Pokémon Sword & Shield
In short: Pokémon Sword & Shield is an RPG game released in 2019 by Game Freak, available on Nintendo. Our score: 7.8/10 (worth buying, especially on sale).
Explore the Galar region inspired by the UK.
Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced the series to the Nintendo Switch with the UK-inspired Galar region and the spectacular Dynamax phenomenon. Players embark on the Gym Challenge across diverse environments from pastoral countryside to industrial cities. The Wild Area was a landmark addition — an open zone with free camera control, dynamic weather, and visible wild Pokémon. Max Raid Battles let four players team up against giant Dynamax Pokémon. The competitive scene thrived with streamlined team building, rental teams, and ranked online battles. Two expansion passes — Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra — added substantial new areas, returning Pokémon, and Dynamax Adventures. Despite the National Dex controversy, the games sold over 25 million copies.
Game details
- Developer: Game Freak
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release year: 2019
- Platforms: Nintendo
- Category: RPG
Our review
The first mainline Pokemon on Switch divides fans. Wild Area is a step forward but Dexit and limited innovation hold it back.
Pros
- Wild Area exploration
- Dynamax battles
- Quality-of-life improvements
- Great competitive scene
Cons
- Dexit controversy
- Lazy animations
- Too easy
- Limited postgame
FAQ
- Are SwSh good?
- Divisive among fans. Solid Pokemon gameplay but criticized for graphics and Dex cuts.
More about this game
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Last updated: 01/04/2026