This morning, Nintendo Direct gave us a slew of new information on Pokémon Sword and Shield, including the free-roam Wild Area, the Dynamax mechanic, and two new Legendary Pokémon.
You can watch the full Nintendo Direct
here, but if you’re short on time, here’s a rundown of everything new to the Galar region:
New Pokémon
Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble
Sword and Shield‘s Starter Pokémon were revealed long before this Nintendo Direct, but we got to see them playing around, and they look especially cute animated on Nintendo Switch.
Wooloo
Pokémon designs have become more derivative with each generation, but it’s hard to fault them too much now that there are over 800 species. To be clear, Wooloo is a sheep Pokémon that’s
not Mareep, because Mareep is Electric type and Wooloo is just a sheep.
Gossifleur
This thing is just a stupid flower.
Eldegoss
Gossifleur evolves into Eldegoss, and they’re cotton now? Do flowers turn into cotton? Also, they just did Whimsicott in Generation VI, so whatever, I guess we have multiple cotton Pokémon.
Corviknight
Corviknight looks pretty cool, and it seems like we’ll be seeing a good deal of them since it works as Galar region’s taxi system. Also, surprisingly, this is the first raven Pokémon.
Drednaw
This is just a Digimon.
Zacian
Okay, Zacian is insanely cool. It’s basically
Sif from Dark Souls but Pokémon-ized. They’re also definitely the cooler of the two new Legendary Pokémon.
Zamazenta
The other new Legendary Pokémon, Zamazenta, is like a less cool version of Zacian, because Zacian has a sword and Zamazenta just has a weird body.
New Characters
Champion Leon
Leon may be the Champion of the Galar Pokémon League, but he also thinks that wearing a cape over a sports jersey makes him look cool. Very weird dude; steer clear.
Rival Hop
Hop is a chump, and he’ll never be a worthy rival. He’s also Leon’s little brother, so we can all look forward to destroying his whole family.
Professor Magnolia
Women. In. STEM. Move aside, Professor Oak, the future is female!
Assistant Sonia
More. Women. In. STEM. Who says fashion and lab work can’t go together?
Gym Leader Milo
The first new Gym Leader, Milo, is an absolute unit. Look at the sheer size of this lad. Too bad he uses Eldegoss, the lame cotton Pokémon. But dang, this boi hits the rack.
Dynamax
Dynamax is a new battle mechanic in
Pokémon Sword and Shield that you can use once per battle in order to make your Pokémon gigantic for three turns. Their attacks obviously become super-powered, too.
The Wild Area
The Wild Area is the new open space between towns and cities where Pokémon can roam free. Unlike previous mainline Pokémon games, Pokémon can be seen on the map. Events change based on date, time, and weather, and the environment holds many interactive secrets to uncover through exploration.
Max Raid Battles
Pokémon Sword and Shield‘s newest multiplayer feature, Max Raid Battles, allow you and three other players to join forces in the Wild Area to fight and catch special, ultra-powered Dynamax Pokémon.
Pre-order Promotions
Amazon
Amazon is currently offering Prime members a $10 promotional credit when buying the game.
Pokémon Sword
Pokémon Shield
Best Buy
Best Buy is offering a $10 promotional credit, too, and also has a special dual-pack available which includes both
Sword and Shield.
Pokémon Sword
Pokémon Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield Double Pack
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