Everything you need to know about 'Pokémon Sword' and 'Pokémon Shield,' the newest additions to the main Pokémon series on the Nintendo Switch

• "Pokémon Sword" and "Pokémon Shield" will be released on the Nintendo Switch in late 2019.
• The games will introduce a new batch of Pokémon and are set in a never-before-seen region of the Pokémon world, Galar.
• Like prior Pokémon role-playing games, "Pokémon Sword" and "Pokémon Shield" are two versions of the same game. Players will encounter different Pokémon depending on which version they pick, and will have to trade for Pokémon from the opposite version.

The eighth generation of Pokémon games has arrived – "Pokémon Sword" and "Pokémon Shield" will be released on the Nintendo Switch in late 2019. Announced on the 23rd anniversary of the franchise, Pokémon Shield" and "Pokémon Sword" will introduce players to dozens of new Pokémon living in a never-before-seen part of the Pokémon world.

Like the original Pokémon titles, "Sword" and "Shield," are role-playing games. Players will adventure through the brand-new Galar region, capturing Pokémon and battling other trainers on their way to becoming the Pokémon champion.

"Pokémon Sword" and "Pokémon Shield" are two versions of the same game, a longstanding tradition in the Pokémon series. Players will encounter different Pokémon depending on which version they pick, and will have to trade for Pokémon from the opposite version. Still, both games share the same story and gameplay experience.

Here's what we know about "Pokémon Sword" and "Pokémon Shield" so far:

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"Pokémon Sword" and "Pokémon Shield" let you choose between a boy or girl trainer, a series staple since "Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire."

You'll also choose between one of three starter Pokémon: Grookey, Scorbunny or Sobble.

You'll travel through the Galar region, a never-before-seen part of the Pokémon world.

This is only a portion of the entire map of the Galar region. You can see the full map here.