It was revealed long ago that Dynamax was a new mechanic in Pokémon: Sword and Shield in which a Pokémon would grow in size and be a more power up version of itself. Well in a new press release, as well as a trailer, The Pokémon Company has announced that some some Pokémon will have access to a their own special Dynamax form called Gigantamax.
When Gigantamax, the Pokémon not only grows in size but also takes on a new appearance not too unlike a mega-evolution from the gen VI games, but much, much bigger. Of course not all Pokémon gain access to these forms, and even among the species that do only certain specimens will be able to.
So far, the list of Pokémon with Gigantamax forms is as follows: Pikachu, Charizard, Eevee, Meowth, and Butterfree.
In addition to the normal perks associated with Dynamax, these special Pokémon gain access to G-Max moves while in Gigantamax form. Working somewhat like the Z-Moves from gen VII, in that they’re powerful moves that take the place another move the Pokémon has learned. For example: Gigantamax Charizard can use the G-Max Move Wildfire in place of any other fire type move it knows.
As previously mentioned only certain Pokémon, even within a species, will be able to Gigantamax, and while the way of obtaining the Charizard or Butterfree isn’t made clear at this time, the rest have been. The Pikachu and Eevee can be obtained by having play records on your Switch for Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu or Let’s Go Eevee with the Pokémon matching is respective version. As for the Meowth, it’s a special bonus available to anyone who buys Pokémon: Sword and Shield from November 15th to January 15th as a Mystery Gift as an incentive to pick the game up early.
For even more information regarding this new feature in Pokémon: Sword and Shield be sure to checkout the press release below:
NEW GIGANTAMAX POKÉMON REVEALED IN POKÉMON SWORD AND POKÉMON SHIELD
Gigantamax Forms of Pikachu, Eevee, and More Announced
Bellevue, WA—October 16, 2019—The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo today revealed the Gigantamax forms of Pikachu, Charizard, Eevee, Meowth, and Butterfree. Gigantamaxing changes a Pokémon’s size, power, and appearance and allows them to use a G-Max Move. Only certain species of Pokémon can Gigantamax—and even among such species, only rare specimens will be able to. Gigantamax Pokémon will appear in the highly anticipated upcoming video games Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, launching on November 15, 2019, exclusively on Nintendo Switch™ systems.
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 enamored 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 behavior 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.
For more information about Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, please visit Pokemon.com/SwordShield.
