The Pokemon Sword and Shield release date is set for November 15, 2019, and will be coming to Nintendo Switch as an exclusive.
Fans already know about some of the new changes being made to the popular formula, although much remains unaltered from previous generations.
And with just days to go before the big launch day, impatient Pokemon Sword and Shield fans have been given some great news.
It has now been confirmed that Nintendo Switch gamers desperate to start their adventures in the Galar Region will be able to do so at midnight on November 15.
Certain retailers in the US and UK will be holding early launch events for Sword and Shield.
For UK fans hoping to start playing early, Pokemon Sword and Shield will be available to pick up at midnight on its release date.
This will be happening at certain GAME retail stores but not all of them will be signing up.
Looking at the events page, most GAME Stores will be staying closed for the Sword and Shield midnight release.
However, it will be worth calling around to find out exactly what the plan is and if you need to pre-order before picking up your game.
Some stores are running Trade-In deals for Pokemon Sword and Shield, suggesting you will be able to buy a copy.
Game Stores may open at different times, but for now, it appears that most will be open at 11pm on November 14.
“We’ll be open from 11pm on Thursday 14th, ready to go at midnight,” one Game Store has shared on Twitter. “Don’t forget your trade-ins for 25% extra credit!”
Games Stores that are confirmed to be holding Sword and Shield midnight events include: Aberystwyth, Banbury, Basingstoke, Bath Southgate, Belfast, Bognor Regis, Bracknell, Coventry, Coventry (Arena Park), Scarborough, SCUNTHORPE, Serpentine, Sheffield the Moor, Shrewsbury.
As mentioned above, it will be worth checking with your local store and finding out if there are any event being held in your area.
“For midnight launches, stores generally open their doors around 11.45pm and will usually close around an hour later,” GAME confirms.
“Depending on demand, your local manager may choose to close earlier or stay open longer.
“Stores open at the discretion of your local manager. This list shows the latest information we have on stores that are taking part in the midnight launch, however, there may be changes.
“To be sure that your store is opening, please check with your local branch on their Twitter page before going out on the night as they will have the latest information.”
In the United States, we know that Best Buy and Gamestop will be hosting midnight launches. Select Best Buy stores will be opening at 12:01 a.m. ET Friday, November 15, or 9:00 p.m. PT Thursday, November 14.
It should be noted that this isn’t a blanket offer running at all locations, so fans should make sure to call around and check which ones are participating.
And Best Buy are also running another Pokemon event in the lead up to the Sword and Shield release, this time for Let’s Go Pikachu. If you haven’t captured Mewtwo in Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go Eevee!, this is your chance.
By visiting any Best Buy store now through November 14, Trainers can scan the QR code using the free Pokémon Pass app, and get Mewtwo free.
For gamers looking to use GameStop, stores have confirmed that they will be doing early pick up for Sword and Shield.
To guarantee a copy of the game for pick up at 11pm on November 14, gamers will need to pre-order. These will be available until 6pm on Thursday, November 14, and will make it possible to grab a copy of the game.
You will also be able to turn up and try and buy Pokemon Sword and Shield during the early period. It should be noted that most stores will have limited stock and won’t be able to guarantee against selling out.