Pokémon Legends: Arceus rewards players who played previous games

Shaymin Pokemon Legends Arceus Cropped (Image credit: iMore)

What you need to know

Pokémon Legends Arceus is a new game set in ancient Sinnoh.
Players with save data from Pokémon Sword and Shield as well as Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee will have access to the mythical Pokémon Shaymin and new outfits.
Save data in Pokémon games is not saved in the cloud, so prizes can only be redeemed on one console.

With the release date for Pokémon Legends: Arceus not too far away, players with save data in older games will have exclusive content to look forward to. Players with save data from Pokémon Sword and Shield get the chance to catch the mythical Pokémon, Shaymin. Sword and Shield players also receive an exclusive Shaymin Kimono set to style their character with.

Hey Trainers, have play data from #PokemonSwordShield? If so, you’ll get a chance to catch the Mythical Pokémon Shaymin in #PokemonLegendsArceus!

Plus, you’ll be able to claim the Shaymin Kimono Set when the game releases on 1/28!https://t.co/wZqRl3zhBr pic.twitter.com/Wol6uZWoSQHey Trainers, have play data from #PokemonSwordShield? If so, you’ll get a chance to catch the Mythical Pokémon Shaymin in #PokemonLegendsArceus!

Plus, you’ll be able to claim the Shaymin Kimono Set when the game releases on 1/28!https://t.co/wZqRl3zhBr pic.twitter.com/Wol6uZWoSQ— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) November 10, 2021 November 10, 2021

Those with save data for Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu! and Pokémon Let's Go Eevee! need not feel left out, however. Anyone with save data for either game can receive a Pikachu or Eevee mask in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, depending on which games they had save data for.

More good news Trainers! By having play data from either version of #PokemonLetsGo on your #NintendoSwitch, you’ll be able to claim both a Pikachu Mask and an Eevee Mask in #PokemonLegendsArceus.

Wear these cute Pikachu- and Eevee-themed masks while you explore the Hisui region! pic.twitter.com/FLDxV5EZViMore good news Trainers! By having play data from either version of #PokemonLetsGo on your #NintendoSwitch, you’ll be able to claim both a Pikachu Mask and an Eevee Mask in #PokemonLegendsArceus.

Wear these cute Pikachu- and Eevee-themed masks while you explore the Hisui region! pic.twitter.com/FLDxV5EZVi— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) November 10, 2021 November 10, 2021

Please note that even if you are subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online, save data for Pokémon Sword, Shield, Let's Go Pikachu!, and Let's Go Eevee! does not get saved to the save data cloud. This means that you'll have to redeem these items and events on the same Nintendo Switch that you played those games on.

Ancient Sinnoh

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Create the first Pokédex

Choose from a medley of starters: Cyndaquil, Rowlet, or Oshawatt, and embark on a journey through feudal Sinnoh ad you strive to create the very first Pokédex. This open-world adventure is a whole new take on the Pokémon formula, with new mechanics and mysteries to uncover.

Nadine is a freelance writer for iMore with a specialty in all things Nintendo, often working on news, guides, reviews, and editorials. She's been a huge Nintendo fan ever since she got to pet her very own Nintendog, and enjoys looking at Nintendo's place in the video game industry. Writing is her passion, but she mostly does it so that she can pay off her ever-growing debt to Tom Nook. Her favorite genres are simulation games, rhythm games, visual novels, and platformers. You can find her at @stopthenadness on Twitter, where she'll more than likely be reposting cute Animal Crossing content.