Some new info was revealed for the upcoming Pokemon Sword and Shield. At E3 2019, details for the Dynamax feature, raid battles, and a related accessory were given.

The game’s new details were revealed in the pre-recorded Nintendo Direct video and the Nintendo Treehouse live stream that followed. In the 25-minute mark of the Nintendo Direct Stream, Shinya Takahashi from Nintendo mentioned how the Poke Ball Plus accessory will allow you to take one of your favorite Pokemon from the games out for a stroll in the real world. While the exact method and effect of doing this is still unknown, he promises that “something good might happen.”

Exclusive E3 2019 demo

Visitors who are onsite at this year’s E3 get to experience an exclusive demo. In it, they are able to challenge the Water-type Gym Leader, Nessa.

The Wild Area

The Wild Area is a completely new feature that’s debuting in Pokemon Sword and Shield, containing a wide variety of Pokemon to find and battle. In this area, you will be able to meet different types of Pokemon depending on weather conditions and the time of the day. The Wild Area will also encompass multiple towns, a vast expanse where you can find not just Pokemon but also hidden items.

Next, he spoke of “Symbol Encounter”. This is a non-random encounter system where you can actually see the Pokemon on the field. Random encounters have also been retained, which is a nice added touch if you like that randomness. The player character can also whistle and, depending on the Pokemon, may choose to approach or run away. It is a useful feature that can be used to lure certain types of Pokemon, such as flying ones.

Return of the bicycle

As mentioned, the Wild Area is huge. It’s such a large open-world that convenient transport is important. The bicycle makes a comeback here to help you with your travels. It can speed through land and even water, an ability that will certainly be important to go to areas that may be out of reach.

Y-Comms

There’s also Y-Comms, a new communication function in Pokemon Sword and Shield. With Y-Comms, stamps will appear on the left of the screen to show what other players are doing. Players can use it to indicate a desire to trade Pokemon, have Pokemon Link Battles, or team up for Max Raid Battles. With local wireless or internet connectivity, you’ll be able to see other players nearby and enjoy the game with them.

Pokemon Dens

The pillars of red light dotting the surroundings of the Wild Area are Pokemon Dens. Inside, you’ll encounter Dynamax form Pokemon in a Max Raid Battle. The thickness and color intensity of the pillars supposedly indicates the energy level of the Dynamax Pokemon. Speaking of Dynamax, this feature essentially replaces Mega-evolutions and Z-Moves from previous Pokemon titles.

Max Raid Battles

In a Max Raid Battle, up to four players can fight against the giant Pokemon. Each can only choose one Pokemon from your party or box to bring to the fight and you can’t swap it out midway through the fight. The ability to shift into Dynamax form will rotate through the players each turn and each Pokemon can only do this once. Another thing mentioned was that Pokemon in Dynamax form will have powered up moves that may have additional effects.

Once the Dynamax Pokemon has been defeated, the players get to decide who will catch the Pokemon. Those who choose not to will still receive some rewards.

That’s all we have to share for now. But as the release date is still a whole away, expect more gameplay trailers to appear in the coming months. Pokemon Sword and Shield will be out for the Nintendo Switch on 15 November 2019.