Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Trailer, News & Latest Updates

The next generation of Pokémon is coming sooner than many fans thought. Pokémon Day 2022 saw the reveal of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet which will introduce a new region, new creatures, and much more when it releases later this year. Between Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Legends: Arceus, the last few months have provided no shortage of content for Pokémon fans, and though recent games have sparked plenty of controversy, Scarlet and Violet look to be a departure for the main series, featuring the open-world gameplay many fans have long wanted.

While not much has been said about Scarlet and Violet, the games have the potential to blend the beloved franchise’s traditional formula with the innovations and quality-of-life improvements of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Here’s what we know so far.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Latest Trailer

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet‘s reveal trailer takes a less traditional approach, focusing on a security guard looking through a dark, artifact-filled room in developer Game Freak’s office before showing off some of the region. While the game footage is not final and likely from a relatively early build, this unnamed world looks vibrant and full of life. The trailer features plenty of Pokémon from past generations, and fans have already noted that the textures on some of them look far more detailed than in previous games, with Seviper appearing to have scales and Magneton looking shiny and metallic.

The reveal also provides a look at the new player characters and, perhaps most importantly, the region’s three starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly. The three-minute-long trailer ends by revealing the game’s titles and logos for Scarlet and Violet.

Three months later, The Pokémon Company finally released another, more traditional trailer for Scarlet and Violet. This introduced new Professors Sada and Turo, who will be exclusive to Scarlet and Violet, respectively. While nothing specific is known about their roles and how they will differ between games, the two specialize in studying “certain lore passed down in the region.” It also revealed the player character’s friend, Nemona, who is said to be “an experienced Pokémon Trainer” who will likely serve as a rival. Additionally, the trailer announced a brand-new multiplayer mode, five new Pokémon (including the mascot Legendaries), and the game’s release date.

What We Know About Pokémon Scarlet and Violet So Far

While little has been said about the games and their setting, fans have noted that the region is likely based on Spain based on the architecture, variety of environments, and even the names of the starters. The three are mono-type Grass, Fire, and Water types like most of the ones from previous generations, though fans have already made plenty of observations about their inspirations and potential final forms.

Scarlet and Violet will be the first true open-world Pokémon games. Unlike Pokémon Legends: Arceus (a game the developers never referred to as open-world), which had separate open areas to explore, Generation IX will feature a seamless world where towns blend into the wilderness and Pokémon can be found everywhere, from the grass to the skies to the cities. The game’s website goes so far as to say players are “free to explore at [their] leisure and not in an order dictated by the story.”

In another departure for the series, Scarlet and Violet will allow up to four players to enjoy the game together. While not much has been said about the game’s multiplayer (such as whether it requires multiple systems or if players can connect online), it’s a major first for the mainline games.

As for the game’s story, The Pokémon Company has not revealed much about the region or its major themes. While the Spanish influences are clear, no official name for the region have been announced. The biggest hints so far come in the form of Scarlet and Violet‘s logos and Legendaries. While only their names and designs have been shown so far, Koraidon and Miraidon are said to be incredibly powerful Pokémon.

Based on their respective designs, the logos, and the Professors’ area of study, it seems that the game may be tackling themes related to time, specifically the past and present. Where Koraidon’s design and Scarlet‘s logo are more grounded, traditional, and geometric, Miraidon and Violet‘s logo are incredibly sleek. The trailer also shows that Koraidon has scales and feather, while Miraidon’s body is smooth and being held up by some kind of jets, indicating that the former is more traditional and the latter is futuristic.

When Will Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Release?

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will launch on November 18, 2022, sticking to the mid-November release date that has been customary for mainline games since 2013. It can currently be preordered on the Nintendo eShop, and a double-pack has been announced for the Pokémon Center website and certain retailers. Outside that, nothing else has been said about other special editions or preorder bonuses, though the games will have Pokémon HOME support.