Pokémon Sword and Shield announced for Nintendo Switch

Scheduled for late 2019

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Reported on Bulbanews by Rhodehawk

This article is breaking news. Some contents may change—be sure to check back regularly.

On February 27, The Pokémon Company International announced Pokémon Sword and Shield, the first pair of the core series games for Generation VIII, set to release worldwide in late 2019.

The Galar region

Pokémon Sword and Shield are set in the Galar region, which may be based on the United Kingdom. It is described as "an expansive region with many environments—idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forests, and craggy, snow-covered mountains. The people and Pokémon live together in this region, and they’ve worked together to develop the industries here."

These games will return to having Gyms that the player must battle with the goal of becoming the Champion. In addition, the Trainers can once again battle wild Pokémon, a feature previously removed in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. The games also mark the return of random encounter system, as seen in most of the previous core titles that came before Let's Go pairs.

Furthermore, the three new Starter Pokémon were also unveiled:

Grass-type: Grookey (Japanese: サルノリ Sarunori), a mischievous Chimp Pokémon that is full of boundless curiosity.
Fire-type: Scorbunny (Japanese: ヒバニー Hibanī), a Rabbit Pokémon that is always running about, bursting with energy.
Water-type: Sobble (Japanese: メッソン Messon), a somewhat timid Water Lizard Pokémon that shoots out attacks as it hides itself in the water.