Pokémon Sword and Shield: What Have We Learnt So Far?

ICYMI: Pokéfans, do we have top news for you! Nintendo and Game Freak inc. have been hard at work to bring, what we think promises to be, their most ambitious entry in the Pokémon franchise.

Streaming live, back in February, the Pokémon Direct event gave away just enough information to truly tantalize trainers and gamers, while remaining relatively vague about the mechanics and nitty gritty of the game.

You can watch the broadcast below for a first taste of the eighth generation of Pokémon games.

So, what do we know?

Let’s start with the basics. In the Pokémon Direct, the titles of the two upcoming games are Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Rumors abound regarding the titles’ meaning, but for now we can only speculate that this has something to do with the new legendary Pokémon we are more than likely to get.

We also know that the game is due to be released for definite as a Switch title, with no mention of other Nintendo consoles. This would make it the fourth official Pokémon game on the Switch, with previous titles of Pokkén Tournament and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee / Pikachu having already been released, and Pokémon Quest due for release at the end of May.

Finally, it was revealed that Pokémon Sword and Shield will launch “late 2019”, with no official date confirmed. Looking at past releases, October or November appear the most likely dates; just in time for Christmas (we know what we’ll be expecting in our stockings this year!)

A new generation of Pokémon

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of a new Pokémon game is new Pokémon! We know, going in, that Sword and Shield will bring us Generation VIII of our pocket monster friends. The direct even introduced us to this gen’s starter Pokémon.

“The chimp Pokémon Grookey – this mischievous Pokémon is full of boundless curiosity. The rabbit Pokémon Scorbunny, which is always running around – bursting with energy! And the water-lizard Pokémon Sobble – a bit timid, shooting out attacks as it hides itself in the water.”

A new location.

Rumored to be largely inspired by the United Kingdom, we are introduced to the region of Galar.

“Galar is an expansive region with many environments, containing idyllic countryside and contemporary cities, vast planes and craggy snow-covered mountains. The people and Pokémon live here, and they’ve worked together to develop the industries in the region.”

With its range of different terrains and weather conditions, and fascinating cities and towns – is that a Big Ben look-alike we can spot in the middle – it certainly looks an exciting place to start your journey as Pokémon Master. It’ll be fascinating to see what influences the UK and this region has on the new Pokémon we are expecting to see.

A new quest.

It seems incredibly likely that the timeless adage of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” will lead the game’s main story line. As ever, the idea will be to train your Pokémon to be stronger, challenging other trainers and gym leaders before testing your skills against the very best to become the champion.

“Here in the region, you’ll visit gyms with the newly discovered Pokémon that you choose to be your first partner, aiming for the enviable and admirable title of champion.”

There will undoubtedly be other factors to the story. An evil organization hell bent on capturing another trainers’ Pokémon perhaps. Or a large event based around the discovery or appearance of Pokémon long considered mythical?

Right now, who knows? We will certainly be keeping our ears to the ground and eyes peeled wide for more information; bringing it to you as we discover it. However, for now we will have to hold our horses and hope that the next generation of Pokémon, and the latest entry to the series, will bring us something new and exciting!