Pokémon Sword and Shield will introduce Galarian forms and new villains

We’ve officially got some concrete details about Pokémon Sword and Shield, and it looks like the new games will introduce fans to Galarian forms and some interesting new villains.

The release date for Pokémon Sword and Shield is getting nearer, and the official Pokémon YouTube channel revealed further information about the game’s plot and cast earlier this week. Not only will fans get to meet some new Pokémon while plowing through the gameplay, but it looks like the latest installments will also throw new rivals and villains into the mix.

The video revealed Galarian forms of Pokémon, which are similar to the Alola forms introduced in Gen. 7. The Galarian forms will be regional, of course, and while the video didn’t reveal all of the Pokémon receiving a Galarian makeover, it did give us a look at Zigzagoon, Linoone, and Weezing.

See these Galarian forms in action in the official promo video:

The video also reveals this generation’s psuedo-Pikachu Pokémon, Morpeko. Apparently, he changes forms depending on how hangry he is. Honestly, we can probably all relate.

We’re also getting new villains, and they’re, er, interesting looking. Pokémon Sword and Shield will bring Team Yell into the mix — not the best name, but we’ll manage — and they look like a bunch of bikers who had a tragic accident with some hot pink paint.

The members of Team Yell apparently follow a trainer named Marnie, but apart from that, the trailer doesn’t reveal much else about them. We, for one, would like to know why they’re called Team Yell. Should we expect some hangry shouting from them, too?

There’s also a brief glimpse of a trainer named Bede, who we can only assume will be the new rival in these games. The trailer quickly passes over Bede, but all we have to say is: Bring it on.

Are you excited to play Pokémon Sword and Shield when it comes out? Share your thoughts in the comments below!