Fans everywhere are looking forward to the release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, but for those who haven't already done so, it can be tough to decide where to pre-order their copy of the game. Each retailer has its own advantages and disadvantages, and there's no perfect answer. Personal preference can tip the balance, but for those looking for something more, there are a few things, like pre-order bonuses, to consider.
Pre-order bonuses are nothing new in the world of gaming. Every seller wants to attract as many fans as it can, so it will often give out little gifts in exchange for pre-ordering games from it. Some sellers also take longer to ship than others or offer in-store pickup. These are all factors that fans should consider when deciding where to pre-order their copy of Legends: Arceus, even if they might not make the decision for some. Players who want to catch Arceus in the next Pokémon game should make sure they pre-order from the best place for them.
Amazon, GameStop, and the official Pokémon Center all have different pre-order bonuses and shipping speeds, so if fans find a bonus they like, it should help them make a decision. Whether a bonus is worth the possibly longer time it takes to ship, though, is up to the individual. There are also some universal pre-order bonuses for Pokémon Legends: Arceus that come with the game and don't require a certain seller, like the Growlithe outfit or some Heavy Balls, so everyone who pre-orders will get something.
Which Pokémon Legends: Arceus Pre-Order Bonuses Are Best
Although most of the best pre-order bonuses are exclusive to Japan and other Asian countries, as it usually is, there are some good bonuses available to the United States. Pokémon Center is the official Pokémon merchandise website and offers U.S. fans a Sitting Cuties Arceus plush with pre-orders of Pokémon Legends: Arceus as bonuses, but fans should remember the shipping delay that the website had with Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Even without delays, orders can take about five to seven business days to arrive, so it's on the slow side.
GameStop is a classic video game retailer that's often the go-to when it comes to pre-order bonuses. Those who pre-order Legends: Arceus from it will get a set of three art cards with official art of the game. It also ships in approximately 24-48 hours, so fans should expect about a few days before they can play their copy of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It does, however, offer in-store pickup, which means that they also have the option to get it right away.
Amazon sells just about everything, from books to blankets, and it also has its own pre-order bonus for Legends: Arceus. U.S. buyers will receive a Garchomp-themed costume set for their character in-game, which means that they won't get anything physical, further proof that major video game releases don't always come with a trinket. Amazon UK, on the other hand, offers a steelbook case for the game in addition to a model of the ancient Poké Ball. Amazon is famous for its quick shipping, but those without Prime may take longer to get it or pay more for faster shipping.
Overseas pre-order bonuses are usually much better than the ones offered for the United States, one of which is Play-Asia's Arceus V Pokémon card. Some other retailers, such as Best Buy and Target, also don't offer any bonuses at all. With the game so close to release, it doesn't look like there will be any, either, so it's probably better to pre-order Pokémon Legends: Arceus from a different source rather than wait for one to be announced.