Since the Nintendo Switch era began, downloadable content (DLC) has become a pivotal aspect of the Pokémon series’ evolution, offering expanded gameplay, memorable new Pokémon, and innovative features without the need to launch separate third-version releases.
This shift started in 2019, when Game Freak transitioned from the traditional cycle of re-releases like Pokémon Platinum, Emerald, and Black 2 & White 2, to a modern approach focused on expansion packs.
Instead of requiring fans to purchase a new game and start over, mainline Pokémon entries now let trainers continue their adventure through DLC.
Here, we rank every major Pokémon DLC released to date, exploring what each brings to the franchise on the Nintendo Switch. 5.
The Isle of Armor (Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC – Released June 2020) The very first expansion in series history, The Isle of Armor breaks new ground by allowing existing save files to access new story content and Pokémon.
Set on an island region, this DLC introduces the Legendary Pokémon Kubfu, which can evolve into either Single Strike or Rapid Strike Urshifu.
Players also encounter new Gigantamax forms for classic Pokémon and can participate in activities like Restricted Sparring, the Cram-o-matic, and the Alolan Diglett side quest.
However, the limited new Pokémon (including Galarian Slowpoke, Galarian Slowbro, and Zarude) and features catering primarily to completionists mean The Isle of Armor remains a modest debut in Pokémon’s foray into DLC. 4.
Mega Dimension (Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC) The Mega Dimension DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A appeals foremost to dedicated fans, with extensive gameplay hours and sought-after features for Shiny hunters.
Here, players explore Hyperspace Lumiose and collect hard-to-find Pokémon, such as Mythical Pokémon like Meltan and Melmetal, now available outside of limited-time events.
While praised for its strong boss encounters and wider character interactions, the expansion draws criticism for repetitive content and a heavy reliance on grinding Hyperspace Survey points.
As stated by many players, the highly focused design and grind-heavy progression may not suit casual players, but its opening up Mythical Pokémon collection is a trend many hope will continue. 3.
The Teal Mask (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC – Released September 2023) Launching as the first DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, The Teal Mask introduces trainers to the Kitakami region and brings with it notable new characters like Ogerpon—a Legendary Pokémon with a distinct personality and role in the narrative.
The DLC also spotlights new species such as Dipplin, Poltchageist, Sinistcha, and Bloodmoon Ursaluna.
However, the reception to other introduced Legendaries (Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti) has been lukewarm.
While Kitakami provides a fresh locale to explore, initial performance challenges on the Nintendo Switch hardware hampered the experience for some players.
Kitakami’s world is engaging, but it could benefit from enhanced visuals and hardware optimization, a point frequently mentioned by longtime fans. 2.
The Indigo Disk (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC – Released December 2023) Hyped as a major expansion, The Indigo Disk brings the innovative Terarium area to life—a massive self-contained ecosystem with Pokémon from across generations and overt references to the Unova region.
The expansion features new Pokémon such as Archaludon, Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt, Terapagos, Pecharunt, Hydrapple, Iron Boulder, and Iron Crown.
It also adds utility via the Item Printer and Synchro Machine, expanding gameplay options.
However, progression relies heavily on accumulating Blueberry Points, leading to repetitive gameplay loops and challenging Legendary Pokémon captures.
Nevertheless, the Terarium and nostalgic callbacks make this DLC particularly memorable for franchise veterans. 1.
The Crown Tundra (Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC – Released October 2020) Topping the list, The Crown Tundra is celebrated for its expansive exploration, diverse Legendary additions (like new Galarian forms of Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, and Slowking, as well as Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier), and the acclaimed Dynamax Adventures mode.
Dynamax Adventures revolutionizes group raid gameplay, offering a unique cooperative format with high Shiny Pokémon rates and the chance to catch previously event-only Legendaries, Ultra Beasts, and even Cosmog.
Storytelling shines, especially in humanizing Calyrex, providing deeper emotional engagement than typical Legendary encounters.
Though some critique the mode’s repetitive format, the sheer depth and replayability of The Crown Tundra make it the standout Pokémon DLC on the Nintendo Switch. With recent expansions, Game Freak and The Pokémon Company have demonstrated a flexible, forward-thinking approach to content distribution, trading separate releases for continuous engagement.
Each DLC veers between inventive features, nostalgic tie-ins, and—occasionally—grind-heavy mechanics.
As the Nintendo Switch and its successors advance, fans hope for even richer expansions, balancing challenge and accessibility for both newcomers and series veterans alike.
This shift started in 2019, when Game Freak transitioned from the traditional cycle of re-releases like Pokémon Platinum, Emerald, and Black 2 & White 2, to a modern approach focused on expansion packs.
Instead of requiring fans to purchase a new game and start over, mainline Pokémon entries now let trainers continue their adventure through DLC.
Here, we rank every major Pokémon DLC released to date, exploring what each brings to the franchise on the Nintendo Switch. 5.
The Isle of Armor (Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC – Released June 2020) The very first expansion in series history, The Isle of Armor breaks new ground by allowing existing save files to access new story content and Pokémon.
Set on an island region, this DLC introduces the Legendary Pokémon Kubfu, which can evolve into either Single Strike or Rapid Strike Urshifu.
Players also encounter new Gigantamax forms for classic Pokémon and can participate in activities like Restricted Sparring, the Cram-o-matic, and the Alolan Diglett side quest.
However, the limited new Pokémon (including Galarian Slowpoke, Galarian Slowbro, and Zarude) and features catering primarily to completionists mean The Isle of Armor remains a modest debut in Pokémon’s foray into DLC. 4.
Mega Dimension (Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC) The Mega Dimension DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A appeals foremost to dedicated fans, with extensive gameplay hours and sought-after features for Shiny hunters.
Here, players explore Hyperspace Lumiose and collect hard-to-find Pokémon, such as Mythical Pokémon like Meltan and Melmetal, now available outside of limited-time events.
While praised for its strong boss encounters and wider character interactions, the expansion draws criticism for repetitive content and a heavy reliance on grinding Hyperspace Survey points.
As stated by many players, the highly focused design and grind-heavy progression may not suit casual players, but its opening up Mythical Pokémon collection is a trend many hope will continue. 3.
The Teal Mask (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC – Released September 2023) Launching as the first DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, The Teal Mask introduces trainers to the Kitakami region and brings with it notable new characters like Ogerpon—a Legendary Pokémon with a distinct personality and role in the narrative.
The DLC also spotlights new species such as Dipplin, Poltchageist, Sinistcha, and Bloodmoon Ursaluna.
However, the reception to other introduced Legendaries (Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti) has been lukewarm.
While Kitakami provides a fresh locale to explore, initial performance challenges on the Nintendo Switch hardware hampered the experience for some players.
Kitakami’s world is engaging, but it could benefit from enhanced visuals and hardware optimization, a point frequently mentioned by longtime fans. 2.
The Indigo Disk (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC – Released December 2023) Hyped as a major expansion, The Indigo Disk brings the innovative Terarium area to life—a massive self-contained ecosystem with Pokémon from across generations and overt references to the Unova region.
The expansion features new Pokémon such as Archaludon, Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt, Terapagos, Pecharunt, Hydrapple, Iron Boulder, and Iron Crown.
It also adds utility via the Item Printer and Synchro Machine, expanding gameplay options.
However, progression relies heavily on accumulating Blueberry Points, leading to repetitive gameplay loops and challenging Legendary Pokémon captures.
Nevertheless, the Terarium and nostalgic callbacks make this DLC particularly memorable for franchise veterans. 1.
The Crown Tundra (Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC – Released October 2020) Topping the list, The Crown Tundra is celebrated for its expansive exploration, diverse Legendary additions (like new Galarian forms of Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, and Slowking, as well as Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier), and the acclaimed Dynamax Adventures mode.
Dynamax Adventures revolutionizes group raid gameplay, offering a unique cooperative format with high Shiny Pokémon rates and the chance to catch previously event-only Legendaries, Ultra Beasts, and even Cosmog.
Storytelling shines, especially in humanizing Calyrex, providing deeper emotional engagement than typical Legendary encounters.
Though some critique the mode’s repetitive format, the sheer depth and replayability of The Crown Tundra make it the standout Pokémon DLC on the Nintendo Switch. With recent expansions, Game Freak and The Pokémon Company have demonstrated a flexible, forward-thinking approach to content distribution, trading separate releases for continuous engagement.
Each DLC veers between inventive features, nostalgic tie-ins, and—occasionally—grind-heavy mechanics.
As the Nintendo Switch and its successors advance, fans hope for even richer expansions, balancing challenge and accessibility for both newcomers and series veterans alike.
