Pokémon Sword/Shield gets online competition in December

Pokémon Sword and Shield are due out next month on the Nintendo Switch, and Game Freak and Nintendo have revealed that the first online competition, called Galar Beginnings, will be held in December and feature trainers from all over the world.

Players can sign up between November 15 at 00:00 GMT to December 5 at 23:59 GMT, and the competition period itself runs between December 6 at 00:00 GMT to December 8 at 23:59 GMT, featuring a single battle format.

On top of that, all Pokémon obtained in the game are eligible. That said, Zacian, Zamazenta, Mew (contained in the Poké Ball Plus), and some other special Pokémon are not eligible.

Players can register three to six Pokémon to their team, and all Pokémon will become level 50 for the duration of the match. Once this competition is done, ranking results will be revealed later in December.

You can join the competition by opening the X menu in their game and then going to VS, Battle Stadium, and then Online Competitions, although bear in mind you'll need a Nintendo Switch Online Membership.

Are you ready to be the very best?