>>18123075Not really, a hazard check that requires you to switch in on the turn that the hazards are laid isn't a very good idea. Especially when most hazard layers also carry physical moves and can kill or maim Espeon on the predicted switch.
Seriously, in order for Espeon to work as intended, you need to do things like switching it into Tyranitar. Who could just as easily Crunch your ass, or even Mega Evolve + DD so it can outspeed and kill on the next turn (unless you're Scarfed, in which case you're still too weak to OHKO T-Tar in the sand). I'd much rather use Defog or Rapid Spin, thanks. And reflecting other status moves isn't much use when, once again, most of their users are either capable of killing you with prediction or immune to their effects. Beating Smeargle isn't much of an accomplishment, seeing as Smeargle is shit.
Offensively, Espeon really shouldn't be used over Latios or Alakazam. Not to mention how awful Psychic is nowadays, what with the Ghost buff and the rise of Dark-types. Knock Off, seen by some as the most spammable move in the game, turns Espeon to mush.
Sylveon has a great typing, well-distributed stats, AND an amazing ability (that it can usually live long enough to abuse.) It doesn't have to fall back on a 50/50 chance every time it wants to do something. And again, I hate that ribbony bastard more than any other Pokemon in the game. But, competitively, I can't deny that it's infinitely better than Espeon at finding and filling a niche.
