INCREASED CHANCE OF GIGANTAMAX POKÉMON ENCOUNTERS, NEW ITEMS, AND MORE REVEALED FOR POKÉMON SWORD AND POKÉMON SHIELD
First Online Competition—Galar Beginnings—Also Announced
Bellevue, WA—November 6, 2019—The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo today announced a specific time period when Trainers will be more likely to encounter certain Gigantamax Pokémon in the highly anticipated upcoming Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games. The first Online Competition—Galar Beginnings—and new items and features were also revealed. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are launching on November 15, 2019, exclusively on Nintendo Switch™ systems.
Increased Chance of Encountering Gigantamax Pokémon
In Max Raid Battles, four Trainers can team up to take on a wild Dynamax Pokémon. In extremely rare cases, a Gigantamax Pokémon can appear instead of a Dynamax Pokémon. Only certain species of Pokémon can Gigantamax—and even among such species, only very rare specimens will be able to.
From Friday, November 15, 2019, until early January 2020, players will be more likely to encounter Gigantamax Butterfree in Max Raid Battles. Gigantamaxing changes a Pokémon’s size, power, and appearance and allows it to use a G-Max Move. A connection to the internet will be required to participate in Max Raid Battles.
New Items and Features for Training Pokémon
New items that will help Trainers raise their Pokémon will be introduced in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
Each Pokémon has a Nature that can impact which of its stats are likely to grow faster or slower than average. Using a Mint on a Pokémon seems to change these stat-growth patterns and will impact which stats of a Pokémon are likely to grow faster than usual. Mints will not change a Pokémon’s Nature.
Special supplements—nutritious drinks like Protein and Iron—raise a Pokémon’s base points, which in turn help raise that Pokémon’s stats. If two Pokémon are of the same species but one has more base points, the Pokémon with more base points will grow stronger. Until now, there has been a limit on how many special supplements could be used on a Pokémon. In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, Trainers will be able to max out a Pokémon’s base points using only these supplements.
Normally, Pokémon earn Exp. Points through battling. If a Trainer uses an Exp. Candy, they will be able to give their Pokémon Exp. Points directly. Exp. Candy can be earned in Max Raid Battles.
Sometimes, a Pokémon hatched from an Egg will know unusual moves called Egg Moves. Egg Moves are moves that a Pokémon normally wouldn’t be able to learn through more common means, like leveling up or using TMs. In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, if two Pokémon of the same species are placed at a Pokémon Nursery together, an Egg Move that one them knows can be passed on to the other Pokémon. A Pokémon can only learn an Egg Move in this way when it knows three or fewer moves.
New Features Including Changes to Pokémon Boxes, Autosave Functionality, and Pokémon Nicknames for Traded Pokémon
There are many new features that will be introduced in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield that are designed to make a Trainer’s adventure easier to enjoy.
Pokémon that aren’t on a Trainer’s team can be deposited into Pokémon Boxes. In these games, Trainers will not only be able to access their Pokémon Boxes in various towns and facilities but also while they’re on the road or even when exploring tall grass. Pokémon can be swapped in and out of a Trainer’s team whenever the Trainer wants, though there are a few places, such as mission areas where a Trainer takes on a Pokémon Gym, where Trainers won’t be able to access their Pokémon Boxes.
Saving the game diligently has always been a part of a Pokémon adventure but in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, Trainers can take advantage of the new autosave function. The autosave function will automatically save a player’s progress during their adventure at various points, such as entering a town or building. Although the function is automatically enabled when a Trainer begins their adventure, it can be turned off so saves can be made manually. Even when autosave is on, it is still possible to save progress in the game manually. Trainers can choose how they would like to save in the Options menu.
If a Pokémon that has been received in a trade doesn’t have a nickname, Trainers will now have the chance to give it a nickname—but only once. This can be achieved by speaking to the man standing behind the left-hand counter in any Galar region Pokémon Center. Like previous Pokémon video games, the name of a traded Pokémon that already has a nickname cannot be changed.
Galar Beginnings
The first official Online Competition for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, Galar Beginnings, will be held in December 2019 and will be accepting participants from across the globe.
Competition Name: Galar Beginnings
Sign-Up Period: Friday, November 15, at 00:00 UTC to Thursday, December 5, at 23:59 UTC
Competition Period: Friday, December 6, at 00:00 UTC to Sunday, December 8, at 23:59 UTC
Battle Format: Single Battle
Eligible Pokémon: Pokémon obtained in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
Zacian, Zamazenta, Mew (contained in the Poké Ball Plus), and some other special Pokémon are not eligible.
Players can register three to six of their Pokémon to their Battle Team.
All Pokémon in this competition will automatically become Lv. 50 for the duration of each match.
Ranking Results Announcement: December 2019
Players will be able to join the competition by opening the X menu in their game and selecting VS, Battle Stadium, and then Online Competitions. There is no need to register on the Pokémon Global Link. Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply.
More details regarding competition regulations will be released at a future date.
YouTube Clip - Items and Features in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
Nintendo has announced that from November 8th, 2019 until November 12th, 2019, the 9th Maximus Cup (第9回テト1カップ) will be available to Tetris 99 players with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and it features Pocket Monsters Sword and Shield. During the event, collect 100 event points by playing matches to unlock the in-game theme!
YouTube Clip - 9th Maximus Cup Pocket Monsters Sword and Shield
A special art poster inspired by the beginning of the adventure of Satoshi and Go was created. It was also announced that the opening theme for the series is called “1, 2, 3” and Soraru and Mafumafu gave some comments.
Narrator: Pocket Monsters, or "Pokémon" for short:
Narrator: They're enigmatic creatures that hide many mysteries.
Go: What's THAT Pokémon?
Okido: It might have been a Mew.
Okido: It's said to be a mythical Pokémon.
Sakuragi: Go is just making his debut as a Trainer, so he hasn't been given his starter Pokémon yet.
Go: The one I choose is...
Go: Mew!
Satoshi: I've found you!
Satoshi: Let's battle!
Okido: Everyone is able to set off on an adventure alongside Pokémon once they turn ten!
Satoshi: Oh, so cute! Isn't it just the greatest?
Satoshi: I'm Satoshi from Masara Town!
Go: I'm Go from Kuchiba City!
Go: I acknowledge you.
Satoshi: As what?
Go: As my friend!
Koharu: He never seems to do anything other than Pokémon research and observation...
Satoshi: I'm definitely gonna become a Pokémon Master alongside this guy here!
Go: Just wait! I hold the future in my hand!
Sakuragi: An extremely rare Pokémon has appeared in Kuchiba's port.
Go: Just as I predicted...
Go: It's in a frenzy!
Nintendo Minute is an official Nintendo web series that is hosted by Krysta Yang and Kit Ellis. For this episode, they met with the GAME FREAK developers Junichi Masuda and Shigeru Ohmori and made real curry as a promotion for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield and talked a bit about the games.
Making Pokémon Curry with the Developers of Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield
Nintendo Minute is never a minute! This week we did something truly special. We got a chance to make Pokémon curry with developers Junichi Masuda and Shigeru Ohmori from GAME FREAK, Inc. In the Wild Area in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, there is a really cool curry making feature complete with a curry dex with over 100 curries. That’s a lot of curry! We thought we would try to recreate the Spicy Sausage Curry IRL while we chat with the developers about Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. We had so much fun and it was really yummy.
YouTube Clip - Making Pokémon Curry with the Developers of Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield
A Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store Opens in London This October
If you've ever wanted to visit a physical Pokémon Center store but haven't been able to make it over to Japan (or Singapore), you're in luck! This October, a Pokémon Center pop-up store will open in Westfield London, Shepherd's Bush. The store, which celebrates the upcoming release of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield for Nintendo Switch, will be the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. It'll offer plenty of Pokémon merchandise for fans of all ages.
In addition to all the Pokémon Center goods you've come to expect, the store will feature special products that are exclusive to Pokémon Center London. These unique items are sure to be the highlight of your Pokémon collection! Don't wait, though—Pokémon Center London will only be open from Friday, October 18, through Friday, November 15, 2019.
Haven't been able to get your hands on the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield demo at events such as E3 and Insomnia? Visitors to Pokémon Center London will have a chance to play the demo in the shop's Pokémon Sword- and Pokémon Shield-themed area. Access to this demo area will be
limited, so make sure to visit to get an advance look at the Galar region!
You'll find Pokémon Center London at Westfield London, located at Ariel Way, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 7GF in the United Kingdom. The store will be fully accessible for guests of all abilities, and an elevator will be available for travel between floors.
Please note that the store may close entry to consumers earlier than scheduled in the event of high demand. Also, the shop may limit sales per customer in order to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy a similar experience.
Store hours:
Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: noon – 6 p.m.
Pokémon Center London FAQs
How do I get to the Pokémon Center London?
Westfield Shepherd's Bush is located at Ariel Way, White City, London W12 7GF. A number of bus, tube and rail links service the Shepherd's Bush area, please check your local timetables before travelling.
If travelling via taxi / UBER, please direct your driver to the Westfield lounge in Lift Lobby 4 on Car Park Level -2.
Where in the shopping centre will the Pokémon Center London be?
Monday – Saturday 10am – 10pm (last entry to the store at 9.30pm)
Sunday 12pm – 6pm (last entry to the store at 5.30pm)
Please note that the store may close entry to consumers earlier than scheduled in the event of high demand.
How long is the Pokémon Center London running for?
The store will open at 10am on Friday 18th October, and close at 10pm Friday 15th November.
Please note that the store may close entry to consumers earlier than scheduled in the event of high demand.
Do I need a ticket?
No, the store is open to all members of the public.
Please note access to the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield demo area will be limited and will operate a wristband system in the event of high demand
How much will entrance to the store cost me?
There is no charge for entrance to the Pokémon Center London.
Will there be queues?
We anticipate that the Pokémon Center London will be very busy over the opening weekend in particular and do expect queues to form over this period. We anticipate the store being quieter during the week.
PURCHASING PRODUCT
Will there be any restriction on the amount of product I can buy?
The shop may limit sales per customer in order to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy a similar experience.
POKÉMON SWORD AND POKÉMON SHIELD DEMOS
How do I play the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Demo Version?
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield demos will be taking place upstairs at the Pokémon Center London. To ensure customers have ample time for the full demo experience and pre-order opportunity, the demo area will operate on a wristband access system and visitors will be allocated a timeslot. Wristbands are available on a first come, first served basis and will be given out at the store, are not bookable in advance or transferable to any other days.
ACCESSIBILITY ACCESS
Which car park with disabled bays will be best to use?
Please access the car park via Car Park A and park in the disabled bays nearest to Lift Lobby 4. When entering car park A, please turn right after going through the barriers and look for lift lobby 4.
Will the store be wheelchair accessible?
The store is wheelchair accessible, with a lift operating between the 2 floors.
OTHER FAQs
Can I film the experience on my phone?
Yes, it is fine to film your experience on your phone.
The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo today revealed the Gigantamax forms of Pikachu, Charizard, Eevee, Meowth, and Butterfree. Gigantamaxing changes a Pokémon’s size, power, and appearance and allows them to use a G-Max Move. Only certain species of Pokémon can Gigantamax—and even among such species, only rare specimens will be able to. Gigantamax Pokémon will appear in the highly anticipated upcoming video games Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, launching on November 15, 2019, exclusively on Nintendo Switch systems. High resolution artwork and screenshots from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.
NEW GIGANTAMAX POKÉMON REVEALED IN POKÉMON SWORD AND POKÉMON SHIELD
Gigantamax Forms of Pikachu, Eevee, and More Announced
Gigantamax Pikachu
Type: Electric
Height: 68'11"+
Weight: ???
Ability: Static
The electricity generated in the sacs in its cheeks is stored in its tail. In battle, it will strike opponents with its tail and send a jolt of electricity through them as great as any lightning strike. Gigantamax Pikachu has become so powerful that it can produce enough electricity to rival a power plant. However, using this electricity to help power people’s homes seems difficult, as Pikachu can only remain Gigantamaxed for a short time. Electric-type attacks used by Gigantamax Pikachu will change to G-Max Volt Crash, which not only deals damage but also paralyzes all opponents.
Trainers that have play records from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! on their Nintendo Switch system will be able to receive a special Pikachu that can Gigantamax in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
The flames inside its body have become stronger, and now fire erupts from its mouth and horns in addition to its tail. It seems that the strength of the flames increases when Gigantamax Charizard roars. Charizard’s flames have become enhanced with Gigantamax power and now form wings on its back. These wings are hotter than magma, and Charizard can fire them off to scorch its opponents. Fire-type attacks used by Gigantamax Charizard will change to G-Max Wildfire. G-Max Wildfire doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent when it hits—it will also continue to deal damage for four turns to any Pokémon that isn’t Fire type.
Gigantamax Eevee
Type: Normal
Height: 59'1"+
Weight: ???
Ability: Run Away / Adaptability
The fur around its neck has become extra fluffy and luxurious thanks to Gigantamax power. Any opponent caught in this fur becomes enamored with Eevee and loses the will to fight. Gigantamaxing has caused Eevee to become more rambunctious than ever, and it will attempt to play with any opponent. However, it often ends up crushing its opponent due to its massive size. Normal-type attacks used by Gigantamax Eevee will change to G-Max Cuddle. G-Max Cuddle doesn’t only deal damage when it hits—any opponent that is the opposite gender of Eevee will become infatuated.
Trainers that have play records from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! on their Nintendo Switch system will be able to receive a special Eevee that can Gigantamax in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
Gigantamax Meowth
Type: Normal
Height: 108'3"+
Weight: ???
Ability: Pickup/Technician
Gigantamaxing has caused Meowth’s body to stretch to astounding lengths, and the coin on its head has also become massive. The giant coin can emit a torrent of Gigantamax power, filling the surrounding area with a powerful golden gleam. Meowth loves shiny objects, and when it sees skyscrapers lined with glass, it won’t be able to resist the urge to sharpen its claws on them. This behavior can cause considerable damage, such as wearing down the exterior walls and breaking windows. Normal-type attacks used by Gigantamax Meowth will change to G-Max Gold Rush. G-Max Gold Rush deals damage to opponents and also scatters coins all over the area, giving Trainers a considerable in-game cash bonus after the battle.
This special Meowth that can Gigantamax can be received as an early-purchase bonus for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield by selecting the Get via Internet option in Mystery Gift from Friday, November 15, 2019, to Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
Its most notable feature is its blinding wings, which have grown to gigantic proportions. The light of Gigantamax Butterfree’s wings comes from its scales, which can inflict paralysis, poisoning, or sleep on its opponents. These scales are Butterfree’s most effective weapons. Its vast wings can stir up a wind strong enough to lift a 10-ton truck, just by flapping. This wind also scatters poisonous scales around the area, so simply being near this Pokémon is very dangerous. Bug-type attacks used by Gigantamax Butterfree will change to G-Max Befuddle. G-Max Befuddle doesn’t only deal damage—it will also scatter scales around opponents and cause them to become poisoned, become paralyzed, or fall asleep.
YouTube Clip - G I G A N T A M A X P O K É M O N are coming to Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield!
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.”.
Niantic has announced the Pokémon GO Halloween 2019 festivities which take place from Thursday, October 17, 2019 until November 1st, 2019.
Trainers, October is here, which means it’s almost time to make things a bit spookier! This year, you’re all in for a spine-chillingly good treat. Starting Thursday, October 17, 2019, at 1 p.m. PDT (GMT −7)
Features
Rescue more Shadow Pokémon from Team GO Rocket — Be ready to rescue the following Pokémon from Team GO Rocket Grunts at PokéStops near you: Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill, Electabuzz, Magmar, Lapras, Mareep, Seedot, Nuzleaf, Sableye, Trapinch, Cacnea, Shuppet, and Duskull.
Thrilling threads in the Style Shop — Play dreadful dress-up with new avatar items, including a Zubat Bag, a Pikachu Onesie, a Cubone Cap, a Litwick Cap, and a Mimikyu Bag!
A Spooky Shiny Pokémon makes its debut — If you’re lucky, you might encounter Shiny Yamask.
From Thursday, October 17, 2019, at 1 p.m. PDT (GMT −7) to Friday, November 1, 2019, at 1 p.m. PDT (GMT −7)
Features
Don’t be scared! More Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon will be appearing in the wild, in Eggs, and in raids — Gastly, Murkrow, and more will be appearing. Making its Halloween debut is Yamask, the Spirit Pokémon!
Pokémon wearing creepy-cute Halloween costumes arrive in raids and in the wild! — Some Pokémon have donned costumes to celebrate Halloween this year! Look forward to Bulbasaur wearing Shedinja costumes, Charmander wearing Cubone costumes, and Squirtle wearing Yamask costumes in raids. In the wild, be on the lookout for Pikachu wearing Mimikyu costumes! If you’re lucky, you might even encounter these alarmingly adorable Pokémon as Shiny Pokémon!
The Pitch-Black Pokémon makes its ominous debut in Pokémon GO! Darkrai will be appearing in five-star raids!
Frightful and fun Field Research tasks will be available for a limited time during this event.
You’ve received a spooky message. Check out your Special Research when the Halloween event begins, Trainer, and you might face a Forbidden Pokémon...
Bonuses
2× Catch Candy
2× Hatch Candy
2× Transfer Candy
Have fun, stay safe, and have a spooky good time, Trainers! Let’s GO!
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the BABY-G watch and Pikachu's Pokémon dex number "025", Casio and The Pokémon Company have collaborated to make a Pikachu special anniversary model which has a taste of the early '90's flare which has been loved all over the world. Images of the watch have been added to an Imageboard thread.
The back plate of the watch has the back of Pikachu with its tail engraved on it and the watch comes with a collectable monster ball display case.
Product Details:
Model Number: BGD-560PKC-1JR
Place of Origin: Made in China
Price:¥13,000
Water Resistant: 20 Bar
Release Date: November 2019
Pocket Monsters, or "Pokémon" for short:
The mysterious creatures that live on our planet.
You can see them all over the world; In the sky, in the sea, in forests, in cities... Everywhere.
This is the story of "Satoshi", a boy who wants to be the best at Pokémon battling,
and "Go", a boy who dreams of getting every Pokémon.
This is the beginning of the adventure towards the apparently infinitely vast Pokémon world,
which will be had together with lots of Pokémon,
including Satoshi's partner "Pikachu" and Go's partner "Hibunny".
Now...
Let's Go! To the Pokémon World! With our dreams and adventures!
Presenting the characters of the new anime "Pocket Monsters":
Characters profiles:
Satoshi:
A 10 year old boy who aims to become the best at Pokémon battling
due to a certain encounter he had.
He's a straightforward boy with a strong sense of justice.
His dream is to become a Pokémon Master.
Pikachu:
Satoshi's greatest partner
who journeys together with him.
Its specialty is Thunderbolt.
Go:
A 10 year old boy
whose goal is to get the mythical Pokémon "Mew",
which he met when he was young.
He's calm and composed, but very passionate.
His dream is to get every Pokémon.
Hibunny:
A expert kicker who hates losing because it cares about its friends so much.
An unexpected turn of events led to its fateful encounter with Go.