Should You Buy Both Versions of Pokémon?

As a passionate Pokémon fan and content creator, I‘m often asked if buying both versions of the latest Pokémon games is really necessary or worth it. The short answer is – it depends on your level of fandom! While both games are quite similar, some key differences can make choosing one version over the other important for collectors and competitive players. This article provides an in-depth guide to help you decide if you need those double pack Pokémon purchases.

A Breakdown of Historic Version Differences

Since the days of Red and Blue, distinct versions of mainline Pokémon titles have existed featuring minor variances:

Besides the exclusivity factors above, the storylines and actual gameplay remain identical in both editions. However, those distinctions can still be important depending on the type of Pokémon trainer you are!

Key Audiences Who Should Snag Both Copies

While more casual gamers might be fine with a single game, some fans find doubling up essential:

Completionist Collectors

Dedicated Poké-fanatics strive to amass entire Pokédexes across generations. Without trading, acquiring version-exclusive monsters requires purchasing the alternate game. Hardcore collectors are willing to pay extra for full completion.

Competitive Online Battlers

Serious Pokémon trainers understand how advantageous it can be to have multiple monster options, especially powerful legendaries, when competing against others. Owning both versions widens your roster.

Cooperative Traders

Playing Pokémon socially often involves swapping version-exclusive characters with friends. Buying the second game facilitates easier trades without relying as much on other people.

Shiny Hunters

Some players endlessly encounter hordes of the same Pokémon hunting for rare alternate color variants. Having both games essentially doubles your odds in this repetitive pursuit.

Weighing a Scarlet Versus Violet Purchase

The latest generation Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games offer the standard distinctions fans expect. But are the incremental upgrades worthwhile buys for current Sword and Shield owners?

The case for skipping upgraded copies:

• Currently still has performance/bug issues in need of patching
• Only modest improvements to gameplay and graphics
• Your existing Pokémon won‘t transfer from Sword/Shield initially

Reasons to purchase the new titles:

• Explore an all-new Paldea region and lore
• Fresher online battling communities form
• Introduction of exciting Terastal phenomenon
• Make new memories with interesting characters

For competitive players, the player-base momentum makes upgrading enticing. Yet more casual fans might be smarter waiting for the games to further mature.

The Definitive Answer: One Game Per Person is Plenty!

While niche cases exist where buying both Pokémon versions seems justified, the majority of fans receive fulsome, complete experiences owning just one game. Game Freak architects these minor differences to encourage trading; but you can also borrow friends‘ games for short stints to capture any must-have exclusives you‘re lacking.

The bottom line: Don‘t get tricked into any hype making you feel inadequate or lesser for only grabbing one version! For 95% of gamers, a single copy delivers hundreds of hours of adrenaline-pumping monster battles without any regrets.

Let me know in the comments if this helps explain considerations around double-dipping into Pokémon buys, or if you have any other questions!