The latest Nintendo Direct just finished up, which spilled the beans on the much anticipated Pokémon Sword and Shield for Nintendo Switch. The 15 minute presentation revealed a whole bunch of new information regarding the Pokémon title, personally I’m pretty chuffed that Nintendo have recognised my power and immortalised me as champion in the game!

Check out our full summary, after the break!

Wild Area

The wild area is, as it suggests, a wild area that connects all the towns in the Gala region. You can now freely roam about in full 3D, offering more freedom than ever in Pokémon Sword and Shield. These wild areas look absolutely stunning in lush and thematic environments. Depending on where you are and the current weather will affect which Pokémon you encounter on your journey. Similar to Let’s Go, the Pokémon you encounter will be visible in the Wild Area rather than random encounters.

New Pokémon

GameFreak revealed a few new Pokémon that the Gala region will be introducing. First up was the sheep Pokémon, Wooloo. This fluffy Pokémon is treasured by weavers to craft specialty goods. Next up is the flowering Pokémon, Gossifleur. This petalled fellow favours areas with clean air and water. Its pollen is know to have healing properties. The biting Pokémon Dreadknaw can bite chunks of rocks and iron, and can be difficult to train due to its vicious nature. The raven Pokémon, Corviknight, works as a flying taxi to soar you to previously visited towns. Finally, we get to see Gossifleur’s evolution to Eldegoss, the cotton bloom Pokémon.

This is just the beginning, there will be plenty more new and old Pokémon to encounter in the Gala region.

Dynamaxing

You can use a new feature, called Dynamaxing, in battle. Using it will cause your Pokémon to grow to an exponential size and power for three turns. Be warned though, you can only use this power once per turn, so be sure to Dynamax only when you desperately need to.

Max Raid Battles

Up to four players can join forces against powerful Dynamaxed Pokémon in the Wild Area though local or online connection. These Pokémon stay Dynamaxed throughout the entire match and have special moves which is sure to put you into a winch. In addition to this, only one trainer may Dynamax their own Pokémon in the entire battle. Be sure to communicate with your buddies effectively to take down these notorious Pokémon!

Legendaries!

The legendaries for Sword and Shield have been announced, Zacian and Zamazenta. More details to come later!

Release Date

Pokémon Sword and Shield will be released globally on the 15th November 2019. You can either purchase the games separately, or purchase the double pack that comes with both games, as well as a special steelbook.


What did you think of today’s announcements? Which of these features are you most looking forward to? Sound off your thoughts in the comments below or over on social media.

Leon Fletcher

I am a huge Nintendo fan, hence why NintyBuzz exists. I especially love all things Zelda and Metroid. NintyBuzz was started by me back in the Summer of 2014, it started out mainly as a hobby, though the site has gradually grown, and I hope it grows for many years to come!