The provided source material details a specific in-store promotion conducted by The Pokémon Company in collaboration with Walmart during the launch period of Pokémon Sword and Shield in November 2019. This event allowed customers to obtain a free digital download code for an exclusive trainer outfit by utilizing the Pokémon Pass app at participating Walmart locations. Additionally, the sources outline various other digital giveaways and retail incentives available to players during that period, including free Pokémon distributions via Mystery Gift and purchase bonuses for early adopters. While the primary focus of the available data is on the digital rewards for the Nintendo Switch titles, the information is limited to the 2019 timeframe and does not cover current or ongoing free sample programs in other consumer categories.
The Walmart In-Store Promotion
According to the source material, a notable in-store event took place from November 16 through November 25, 2019. This promotion was geographically restricted to the United States and required physical presence at a participating Walmart store. The mechanism for claiming the reward relied on a smartphone application rather than a direct purchase requirement.
Eligibility and Requirements
To participate in this specific offer, customers needed to meet the following criteria: * Device: A smartphone capable of downloading and running the Pokémon Pass application. * Location: A visit to a participating Walmart store during the promotional window. * Action: The ability to scan a specific QR code located on display within the store.
Redemption Process
The sources provide a step-by-step guide for redeeming the code obtained at Walmart. The process involves both the mobile app and the Nintendo Switch console:
- Download Pokémon Pass: Users must download and install the Pokémon Pass app on their smartphone.
- In-Store Scan: While at Walmart, use the app to scan the designated QR code on display.
- Receive Code: The app will generate a digital download code for the exclusive trainer outfit.
- Console Redemption:
- Launch Pokémon Sword or Shield on the Nintendo Switch.
- Navigate to the "Mystery Gift" option in the game menu.
- Select "Get a Mystery Gift."
- Choose "Get with Code/Password" to connect online.
- Input the download code received via the app.
- Accessing the Item: Once downloaded, the outfit can be accessed by visiting the fitting room inside any boutique within the game.
The source material notes that this promotion was "in-store only" and encouraged customers to visit Walmart to "kill two birds with one stone," potentially referencing the retailer’s launch day discount on the games themselves, which were priced at $49.94.
Digital Distributions and Early Adopter Bonuses
Beyond the Walmart-specific outfit, the source material references a variety of digital freebies available during the launch window and subsequent months. These offers were generally distributed via the "Mystery Gift" function within the games or through the linked Pokémon Home cloud service.
Mystery Gift and Pokémon Home Distributions
The following digital items and Pokémon were available for a limited time based on the provided data: * Gigantamax-Capable Meowth: Available via Mystery Gift for users who purchased a copy of either game by January 15, 2019. * Gigantamax Pikachu or Eevee: Granted to users who had save data for Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! or Let's Go, Eevee! on their Switch. * Shiny Zeraora: Distributed via Pokémon Home until July 6 (year inferred as 2020 based on context). * Galarian Pokémon with Hidden Abilities: Various distributions occurred, including Galarian Corsola (until June 11), Galarian Ponyta (until June 4), and a bundle of Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble via Pokémon Home. * Battle-Ready Porygon2: Available via download code until the end of an unspecified month. * Ash’s Pikachu: Eight variations wearing different caps were available via specific passwords. * Items: The sources mention giveaways of Armorite Ore, Dynite Ore, Heal Balls, Battle Points, TRs, and Poké Balls.
Purchase-Linked Bonuses
Certain rewards were tied to the purchase of the Expansion Pass or specific retail interactions: * Expansion Pass Bonus: Players who purchased the Sword or Shield Expansion Pass before August 31 received bonus clothing items based on Leon's cap and tights. * GameStop Distribution: A free Shiny Toxtricity download code was available at participating GameStop stores for a limited time. The sources also mention a scheduled giveaway of a Dynamax Crystal for Gigantamax Copperajah at GameStop, though it notes this event "appears that event will no longer be happening."
Retail Sales and Accessory Offers
The sources highlight several retail sales and accessory launches concurrent with the game's release. These offers focused on hardware and related merchandise rather than free samples.
- Console and Game Discounts: Best Buy and Amazon were noted for offering discounts on Nintendo Switch consoles and games. Best Buy specifically listed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey at reduced prices.
- Buy 1, Get 1 Free: GameStop offered a "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" promotion on new Nintendo Switch games during this period.
- Accessories: Manufacturers such as PowerA and Hori released Pokémon-themed Nintendo Switch controllers and accessories. Hori released a new lineup including Split Pad Pros.
Contextual Overview of the 2019 Launch Period
The provided text frames the 2019 release of Pokémon Sword and Shield as a period of heavy promotional activity. The "Pokémon Day" commemoration (marking the release of Red and Green in Japan) is cited as a driver for these sales and giveaways. The sources also mention merchandise tie-ins, such as Pokémon-themed cookbooks, clothing collaborations (e.g., Criminal Damage), and model kits.
It is important to note that the source material is entirely retrospective, focusing on events that occurred between late 2019 and mid-2020. There is no information provided regarding current free sample programs, ongoing promotions, or offers in categories such as beauty, baby care, pet food, health, or household goods. The data is strictly limited to the digital and retail incentives associated with the Nintendo Switch titles Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
Conclusion
The available source material documents a specific historical retail promotion where U.S. consumers could obtain a free trainer outfit for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield by scanning a QR code at Walmart using the Pokémon Pass app between November 16 and 25, 2019. The data also details a broader ecosystem of digital giveaways, including free Pokémon and items distributed via Mystery Gift and Pokémon Home during the game's launch window. While the sources mention various retail sales and accessory releases, they do not provide information on current free sample programs or offers outside the specific context of the 2019 Pokémon game launch.