New game features, Pok\u00e9mon native to the Galar region, and the launch date for Pok\u00e9mon Sword and Pok\u00e9mon Shield, the newest additions to the main series of the Pok\u00e9mon video game franchise, were announced today during a Pok\u00e9mon Direct online presentation. Developers at GAME FREAK inc. also provided a closer look at newly discovered Pok\u00e9mon from the Galar region, the setting of the highly anticipated games. The Pok\u00e9mon Sword and Pok\u00e9mon Shield games will be launching November 15th, 2019, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.<\/p>\n
Dynamax is a phenomenon unique to specific locations in the Galar region, where Pok\u00e9mon can take on gigantic appearances during battle, and it\u2019s an integral part of Pok\u00e9mon battles in the region. Pok\u00e9mon from the Galar region are able to Dynamax, and when they do, they become tremendously strong and receive a boost to their power. Trainers can only Dynamax their Pok\u00e9mon once during battle and the Dynamaxed Pok\u00e9mon will return to its regular form after three turns. Only Trainers who possess a Dynamax Band can Dynamax their Pok\u00e9mon.<\/p>\n
All the moves of a Dynamax Pok\u00e9mon will turn into special Max Moves. Max Moves are powerful, and some can even trigger additional effects. For example, the Normal-type Max Move, Max Strike, has the additional effect of lowering the Speed stat of an opponent it hits. The Max Moves the player\u2019s Pok\u00e9mon can use are determined by the kind and types of moves they knew before Dynamaxing.<\/p>\n
Pok\u00e9mon Gyms are found in stadiums throughout the Galar region and attract Trainers that are experts in specific types of Pok\u00e9mon. To become Champion, players will need to defeat the top Trainer in each Pok\u00e9mon Gym, also known as the Gym Leader. Spectators flock to the Gym Stadium to view these battles with Gym Leaders, which often involve intense clashes between Dynamax Pok\u00e9mon. The matches are also broadcast on television throughout the Galar region. Milo is the Grass Gym Leader and is well liked by the Trainers of his Gym. His credo is to always enjoy battles and he specializes in endurance matches using Grass-type Pok\u00e9mon.<\/p>\n
The Wild Area is a vast expanse of land in the Galar region with untamed wilderness. It is full of nature and connects several different towns and cities. Trainers will find a greater variety of Pok\u00e9mon living in the Wild Area than anywhere else in the Galar region. The Pok\u00e9mon encountered in the Wild Area will change depending on factors like weather or location, so Trainers might see something new each time they visit. While in the Wild Area, players can control the camera to explore the vast areas around them and search for Pok\u00e9mon and items.<\/p>\n
Max Raid Battles are a new battle format that takes place in the Wild Area, in which the player will team up with three[1] other Trainers to take on a wild Dynamax Pok\u00e9mon. Trainers will then get a chance to catch the wild Dynamax Pok\u00e9mon if they manage to defeat it\u2014but it won\u2019t go down easily. The wild Dynamax Pok\u00e9mon remain in their giant form the entire battle and have other unique powers. Close teamwork is the key to success, because only one Trainer involved in the battle can Dynamax their Pok\u00e9mon. Some Pok\u00e9mon can only be caught in Max Raid Battles. Max Raid Battles can become even more fun when the player connects with friends to battle together via Nintendo Switch Online[2]. If three other Trainers aren\u2019t available to participate in Max Raid Battles, support Trainers will automatically be added to the player\u2019s team to help battle the wild Dynamax Pok\u00e9mon.<\/p>\n
In Pok\u00e9mon Sword and Pok\u00e9mon Shield, players will be traveling through the Galar region, where they will find many unique locations, such as cities where Pok\u00e9mon and people work and live together. Pok\u00e9mon play an important role in the Galar region where many companies are eager to include Pok\u00e9mon as part of their workforce. In Galarian culture, Pok\u00e9mon battles are regarded as the most popular form of entertainment. Pok\u00e9mon battles are held in stadiums, where challengers and Gym Leaders face off to the passionate cheers of fans and spectators. The Pok\u00e9mon League is where Trainers gather to compete in Pok\u00e9mon battles and hone their skills. Players will have to battle the Pok\u00e9mon Gyms found around the region as they try to reach the pinnacle of the Pok\u00e9mon League and earn the title of Champion.<\/p>\n
As a resident of the Galar region, players will embark on an adventure to become the Champion and meet many people and Pok\u00e9mon along the way.<\/p>\n
Leon<\/strong> is the current Champion of the Galar region and has never been defeated in an official Pok\u00e9mon battle. Extremely popular for his skill and personality, Leon holds the title of \u201cthe greatest Trainer in all of Galar.\u201d Professor Magnolia<\/strong> is the preeminent Pok\u00e9mon Professor of the Galar region. The main focus of her research has been the Dynamax phenomenon.<\/p>\n Sonia<\/strong> is the granddaughter of Professor Magnolia as well as being Leon\u2019s childhood friend. Besides being very knowledgeable and willing to offer helpful advice to the player, Sonia is also a young researcher and Professor Magnolia\u2019s assistant.<\/p>\n The Legendary Pok\u00e9mon Zacian<\/strong> and Zamazenta<\/strong> are shrouded in mystery and are unknown even to those who live in the Galar region. Zacian\u2019s attacks are so graceful that its movements captivate opponents. Holding what appears to be a sword in its mouth, Zacian\u2019s shining blade can cut through anything. With majestic movements and what appears to be a shield covering its body, Zamazenta can turn back any attack and overwhelm any opponents that dare face it.<\/p>\n Grookey<\/strong>, Scorbunny<\/strong>, and Sobble<\/strong> are three Pok\u00e9mon that players can choose to be their first partner. Newly discovered details for these Pok\u00e9mon include the following.<\/p>\n Grookey<\/strong><\/p>\n Category: Chimp Pok\u00e9mon Scorbunny<\/strong><\/p>\n Category: Rabbit Pok\u00e9mon Sobble<\/strong><\/p>\n Category: Water Lizard Pok\u00e9mon Many different species of Pok\u00e9mon call the Galar region home. Much is unknown about the biology of these Pok\u00e9mon, so researchers are working diligently to discover more information.<\/p>\n Gossifleur<\/strong><\/p>\n Category: Flowering Pok\u00e9mon Eldegoss<\/strong><\/p>\n Category: Cotton Bloom Pok\u00e9mon Wooloo<\/strong><\/p>\n Category: Sheep Pok\u00e9mon Corviknight<\/strong><\/p>\n Category: Raven Pok\u00e9mon Drednaw<\/strong><\/p>\n Category: Bite Pok\u00e9mon Battles with wild Pok\u00e9mon in tall grass or caves will occur when players run into Pok\u00e9mon that they can see wandering around. Some Pok\u00e9mon will pursue the player once they see them while others will run away. The \u201c!\u201d mark that will appear above tall grass also seems to be an indicator of wild Pok\u00e9mon hiding there!<\/p>\n Each Pok\u00e9mon has an Ability, which can have certain effects during battle, while out exploring, or both. In Pok\u00e9mon Sword and Pok\u00e9mon Shield, Gossifleur and Eldegoss can possess the new Cotton Down Ability. When a Pok\u00e9mon with this Ability is hit by an attack, it will send out cotton fluff that will lower the Speed stat of other Pok\u00e9mon.<\/p>\n Any Pok\u00e9mon that Trainers find or catch during their adventures in Pok\u00e9mon Sword and Pok\u00e9mon Shield will have its information registered in the Pok\u00e9dex. The Pok\u00e9dex in these titles will actually be part of the player\u2019s Rotom Phone. The Rotom Phone is also home to Rotom, a Pok\u00e9mon that can enter various electrical appliances. A player\u2019s Rotom Phone can do a lot more than serve as a Pok\u00e9dex. For example, it can be attached to a bike to make it move faster on land or even travel over water once the bike is modified.<\/p>\n
\nHop is Leon\u2019s younger brother and will become one of the player\u2019s rivals. The player and Hop are neighbors and begin their journey to become Champion on the same day.<\/p>\nLegendary Pok\u00e9mon<\/h3>\n
First Partner Pok\u00e9mon<\/h3>\n
\nType: Grass
\nHeight: 1\u2032
\nWeight: 11 lbs.
\nAbility: Overgrow
\nThe stick that Grookey holds, originally from the forest where groups of Grookey live, is imbued with special powers after being exposed to the energy within Grookey\u2019s body. Its green fur creates energy from sunlight. When Grookey drums with its stick near wilted flowers and leaves, they regain their color.<\/p>\n
\nType: Fire
\nHeight: 1\u2032
\nWeight: 9.9 lbs.
\nAbility: Blaze
\nScorbunny uses its powerful legs to confuse and disorient its opponents by running and jumping around them. Because the soles of its feet can become very hot, Scorbunny\u2019s kick can burn and damage opponents, too. With a sac in its chest containing viscous fire energy, Scorbunny can increase its heart rate and body temperature by running around. This awakens the true power of its fire energy and greatly increases its physical abilities.<\/p>\n
\nType: Water
\nHeight: 1\u2032
\nWeight: 8.8 lbs.
\nAbility: Torrent
\nWhen Sobble touches water, its body changes its pattern and color, allowing it to blend into its surroundings. A rather timid Pok\u00e9mon, Sobble will secrete the water within its body like sweat and disappear into its surroundings when nervous or embarrassed. With tears that are as potent as a hundred onions, Sobble will start to bawl if it feels threatened, spreading its tears around the area and causing everyone around it to start crying uncontrollably. Sobble will then use this distraction as a chance to escape.<\/p>\nPok\u00e9mon of the Galar Region<\/h3>\n
\nType: Grass
\nHeight: 1\u20324\u2033
\nWeight: 4.9 lbs.
\nAbility: Cotton Down \/ Regenerator
\nGossifleur prefers land with clear water and air. Its pollen has a healing effect and is commonly used as a folk medicine remedy and made into a tea given to children in the Galar region when they are ill. Gossifleur travels over long distances by getting blown along by the wind. It controls the direction of its travels by twisting its body and petals.<\/p>\n
\nType: Grass
\nHeight: 1\u20328\u2033
\nWeight: 5.5 lbs.
\nAbility: Cotton Down \/ Regenerator
\nWhen Gossifleur evolves into Eldegoss, its head becomes covered in thick cotton fluff. This cotton fluff serves as a cushion that helps to protect Eldegoss\u2019s head from damage. The tiny seeds attached to the cotton fluff are said to be highly nutritious and beneficial to both people and Pok\u00e9mon. Eldegoss spreads these seeds throughout the region, making the soil of the Galar region rich in nutrients.<\/p>\n
\nType: Normal
\nHeight: 2\u2032
\nWeight: 13.2 lbs.
\nAbility: Fluffy \/ Run Away
\nThe white fur that covers Wooloo\u2019s body grows throughout its life and will fully grow back in three months even if it has been completely shorn. The fur is used for clothing, carpets, and other goods and is very popular as a specialty product of the Galar region. Wooloo live as a herd and mimic the actions of their Trainer or herd leader. They dislike conflict, and if they need to escape from enemies, they will simply roll away.<\/p>\n
\nType: Flying\/Steel
\nHeight: 7\u20323\u2033
\nWeight: 165.3 lbs.
\nAbility: Pressure \/ Unnerve
\nIt is said that Corviknight is the strongest Pok\u00e9mon living in the skies of the Galar region. It can often be seen fearlessly soaring through the air. Many say that any Pok\u00e9mon foolish enough to challenge Corviknight are sent running with just a sharp glare and cry from this fearsome Pok\u00e9mon. Because Corviknight possess superb flying skills and high intelligence, many of them work for the company called Galar Taxi and help transport people from town to town.<\/p>\n
\nType: Water\/Rock
\nHeight: 3\u20323\u2033
\nWeight: 254.6 lbs.
\nAbility: Strong Jaw \/ Shell Armor
\nThe jagged fangs of the Bite Pok\u00e9mon Drednaw are strong and sharp enough to bite through rock and iron. Though it has a heavy shell, its well-developed muscles allow it to move quickly. Drednaw is known to be extremely aggressive, so it takes a skilled Trainer to tame and handle this Pok\u00e9mon. It seems that some Trainers will release Drednaw back into the wild once they discover they can\u2019t handle it.<\/p>\nEncounters with Pok\u00e9mon<\/h3>\n