Nintendo Announces Pokémon Sword & Shield Direct Ahead of E3 2019

As the gaming world gears up for E3 2019, Nintendo surprises fans and industry watchers by announcing a dedicated Pokémon Sword & Shield Direct.

The special presentation is set for June 5th at 6 a.m.

PT, promising roughly 15 minutes of new information about the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch titles.

Pokémon Sword and Shield, developed by the esteemed Game Freak, represent the first mainline Pokémon RPGs created specifically for Nintendo Switch, building on a legacy that has captivated fans for over two decades. Announced via Nintendo of America's official Twitter account on May 27, 2019, the Pokémon Direct aims to reveal substantial new details about gameplay, features, and possibly new Pokémon for Sword and Shield.

The broadcast will be livestreamed globally, allowing fans to tune in through Nintendo's online platforms and the Pokémon official YouTube channel.

This strategic timing, mere days before Nintendo’s E3 2019 showcase, ensures Pokémon Sword and Shield stay at the forefront of industry buzz. In a statement shared on official channels, Nintendo invited players to "join us on June 5 for approximately 15 minutes of fresh information on Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield via a special Pokémon Direct." This targeted approach underscores Nintendo’s commitment to delivering dedicated updates for flagship titles on the Switch, continuing a trend established with previous Nintendo Direct and Pokémon Direct presentations. Alongside the Direct announcement, The Pokémon Company has also scheduled a "business strategy" presentation for May 29 in Japan.

Set to stream at 10 a.m.

JST—corresponding to 8 p.m.

CST on May 28 for Western audiences—this presentation will further outline Pokémon’s roadmap, business growth, and possibly broader franchise ambitions.

The Japanese event will be broadcast live, providing both fans and analysts with valuable insights into the future direction of the Pokémon brand. Pokémon Sword & Shield are set to redefine the franchise with new environments inspired by the Galar region, expanded gameplay mechanics, and integration with Nintendo Switch’s capabilities.

Since their initial reveal, anticipation has been high, in part due to Pokémon’s enduring popularity and the Switch’s impressive hardware sales, which have provided a robust platform for first-party and third-party successes alike. For those following Nintendo’s eShop updates, developer announcements, or milestone achievements, the upcoming Pokémon Direct serves as a focal point for the season’s new information.

Industry professionals and fans alike will be monitoring these broadcasts closely for confirmed details that will help shape the rest of the 2019 gaming calendar.

Nintendo Pokémon Sword and Shield Game Freak Nintendo Switch Nintendo Direct Pokémon Direct Pokémon Company