GameFreak, Nintendo and The Pokemon Company announced a lot of new information for the upcoming Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield for Nintendo Switch  during their Pokemon Direct video presentation. Here is a handy recap of what was announced.

The games are set in the Galar region and feature townships, grasslands and many more new locations. In this region Pokemon battles are the most popular form of entertainment, often taking place in large stadiums which are broadcast on TV.

Four new Pokemon were shown during the presentation. Wooloo is a Sheep Pokemon whose fur is treasured by weavers who use it to create specialty goods. Gossifleur is a Flowering Pokemon whose pollen has healing properties. Gossifleur also evolves into Eldegoss, a Cotton Bloom Pokemon. Drednaw is a Bite Pokemon who looks like a rock tortoise and has a huge, powerful bite. Last but not least, Corviknight is a Raven Pokemon who acts as a flying taxi and takes players back to any town they have previously visited.

Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield features Wild Areas between cities. These areas will feature different Pokemon depending on the weather and location. You can freely move the camera around when exploring these areas to ensure you discover every last secret. Activities such as fishing and shaking trees for fruit was also briefly shown. Footage during the direct indicates that Wild Pokemon will appear roaming on the screen in Wild Areas. Other locations though will have random Wild Pokemon encounters in tall grass.

There is a new Dynamax mechanic which is essentially this generation’s version of Mega evolutions. Dynamax makes your Pokemon giant during battle and enhances their power, but it can only be used once per battle and lasts strictly for three turns only. A giant Raichu was shown battling a giant Gyarados.

In the Wild Areas you can team up with three other players locally or online to participate in Max Raid Battles. Here you battle a Wild Dynamax Pokemon which stays giant for the entire fight. Only one member of the team can use Dynamax on their Pokemon, so it is important to strategise. If you win the battle you will be giving the opportunity to catch the Wild Dynamax Pokemon. Some Pokemon will only appear exclusively via the Max Raid Battles.

The champion of the Galar region is named Leon. He has an undefeated record in official matches and is loved by the whole region. His younger brother, Hop, is your rival and hopes to one day become champion as well. Hop’s journey starts the same day as your own.

Professor Magnolia is the region’s professor. She’s an elderly woman who has a cane. Her Granddaughter, Sonia, is also her assistant. Both characters will offer advice throughout your journey.

Pokemon Gyms make a return, with the leaders having special Dynamax Pokemon. Milo, a Grass Type gym leader was shown.

Zacian and Zamazenta are the two legendary Pokemon for the Galar region, each looking like lions with sword and shield faces respectively. They will have an active role in the story, but so far nothing more has been revealed.

And the moment you have all been waiting for… Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield will be released worldwide on November 15, 2019. A special double pack will also be released containing both games.