Nintendo has revealed that Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield sold more than six million units during the worldwide launch weekend. This makes the game one of the fastest selling for the Nintendo Switch. In addition, with more than 2 million copies sold in the U.S. in the first two days, it now makes it the highest-grossing launch of any Pokémon game.
In the game, players take a journey through the Galar region, where they catch, battle, and trade a wide range of Pokémon. Players also get to meet a memorable cast of characters while at the same time try to solve the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta.
A Wilde Area can be found in between the different towns and cities of Galar. Here players can explore a vast expanse of untamed wilderness where there’s a lot of Pokémon to battle and catch.
That Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield managed to reach this number of units sold is really not that surprising. The games in the core Pokémon RPG series have managed to sell at least 240 million units around the world since Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version were released back in 1996.
According to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Nintendo of America Nick Chavez, the past weekend has revealed that there is no question that millions of people have started their Pokémon journeys in the new Galar region. He went on to say in a press statement that given the “momentous launch, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield have proven to be two of the must-have games this holiday season.”
If you’re new to Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, here are some features you can expect:
- A New Region to Explore: Get a chance to experience the Galar region for the very first time.
- The Dynamax and Gigantamax Phenomenon: In this new region, Pokémon can Dynamax and take on gigantic appearances during battle. When Pokémon Dynamax, their power is not only boosted, but they also become much more difficult to catch and take down. In some very rare occurrences, there are Pokémon that go one step further with Gigantamaxing. When Pokémon Gigantamax, they become even bigger while also changing their appearance and use powerful G-Max Moves that the regular Dynamax Pokémon can't use.
- Team Up for Max Raid Battles: In addition to fighting Pokémon in the Wild Area, Trainers can also participate in a new battle format known as Max Raid Battles.
- Three New First Partner Pokémon: Get the chance to know one of these three first partner Pokémon which are Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble.
- New Legendary Pokémon: The region is home to two mysterious Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta.
Pokémon Sword and Shield were officially launched on November 15 for the Nintendo Switch. To celebrate the launch, Trainers can sign up for their first official Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Online competition, known as Galar Beginnings. Trainers can register for this exciting competition now, which started on November 14 at 7:00 PM EST and runs until December 5 at 6:59 PM EST.
