Pokémon Home is offering users more than the opportunity to transfer Pokémon from previous generations into the new app by giving players the chance to obtain a few Pokémon just by completing a few simple tasks. Previously, Pokémon Bank, the storage and management tool used for Pokémon titles on Nintendo 3DS, offered timed distributions as incentives for players who signed up for the paid service.
The Pokémon Home service has also introduced new characters, the ability to collect and trade Pokémon through a smart device, and has added the ability to make use of 35 previously unobtainable Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield – though some users are already reporting serious technical issues with the application which could dampen fan's reception of the additional paid service.
According to dedicated Pokémon site Serebii.net, a growing catalog of Gift Pokémon is being made available through various means within Pokémon Home. For example, simply for using the app, players will be given the option to select between the three Kanto region starters, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, and will find a Pikachu already placed in their storage box upon completing the introduction. Similarly, players can receive a Pichu for placing a sticker in their binder for the first time, a Rotom once their first Pokémon placed in the Global Trade System is accepted, and an Eevee upon completing a trade by placing a Pokémon into the Wonder Box. Players will be able to obtain the Pokémon awarded for completing a special task for one month, after which they will no longer be available.
Prior to the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield in November, The Pokémon Company and developer Game Freak faced frequent fan backlash over the lack of a National Pokédex, though developers have stated that they have no regrets over their decision to remove the highly requested feature. With the addition of the 35 previously unavailable creatures, and with over 200 new and returning Pokémon arriving for free alongside paid DLC later this year, Trainers will find no shortage of Pokémon to catch, trade, and battle.
Despite issues with the app, including a lack of support for Pokémon Go at launch, it's nice to see players rewarded for simply using Pokémon Home. Hopefully, Trainers will have a more enjoyable time with the service in the future, allowing them to fill the pages of their Pokédex without fear of technical issues.
Source: Serebii.net
Pokémon Home is available for download on Android and iOS devices, and on Nintendo Switch.