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.

The official Pocket Monsters anime PR Twitter posted an announcement that due to the COVID-19 issue becoming larger problem in Japan, production of the anime has come to a halt and that all new episodes are being delayed starting with PM 2019 episode 23 which was originally scheduled to air on Sunday, April 26th, 2020. Repeat episodes of Pocket Monsters will now air in the time slot until further notice. Our list of COVID-19 canceled Pokémon Events has been updated with this announcement.

An announcement from the show

In an effort to create a safe environment for the show's production as the number of novel coronavirus infections increases, and with the state of emergency declaration in effect, parts of the show's production will go on temporary hiatus. As a result, Pocket Monsters will begin airing repeats starting with next week's broadcast.

＜番 組からのお知らせ＞
新型コロナウイルスの感染拡大にともなう「緊急事態宣言」の発出を受け、 安全に十分配慮した上での番組制作を行うため、 一時的に、一部の制作作業を見合わせることにいたしました。 これに伴い、来週以降の「ポケットモンスター」は再放送となります。

Source: https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1251805236231954435

Niantic has announced that they are doing temporary changes to Pokémon GO as people around the world won't be traveling as much due to the COVID-19 virus spreading around the world. Below are a list of changes that will be in effect for the next 30 days. These changes may continue beyond the 30 days, depending on global circumstances.


Trainers, for the next 30 days, we will be making the following changes for GO Battle League and Trainer Battles with friends:

• We are removing the walking requirement in GO Battle League to unlock sets. If you're currently in the middle of walking to earn a set, it will take effect from your next set.
• For Trainer Battles with friends, we've lowered the requirement so you can send challenge invites to Trainers who are your Good Friends.
• We will be temporarily halting invites for EX Raids. Those who currently have invites will be able to complete their EX Raids, but for the time being, new invites will not be issued.

Source: https://twitter.com/NianticHelp/status/1238605977278013440

The only Pokémon Regional Championships scheduled for Canada in 2020 was to be held on March 13th, 2020 to March 15th, 2020 at The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Organizers announced after the events official start time that the event had been canceled and many participants had already entered the venue. This already compounds a very bad season for competitive play for Pokémon. A memo sent throughout the Ontario provincial health system by Dr. David Williams, the provinces chief medical officer, recommended that Ontarians not travel outside of Canada and gatherings larger than 250 people be canceled.

The official Pokémon website updated later on Friday, March 13th, 2020 with the cancellation of 3 other regional events as well. The Regional Championships event for Perth Australia on March 14th and 15th, 2020 appears to be going ahead as scheduled. Our list of COVID-19 canceled Pokémon Events has been updated with this announcement.

For the Health and Safety of the Play! Pokémon Community, Some Events Have Been Canceled

Please read this article for more information regarding specific upcoming 2020 events.

The safety and well-being of our community, both competitors and organizers, is our top priority. Organizers of League, Regional, and Special Events are independent of Pokémon and act in the best interest of their event and community, including always being mindful of the safety of all attendees. Out of an abundance of caution, and after discussions with event organizers regarding recommendations and guidance set forth by local and national health authorities, the following events are canceled:

• Mississauga/Toronto Regional Championships, scheduled for March 13-15
• Charlotte Regional Championships, scheduled for March 20-22
• Regional de Pokémon de Joinville em Santa Catarina 2020, scheduled for March 28-29
• Salt Lake City Pokémon Regional Championships, scheduled for April 4-5

Please visit the event websites for updates and Pokemon.com/PlayPokemon for more information on Play! Pokémon events. We are evaluating all independent and Pokémon-organized events on a case-by-case basis based on the most up-to-date information and recommendations provided by appropriate government organizations. We appreciate your continued support and understanding during this challenging time.

Should I be concerned about COVID-19 at Play! Pokémon events?

The safety and well-being of our community, both competitors and organizers, is our top priority.

We strongly advise all attendees, volunteers, and organizers to consider the guidelines issued by the WHO with regards to health and wellness while attending mass gatherings when determining whether to attend an event. At the event, all attendees should follow the protocols set forth by local health authorities and the WHO.

Please check for updates regarding Play! Pokémon events on our website and @PlayPokemon. If you have additional questions, please contact Pokémon Customer Service.

What precautions are you taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at your events?

Out of an abundance of caution, we are altering several aspects of player interaction at Pokémon organized events, such as removing the requirement to shake hands before and after matches. We are making hand-sanitizers available to attendees while also taking additional measures to sanitize surfaces as much as possible. We strongly advise all attendees, volunteers, and organizers follow the protocols issued by the WHO with regards to health and wellness while attending mass gatherings.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/for-the-health-and-safety-of-the-play-pokemon-community-some-events-have-been-canceled/

Toronto Regional Championships 2020 Canceled

Statement from Poké-Regionals, Events by Yeti Gaming

To all Players, Spectators, Staff and supporters of the Play! Pokémon Regional event scheduled to take place this weekend in Mississauga.

The safety and health of our players is of paramount concern to Yeti Gaming, The Pokémon Company International, and all involved with these events.

We have been actively working with The Pokemon Company International, the International Centre, and monitoring the announcements and recommendations from the Canadian government and health organizations.

Based on today’s announcement by the Canadian government regarding events with over 250 attendees, the Play! Pokémon Regional event taking place this weekend is being cancelled.

This is unfortunate, but a necessary step to ensure the health and safety of our players, staff and their families.

All refunds will be handled automatically next week.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/pokeregionals/posts/2647145672182335

Play Pokémon Official Announcement

An important update in regards to this weekend’s Mississauga Regional Championships.


Source: https://twitter.com/playpokemon/status/1238543356952604672

DeNA has announced they are holding a Pokémon Masters Fan Art Festival from February 10, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. PST until February 23, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Users can submit original works of fan art for a chance to win prizes such as in-game currency gems.

Pokémon Masters Fan Art Festival

It’s been nearly half a year since Pokémon Masters launched, and we couldn’t be prouder of the amazing community that’s gathered to support this game. From the beginning, we’ve loved seeing the incredible fan art creations the Pokémon Masters community has produced, and we can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us. To celebrate all of you and your unique art, we’re hosting a Fan Art Festival Contest (“Contest”) where users can submit original works of fan art for a chance to win prizes. In addition, we’ll showcase our favorite submissions on the official Pokémon Masters social media channels.

Contest Period
From February 10, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. PST until February 23, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. PST, submit your creation by filling out our official entry form (linked below), and you’ll be entered to win up to 15,100 gems.

Summary of Submission Guidelines and Rules
You must submit an original artwork inspired by characters appearing in Pokémon Masters. Listed below is a summary of what we’re looking for. For a full list of the guidelines and rules regarding submissions and the Contest, please see the Official Rules of the Contest.

●　Must be your own, original work.
●　Must include sync pairs that are currently available in (or that have been officially announced will be added to) Pokémon Masters.
●　Must include some form of “in-progress” proof to verify you are the original creator. Examples include line work (before color is applied) or some form of original, dated transcript (if your piece is a video, song, comic, or similar).
●　Must not be publicly available prior to the end of the campaign.

Generally, there are no strict rules regarding what is considered art. You can capture your favorite sync pair in a beautifully crafted piece of digital majesty...or recreate their visage in latte foam!

Prizes
Winners will receive the following:

First place (×1): 15,100 gems / winner
Runner-up (×2): 10,000 gems / winner
Honorable mention (×5): 3,000 gems / winner

We’ll also be sharing various entries on the official Pokémon Masters social media channels throughout the campaign. The first-place winner and runners-up will have their creations featured on the official Pokémon Masters Facebook and Twitter cover photos during the month of March.

Source: https://twitter.com/PokemonMasters/status/1226928824186699776

The official Pokémon UK website has announced that a Galarian Obstagoon promo card will be distributed at WHSmith high street stores starting on February 7th, 2020 to those that spend £10 on Pokémon TCG cards. An oversize Snorlax V card will also be distributed at GAME stores starting on February 7th, 2020 to those that purchase any Pokémon TCG cards.

Get Galarian Obstagoon and Snorlax V Pokémon TCG Promo Cards

Visit participating retailers to check out the new Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield expansion and get some cool promo cards.

Sword & Shield, the latest Pokémon TCG expansion, has arrived! This new set of cards includes Pokémon who were originally discovered in the Galar region, and it introduces powerful new Pokémon V and even more powerful Pokémon VMAX. To celebrate this new expansion, two cool promo cards are being offered as a gift with purchase at select retailers. One card features Galarian Obstagoon, while the other is an oversize promo card featuring Snorlax V. Both cards are emblazoned with the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield logo to really help them stand out. Here's how you can add these awesome cards to your collection:

• Galarian Obstagoon: Starting February 7, 2020, visit WHSmith high street stores and spend £10 on Pokémon TCG cards.
• Oversize Snorlax V: Starting February 7, 2020, visit GAME and purchase any Pokémon TCG cards.

Please remember that these offers are only available while supplies last, so don't wait to get these incredible cards.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/uk/pokemon-news/get-galarian-obstagoon-and-snorlax-v-pokemon-tcg-promo-cards/

Snorlax V Oversize Promo Card GAME Exclusive

Get 1 free promotional Snorlax V Oversize Promo Card GAME Exclusive while stocks last when you buy any Pokémon Trading Card Game lines in the same transaction, Pre-order purchases will not be eligible to receive this item. Offer available from the 7 February 2020. Online and Instore. GAME reserves the right to amend or cancel this offer at any time without prior notice. Subject to availability – stock levels and availability for eligible products will vary over time and from store to store and so may not always be available. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. GAME reserves the right to refuse anyone believed to be representing a trade buyer. Your legal rights are not affected.


Source: https://www.game.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HubArticleView?hubId=543805&articleId=543806&catalogId=10201&langId=44&storeId=10151#Snorlax

GAME Oversized Card Giveaway - Signed by Yuji Kitano & Atsushi Nagashima from Creatures

To celebrate the launch of Pokemon Sword & Shield TCG, we're giving away 10 Posters signed by Yuji Kitano & Atsushi Nagashima from Creatures!

Simply post a picture of your Pokemon Card collection with the hashtag #MyPokemonTCG for a chance to win!


Source: https://twitter.com/GAMEdigital/status/1225771066678816771

An official Japanese Pocket Monsters Twitter account has completed a Ball Guy (ボールガイ) code distribution. The codes can be redeemed from December 19th, 2019 until January 15th, 2020 by entering the code in the Mystery Gift option in Sword or Shield.

Image	Code	Items	Notes
	K0UN1NMASC0T	Fast Ball, Moon Ball, Level Ball	公認マスコット translates to "official mascot".
	1YAHAYA	Heavy Ball, Lure Ball, Beast Ball	いやはや in the context of these games means "blimey".
	0KUGAFUKA1B0RU	Love Ball, Friend Ball, Dream Ball	奥が深いボル translates to "they're more than meets the eye, b'all"

Source: https://twitter.com/poke_times

The official Pocket Monsters PR anime website has updated. Translations follow:


On Friday, November 15th, 2019, from 19:00 to 20:00, a special showing of the first episode of the new Pocket Monsters series will be shown at a movie theater in the 23 wards of Tokyo. 100 pairs of people, for a total of 200 people, will be invited by lottery to this showing.

The campaign application period is from October 30th, 2019 to November 6th, 2019 at 23:59.

How to Participate:

① A Twitter account is required to participate.
② Follow the (@anipoke_PR) account. Retweet the "New Anime Pocket Monsters Official @ 11/17 (Sunday) broadcast start!" campaign tweet by November 6th, 2019 at 23:59
③ Make sure to set your tweets to “Public” before participating.

Campaign Lottery / Winners Announcement:

A lottery will be held to determine the winners and they will be contacted by Monday, November 11th, 2019 via Twitter direct message. Please make sure that you can receive direct messages.

・ Please note that we cannot respond to inquiries regarding application status or winning results.
・ The winning lottery cannot be transferred to another person and cash exchange is prohibited.
・ If we cannot contact a winner, their winning lottery will be void.
・ Please send inquiries about this campaign to [email protected].
・ Applications are limited to those residing in Japan.
・ Applications from multiple accounts are prohibited. It's okay to retweet a target tweet multiple times, but the same account holder won't win twice.
・ Resale and transfer of winning lottery spots is strictly prohibited.
・ If you are under 18 years of age, please come with your guardian.
・ You may temporarily not be able to apply due to server congestion.
・ Participants will be responsible for internet connection fees and communication costs for participation in this campaign.
・ The site may not work depending on the model or OS used.

Source: https://anipoke-pr.jp/campaign/20191115kiyaku.pdf

The official Pocket Monsters anime website has updated. Translations follow:

A Certain Pair of "Lovely Charmy Villains" Will be Appearing in the New Series as Well:

The Lovely Charmy Villains that are after Satoshi's Pikachu, the Rocket Gang,
will be appearing in the new series as well!
They'll be appearing in the different regions, chasing after Satoshi and Go on their adventures!
It seems the Rocket Gang's cherished mechs will be appearing as well!
Look forward to seeing what kinds of mechs these are once the anime starts!



The voice actors for Rocket Gang also provided the following commentaries on Twitter:

Voice actor comments:
	Megumi Hayashibara, voice of Musashi: "We'll be on cleaning duty in the corner, we'll occasionally get messed up and have our hair burned off while trying to get Pikachu, and Nyarth will even dress up as a Kimawari if necessary! I just really love that we Rocket Gang members got to butt our heads into this new "Pocket Monsters" world as well. (laughs)"
	Shinichiro Miki, voice of Kojiro: "We should ask for opinions on how you guys would like to see the Rocket Gang act in the future! (laughs) In this new series you'll get a Rocket Gang you'll love quoting over and over - we'll even disguise ourselves as the opposite sex sometimes. There's also going to be these really "fun" bits during our introduction, so I want you to pay attention to those as well."
	Inuko Inuyama, voice of Nyarth: "Since the Rocket Gang trio aren't characters from the video games, I believe they'll get more and more attention and active roles if you speak up and make it clear you want them to, so please, please make sure to keep supporting them! (laughs) Thank you in advance!"

Sources: https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pocketmonster/news/index.html#217601, https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1187700332270256129, https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1187700583823626241 and https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1187700837746757632

GAME FREAK, the developers of the main series of Pokémon games, has announced that they will be broadcasting a 30th Anniversary stream on YouTube and Twitter Periscope on October 16th, 2019. The stream will visit former and present locations of their company and review its 30 year history.

GAME FREAK Secret Base for GAME FREAK's 30th Anniversary Streaming will be on air!

A battle director of the "Pokémon" series, Mr. Morimoto will talk about the latest information of "Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield" released at 23:00 16th Oct (JST)!

GAME FREAK’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Stream will go live on Oct 16 (JST), 2019! In the stream, Junichi Masuda; one of the founding members of GAME FREAK and music composer for many of their titles, will visit both former and present locations of their company and review its 30 year history.

We’ll also reveal information about the “Gear Project System” - GAME FREAK’s game development system.

We’ll also tell you the latest information about our new titles “Little Town Hero” and “GIGA WRECKER ALT.”.

Source: https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/town/30th/en/