Pokémon Sword And Shield Out Now Exclusively For The Switch

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield have officially released and are exclusively available for the Nintendo Switch. These are the first core Pokémon RPGs to be released for this system, and they offer a new region to explore, new Pokémon to discover, and even new ways for fans to play.

For this new game, players can expect:

• A New Region to Explore
  • Get a chance to experience the Galar region for the very first time.
  • Trainers can explore a region with a countryside, contemporary cities, thick forests, and even snow-covered mountains.
• The Dynamax and Gigantamax Phenomenon
  • In the Galar Region Pokémon can Dynamax and take on gigantic appearances during battle.
    • When Pokémon Dynamax, their power is not only boosted, but they also become much more difficult to catch and take down.
  • In some very rare occurrences, there are Pokémon that go one step further with Gigantamaxing.
    • When Pokémon Gigantamax, they become even bigger while also changing their appearance.
    • They also use powerful G-Max Moves that the regular Dynamax Pokémon can't use.
• ​Traverse the Wild Area
  • The Galar region has a Wild Area that is all untamed wilderness and stretches between the different cities and towns.
  • In this area, Trainers should be able find a wide range of wild Pokémon to battle and catch.
    • The types of Pokémon that can be found in the Wild Area and the situations in which Trainers can battle them changes depending on the current in-game weather conditions.
• Team Up for Max Raid Battles
  • In addition to fighting Pokémon in the Wild Area, Trainers can also participate in a new battle format known as Max Raid Battles.
  • These are multiplayer battles where a maximum of four Trainers can group together in order to catch a wild Dynamax Pokémon.
• Three New First Partner Pokémon
  • Get the chance to know one of these three first partner Pokémon:
    • Grass-type Chimp Pokémon Grookey
    • Fire-type Rabbit Pokémon Scorbunny
    • Water-type Water Lizard Pokémon Sobble.
• A Myriad of New Pokémon to Discover
  • The Galar region is home to a very unique Pokémon ecology.
    • There are, for example, Sheep Pokémon known as Wooloo that provide the wool for goods in Galar.
    • Another is the Grass-type Flowering Pokémon, Gossifleur, that offers pollen to be used in medicine.
    • Expect to see Galarian forms of many beloved Pokémon from other regions as well.
• New Legendary Pokémon
  • The region is home to two mysterious Legendary Pokémon
    • ​Zacian
      • Holds a sword in its mouth and attacks with grace.
    • Zamazenta
      • Its shield-covered body turns back most attacks and its regal movements overwhelm opponents.
• Relax Using Pokémon Camp
  • ​Increasing a Trainer's bond with their Pokémon isn't just about battles. Trainers can take a breather and set up camp for some R&R. Trainers and their Pokémon can play together with a variety of toys and even cook and enjoy different curries together. Trainers can also visit the camps of other players.

To celebrate the launch, Trainers can sign up for the first official Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Online competition, known as Galar Beginnings. Trainers can register for this exciting competition which started November 14 at 7:00 PM EST and runs until December 5 at 6:59 PM EST.

The competition itself takes place on December 4 at 7:00 PM EST until December 8, at 6:59 PM EST and uses a Single Battle format. A Nintendo Switch Online membership, which is sold separately, and Nintendo Account are needed to take part in the competition.