Pokémon Shield Review: Galar Region Evolves Tradition on Nintendo Switch

Pokémon Shield Review: Galar Region Evolves Tradition on Nintendo Switch The Pokémon series, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, has held a legendary place in the gaming world since its debut in the 1990s.

While millions worldwide maintain a lifelong devotion to the franchise, many fans have experienced Pokémon in waves—caught up in the Blue and Red-era craze, stepping away, and then returning when new adventures beckon.

Released globally on November 15, 2019, Pokémon Shield for Nintendo Switch represents one such adventure, introducing the UK-inspired Galar region alongside significant gameplay evolutions for both newcomers and fans returning after a break. Pokémon Shield offers a familiar structure right from the outset: players take on the role of a young trainer hailing from a humble town, set on a journey across the Galar region to become a Pokémon Master.

As always, three starter Pokémon are available to choose from, setting the stage for classic pokémon-catching, trainer battles, and the recurring race against rivals and villainous teams reminiscent of the notorious Team Rocket.

While the overarching story follows the established formula, the real driving force behind the gameplay remains the thrill of discovering new Pokémon, outsmarting Gym Leaders, and completing the region's Pokédex. In a statement reflecting on Pokémon Shield's accessibility, it was noted that the game “feels like a welcoming hug,” with intuitive mechanics and pacing improvements that streamline the initial hours.

Small but meaningful quality-of-life changes abound—such as move effectiveness indicators—making it easier for both veterans and those less versed in Pokémon type matchups to strategize confidently. The iconic gym challenge structure returns, with eight distinct Gyms scattered across Galar.

Each Gym offers its own signature challenge, putting trainers through creative tests before facing the Gym Leader.

Examples range from guiding a spinning cup through pinball-like obstacles to answering rapid-fire questions that directly impact battle stats.

These additions aren’t overly complex but infuse much-needed variety into the well-loved Gym tradition. Pokémon Shield features a robust roster, boasting 400 available Pokémon, including familiar faces, new creatures unique to Galar, and inventive regional forms.

Despite some fans expressing disappointment over the absence of the full National Dex, the mix of old and new species keeps team-building fresh and strategic. Battles in Pokémon Shield remain primarily one-on-one and turn-based, just as the series’ roots dictate, with occasional two-versus-two encounters to spice things up.

The Dynamax feature is a headline addition—transforming Pokémon into gigantic forms temporarily during battle, enhancing their moves and adding a new layer of tactic and spectacle.

This feature comes prominently into play during climactic Gym matches and in multiplayer Max Raid Battles. The Wild Area marks the game’s most significant innovation, offering an open-world zone where players are free to control the camera, encounter wild Pokémon influenced by dynamic weather, and participate in Max Raid Battles alongside other trainers online.

Although connecting for co-op battles sometimes proves cumbersome, the Wild Area stands out as an ambitious experiment that hints at exciting directions for the franchise’s future. While Pokémon Shield’s core gameplay loop remains engaging—capture, train, and conquer—the presentation leaves room for improvement.

Despite the Nintendo Switch’s capabilities and the inspiration drawn from other standout first-party titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Luigi’s Mansion 3, some of the technical aspects lag behind.

Pokémon sound effects harken back to their origins, and environmental graphics occasionally suffer from low-resolution textures and noticeable pop-in, with the sprawling Wild Area displaying these shortcomings most prominently. Nonetheless, the Galar region presents a visually distinct landscape, from the industrial Motostoke to the mystical Glimwood Tangle, inviting players on an adventure that, for all its flaws, feels undeniably Pokémon.

Pokémon Shield may retain its handheld roots in terms of presentation, but it delivers an addictive, comforting gameplay experience with just enough innovation to keep fans intrigued. Pokémon Shield is available now exclusively for Nintendo Switch via retail and the eShop, proudly continuing Nintendo and Game Freak’s tradition of evolving the beloved franchise.

Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Game Freak Pokémon Shield Galar region Wild Area Max Raid Battle eShop Gym Leader Super Mario Odyssey Luigi’s Mansion 3 Team Rocket