This November, Nintendo's long running Pokemon franchise is set to continue forward with Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield. In this eighth generation release, players are headed to the new Galar Region, an area that appears to be inspired by the England and surrounding British Isles.
While the core gameplay continues to revolve around catching both new and returning Pokemon, Sword and Shield also introduce a few new mechanics as well. Players can partake in cooperative Raid battles, a feature that appears to be inspired by the popular mobile game Pokemon Go. In addition, the new Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanic has been added, essentially making a Pokemon massive in size for a limited time. Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves are absent from this release, though Pokemon Gyms are back and feature new elements outside of unique leaders to battle.
Pokemon Sword/Shield Pre-order Bonuses
Nintendo has never been known to feature extravagant pre-order bonuses for its games like some of their contemporaries. Pokemon Sword and Shield mostly continue this trend, though some retailers do have a couple of items to consider.
Pre-orders from Amazon will give Prime members a $10.00 credit and Double Pack pre-orders will get the exclusive Gold Studded Leather Case for the player character.
Players who pre-order the Double Pack from GameStop or EB Games will get a double-sided wall banner that features a map of the Galar Region.
Pokemon Center pre-orders get one of three plush keychain characters of Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble. Pre-order the double pack to get all three.
For players that pre-order digitally on the Nintendo eShop, they'll receive a code for 12 Quick Balls to use in the game.
Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield Editions
Just like pre-order bonuses, Nintendo generally doesn't create multiple versions of their first party games. The same is largely true for Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, though for players who can't decide between the two new Legendary Pokemon Zacian and Zamazenta, Nintendo has created a special bundle.
Pokemon Sword Standard Edition ($59.99)
The Standard Edition comes without an extras. In addition to any pre-order bonuses, this edition only includes only the base game. The Sword version comes with exclusive gym leaders like Bea as well as Pokemon that Shield players can't get. Sword exclusive Pokemon include:
- Deino
- Zweilous
- Hydreigon
- Jangmo-o
- Hakamo-o
- Kommo-o
- Zacian
Pre-Order Pokemon Sword Standard Edition:
Pokemon Shield Standard Edition ($59.99)
The Standard Edition comes without any extras. In addition to any pre-order bonuses, this edition only includes only the base game. The Shield version comes with exclusive gym leaders like Allister as well as Pokemon that Shield players can't get. Sword exclusive Pokemon include:
- Larvitar
- Pupitar
- Tyranitar
- Goomy
- Sliggoo
- Goodra
- Zamazenta
Pre-Order Pokemon Shield Standard Edition:
Pokemon Sword/Pokemon Shield Double Pack Edition ($119.99)
- A copy of Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield.
- Two download codes for special in-game items known as Dynamax Crystals. These crystals allow players to face Dynamax Larvitar and Dynamax Jangmo-o earlier in the game inside of special Max Raid battles.
- This is a physical only version and can't be purchased digitally.
Pre-Order Pokemon Sword/Pokemon Shield Double Pack Edition:
Pokemon Sword and Shield launch on November 15, 2019 for the Nintendo Switch.