On the topic of mega evolutions and z-crystals in NatDex gen 8 metas:
It is very important to make sure mega evolutions and z-moves work in some form in gen 8. Even if the items are going to be omitted, they can still be selected in formats such as Custom Game. It is worth noting that even the old gen2 items work in the current gen7customgame format. There is no reason now to end this precedent.
In addition, we can deduce the most likely way that these would be implemented thanks to past precedent, in particular Mega Rayquaza. In current gen 7, Mega Rayquaza cannot mega evolve while holding a z-crystal, implying that these mechanics were never intended to mix ("MRay Precedent"). The MRay Precedent explains why one cannot mega evolve while it can take advantage of the "new" z-crystal mechanic. Now if I apply that logic to dynamaxing:
- You can dynamax any pokemon in gen 8.
- Pokemon in regular gen 8 cannot mega evolve or use z-moves. You could also chalk this up to the items being omitted, actual coding notwithstanding (I'm well aware that the mechanics are very likely to be completely absent from SwSh code).
- The MRay Precedent says that mechanics cannot be combined, meaning one must choose betweeen them.
- Thus, in accordance with the MRay Precedent, Pokemon that have the option to use mega evolution or z-moves (or are primals themselves) cannot dynamax.
- My suggestion: In order to ensure dynamax is used identically to gen 8, gen 8 conditions must be met (no option to mega evolve, no option to use z-move, not mega evolved or in primal reversion due to usage of said options) before a given Pokemon can dynamax.
- The above suggestion would enable all mechanics to be included while avoiding any weird potential interactions of dynamaxing and the otherwise-unavailable mechanics AND maintaining proper functions of items in CG-based metas.
Now, as for Omitted Gen 7 Items in Nat Gen 8 Metas:
It is very easy to say that only the Pokemon should be brought over (a simple nullification of Dexit). However, omitting items has the following side effects, with varying severity:
- All mega evolutions apart from Mega Rayquaza will be unavailable, and an arbitrary decision will need to be made regarding Rayquaza's ability to mega evolve despite there being exactly 0 mega stones available. In addition, I think Mega Evolutions are considered Pokemon by their own right by many people who are advocating for NatDex metas, myself included.
- Important items relating to the use of abilities or moves would be missing:
- Lack of plates prevent use of Multitype, forcing Arceus to be normal type
- Lack of Ultranecrozium Z prevent Necrozma from Ultra Bursting
- Other various signature items of affected Pokemon will be omitted including but not limited to:
- Soul Dew (Lati@s)
- Lustrous Orb (Palkia)
- Adamant Orb (Dialga)
- Signature Z-Crystals (obviously)
- Also, "in-game" implications mean that these Pokemon would be directly unable to be included:
- Kyurem-B
- Kyurem-W
- Necrozma-Dusk-Mane
- Necrozma-Dawn-Wings
- Shaymin-Sky
- Giratina-O (no Grisious Orb)
It should also be noted that in the last "port", all related items were independently made available in the next game. The entire concept of NatDex is what if Dexit hadn't happened. If Dexit hadn't happened, Game Freak would have done the same thing they did when releasing SM: make all previous items available to be obtained in-game. The only reason that they aren't in SwSh is because of Dexit; I don't see why it would make sense for them to not do that again here for any other reason, given existing precedent set in SM.
Obviously if there are items that were cut that cannot be tied directly to Dexit (like if Normal Gem was unobtainable in SwSh), those specific omitted items should not be included.
Thanks for reading my manifesto.
edit: silvally is in SwSh