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Pokemon Sword and Shield are coming to Switch - here's everything we know

Release date, gameplay details, platforms, and more

Pokemon Sword and Shield are coming to Switch - here's everything we know

Nintendo had itself a little 7 minute-long Direct today focused entirely around its upcoming Pokemon game for Switch, and now we know what it's called - Pokemon Sword and Shield.

Both editions are set to launch on Switch in late 2019, so we've still got a while yet before we can get our hands on the game, but there's still plenty of info already out there thanks to the Direct.

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First off, you'll be exploring a whole new region called Galar, which looks like it combines elements of the English countryside and Victorian-era towns - think lots of bricks buildings and water wheels, as well as gorgeous rolling hills with chalk images buried in the side.

And as with any new Pokemon game, there's new critters to catch too. Only the three starter Pokemon have been shown so far - Grass-type chimp Grookey, Fire-type rabbit Scorbunny, and Water-type lizard Sobble. Each one is adorable, so it's going to be tough to pick your favourite.

As for the rest of it? Well, it looks like a regular old Pokemon game. That means you'll be battling wild creatures instead of just capturing them (sorry Let's Go, Pikachu/Eeevee!), and your overall goal is to train your Pokemon to be the best in the world and beat every gym leader.

Developer Game Freak claims that it's trying to make "the greatest Pokemon experience yet" which will appeal to both young and old, new fans and returning veterans. And I have to say, it looks like they're doing a pretty good job so far.

Pokemon Sword and Shield are set to launch at the tail end of 2019. Are you going to pick it up when it lands? Do you think Sword and Shield are kind of bad names that show Nintendo is running out of ideas? Let us know in the comments.

Ric Cowley
Ric Cowley
Ric was somehow the Editor of Pocket Gamer, having started out as an intern in 2015. He hopes to take over the world the same way.