Pokémon fans surprised with new free downloads you can claim now

Pokémon fans can claim a free download today, no questions asked. Happy days!

When it comes to entertainment franchises, it doesn't get much more popular than Pokémon, whether it’s the video game series, animations, collectable cards, merch and much more. Despite being around for nearly three decades, it feels like Pokémon is more popular than ever.

Check out the Pokémon Sword and Shield trailer below!

The most recent entries in the Pokémon series on Nintendo Switch are Scarlet and Violet released in 2022 and now fans are looking forward to the series' next big release with Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

As brought to our attention by the Twitter account SerebiiNet, you can claim a free shiny Keldeo and Meltan today.

Keldeo is a Gen 5 mythical Pokémon from the Unova region and is a water/fighting type. It has two forms, standard and Resolute. Keldeo made its first appearance in Pokémon Black and White.

As for Meltan, it's a Gen 7 mythical Pokémon from an unknown region and is a steel type and can be evolved into the much larger Melmetal. Meltan made its first appearance in the mobile game, Pokémon GO and later in Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee.

To claim both of these lovely shiny creatures in Pokémon HOME, all you have to do is complete the Galar, Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra Pokédexes to earn Keldeo, and the Kanto Pokédex for Meltan.

When placing Pokémon into HOME, they can then be transferred between Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, and finally, Scarlet and Violet.

As for the next game in the series, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, at the time of writing, it does not have a release date for Nintendo Switch but it is currently scheduled to launch at some point this year.

Hopefully, we may learn more about the game during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event on 2 April 2025.