Pokémon Sword and Shield – Pikachu is once again an absolute unit, new Gigantamax Pokémon officially revealed

There used to be a time when Pokémon’s star mascot Pikachu was a far more…rounded icon. Chubby cheeks, a big belly and easily confused for a beach ball, Pikachu eventually dropped some weight over the years and took on a more slim profile. Pokeballs to that, we want the original chonker back and Nintendo has clearly listened, because Pokémon Sword and Shield will feature the biggest and heaviest version of the lightning rat yet.

Here’s the latest trailer for the game, which features not only Pikachu dialling back the clock by twenty years, but also a score of other rivals who have gone through some Gigantamax changes of their own:

Gigantamax Pikachu

• Type: Electric
• Height: 68’11″+
• Weight: ???
• Ability: Static

The electricity generated in the sacs in its cheeks is stored in its tail. In battle, it will strike opponents with its tail and send a jolt of electricity through them as great as any lightning strike. Gigantamax Pikachu has become so powerful that it can produce enough electricity to rival a power plant. However, using this electricity to help power people’s homes seems difficult, as Pikachu can only remain Gigantamaxed for a short time. Electric-type attacks used by Gigantamax Pikachu will change to G-Max Volt Crash, which not only deals damage but also paralyzes all opponents.

Trainers that have play records from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! on their Nintendo Switch system will be able to receive a special Pikachu that can Gigantamax in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.

Gigantamax Charizard

• Type: Fire/Flying
• Height: 91’10″+
• Weight: ???
• Ability: Blaze

The flames inside its body have become stronger, and now fire erupts from its mouth and horns in addition to its tail. It seems that the strength of the flames increases when Gigantamax Charizard roars. Charizard’s flames have become enhanced with Gigantamax power and now form wings on its back. These wings are hotter than magma, and Charizard can fire them off to scorch its opponents. Fire-type attacks used by Gigantamax Charizard will change to G-Max Wildfire. G-Max Wildfire doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent when it hits—it will also continue to deal damage for four turns to any Pokémon that isn’t Fire type.

Gigantamax Eevee

• Type: Normal
• Height: 59’1″+
• Weight: ???
• Ability: Run Away / Adaptability

The fur around its neck has become extra fluffy and luxurious thanks to Gigantamax power. Any opponent caught in this fur becomes enamoured with Eevee and loses the will to fight. Gigantamaxing has caused Eevee to become more rambunctious than ever, and it will attempt to play with any opponent. However, it often ends up crushing its opponent due to its massive size. Normal-type attacks used by Gigantamax Eevee will change to G-Max Cuddle. G-Max Cuddle doesn’t only deal damage when it hits—any opponent that is the opposite gender of Eevee will become infatuated.

Trainers that have play records from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! on their Nintendo Switch system will be able to receive a special Eevee that can Gigantamax in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.

Gigantamax Meowth

• Type: Normal
• Height: 108’3″+
• Weight: ???
• Ability: Pickup/Technician

Gigantamaxing has caused Meowth’s body to stretch to astounding lengths, and the coin on its head has also become massive. The giant coin can emit a torrent of Gigantamax power, filling the surrounding area with a powerful golden gleam. Meowth loves shiny objects, and when it sees skyscrapers lined with glass, it won’t be able to resist the urge to sharpen its claws on them.

This behaviour can cause considerable damage, such as wearing down the exterior walls and breaking windows. Normal-type attacks used by Gigantamax Meowth will change to G-Max Gold Rush. G-Max Gold Rush deals damage to opponents and also scatters coins all over the area, giving Trainers a considerable in-game cash bonus after the battle.

This special Meowth that can Gigantamax can be received as an early-purchase bonus for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield by selecting the Get via Internet option in Mystery Gift from Friday, November 15, 2019, to Wednesday, January 15, 2020.

Gigantamax Butterfree

• Type: Bug/Flying
• Height: 55’9″+
• Weight: ???
• Ability: Compound Eyes

Its most notable feature is its blinding wings, which have grown to gigantic proportions. The light of Gigantamax Butterfree’s wings comes from its scales, which can inflict paralysis, poisoning, or sleep on its opponents. These scales are Butterfree’s most effective weapons. Its vast wings can stir up a wind strong enough to lift a 10-ton truck, just by flapping. This wind also scatters poisonous scales around the area, so simply being near this Pokémon is very dangerous.

Bug-type attacks used by Gigantamax Butterfree will change to G-Max Befuddle. G-Max Befuddle doesn’t only deal damage—it will also scatter scales around opponents and cause them to become poisoned, become paralyzed, or fall asleep.

Last Updated: October 16, 2019