Do you need Nintendo Switch Online for Pokemon Sword and Shield?Best answer: A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not mandatory for Pokemon Sword & Shield, but it is beneficial to have one - you won't be able to trade Pokemon or battle online without it.
Attack with full force!:Pokemon Sword ($60 on Amazon)
Defend yourself: Pokemon Shield ($60 on Amazon)
Get online and play: Nintendo Online Membership ($8 on Amazon)
What Online functions will be available?
The only confirmed online and local wireless function at the time of writing is the four-player 'max raid battles' mode where players can team up to challenge a powerful 'Dynamaxed' Pokemon. There is also the ability to transfer Pokemon via the recently announced Pokemon Home service which will launch in early 2020.
With this service, you'll be able to transfer Pokemon from all current Pokemon games, including Pokemon Bank, Pokemon Let's Go: Pikachu & Eevee, and even Pokemon Go into the cloud - from there they can then be downloaded into Pokemon Sword & Shield!
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Do you need Nintendo Switch Online for Pokemon Sword and Shield?