Gaming

Pokemon Sword and Shield update: Nintendo drops MAJOR new gameplay hint


Pokemon Sword and Shield could be about to get a massive gameplay update on Nintendo Switch.

Despite pre-release controversy, Pokemon Sword and Shield have sold millions of units in the space of just a few weeks.

However, not all fans were happy with the way developer Game Freak removed hundreds of Pokemon from the Pokedex.

While it doesn’t look like fans will be getting their missing Pokemon back, Game Freak does seemingly have plans to introduce a big new gameplay feature.

Based on a patent recently filed by Nintendo, the company is planning to release a new Poke Ball Plus accessory for Nintendo Switch.

The patent reads (via Nintendo Life): “The patents aim to properly arrange components in a spherical controller, to enable various operations using a game controller, to properly arrange components in a spherical controller, to improve the degree of freedom for a structure for light emission in a game controller, and to provide a game controller in which components are properly arranged in a substantially spherical game controller.”

Without full Poke Ball Plus functionality in Sword and Shield, the patent could be a sign that Game Freak will add support for the accessory in a future update.

The news comes just days after Game Freak updated the in-game weather for winter.

Players who take a stroll in the game’s wild areas will notice that it’s now snowing in the exploration zones.

Likewise, if you’re short of Ice type Pokemon in your Pokedex, you can expect to encounter more frosty Pocket Monsters for the month of December.

It’s similar to the kind of thing you’d see in the likes of live service, online games like Pokemon Go.

Pokemon Sword and Shield is also experimenting with limited-time raids, as giant Snorlax joins the mix.

Players will be able to battle against Gigantamax Snorlax in Max Raid battles from now until early January.

“We now know that there are special Snorlax among the Snorlax that you can find living in the Galar region,” reads a Nintendo post.

“These Snorlax are capable of Gigantamaxing! When Gigantamaxed, these special Snorlax gain a different appearance than regular Dynamax Snorlax, and they can also unleash a G-Max Move called G-Max Replenish.”

The Gigantamax Snorlax has a vastly different look to the regular Pocket Monster, largely due to the giant tree growing out of its tummy.

“The Berry seeds and small rocks that were tangled in its belly fur have undergone explosive growth thanks to the power of Gigantamaxing,” Nintendo explains.

“With a tree sprouting upon its belly, this gigantic form of Snorlax has the majesty of a great mountain.”

It’s also said to have “unshakeable strength”, despite barely moving to attack its targets. Indeed, according to Nintendo it’s one of the strongest Pokemon in the game.

“Whether because of the great weight of its stomach or its unchanged natural disposition, this Gigantamax Pokemon almost never moves,” the post continues.

“When the time comes to do battle, it lifts its upper body by just a tiny amount and attacks by flailing with its arms and legs. At first glance, you might think it’s not very serious about battling—but these actions pack a tremendous punch.

“In fact, Gigantamax Snorlax is said to be one of the strongest Dynamax Pokemon discovered.”



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