They announced paid DLC before the game came out.

UnovanZorua · September 2025

I had high hopes for Z-A, given they were going not one but two years without a real new game and, at least from our perspective, taking their time to finish it, but maybe I was being too optimistic. This is going to be a repeat of SV's release, isn't it? Perhaps even worse, considering they've already announced paid DLC for a game that isn't even out yet. That is not a good sign. They should've just made it part of the postgame, but they went out of their way to make it a paid DLC.

I hope they make the story good, at least. Otherwise I might straight up hate this game.

Hades0918 · September 2025

I've already bought it, but I'm with you. They should have let the game become popular. Make us wait. Release it and people would be head-over-heels and surrendering their money. I'm still excited, though, and can't wait to play it. Although, I kind of thought it would be free when the DLC came out since it isn't a main game.

clasingla · September 2025

i wish that they just decide to do a few free updates instead like they did in new pokemon snap with those 2 new areas and legends arceus with the massive mass outbreak storyline

Hades0918 · September 2025

https://community.pokemon.com/en-us/discussion/comment/93025#Comment_93025

That's what I was saying! I don't think we should've had to buy it. I hope it has a whole lot of extra content and megas to make it worth it.

Voltareon2012 · September 2025

But the DLC has Mega Raichu. For once- after Nintendo never doing anything I think of (Midna & Wolf Link for Smash Bros.? Anyone? No?) -They did something I've been waiting for for YEARS!!!
Yeah, little bit weird they announced it before the game even came out, but I bet they wanted hype. But I still have actually pretty high hopes for Z-A, with what I've seen- already love some of the characters, love (to hate) the creepy guy, and have enjoyed all the new megas- except Victreebell. I've liked just about every Pokémon game except Legends: Arceus. I've got high hopes- so Game Freak, don't you DARE crush them.

MonstaDash · September 2025

https://community.pokemon.com/en-us/discussion/comment/93040#Comment_93040

nintendo is not the same nintendo from back then, they seem to care more about sales than content which is one reason i am getting the switch version rather than a switch 2 and it. game freak seems to care more than nintendo does and i hope they do well with it and their future project (Beast of Reincarnation)