Pokemon SwordandShieldfans have eagerly awaited the arrival of the Crown Tundra DLC since before the first part of the expansion was even released. Now that it’s officially fall, The Pokemon Company has finally announced a release date for the highly-anticipated content, alongside excitingPokemon GOnews, and an event allowing players to collect eight different versions of “Ash’s Pikachu,” each wearing a different hat.
AlthoughPokemon GOhas an affinity for hat-wearing Pokemon, the fun costumed creatures rarely make an appearance in the main series of games. Aside from a few exceptions, and a past event that featured these same hat-wearing Ash’s Pikachu, players don’t often have the opportunity to collect novelty Pokemon like these. And now that event Pokemon are distributed digitally, instead of via live/physical events, it’s easier than ever to take advantage of the few opportunities that present themselves.
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As per Pokemon’s official announcement, players will be able to collect eight different Pikachu as thePokemon SwordandShieldCrown Tundra release (October 22) approaches. Each of the Pikachu will be modeled after Ash’s own, and will sport one of Ash’s iconic hats from the animated series. The first of the eight special Pikachu is available now with the Mystery Gift code:P1KACHUGET.
Redeeming the code is fairly straightforward, but for those unfamiliar with the Mystery Gift process, please see below:
This methoddoesrequire an internet connection, so players should be wary of that before attempting. Otherwise,Ash’s notoriously never-evolving Pikachushould be an easy get for all. This first Pikachu is modeled after Ash’s Pikachu in Season 1 of the originalPokemonanimated series. It’s wearing his “classic chapea,“as the Pokemon Company describes it, and will surely feature a unique move-set.
Thelast time Ash’s hat Pikachu were distributed, they each featured a slightly distinct move-set, based on Pikachu’s progression in the animated series. For example, Ash’s Pikachu from later points in the series featured Iron Tail and Volt Tackle as techniques - hopefully, this nod to the anime remains intact (or gets updated).
Players should be sure to claim their first Pikachu now, and keep eyes peeled for incoming passwords. October 22 is right around the corner, and with eight codes to distribute, there isn’t much time to spare. And withfullPokemon GO/Home integration rapidly approachingtoo, players have more reason than ever to expand their Poke-families and catch ‘em all.
Pokemon SwordandShieldare available now on Nintendo Switch. Crown Tundra DLC will be available for purchase on June 29, 2025.
