Should you get Pokemon Sword or Shield? The Pokemon franchise is known for releasing two companion games at the same time: Red and Blue, Gold and Silver, Ruby and Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl, Black and White, X and Y, Sun and Moon, and now, Sword and Shield. These games have the same story but a small number of Pokemon can only be found in one version of the game, so you have to have a friend to trade and get the other Pokemon. The games sometimes have other exclusive items as well.
Choosing which version to purchase can be tricky (especially if you and your friend want the same one), so here is a list of the differences between Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield.
Pokemon Sword
Catchable Pokemon
Deino, Zweilous, and Hydreigon
Originally in Black and White (Gen 5)
Jangmo-o, Hakamo-o, and Kommo-o
Originally in Sun and Moon (Gen 7)
Gothita, Gothorita, and Gothitelle
Originally in Black (Gen 5)
Rufflet and Braviary
Originally in White (Gen 5)
Mawile
Originally in Ruby (Gen 3)
Turtonator
Originally in Sun and Moon (Gen 7)
Sirfetch’d
A new evolution of Farfetch’d (Red and Blue, Gen 1)
This is the only exciting Sword exclusive in my opinion. It looks awesome though.
Legendary Pokemon
Zacian
Zacian is the featured Legendary for Sword, but previous games have allowed players to catch both Legendaries, so we’re expecting the same for Sword and Shield.
Gym Leader
Bea
For the first time in Pokemon history, there are exclusive Gym Leaders! This Fighting Gym Leader can only be fought in Sword.
Pokemon Shield
Catchable Pokemon
Larvitar, Pupitar, and Tyrannitar
Originally in Gold and Silver (Gen 2)
Goomy, Sliggoo, and Goodra
Originally in X and Y (Gen 6)
Erin really likes Goomy so this was an important factor.
Solosis, Duosion, and Reuniclus
Originally in White (Gen 5)
Vullaby and Mandibuzz
Originally exclusive in Black (Gen 5)
Sableye
Originally in Sapphire (Gen 3)
Drampa
Originally in Sun and Moon (Gen 7)
Galarian Ponyta
A new form of Ponyta (Red and Blue, Gen 1)
It pains me to say I’m going to have to trade Erin for this one. It’s SO cute!
Legendary Pokemon
Zacian
Zacian is the featured Legendary for Sword, but previous games have allowed players to catch both Legendaries, so we’re expecting the same for Sword and Shield.
Gym Leader
Allister
For the first time in Pokemon history, there are exclusive Gym Leaders! This Ghost Gym Leader can only be fought in Shield.
I ended up choosing Sword and Erin chose Shield. Which game did you choose?
– Jessica
If you haven’t ordered your copy of the games yet, you can do that here!
Pokemon Sword
https://amzn.to/2KmDY8u
Pokemon Shield
https://amzn.to/34017p2
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