Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: New trailer, releasedate and more!

What is the releasedate of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?

The official releasedate of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is November 18, 2022, as confirmed by The Pokémon Company in the second trailer for the new games. The new trailer also featured two new Pokémon professors and several new and returning Pokémon that are coming to the 9th generation of Pokémon. See for yourself in the trailer below!

Are Pokémon Scarlet and Violet open world games?

Yes, for the first time in the franchise’s history, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet will feature full open-world gameplay, meaning there won’t be loading screens while transitioning to different areas. Additionally, the new Pokémon games support multiplayer gameplay with up to four players, allowing you to explore the region together with friends and family.

Will Pokémon Scarlet and Violet be like Arceus? 

No, the new Pokémon games will be quite different. Pokémon Legends: Arceus had its game world split up into different areas that players could travel to, which meant that Legends: Arceus was not a full "open world" game. The Gen 9 games however, will feature seamless transitions between all areas. 

The Pokemon Company states that "various towns will blend seamlessly into the wilderness with no borders" and that "you’ll be able to experience the true joy of the Pokémon series now in an open-world game". This implies that all areas will be loaded in as one, offering a fluid transition between different parts of the Gen 9 region.

New starters in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

As is traditional in new Pokémon games, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet features three new starter Pokémon.

Sprigatito:

Type: Grass
Category: Grass Cat Pokémon
Height: 1'4"
Weight: 9 lbs.
Ability: Overgrow

Fuecoco:

Type: Fire
Category: Fire Croc Pokémon
Height: 1'4"
Weight: 21.6 lbs.
Ability: Blaze

Quaxly:

Type: Water
Category: Duckling Pokémon
Height: 1'8"
Weight: 13.4 lbs.
Ability: Torrent

More new Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

The latest trailer for the 9th generation Pokémon games featured three brand new Pokémon.

Pawmi:

Type: Electric
Category: Mouse Pokémon 
Height: 1'
Weight: 5.5 lbs.
Ability: Static / Natural Cure

Lechonk:

Type: Normal
Category: Hog Pokémon
Height: 1'8"
Weight: 22.5 lbs.
Ability: Aroma Veil / Gluttony

Smoliv:

Type: Grass/Normal
Category: Olive Pokémon
Height: 1'
Weight: 14.3 lbs.
Ability: Early Bird

List of all Pokémon (with pictures) in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Aside from the starter Pokémon and the three new regional Pokémon that were officially announced, we also got a preview of various Pokémon from previous generations that will be returning in the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Pokédex. This list includes the names and images of all Pokémon that were featured in the trailers, so it’s safe to assume that these Pokémon will appear in Gen 9:

Image	Pokémon Name
	Venonat
	Venomoth
	Shellder
	Cloyster
	Gastly
	Haunter
	Gengar
	Dratini
	Dragonair
	Dragonite
	Mareep
	Flaaffy
	Ampharos
	Qwilfish
	Starly
	Staravia
	Staraptor
	Fletchling
	Fletchinder
	Talonflame
	Flabébé
	Floette
	Florges
	Hoppip
	Skiploom
	Jumpluff
	Petilil
	Lilligant
	Cryogonal
	Bounsweet
	Steenee
	Tsareena
	Psyduck
	Golduck
	Combee
	Vespiquen
	Drifloon
	Drifblim
	Meowth
	Persian
	Stonjourner
	Clauncher
	Clawitzer
	Mareanie
	Toxapex
	Fomantis
	Lurantis
	Wingull
	Pelipper
	Swablu
	Altaria
	Pichu
	Pikachu
	Raichu
	Chansey
	Blissey
	Seviper
	Bagon
	Shelgon
	Salamence
	Larvitar
	Pupitar
	Tyranitar
	Chewtle
	Drednaw
	Rolycoly
	Carkol
	Coalossal
	Applin
	Flapple
	Appletun
	Hatenna
	Hattrem
	Hatterene
	Magnemite
	Magneton
	Magnezone
	Riolu
	Lucario
	Zorua (Hisui)
	Zoroark (Hisui)

Gen 9 region and locations

Although the official name for the new Pokémon region has not yet been announced, we can already draw some conclusions based on the footage from the reveal trailer. For example, the Gen 9 region appears to be based on the Iberian Peninsula, which is home to Spain and Portugal. This can be deduced from buildings and structures that look similar to famous constructions such as the Sagrada Familia (Barcelona) and the Plaza de España (Sevilla). On top of that, the reveal trailer also featured a map that is shaped similar to Iberia.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet version differences

There are several confirmed version differences between the two games. Most importantly, the version you choose will dictate which Legendary Pokémon you'll be able to capture. The Legendary Pokémon for Pokémon Scarlet is Koraidon (left in the image below) while the Legendary for Pokémon for Violet is Miraidon (right in the image below).

Another version difference between the games is the professor you'll meet on your new adventure. In Pokémon Scarlet you'll be guided by professor Sada (left in the image below) while Pokémon Violet features professor Turo (right in the image below).

Lastly, a third version difference is the appearance of the protagonist. The player character is dressed in red, white and blue in Pokémon Scarlet, whereas the player character is dressed in purple, gray and yellow in Pokémon Violet. 

It’s still unknown whether generation 9 will feature other version exclusive Pokémon, but going off of other mainline Pokémon games, it’s safe to assume that both Scarlet and Violet will contain Pokémon that are exclusive to one specific version of the game.

New Legendary Pokémon

As mentioned earlier, the second trailer for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet revealed two new Legendary Pokémon, each exclusive to one version of the games. Currently, the only official information on the new Legendaries is that "their powers far surpass those of other Pokémon" in the new region. However, it is rumoured that Koraidon will have a Dragon/Fighting typing whereas Miraidon may have a Dragon/Electric typing.

On top of that, we can draw some conclusions from the names of the new Legendary Pokémon. Koraidon's name is likely derived from korai (古来) which means "ancient". Miraidon's name seems to be derived from mirai (未来), meaning "future" or "the world to come". Interestingly, both names include "raidon" ("ride on") which alludes to a fan theory that players will be able to ride the new Legendaries across the region. This theory is also supported by the designs of the new legendaries: Koraidon appears to have a dirt-bike tire on its chest and Miraidon appears to have jet engine boosters on its legs.

New battle gimmick similar to Gigantamax, Dynamax, and Mega Evolutions

Another feature that has been hinted at, is a brand new battle gimmick for Gen 9. Previous generations introduced various new gimmicks that allowed Pokémon to transform during battle. For example, Mega Evolutions were introduced in Pokémon X & Y. Pokémon Sun & Moon added Z-Moves, and Pokémon Sword & Shield included Gigantamax and Dynamax features.

Previous Japanese logos hinted at new battle gimmicks

Although the new battle gimmick for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet has not been officially revealed, the Japanese logo for the new games hints at the existence of a new battle gimmick. 

Similar to the Japanese logo of previous games, the Japanese logo for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet includes a small icon that likely represents the new battle gimmick. To illustrate, the Japanese logo for Pokémon Sun & Moon included the Z-Move icon and the logo for Pokémon Sword & Shield included the Dynamax icon.

Gen 9 battle gimmick hinted at in Japanese logo

This time around, the Japanese logo includes a mysterious six-pointed star. It’s currently unknown what this star refers to, but many fans have pointed out that a star circle can be found in the middle of the town plaza featured in the reveal trailer. This star circle includes all Pokémon types alongside a multi-colored Poké Ball in the center, which could be a reference to a battle gimmick that allows you to change the type of your Pokémon or your Pokémon’s moves.

As these are all speculations, we’ll once again have to wait for more information to be revealed on this potential battle gimmick in Gen 9.

Will Pokémon Scarlet & Violet have Pokémon HOME compatibility?

Yes, The Pokémon Company has confirmed that Pokémon Scarlet & Violet will be able to connect with Pokémon HOME after their release. Pokémon HOME is a service that allows players to transfer and store Pokémon from previous games, keeping their Pokémon collection in one place. With Pokémon HOME compatibility in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, you can take your favorite Pokémon from previous generations on a brand new adventure!

Can Pokémon Scarlet & Violet be pre-ordered?

Yes, you can pre-order Pokémon Scarlet or Violet in the Nintendo eShop. Make sure you’re well prepared, and top up your eShop wallet with one of our Nintendo gift cards, so you can preorder the new Pokémon games and play them as soon as they're released!

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