Pokemon Sword & Shield: Pre-Load On Switch Now

Pokemon Sword and Shield are only two weeks away. The Gen 8 Pokemon games arrive on Nintendo Switch on November 15, but if you're eager to start your Galar journey as soon as possible, you can now pre-load the titles ahead of their launch.

If you purchase the titles digitally from the Switch Eshop, you are now able to download them so that they'll be available to play the moment they go live on November 15. According to the Eshop, each game weighs in at 9.5 GB, and you'll need 19 GB of free space if you decide to spring for both versions.

Pokemon Sword and Shield are both eligible for the Switch Voucher program, so if you're a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber and have been holding onto some vouchers, you can use one to download either title. While vouchers are no longer available to purchase, you can redeem any that you still have up to a full year after you bought them. You can see the full list of voucher compatible games on Nintendo's website.

If you purchase Sword or Shield digitally, you'll receive 12 free Quick Balls within the games as a bonus. These have a high chance of catching a Pokemon if used immediately after the encounter begins. Meanwhile, everyone who purchases a copy--either physically or digitally--by January 15, 2020 will receive a Meowth that's capable of Gigantmaxing.

Those aren't the only freebies you can get. Players who have save data of either Let's Go Pikachu or Eevee on their consoles will also receive a Gigantamax-capable Pikachu or Eevee. You can see all the free Pokemon for Sword and Shield here. For more on the upcoming Gen 8 games, be sure to check out our Pokemon Sword and Shield pre-order guide.

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