The Pokémon Company has revealed some more information regarding new Pokémon, new important characters, and a new method of Dynamaxing in a new trailer put out today for Pokémon Sword and Shield.
The trailer showcases four new Pokémon native to the Galar region. The first is Alcremie, a Fairy-type Pokémon that looks to be made of whipped cream.
The next is Yamper, an Electric-type Pokémon based off a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This Pokémon has a new Ability called Ball Fetch, where it can retrieve a failed Poké Ball from a capture attempt if it does not hold an item.
The third is called Rolycoly, a Rock-type Pokémon that is a lump of coal with a wheel and a single headlight-like eye. It also has a new ability, called Steam Engine, where its speed drastically raises if it is hit with a Fire or Water-type move.
The last new Pokémon shown is called Duraludon, a Steel/Dragon-type Pokémon.
Two new Gym Leaders were also shown for Pokémon Sword and Shield. These Gym Leaders preside over the same Gym but in different versions. The first leader is Bea, a Fighting-type expert who is able to be challenged in Pokémon Sword.
The second leader is Allister, a Ghost-type expert whose Gym is exclusive to Pokémon Shield.
We are also introduced to Chairman Rose, the chairman and founder of the Galar Pokémon League. He also has a secretary called Oleana.
This trailer also shows a new kind of Dynamaxing called Gigantamaxing, where the Pokémon being Dynamaxed changes both its size and its appearance. This feature seems to be similar to the previously-introduced Mega Evolution, where the Pokémon powered up while changing its appearance. Like Mega Evolution, only certain species of Pokémon can Gigantamax. The three confirmed so far are Alcremie, Corviknight, and Drednaw. However, unlike Mega Evolutions, only certain rare and special Pokémon are able to Gigantamax. Even within the same species, some of these Pokémon will still look normal when Dynamaxed, while others will Gigantamax. The only confirmed way to get a Pokémon that can Gigantamax is to capture it from a Max Raid battle, but even then, there is no guarantee that that one will be special enough to change its appearance.
Gigantamaxed Pokémon can use special moves called G-Max moves. These moves are exclusive to Gigantamaxed Pokémon—plain Dynamaxed Pokémon do not have access to these moves. Fairy moves used by Gigantamax Alcremie become G-Max Finale, a move that damages opponents while healing the user’s Pokémon. Flying moves used by Gigantamax Corviknight become G-Max Wind Rage, which damages opponents while also removing all-terrain and hazards from the battlefield. Water moves used by Gigantamax Drednaw become G-Max Stonesurge, which damages opponents and leaves sharp rocks as a hazard on the opponent’s side.
Pokémon Sword and Shield are slated for release on November 15, 2019, for the Nintendo Switch.
