Pokémon Shield

Game images by RAWG

Pokémon Shield

Game Freak

Nintendo SwitchPaid (full-price game) with paid Expansion Pass DLC; online features require Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Health Score

GOOD

Official Website Watch Gameplay

About This Game

A family-friendly turn-based RPG where players explore the Galar region, catch and train Pokémon, challenge Gyms, and take part in cooperative Max Raid Battles and online trades. Tone is light and cartoony with mild, non-graphic combat and emphasis on collection and strategy. citeturn1view0turn4search3

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

3/5

Creativity

3/5

Pro-Social

3/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

1/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

2/5

Social Risk

2/5

Content Intensity

1/5

Negatives

•Online features allow interaction with strangers (trades/raids) so parental supervision is recommended
•optional paid Expansion Pass DLC and required subscriptions (Nintendo Switch Online
•optional Pokémon HOME) add ongoing cost. citeturn1view0turn6search3

Positives

•Accessible turn-based battles that teach strategic thinking and reading
•team-building and character/customization options encourage creativity
•online co-op Max Raid Battles and trading promote cooperative play with friends. citeturn1view0turn4search1

Gameplay Videos

Pokémon Shield playthrough ~Longplay~

FCPlaythroughs

1 of 3

Other Recommended Games

Human: Fall Flat

No Brakes Games

73/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game

TT Games / Traveller's Tales (TT Fusion). citeturn3search12

70/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style

LEGO Harry Potter Collection

TT Games; Double Eleven (remaster)

70/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style

Stardew Valley

ConcernedApe

71/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style

Official Ratings

ESRB

Comic MischiefMild Cartoon Violence. citeturn1view0

Users Interact; In-Game Purchases. citeturn1view0

PEGI

Non-realistic/fantasy violencementions paid Expansion Pass offered in-game. citeturn2search5turn6search3

Age Recommendations

ℹ️Ages 3-5

Not recommended for independent play; younger children may enjoy the Pokémon visuals but should play with a parent and avoid online features.

ℹ️Ages 6-8

Generally appropriate with parental guidance; keep online features (trades, raids) disabled or supervised and use Nintendo parental controls to limit purchases.

ℹ️Ages 9-12

Suitable and enjoyable — encourages strategy and collection; teach safe online behavior (no personal info sharing) and monitor in-game purchases and trades.

ℹ️Ages 13-15

Appropriate for independent play; players can join online battles and raids but should be reminded about respectful conduct and spending on DLC/subscriptions.

ℹ️Ages 16-18

Appropriate for teens and older players; full single-player experience with optional competitive online play and paid expansion content.