Yesterday it was announced by the CEO of Pokemon, Tsunekazu Ishihara, that a new game would be coming to Nintendo Switch in late 2019 – Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield.

The games are set in a completely new region called Galar, but it might look a little familiar to some of you Brits out there. That’s because the map is based on the Great Britain – only a kind of upside down version.

For those who are a little sceptical, it’s not uncommon for the guys at Pokemon to base their regions on real life locations. The first four games were heavily inspired by different places in Japan, the fifth game – Black and White – was based on America, and the Kalos region in Pokemon X and Y was modelled on France.

Galar is going to be just as diverse, with idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forest, and craggy, snow covered mountains – and if that doesn’t scream Great Britain I don’t know what else will.

The description of Galar isn’t the only giveaway though. If you look closely at the map you can clearly make out an inverted version of the Brtish Isles, with Scotland at the bottom of the map, and London near the top. You can also make out some other pretty iconic British landmarks.

8 BRITISH LANDMARKS IN POKEMON SWORD AND SHIELD

Big Ben / Houses of Parliament

Starting at the top of the map in what can only be London, the building on the far left is based on Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. With its impressive clock tower, Big Ben is probably the most iconic building in the whole of Britain, so it’s no wonder they would put it somewhere in the game.

The London Eye

Sat next to Big Ben on the map lays a rather massive Ferris Wheel, and since there is only one giant wheel in London, that makes this the London Eye. I wonder if you’ll be able to ride it in the game.

The Shard

The building in the centre of London, whilst not an exact replica, is almost certainly the Shard. As the tallest tower in the capital, it’s safe to say it would take the central spot in this city. It looks like they’ve added a dome to the top of the tower though – possibly a gym.

Wembly

Next is Wembly stadium. With its red seats and large white arch, it’s unmistakable sat there next to the Shard. You also get a brief glimpse of the stadium in the trailer, hosting what looks like a football game – but may well be a battle.

Piccadilly Circus

The subtle, colourful building sat underneath the London Eye is easy to miss, but has got to be none other than Piccadilly Circus. With it’s mounted neon signs, it’s quite an iconic part of London.

Cerne Abbas Giant

Heading a little further down the map, you can just about make out a little Pokemon carved into a hill. This looks to be based on the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset, though it seems to be located around Yorkshire (if the map were geographically accurate)

Stonehenge

Another landmark that falls in the centre of the map looks remarkably like the iconic Stonehenge. Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument found in the south of England, made up of stones balanced on top of one another.  

Liverpool University

The red-bricked town in the west of the map looks remarkably like the industrial city of Liverpool – which would explain all the trains in the trailer. Plus, the tall building in the centre of the town is an exact replica of Liverpool University, which just so happens to be one of the UK’s Red Brick Universities.

Other landmarks I’d love to see in the game:

• White Cliffs of Dover
• Edinburgh Castle
• The Eden Project
• St Michael’s Mont
• Loch Ness
• Sherwood Forest
• Hogwarts

Do you recognise any of the landmarks? What places would you love to see in the game and where do you want to explore the most?

What to read next:

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• James Bond in London | 10 Exciting Experiences You’ll Want to Try
• Stranger Things Pop-up at Topshop
• Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

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