2019年11月15日在Switch平台全球發行的《寶可夢 劍／盾》（ポケットモンスター ソード·シールド/Pokémon Sword & Shield），由Game Freak所製作的RPG遊戲，從《精靈寶可夢 紅/綠》系列以來的全新寶可夢與冒險，也是第八世代寶可夢遊戲的代表作。2020年11月6日所販售的《寶可夢 劍／盾 擴充票》（ポケットモンスター ソード·シールド + エキスパンションパス/Pokémon Sword & Shield +Expansion Pass），新增舞台的內容有「鎧之孤島」及「冠之雪原」。

「伽勒爾地區（Galar）」是參考英國的大不列顛島所設計，舞台從城市到鄉村，是一個人類與寶可夢和平相處的世界。故事描述主角和赫普在收到現任寶可夢冠軍訓練家丹帝的邀請函後出發，為了取得聯盟所舉辦的參賽資格不斷與對手較勁，也準備挑戰八個「伽勒爾地區」道館，每個道館都有位強大的館主需要挑戰，擊敗這些館主就能獲得徽章，最終目標為擊敗丹帝與搭檔噴火龍所創下的不敗紀錄。

 《寶可夢 劍/盾》是分為兩個版本發售，分別為《寶可夢 劍》和《寶可夢 盾》。兩個版本有部分獨占寶可夢以及不同傳說寶可夢，因此需要選擇不同的版本來捕捉特定的寶可夢。主打探索、捕捉、培養寶可夢並參與回合制戰鬥。劇情的核心圍繞著兩個傳說中的寶可夢：劍版中的蒼響（Zacian）和盾版中的藏瑪然特（Zamazenta）。這兩個寶可夢曾在古代拯救伽勒爾地區免於滅亡，玩家最終會與這兩隻寶可夢建立聯繫，並在故事中面對一個潛在威脅伽勒爾和平的陰謀。

在操作上，延續系列的核心玩法，在野外捕捉寶可夢，訓練它們並與其他訓練家進行回合制戰鬥。新增「極巨化」（Dynamax）系統，讓寶可夢能夠在特定戰鬥中變得巨大且擁有強化的能力，並且有些寶可夢可以進化成「超極巨化」（Gigantamax）形態，讓戰鬥更加刺激。伽勒爾地區的設計充滿不同的自然地帶和城市，從茂密的森林到雪山和工業城市，每個地點都有獨特的寶可夢和挑戰。遊戲世界的「野外地帶」是一個開放式的區域，可自由探索、捕捉寶可夢和參加團體戰鬥，這是《寶可夢》系列中的一大突破。

每個道館挑戰都包含一個小型解謎或挑戰，需要解決問題或完成特定的任務才能與館主對戰。道館館主使用與其道館屬性相符的強大寶可夢，必須運用戰術來應對不同屬性的對手。

《寶可夢 劍/盾》自發售以來取得商業上的巨大成功，短時間內就成為Switch平台銷量最高的遊戲之一。截至2023年，全球累計銷量超過2500萬份。優良的視覺效果和系統更新，尤其是極巨化和野外地帶的引入，受到許多玩家的好評。許多粉絲認為團隊成功地結合傳統《寶可夢》遊戲的元素與現代開發技術。然而，同時也引來一些批評。部分玩家對於整體寶可夢數量的減少感到不滿，特別是某些過去世代的寶可夢無法在遊戲中使用。再者，部分玩家認為伽勒爾地區的設計與劇情深度略顯不足，與過去的一些《寶可夢》系列作品相比，內容顯得簡化。

儘管如此，總體來說，《寶可夢 劍/盾》仍然被認為是Switch平台上最具影響力的作品之一，吸引大量的新玩家進入《寶可夢》的世界，也為老玩家提供懷舊與創新的遊戲體驗。

Released globally on the Switch platform on November 15, 2019, Pokémon Sword & Shield (ポケットモンスター ソード·シールド), developed by Game Freak, is an RPG game featuring brand-new Pokémon and adventures since the Pokémon Red/Green series, and serves as the flagship title for the eighth generation of Pokémon games. On November 6, 2020, the Pokémon Sword & Shield Expansion Pass was released, adding new content with "The Isle of Armor" and "The Crown Tundra."

The game is set in the "Galar" region, designed with inspiration from Great Britain, featuring a world where humans and Pokémon coexist peacefully, with settings ranging from cities to rural areas. The story follows the protagonist and Hop as they embark on a journey after receiving an invitation from Leon, the reigning Pokémon Champion. The goal is to qualify for the Galar League and compete against rivals, while challenging the eight gyms scattered across Galar. Each gym features a powerful leader that must be defeated to earn a badge. The ultimate goal is to defeat Leon and his undefeated partner Charizard.

Pokémon Sword & Shield were released as two separate versions, Sword and Shield. Each version features exclusive Pokémon and different legendary Pokémon, meaning players must choose the appropriate version to capture specific creatures. The core gameplay focuses on exploring, capturing, training Pokémon, and engaging in turn-based battles.

The central plot revolves around two legendary Pokémon: Zacian in Sword and Zamazenta in Shield. These Pokémon once saved the Galar region from destruction in ancient times, and players will eventually bond with them as they face a looming threat to the region's peace.

In terms of gameplay, it continues the core mechanics of the series, allowing players to capture wild Pokémon, train them, and battle other trainers in turn-based combat. A new feature, "Dynamax," allows Pokémon to grow into a giant form with enhanced abilities in certain battles. Some Pokémon can also achieve a special "Gigantamax" form, adding more excitement to battles.

Galar's design features diverse natural zones and cities, ranging from dense forests to snowy mountains and industrial towns, with each location offering unique Pokémon and challenges. The "Wild Area" is an open-world zone where players can freely explore, capture Pokémon, and participate in cooperative battles—this open-area concept is a major breakthrough for the Pokémon series.

Each gym challenge involves solving puzzles or completing tasks before facing the gym leader. The gym leaders use Pokémon that match their gym's elemental type, and players must employ strategy to counter their opponents' strengths.

Since its release, Pokémon Sword & Shield has achieved enormous commercial success, quickly becoming one of the best-selling games on the Switch platform. As of 2023, it has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. The game's strong visual effects and system improvements, especially the introduction of Dynamax and the Wild Area, have been well-received by many players. Fans praised the development team's ability to combine traditional Pokémon elements with modern gaming technology.

However, the game has also faced some criticism. Some players were disappointed by the reduced number of Pokémon, especially the absence of certain Pokémon from previous generations. Additionally, some felt that the design of the Galar region and the depth of the story were somewhat lacking, appearing simplified compared to earlier entries in the series.

Despite these critiques, Pokémon Sword & Shield is still considered one of the most influential titles on the Switch platform. It has attracted many new players to the world of Pokémon while providing a nostalgic yet innovative experience for longtime fans.