon Sword and Shield launch event. The notice was sent out a few days ago regarding the event that was to take place this Friday, when the games come out. It reads: “Dear customers. Thank you for your continued patronage. The launch event for “Pocket Monster Sword Shield”, which was scheduled to be held at Sunshine City Fountain Square in Ikebukuro, Tokyo on November 15 (Friday), was canceled due to operational reasons. It was decided to have you. We would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused to customers who are planning to visit or considering their visit.”


This cancellation probably won’t affect you, but if you’re bummed out about it, the launch trailer came out today. You can check that out. Pokémon Sword and Shield come out on the Nintendo Switch on November 15th.

How full is your displeasure meter at Game Freak for the limited Pokémon? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Pokémon Company