Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield's upcoming expansions were the highlights of this morning's Nintendo Direct Mini. Nintendo featured an early look at the Pokemon Sword and Shield expansions in the closing moments of the presentation. The Isle of Armor expansion, being the nearest release, was the main focus. Features including the new Pokemon Kubfu and its evolution, as well as new outfits, hairstyles, and league card cosmetics were shared. But what's most exciting is Gigantamax evolutions for players' starters.
The Isle of Armor expansion for Pokemon Sword and Shield will also introduce Gigantamax forms for all three starter Pokemons' evolved forms. Gigantamax Rillaboom gets a huge drum set and the unique G-Max move Drum Solo. G-Max Fireball is Cinderace's Gigantamax move, where they create and kicks a giant ball of flame. Finally, Intelleon comes to the natural conclusion of its evolution path and fires a G-Max Hydro Snipe shot while Gigantamaxed. From what Nintendo is saying, these Gigantamax forms are exclusive to the DLC.
If players were interested to hear more about the Isle of Armor expansion's storyline, Nintendo did share a bit more information. On the Isle of Armor, players will join a new Pokemon battle dojo where they'll earn the Legendary Pokemon Kubfu and learn from the training master Mustard. Training Kubfu in the Towers of Two Fists will give players a choice between the towers of Darkness or Waters. And depending on the player's choice, Kubfu will evolve to become Urshifu and learn either Single Strike Style or Rapid Strike Style, respectively.
Also revealed was the Pokemon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass pre-order bonus. For those who pre-order the $29.99 Expansion Pass before August 31, Nintendo will deliver a set of exclusive battling gear. It's not just any gear, however. It's Leon's cap and tights, complete with his number "326."
Finally, while it isn't Expansion Pass related, a new Wild Area event is starting today in Pokemon Sword in Shield. In Pokemon Sword, Copperajah and Duraludon's Gigantamax forms will be more common to encounter. In Pokemon Shield, Garbador and Charizard's Gigantamax forms will be more common.
While Nintendo was excited to share more information about Pokemon Sword and Shield's expansion passes today, they're still quite a ways off still. Isle of Armor is now confirmed for a June release date, while the second expansion, Crown Tundra, is planned for this fall. Expect more information about both expansions as their release dates near.
Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield are available now exclusively on Nintendo Switch.