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Pokémon Sword and Shield

Nintendo, Game Freak
Nov 15, 2019 - Nintendo Switch
Strong

OpenCritic Rating

80

Top Critic Average

64%

Critics Recommend

IGN
9.3 / 10
Eurogamer
No Recommendation
Easy Allies
7 / 10
Metro GameCentral
7 / 10
GamesRadar+
4.5 / 5
Game Informer
8.8 / 10
GameSpot
9 / 10
USgamer
4.5 / 5

Pokémon Sword and Shield Review Summary

StrongCritic Consensus

New Ways to Catch 'Em All

Wild Areas and Dynamax creatures are a fun new twist on the formula.

Complex Combat

Game Freak has modernized the battle system for the better.

Plays It Safe

Not without new features, some were expecting a bigger leap for the series' first home console entry.

Despite some alleged controversy, Pokemon Sword and Shield is a highly appreciated entry for the series. Making its home console debut on Nintendo Switch, the series maybe could've taken a bigger step forward, but it's still the best entry in years according to most.


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Pokémon Sword and Shield Trailers

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield - Nintendo Direct 9.4.2019 - Nintendo Switch thumbnail

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield - Nintendo Direct 9.4.2019 - Nintendo Switch

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Gameplay - Nintendo Treehouse: Live | E3 2019 thumbnail

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Gameplay - Nintendo Treehouse: Live | E3 2019

Pokémon Direct 6.5.2019 thumbnail

Pokémon Direct 6.5.2019


Pokémon Sword and Shield Screenshots



Critic Reviews for Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokemon Sword and Shield are the best games in the series, streamlining its most tedious traditions without losing any of the charm.

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Eurogamer

No Recommendation / Blank
Eurogamer

Pok'mon Sword and Shield add some brilliant new creatures, but like their gargantuan Dynamax forms, the games feel like a hollow projection.

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Metro GameCentral

Unknown Author
7 / 10
Metro GameCentral

The furore over Dexit may be overblown but even without it this is an underwhelming and unambitious attempt to modernise Pokémon and expand its horizons.

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Gameplay tweaks and attention to detail make Pokemon Sword and Shield the most compelling Pokemon world to date.

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The compelling formula of simultaneously building your collections of monsters and gym badges has proven timeless, but the new additions and enhancements show Pokémon isn't done evolving

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Pokemon Sword and Shield scale down the bloated elements of the series while improving what really matters, making for the best new generation in years.

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Despite the controversy, Sword and Shield offers a great time.

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OpenCritic Coverage

Pokémon Sword and Shield Manga English Adaptation Will Release This Summer

Pokémon Sword and Shield Manga English Adaptation Will Release This Summer

It has been announced that the English adaptation of the Pokémon Sword and Shield manga will release this summer

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Two Pokemon Sword and Shield Events are Taking Place Right Now

Two Pokemon Sword and Shield Events are Taking Place Right Now

Two events are taking place in Pokémon Sword and Shield right now

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Pokémon Sword and Shield Max Raid Event Celebrates Spring

Pokémon Sword and Shield Max Raid Event Celebrates Spring

A Max Raid event in Pokémon Sword and Shield features flower themed Pokémon this weekend

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Pokémon Sword and Shield's Valentine's Day Max Raid Event is Going On Now

Pokémon Sword and Shield's Valentine's Day Max Raid Event is Going On Now

Pokémon Sword and Shield's Valentine's Day Max Raid event is going on now, and features Milcery

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