The Pokémon Company has unveiled fresh gameplay footage for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, giving fans an in-depth look at a previously unseen town in the vibrant Galar region.
Released ahead of the global launch, the new video features game director Shigeru Ohmori as he guides viewers through the town’s key locations, providing valuable insights just months before the Nintendo Switch exclusives arrive. Pokémon Sword and Shield mark the franchise's eighth generational outing and continue to be developed by Game Freak, supported by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo.
Set in the Galar region—a land inspired by the United Kingdom—the games promise both contemporary urban sprawl and rural charm, as well as unique gameplay additions such as the Dynamax phenomenon and open-world Wild Areas. In the latest overview, Ohmori emphasizes their dedication to delivering an expansive RPG experience, stating that the team is "fully committed to the development of these games" and expressing regret for not being able to attend gamescom to showcase them in person.
To bridge that gap, the video presents never-before-seen footage, focusing on a central Galarian town bustling with life and innovation. The highlighted town serves as a microcosm of the Galar region’s blend of tradition and progress.
Ohmori walks viewers past the Pokémon Research Lab, where Professor Magnolia continues her groundbreaking work on the Dynamax phenomenon, a core mechanic unique to these games.
The town also features a modern railway station, expanding transportation choices for trainers—complementing the already-revealed Flying Taxi service run by the Galar-native Pokémon, Corviknight.
These stations facilitate both commuter and leisure travel, underpinning the sense of connectivity across Galar. Pokémon Centers have been visually refreshed for Sword and Shield, yet maintain an instantly recognizable look for longtime fans.
Beyond medical care and training support for Pokémon, the town supports daily life with an array of fresh produce stores and a fashionable clothes boutique, encouraging players to immerse themselves in Galar’s culture and keep up with the latest trends across various cities and towns. According to Ohmori, the harmony between people and Pokémon in Galar has fostered extensive industrial growth and community development.
"Pokémon and humans have built industries together, thriving in towns and cities, while coexisting harmoniously,” he reveals.
He adds that beyond these urban spaces, Galar is filled with majestic natural environments—awaiting exploration by aspiring Champions. In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, trainers will choose from three new starter Pokémon—Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble—before setting out to challenge the region’s Gyms with the aim of becoming Galar's next Champion.
Players will journey through a landscape that combines rolling countryside, bustling modern cities, deep forests, and snow-capped mountains, all meticulously crafted for Nintendo Switch. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are slated for worldwide release exclusively on Nintendo Switch on November 15, with digital pre-orders available now through the eShop.
With innovative mechanics, a fresh region, and the collective expertise of Game Freak behind them, these titles are set to further expand the iconic Pokémon franchise.
Released ahead of the global launch, the new video features game director Shigeru Ohmori as he guides viewers through the town’s key locations, providing valuable insights just months before the Nintendo Switch exclusives arrive. Pokémon Sword and Shield mark the franchise's eighth generational outing and continue to be developed by Game Freak, supported by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo.
Set in the Galar region—a land inspired by the United Kingdom—the games promise both contemporary urban sprawl and rural charm, as well as unique gameplay additions such as the Dynamax phenomenon and open-world Wild Areas. In the latest overview, Ohmori emphasizes their dedication to delivering an expansive RPG experience, stating that the team is "fully committed to the development of these games" and expressing regret for not being able to attend gamescom to showcase them in person.
To bridge that gap, the video presents never-before-seen footage, focusing on a central Galarian town bustling with life and innovation. The highlighted town serves as a microcosm of the Galar region’s blend of tradition and progress.
Ohmori walks viewers past the Pokémon Research Lab, where Professor Magnolia continues her groundbreaking work on the Dynamax phenomenon, a core mechanic unique to these games.
The town also features a modern railway station, expanding transportation choices for trainers—complementing the already-revealed Flying Taxi service run by the Galar-native Pokémon, Corviknight.
These stations facilitate both commuter and leisure travel, underpinning the sense of connectivity across Galar. Pokémon Centers have been visually refreshed for Sword and Shield, yet maintain an instantly recognizable look for longtime fans.
Beyond medical care and training support for Pokémon, the town supports daily life with an array of fresh produce stores and a fashionable clothes boutique, encouraging players to immerse themselves in Galar’s culture and keep up with the latest trends across various cities and towns. According to Ohmori, the harmony between people and Pokémon in Galar has fostered extensive industrial growth and community development.
"Pokémon and humans have built industries together, thriving in towns and cities, while coexisting harmoniously,” he reveals.
He adds that beyond these urban spaces, Galar is filled with majestic natural environments—awaiting exploration by aspiring Champions. In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, trainers will choose from three new starter Pokémon—Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble—before setting out to challenge the region’s Gyms with the aim of becoming Galar's next Champion.
Players will journey through a landscape that combines rolling countryside, bustling modern cities, deep forests, and snow-capped mountains, all meticulously crafted for Nintendo Switch. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are slated for worldwide release exclusively on Nintendo Switch on November 15, with digital pre-orders available now through the eShop.
With innovative mechanics, a fresh region, and the collective expertise of Game Freak behind them, these titles are set to further expand the iconic Pokémon franchise.
