The Pokémon franchise has been splitting its mainline entries into two different games since the beginning of the series, with the intention of promoting cooperation between players, as it was necessary to find someone with the other version of the game in order to complete the Pokédex. Pokémon Sword & Shield will be continuing this tradition, which might leave fans wondering which edition they should purchase.
It has been confirmed that Pokémon Sword & Shield will contain version-exclusive Pokémon and Gym Leaders, though the full extent of the differences isn't known as of the time of writing. Pokémon Sword & Shield will be released within the next few weeks and it's possible to preload the game now, so we have created a handy guide outlining the known differences between the two titles.
What's In Pokémon Sword?
Pokémon Sword is the one with Zacian (the sword-wielding dog) on the cover, though it has yet to be 100% confirmed that it is exclusive to the game. The cover Legendary Pokémon have been version-exclusives since Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, so Zacian will also likely be exclusive to Pokémon Sword.
The Pokémon that have been confirmed as version-exclusives for Pokémon Sword so far are Deino, Zweilous, Hydreigon, Jangmo-o, Hakamo-o, Kommo-0, and Sirfetch'd.
There is at least one version-exclusive Gym Leader in Pokémon Sword (though there might be more) in the form of Bea the Fighting-type leader. The location of Bea's Gym is currently unknown, but it has been confirmed that she uses a Hitmontop in battle.
What's In Pokémon Shield?
Pokémon Shield is the one with Zamazenta (the shield-faced Pokémon) on the cover, though it has yet to be 100% confirmed that it is exclusive to that game. However, again, it is likely that Zamazenta will also be exclusive to Pokémon Shield.
The Pokémon that have been confirmed as version-exclusives for Pokémon Shield are Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar, Goomy, Sliggoo, Goodra, and Galarian Ponyta. It's assumed that Galarian Rapidash is also a Pokémon Shield exclusive, due to how its cry was heard during the twenty-four-hour livestream in which Galarian Ponyta was announced.
There is at least one version-exclusive Gym Leader in Pokémon Shield (though there may be more) in the form of Allister the Ghost-type leader. The location of Allister's Gym is unknown, but it has been confirmed that he uses a Mimikyu in battle.
Timed & Let's Go! Freebies
Those who purchased one of the Pokémon: Let's Go! games will also have their version choice taken into consideration, as this will allow them to gain a free Pokémon with the power to take on a Gigantamax form. Those with save data from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! can receive a Gigantamax Pikachu, while people with save data from Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! will receive a Gigantamax Eevee. The ability to take on their Gigantamax form comes at a cost, though, as they cannot evolve.
Fans who purchase Pokémon Sword & Shield before January 15 can download a Gigantamax Meowth for free, which means that those who receive the games as a Christmas gift will still have plenty of time to claim it. The Gigantamax Meowth cannot evolve into Persian. A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to download Gigantamax Meowth.
Pokémon Sword & Shield will be released for Nintendo Switch on November 15, 2019.