Nintendo, in collaboration with Game Freak and The Pokémon Company, officially revealed Pokémon Sword and Shield, giving fans a first look at the eighth generation of Pokémon. This new release, which was teased at E3 2017, is not to be confused with Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee.
In addition to revealing Sword and Shield’s three starters, Nintendo used its favored method of new game announcements by featuring roughly one minute of game footage, highlighting 13 other Pokémons that’ll inhabit the new region of Galar.
The company also announced that these two titles would be launched later in late 2019. Unlike Pokémon Let’s Go: Pikachu and Eevee games in 2018 which Pokémon fanatics didn’t regard them as a ‘core’ Pokémon experience, this two titles are similar to the traditional RPG titles like Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon in 2017. Sword and Shield will also feature actual wild Pokémon battles and actual trainer battles, unlike the recent Nintendo Switch games.
The trailer showcased the games in full 3D setting, showing new areas and trainers. The new region is also described by director Shigeru Ohmori of Game Freak as a more modern setting which looks to be a factory-heavy one, with cranes, trains, and steelworks.
The Pokémon Company further adds that it’s “idyllic countryside and contemporary cities with vast plains and snow-covered mountains.”
Pokémon fanatics can expect both new Pokémons and the reappearance of Pokémons from previous generations. There will also be the return of real Pokémon gyms, according to the games’ website.