For players seeking to be the very best, like no one ever was, they won't be able to do so using less-than-legitimate means, as Nintendo is set to implement harsher measures to punish cheaters in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
According to NME, due to a surge in hacks plaguing the Nintendo Switch game, the developer is preparing to impose bans from online features to players caught cheating. The bans will also prevent the use of the online functions for the Pokémon Home app. If players are found to be using a hacked Pokémon, they risk a ban that The Pokémon Company has contemplated applying to the use of the entire app.
While mods are often a celebrated feature of gaming, these cases are labeled as hacks due to the negative impact they can cause to other players. Additionally, the hacks can result in game-breaking complications, with this being the deliberate intent of some of the cheaters. Recently, a recurring issue has arisen from players receiving hacked Pokémon during trades that are designed with the ability to crash the recipient's game. Many players can be entirely unaware that they are receiving hacked Pokémon, especially during the game's random "Surprise Trade" function. Given that the company intends to punish users of these hacks, some unsuspecting players could be incriminated without realizing it.
According to a statement from The Pokémon Company, the intent is to maintain and add to these measures on a consistent basis "without notice." Furthermore, hackers have even more to lose as it was announced that there would be "No refunds or payments" provided to any of the banned players.
Pokémon Home is a monthly subscription service that allows players to trade Pokémon from across the various generations of games and even Pokémon Go. It makes the post-game easier for anyone seeking to partake in online battles and trading, so its loss would be detrimental to hackers seeking to get ahead.
Online functions are an important feature within Pokémon Sword and Shield. Not only is it crucial for ranked online battles, which can subsequently lead to lucrative tournaments, but it's how players can complete their Pokédex. Since they cannot capture every Pokémon with just one of the two Generation 8 games, trading is the only solution. Given the competitive and completionist nature of the game, the necessity of a "worry-free" and fair experience is clear to see. However, it's unclear how the measures will take into consideration the players who receive hacked Pokémon against their wishes.
Source: NME