How to preload Pokémon Sword and Shield on Nintendo Switch

For anyone who wants to play Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield the second the game unlocks, preloading is a must. Now players in North America, Europe, Japan, and other territories can preload the game on their Nintendo Switch consoles.

To do so, just hit up the respective page for Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield on Nintendo’s website or the Nintendo Switch eShop and go from there, depending on which game you’re going to purchase. Keep in mind that this means that you’re pre-purchasing it, so if you still can’t decide which version you want to buy, you should probably wait.

We know that Galarian Ponyta and Sirfetch’d are exclusives to Shield and Sword, respectively, but outside of a small handful of other Pokémon, we don’t have a concrete list yet. Waiting might be the best choice if you’re really set on a specific Pokémon.

Keep in mind you’ll need about 10 GB of storage space to download Pokémon Sword or Shield, if you need to clear some room on your Switch.

Pokémon Sword and Shield release for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 15. The games are bringing a new set of Pokémon, the new Gigantamaxing and Dynamaxing systems, as well as the ability to make special curries for your Pokémon. New Galarian forms of existing Pokémon like Galarian Weezing and special evolved forms of pre-existing Pokémon like Obstagoon will also be featured in the game.

Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our ethics policy.