Nintendo and Game Freak have dropped a ton of brand-new Pokemon Sword and Shield information in the Nintendo Direct at E3 and in subsequent videos. This included the Pokemon Sword and Shield versions, and the Pokemon Sword and Shield Double Pack. Of course, plenty of new gameplay features and new Pokemon were announced alongside it all too. If you’re as excited as we are about Pokemon Sword and Shield, you’ll want to pre-order it right now. Thankfully, you can. Find out how in our Pokemon Sword and Shield pre-order guide.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Pre-order Guide | Physical standard edition bonuses
Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be any sort of special edition outside of the aforementioned Double Pack. Unless Nintendo announces a Pokemon Sword and Shield Collector’s Edition or a Switch bundle, either the standard or Double Pack is the only way to go here. We do know of a special Nintendo Switch Lite console themed after Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Legendary Pokemon, Zacian and Zamazenta, but the console won’t come with a copy of the game.
As usual, there are two versions of the brand-new Pokemon game. These are Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield. There will be several differences between the two games, most notably which Legendary you will find, other version-exclusive Pokemon, and version-exclusive gyms. It’s up to you which one you pick.
Pre-ordering either version or the Double Pack through the online Pokemon Center store, however, will get you one small extra goodie: a plush keychain of one of Pokemon Sword and Shield’s starter Pokemon, Sobble, Grookey, and Scorbunny. The plush you’ll receive is randomly selected, though, so you won’t be able to guarantee getting your favorite.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Pre-order Guide | Digital standard edition bonuses
Players who purchase the digital version of either Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield from the Nintendo eShop before January 15, 2020 will receive a gift of 12 Quick Balls, allowing them to get an easy head start on capturing Pokemon early in the game.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Pre-order Guide | Double Pack
If you can’t decide what version of the game is for you, however, you can always pick up the Pokemon Sword and Shield Double Pack. This contains both versions of the game in one handy package. Different versions of the Double Pack will be available in different regions.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Double Pack – North America
Unlike the U.K. version of the Double Pack (discussed below), there is no SteelBook or other special bonus available only through the Double Pack in North America. Those who do purchase the Double Pack will receive two in-game items called Dynamax Crystals, though these will be available for purchasers in other regions, as well.
The Dynamax Crystals included are one-use items that will allow players to battle (and hopefully subsequently capture) Dynamax Larvitar and Dynamax Jangmo-o in special Max Raid Battles. Normally, these two Pokemon are only available later in the game and are exclusive to Pokemon Shield and Pokemon Sword, respectively, but using each Pokemon’s Dynamax Crystal will give players the chance to catch it early on in either game.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Double Pack – Europe
Throughout Europe, the Double Pack will be a little different. Named the Dual Pack in the U.K., it comes with both standard boxes of Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield as well as a nifty Golden Dual Game Card SteelBook to hold it all together. You can see the Golden SteelBook below.
According to the Dual Pack’s Amazon listing, the U.K. version of the Double Pack will also include a Pokemon figurine. The Pokemon this figurine will depict is so-far unannounced, but it’s likely to be either one of the Legendaries or one of the starter Pokemon.
The U.K. Dual Pack will also include the Larvitar and Jangmo-o Gigantamax Crystals, according to Nintendo U.K.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Pre-order Guide | Japanese pre-order bonuses]
Speaking of figurines, Japanese fans who pre-order Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield will receive a figurine of one of the games’ starter Pokemon, produced by the Good Smiles Company. Japanese fans who pre-order either of the games will also receive a special Galar region art book.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Pre-order Guide | Where to pre-order Pokemon Sword and Shield
