Pokemon Sword and Shield's Direct Reveals Plot, Features, Release Date

After much waiting and even more anticipation, Nintendo's Pokémon Sword and Shield Direct has premiered. And along with all sorts of new information about the game, we know exactly when the game will be released: November 15!

Nintendo hosted a Direct on Wednesday, where the Pokémon Company spoke in greater detail about the upcoming Switch game. The ~15-minute video revealed more about the game than everything before this combined.



The game's story revolves around a new feature, called Dynamax. This is a special ability, where a Pokémon transforms to be gigantic in size. The story follows Professor Magnolia and her granddaughter, Sonia, as they research the Dynamax phenomenon. All the while you're rivaling against your friend Hop to become the best Pokémon trainer in the region, to eventually compete and defeat hop's brother, Champion Leon.

Pokémon Sword and Shield features a new landscape, called the Wild Area. This segment of the map is all open. No routes or roads to guide the player. Think of it like a natural Safari Zone. Here you will encounter a variety of different Pokémon depending on the time and weather. It will also be home to Max Raid Battles, special battles where you and other players work together to defeat a wild Dynamaxed Pokémon.

The Direct ended with the reveal of the game's Legendary Pokémon, two wolves called Zacian and Zamazenta. One with a sword, and one with a shield, their purpose in the game remains unknown.

Other Fun Discoveries

• Wooloo is the cutest sheep-Pokémon I've ever seen.
• Gym battles are large televised events that take place in large stadiums.
• Pokémon will be random encounters you can avoid, as well as actual roaming creatures (like with Pokémon Let's Go).

Along with the video, the official website has also updated with new information, some that wasn't actually revealed in the video. For example, Sobble cries as a strategic measure of escape or distraction. 

Pokémon Sword and Shield release on November 15, 2019, for $59.99, only on the Nintendo Switch. They're also offering a bundle "Double Pack" that contains both titles.