It’s hard to find a more anticipated title than an upcoming mainlinePokémongame, and with the release ofScarlet and Violetin November, you could say fans are getting geared up for their next adventure. One thing fans weren’t ready for, however, were the preorder bonuses that would be offered along with the game — particularly for those who purchased their copy through Amazon. Those of us who do like to get our games ahead of time are used to bonuses like a cool poster, or maybe a t-shirt, or most commonly some cool, unique in-game items that you’re able to flaunt in front of your non-preordering friends. But Amazon said “Nah, they don’t need all that,” and the fans are not here for it.
The problems started with an innocuous tweet from the Amazon Video Games account (viaKotaku), which featured an infographic of what players could expect from aPokémonpreorder through their store. The image boasts an “exclusive in-game Healing Set” that consists often Potions, ten Antidotes, and three Revives— you know, the super common healing items players find in the game.
Pre-order Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, or Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack, and receive a download code for an exclusive in-game Healing Set.https://t.co/l8JJPa4dB5pic.twitter.com/DRYkofwgTr
— Amazon Video Games (@AMZNVideoGames)July 14, 2025
I’m usually willing to give people the benefit of the doubt, but even the optimist in me has to admit that this is pretty pathetic. Players unsurprisingly took to the replies to share their thoughts, and I don’t blame them for getting snarky.
Japanese fans are gettingphysical artbookswith preorders, and in the meantime, we’re stuck with items you’ll be able to collect in the first hour of gameplay. Digital preorders also come with an Adventure Set as well, but it’s not much of an improvement with ten Potions, five Full Heals, three Revives, three Ethers, one Rare Candy, and one Nugget.
They really buried the lede, too, because the coolest bonus players can get is acool crystal Pikachu, as long as you order before May 30, 2025.
I think in this case, I’m just gonna forgo aPokémonpreorder altogether and get it on release day like a chump. I’ll still get my crystal Pikachu, at least.
