The official Pokémon website has announced that players of Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield that transfer one or more Pokémon between those games and the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME, can receive a Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble.

Get Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble with Hidden Abilities through Pokémon HOME

Enjoy some popular Pokémon with new tricks as you get ready for your Pokémon adventures to continue.

Have you been transferring Pokémon between Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield and Pokémon HOME as you prepare for your adventures in The Isle of Armor? Starting Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at 6:00 a.m. PDT, if you transfer one or more Pokémon between Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield and the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME, you'll be able to receive a Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble with Hidden Abilities as Mystery Gifts in the mobile device version of Pokémon HOME.

To claim your in-game gifts, follow these steps.

1. Launch the mobile device version of Pokémon HOME, and tap the button at the bottom of the screen to open the menu.
2. Select Mystery Gifts.
3. Select Gift Box.
4. Select the gift in your Gift Box that you'd like to claim.
5. Select Claim, and the Pokémon will be deposited into your Pokémon HOME Boxes.

Note: In order to receive these Pokémon, you will need to have the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME and the mobile device version of Pokémon HOME linked to the same Nintendo Account.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/get-grookey-scorbunny-and-sobble-with-hidden-abilities-through-pokemon-home/

The Pokémon Company has announced that new information about the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass will be revealed on June 2nd, 2020 at 22:00 JST/9:00 EDT/13:00 UTC.

Source: https://twitter.com/Pokemon_cojp/status/1267440960746766338

The Isle of Armor DLC will be released on June 17th, 2020. High resolution screenshots and artwork from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

LAUNCH DATE UNVEILED FOR PART ONE OF POKÉMON SWORD EXPANSION PASS AND POKÉMON SHIELD EXPANSION PASS

Newly Discovered Pokémon and More Revealed for The Isle of Armor

Today, The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo announced new details for the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, downloadable content for the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games. The first set of content, The Isle of Armor, will launch on June 17, 2020, and the second, The Crown Tundra, launches in the autumn of 2020. The Expansion Pass is available for purchase in Nintendo eShop[1]. Newly discovered Pokémon, new Gigantamax forms, exclusive moves, and more were also revealed.

The Isle of Armor
The first new adventure unlocked by the Expansion Pass will take place on the Isle of Armor, an island of the Galar region. Many Pokémon make this island their home, living freely amid the lush nature. The island is also home to a dojo for Pokémon battles. Players and their Pokémon will train hard to become stronger under Mustard, the master of this dojo.

NEWLY DISCOVERED POKÉMON

Galarian Slowbro
Category: Hermit Crab Pokémon
Type: Poison/Psychic
Height: 5ʹ3″
Weight: 155.4 lbs.
Ability: Quick Draw

A Shellder bite set off a chemical reaction with the spices inside Galarian Slowpoke’s body, causing Galarian Slowbro to gain the Poison type. The Shellder that’s latched onto Slowbro sometimes unconsciously bites down harder on Slowbro’s arm, causing an itch that drives Slowbro to start wildly swinging its arm around and smashing its surroundings. With a speed that puts even the quickest reflexes to shame, Slowbro readies its Shellder and makes poisonous liquid shoot from the Shellder’s tip. This is Shell Side Arm, a Poison-type special move that may poison the target. The move inflicts either physical or special damage depending on which will damage the target more.

NEW GIGANTAMAX FORMS

Gigantamax Venusaur
Type: Grass/Poison
Height: 78ʹ9″+
Weight: ????.? lbs.
Ability: Overgrow

The power of Gigantamaxing has made Venusaur’s flower bloom so large that it covers the Pokémon’s body. During battle, the Pokémon uses these petals as a shield and swings its two thick vines around to thrash its target. Grass-type attacks used by Gigantamax Venusaur will change to G-Max Vine Lash. G-Max Vine Lash doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent when it hits—it will continue to deal damage for four turns to any Pokémon that isn’t Grass type.


Gigantamax Blastoise
Type: Water
Height: 82ʹ+
Weight: ????.? lbs.
Ability: Torrent

Blastoise’s shell has grown to match its body, and it boasts new extra-large water cannons as well. Gigantamax Blastoise can adapt to different situations by using different combinations of its 31 variously sized cannons. Gigantamax Blastoise can also move the 12 large cannons surrounding its central cannon independently, letting it orient its attacks in any direction, whether toward the ground or the sky. Water-type attacks used by Gigantamax Blastoise will change to G-Max Cannonade. G-Max Cannonade doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent when it hits—it will continue to deal damage for four turns to any Pokémon that isn’t Water type.

LEGENDARY POKÉMON URSHIFU’S EXCLUSIVE MOVES

Legendary Pokémon Urshifu has two forms—Single Strike Style and Rapid Strike Style—and each form can learn different moves and G-Max Moves. A Single Strike Style Urshifu that has followed the path of darkness can unleash a single, severe blow—a signature move known as Wicked Blow. This move always results in a critical hit, allowing Urshifu to attack while ignoring the target’s stat changes. A Rapid Strike Style Urshifu that has followed the path of water can unleash a flowing three-hit combo—a signature move known as Surging Strikes. This move always results in critical hits, allowing Urshifu to attack while ignoring the target’s stat changes.

Unseen Fist is a new Ability introduced with these expansions and one that only Single Strike Style Urshifu and Rapid Strike Style Urshifu possess. This Ability lets the Pokémon deal damage when it attacks with moves that make direct contact even if the target defends itself by using moves like Protect.

Dark-type attacks used by Single Strike Style Gigantamax Urshifu will change to G-Max One Blow. Water-type attacks used by Rapid Strike Style Gigantamax Urshifu will change to G-Max Rapid Flow. G-Max One Blow and G-Max Rapid Flow can deal damage even if a target defends itself by using moves like Max Guard or Protect.

NEW ADVENTURING FEATURES INTRODUCED IN THE ISLE OF ARMOR

Cram-o-matic
The dojo on the Isle of Armor houses a unique take on recycling in the form of a device called the Cram-o-matic. If players feed it four items, it will combine them and give out a new item in exchange. Trainers can receive any of a variety of items, including Poké Balls, PP Ups, and more. Some combinations might even produce rare items.

Tutor Moves
Completely new tutor moves will also be available on the Isle of Armor. Trainers can have their Pokémon learn them in exchange for Armorite Ore, a substance that can be found on the Isle of Armor through Max Raid Battles and other means.

Burning Jealousy is a new Fire-type move that can be taught starting with these expansions. When it hits, it deals damage to all opposing Pokémon and burns all opposing Pokémon that have had their stats boosted during the turn.

Grassy Glide is a new Grass-type move that can be taught starting with these expansions. This move has high priority when used on Grassy Terrain.

Max Soup
Max Soup is a special dish made from rare ingredients you can gather on the Isle of Armor. If a Pokémon with great hidden potential drinks Max Soup, it will become a special Pokémon capable of Gigantamaxing. Some Pokémon that Trainers are already traveling with may also gain the ability to Gigantamax.

The Crown Tundra
The second area unlocked by the Expansion Pass is the snow-swept realm of the Crown Tundra. In this frigid yet beautiful landscape—with its jagged winter mountains and shining, silvery landscape—people live in small communities where they support and rely on one another. A man named Peony will appoint the player as the leader of his exploration team in the Crown Tundra and task them with investigating the reaches of this frozen land. Players will also be able to explore the depths of the Pokémon Dens seen during Max Raid Battles. What’s more, it seems several previously unseen Legendary Pokémon make the Crown Tundra their home.

NEWLY DISCOVERED LEGENDARY POKÉMON

Regieleki
Category: Electron Pokémon
Type: Electric
Height: 3ʹ11″
Weight: 319.7 lbs.
Ability: Transistor

Regieleki absorbs electrons to live. Regieleki’s signature Electric-type special move, Thunder Cage, fires furious bolts of electricity from its lower half, trapping opponents directly below it in a cage of lightning. Thunder Cage doesn’t only deal damage to opponents when it lands—the electrified cage will also cause damage every turn for four to five turns and prevent opponents from fleeing or being swapped out.


Regidrago
Category: Dragon Orb Pokémon
Type: Dragon
Height: 6ʹ11″
Weight: 440.9 lbs.
Ability: Dragon’s Maw

Regidrago’s body is composed of crystallized dragon energy. With Regidrago’s signature move, Dragon Energy, the Pokémon assumes a shape similar to a dragon’s head, then fires intense dragon energy from its mouth. The more HP the user has remaining, the higher the move’s power.

Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres?
Legendary Pokémon bearing strong resemblances to Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres have been spotted in the Crown Tundra. These Pokémon seem to bear Ice-type, Electric-type, and Fire-type characteristics, respectively, and were previously thought to be the same as the Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres seen in other regions. Recently gathered data from reported sightings and other sources about the Pokémon have bolstered the theory that they are, in fact, distinct variants.


Galarian Articuno
Category: Cruel Pokémon
Type: Psychic/Flying
Height: 5ʹ7″
Weight: 112.2 lbs.
Ability: Competitive

Once every several decades, this migratory Pokémon appears in the Crown Tundra. Galarian Articuno’s signature move, Freezing Glare, is a Psychic-type special move in which the Pokémon attacks by firing psychic power from both eyes. This move may also leave the target frozen.


Galarian Zapdos
Category: Strong Legs Pokémon
Type: Fighting/Flying
Height: 5ʹ3″
Weight: 128.3 lbs.
Ability: Defiant

Once every several decades, this migratory Pokémon appears in the Crown Tundra. Galarian Zapdos’s signature move, Thunderous Kick, is a Fighting-type physical move that overwhelms the target with lightning-like movement before delivering a kick. This also lowers the target’s Defense stat.


Galarian Moltres
Category: Malevolent Pokémon
Type: Dark/Flying
Height: 6ʹ7″
Weight: 145.5 lbs.
Ability: Berserk

Once every several decades, this migratory Pokémon appears in the Crown Tundra. Galarian Moltres’s signature move, Fiery Wrath, is a Dark-type special move in which the Pokémon transforms its wrath into a fire-like aura to attack. It may also make opposing Pokémon flinch.

NEW CHARACTERS
Upon arriving in the Crown Tundra, players will encounter Peony, who has brought his daughter along on an adventure to find the truth behind tales of Legendary Pokémon in the area. Listening isn’t his strong suit, and his bold behaviour draws plenty of attention, but he has a kind side and plenty of affection for his daughter.

DYNAMAX ADVENTURE
Trainers can team up with three other players to go on a Dynamax Adventure, where they will be able to venture into Pokémon Dens and even encounter Dynamax Pokémon. If Trainers do encounter a Dynamax Pokémon during their exploration, they’ll need to work together in a Max Raid Battle. Trainers will get a chance to catch the Dynamax Pokémon for their team if they triumph in the battle, but they’ll be kicked out of the den should they lose.

GALARIAN STAR TOURNAMENT
Once Trainers progress far enough in their adventure in the Crown Tundra, they’ll be able to participate in the Galarian Star Tournament, held in the city of Wyndon. In this tournament, Trainers will battle with various characters they met in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield—but not just as opponents. They can also pick a teammate and tackle the tournament together.

TRANSFER BONUS IN POKÉMON HOME
Starting Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. BST, if Trainers transfer one or more Pokémon from Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield to the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME, they will be able to receive a Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble with their Hidden Abilities as Mystery Gifts in the mobile device version of Pokémon HOME.[2][3]

Grookey
Grookey’s Hidden Ability is Grassy Surge. It’s a rare Ability that normally wouldn’t be available.
Level: 5
Ability: Grassy Surge
Moves: Scratch, Growl

Scorbunny
Scorbunny’s Hidden Ability is Libero. It’s a rare Ability that makes its first appearance in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
Level: 5
Ability: Libero
Moves: Tackle, Growl

Sobble
Sobble’s Hidden Ability is Sniper. It’s a rare Ability that normally wouldn’t be available.
Level: 5
Ability: Sniper
Moves: Pound, Growl

GIGANTAMAX FESTIVAL

From Monday, June 1 PDT until Monday, June 30, at 00:59 a.m. BST, many different Gigantamax Pokémon can be encountered in Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Some different Gigantamax Pokémon will appear depending on the version of the game being played.

The following Gigantamax Pokémon will appear in both versions of the game: Snorlax

Gigantamax Pokémon that will appear only in Pokémon Sword: Gengar, Kingler, Lapras, Garbodor, Corviknight, Appletun, Amped Form Toxtricity, Centiskorch, Grimmsnarl, Alcremie, Duraludon
Gigantamax Pokémon that will appear only in Pokémon Shield: Charizard, Butterfree, Machamp, Orbeetle, Drednaw, Coalossal, Flapple, Sandaconda, Low Key Form Toxtricity, Hatterene, Copperajah

YouTube Clip - Pokémon Sword Shield Expansion Pass Promotional Video

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK0e03X9txs

YouTube Clip - Explore the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra with the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QZIuug-Am0

The Pokémon Company International has announced the Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy, the first-ever board game adaptation of the Pokémon TCG, one of the most beloved and best-selling trading card games in the world. High resolution images from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Pokémon Debuts New Board Game with Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy

Iconic Pokémon Trading Card Game from The Pokémon Company International Reimagined as First-Ever Easy-to-Learn and Fun-to-Play Family Game, Releasing Worldwide on July 31, 2020


Today, The Pokémon Company International has announced the Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy, the first-ever board game adaptation of the Pokémon TCG, one of the most beloved and best-selling trading card games in the world. Providing everything a “Trainer” needs to master the basics of the Pokémon TCG, Battle Academy offers fun family entertainment, combining strategic Pokémon TCG gameplay within a classic, easy-to-learn family game experience.


Known for its beautifully illustrated cards that are fun to collect, trade, and play with, the Pokémon TCG features a vast assortment of product offerings with something for every Trainer—from casual collector to avid competitor. Now, with the introduction of Battle Academy, there are even more accessible options for aspiring players.

“Battle Academy is designed to be easy to learn and fun to play for all types of Trainers, including children and parents that may be new to the Pokémon TCG,” said J.C. Smith, senior director of consumer marketing at The Pokémon Company International. “Pokémon has a unique ability to bring people together, and we look forward to seeing families enjoy Battle Academy at their next game night, as parents bond with their kids over one of their favorite entertainment brands and collectible Pokémon TCG cards.”


Each Battle Academy box comes with a two-player game board, three 60-card decks, tutorial guides, and gameplay accessories. It also comes with a code card that allows Trainers to enjoy the Pokémon TCG digitally through the free-to-play Pokémon Trading Card Game Online app on iOS and Android, as well as on Pokemon.com.


Launching around the world on July 31, 2020, Battle Academy will be available widely at participating mass and hobby retailers, as well as online retailers including PokemonCenter.com, the premier destination for official, high-quality Pokémon merchandise in the US. In addition, Trainers in the US will be able to grab Battle Academy early on June 21, 2020, exclusively at Target stores and online at Target.com.

Source: https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/battle-academy/

The Pokémon Company International has unveiled the newest expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze, arriving around the world on August 14th, 2020. High resolution press release images have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Charizard and Eternatus Make Their Pokémon VMAX Debut in the New Pokémon Trading Card Game: Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze Expansion

​​​​​​​Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze introduces highly collectible cards including Charizard VMAX, as the fan favorite Charizard makes its Gigantamax form debut in the Pokémon TCG—just like in the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games. In addition, Trainers will be able to pull more Pokémon from the Galar region as Pokémon VMAX, such as Centiskorch VMAX and Grimmsnarl VMAX in their Gigantamax forms, and the Legendary Pokémon Eternatus VMAX in its unique Eternamax form.

The full expansion includes the following:

• Seven Pokémon VMAX
• 14 powerful Pokémon V—plus nine full-art Pokémon V
• 17 Trainer cards and four full-art Supporter cards
• Three new Special Energy cards

Fans interested in playing with cards from the expansion before launch can do so by picking up the Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze Build & Battle Box, available through their local participating Pokémon TCG retailer starting August 1. Each box contains four Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze booster packs; a 23-card Evolution pack featuring key cards from current and prior sets, including one of four alternate-art promo cards; and a deck-building tip sheet.

Darkness Ablaze Elite Trainer Box

Get ready for all new V and V-MAX Pokemon to join your roster! This all new set from The Pokemon Company introduces new cards such as Eternatus V and the highly anticipated Charizard V-MAX!

Each Elite Trainer Box comes with:

• 8 Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze booster packs
• 65 card sleeves
• 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
• A player’s guide to the Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze Expansion
• A Pokémon TCG rulebook

Gorirander, Aceburn and Intereon plushies will appear at the Pokémon Center on Saturday, May 30th, 2020. They are the fully evolved form of the first partner Pokémon players choose in the Nintendo Switch games Pokémon Sword and Shield. Pokémon Center Online will start orders on Thursday, May 28th, 2020 at 10am. Pre-orders at the Pokémon Store on Amazon.co.jp start on May 30th, 2020 with sales starting on June 6th, 2020.


Kokogara, Mibrim, Yukihami and Korippo (Ice Face) will also be available at the Pokémon Centers on Saturday, June 13th, 2020 with orders starting at the Pokémon Center Online on Thursday, June 11th, 2020 at 10am! Pre-orders at the Pokémon Store on Amazon.co.jp start on June 13th, 2020 with sales starting on June 20th, 2020.

Be sure to collect these unique stuffed animals! The products may be postponed or cancelled depending on the situation. Due to the limited number of items, they maybe sold out during the pre-order period. Thank you for your understanding in advance.

Items:

Gorirander Plushie - 3520 yen
Aceburn Plushie - 3520 yen
Intereon Plushie - 3520 yen
Kokogara Plushie - 1815 yen
Mibrim Plushie - 1815 yen
Yukihami Plushie - 1815 yen
Korippo (Ice Face) Plushie - 1815 yen

Sources: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2020/05/200529_p01.html and https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2020/05/200529_p02.html