Best answer: The Pokémon Company hasn't revealed every difference yet, but they will have a handful of exclusive Pokémon and legendaries to each, along with version exclusive gym battles.
- Pre-order Pokémon Sword: Pokémon Sword ($60 at Amazon)
- Pre-order Pokémon Shield: Pokémon Shield ($60 at Amazon)
Why do Pokémon games release as two separate versions?
Pokémon's tagline may be "catch 'em all" but historically it was impossible to do so with only one version of the game. Ever since it's inception, Game Freak usually releases two main Pokémon RPGs alongside each other. From Red and Blue, Ruby and Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl, the series has stuck with these dynamic duos. For the most part, you're getting the same experience, however, each tends to have its own handful of exclusive Pokémon and a unique legendary that can only be caught in that version of the game. In Pokémon Let's Go players even had unique starter Pokémon between Eevee and Pikachu. Ruby and Sapphire, in particular, featured two separate villainous teams with Team Magma and Team Aqua, which were the region equivalent of Team Rocket.
What are the differences between them?
When it comes to Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, we'll need to wait and see what all of the differences are between them, but we know that at the very least you can expect a few new Pokémon that can be caught in either one or the other, and you'll need to trade with friends to collect them all.
Their legendary Pokémon are Zacian (Sword) and Zamazenta (Shield), which look to be based on wolves as previously speculated.
Pokémon exclusive to Sword
- Deino
- Zweilous
- Hydreigon
- Jangmo-o
- Hakamo-o
- Kommo-o
- Sirfetch'd
Pokémon exclusive to Shield
- Larvitar
- Pupitar
- Tyranitar
- Goomy
- Sliggoo
- Goodra
- Galarian Ponya
Version exclusive gyms
Pokémon Sword and Shield will also have gyms that are exclusive to either version. We don't know how pervasive these unique gym leaders are or if they only account for a couple. Pokémon Sword will see players challenging a leader named Bea, who looks to be a fighting type gym leader. Pokémon Shield will have players go up against Allister, who appears to specialize in ghost types.
Unsheathe your sword
Pokémon Sword
Jump into the Galar Region
This is it, trainers. Generation 8 will soon bring us to the Galar Region, full of new Pokémon to catch and challenges to overcome in Pokémon Sword for Nintendo Switch.
Pick up your shield
Pokémon Shield
New challenges await
Trainers can also explore the Galar Region in Pokémon Shield for Nintendo Switch, giving you another way to make your dreams of becoming a Pokémon master come true.
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