We’re getting an all-new mainline Pokémon title in 2019! Pokémon Sword and Shield will be developer Game Freak’s latest dual entries in the long-running series. We’re here to compile everything we know about Sword and Shield, from its release date to the new Pokémon themselves. Check it out below!
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What is Pokemon Sword and Shield?
Pokémon Sword and Shield are the latest two games in the iconic Pokémon series. This is the so-called generation eight, and brings us to a whole new region in the vast world of Pokémon. We only know the basics of Sword and Shield right now, but we’ll be sure to learn more as the game gets closer to release.
When is Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Release Date?
Right now, we don’t have an exact release date for the latest Pokémon title. Nintendo has given a late 2019 release date at this time. However, based on past mainline Pokémon releases, we can probably expect Sword and Shield in either October or November of this year.
What Console Does Pokemon Sword and Shield Release on?
Pokémon Sword and Shield will release exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. This will make for the first mainline Pokémon titles playable on a TV (barring workarounds like using a Super Game Boy). However, the Switch is still a hybrid device, and you’ll be able to play Sword and Shield on the go like every other generation of Pokémon game!
What New Pokemon are in Sword and Shield?
So far, we’ve only gotten a glimpse at the new starters for Sword and Shield. The rest of the new crew is waiting in the wings.
- Grookey – A cute monkey that is the Grass-Type starter.
- Sobble – A sad little tadpole boy that is the generation’s Water-Type starter.
- Scorbunny – A fiery rabbit, and our Fire-Type starter.
We’ll be sure to learn about more new Pokémon closer to the games’ release.
What is the New Region in Pokemon Sword and Shield?
The new playable area for Pokemon Sword and Shield is called the Galar region. Galar is clearly inspired by the real-world United Kingdom, complete with a city that sports a giant clock tower. While there’s plenty of greenery and farmland to be seen in the region, the Galar region also appears to have steampunk-y cities, giving various parts of the region a more industrial feel.
What Else is New in Pokemon Sword and Shield?
Back to Random Battles – It appears that Game Freak has ditched being able to see wild Pokémon out in the field (as in Pokémon Let’s Go and the related Pokémon Go). Instead, Sword and Shield return to random battles with unseen enemies from previous Pokémon generations.
Gyms Are Also Back, but Appear to Be Different From Before – Pokémon Sun and Moon had trainers fight in trials to earn Z-Stones. This system kinda-sorta took the place of Gyms and Gym Badges. From what we’ve seen, Gyms are back for Sword and Shield, but they appear to be a bit different from the Gyms in earlier generations.
Updated Graphics – As expected with the jump from 3DS to Switch, the graphics have gotten an upgrade. In fact, it’s even an upgrade from last year’s Pokemon Let’s Go titles, which looked pretty great on their own. Although they clearly share a similar style. The playable characters look just a touch older than in the past, too — a trend that seems to only get more pronounced with every new generation of Pokémon. Sword and Shield should be a visual treat!
