Swords or Shields?

Nintendo just announced their newest title in the Pokemon franchise!

Kaitlyn Toy, Editor, Staff Reporter|March 1, 2019

Screenshot from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019”

At 9:00 A.M. (EST), February 27th, Wednesday morning, Nintendo hosted a special seven-minute live stream dedicated to new information on the newest Pokemon title that is still in development.

The games have been revealed to be Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield and will be the first core titles on the Nintendo Switch. Along with this information, the three newest starters were revealed: Grooky, Scorbunny, and Sobble are grass, fire, and water-types, respectively.

Screenshot of Grooky, Scorbunny, and Sobble from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019.”

Grooky is based on a monkey, Scorbunny is based on a bunny, and Sobble is based on a lizard. The new games are taking place in the Galar region, which is home to an “idyllic countryside and contemporary cities- vast plains and snow-covered mountains.” Populated areas seem to have a more factory-like setting with cranes and the like, however, the official inspiration for this region has yet to be announced.

  • An overhead view of the new Galar Region. Screenshot from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019.”

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  • A snowy city that may be included in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Screenshot from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019.”

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  • The female trainer walks up to a serene lake. Screenshot from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019.”

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  • Even caves and mineshafts aren’t off the table in this new game! Screenshot from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019.”

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  • Some cities are taking a more modern approach, and the architecture leads some to believe the region is based on Europe. Screenshot from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019.”

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  • In contrast, players can also visit farming towns with rolling fields and the like. Screenshot from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019.”

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  • Trainers worldwide eagerly await their next look at the Galar region! Screenshot from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019.”

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The new trainer designs have also been revealed.

  • Screenshot from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019.”

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  • Screenshot from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019.”

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Gamefreak has returned to work on this newest title in conjunction with Nintendo, as has been done in the past. Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield are planned for a worldwide release later this year!

Screenshot from “Pokemon Direct 2.27.2019.”