Leading up to today’s Pokémon Presents, fans around the world speculated about what news could possibly be packed into the brief presentation. Following the recent release of Nintendo Switch remakes Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and the outstanding success of the all-new entry Pokémon Legends: Arceus, we dared not hope for news of the franchise’s impending Generation 9 entry in its game lineup just yet. However, a surprise was waiting for viewers at the end of today’s presentation after all: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Developed by Game Freak, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be available worldwide in late 2022. The Gen 9 starters have already been revealed, and their names are Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.
The Pokémon Company describes Scarlet and Violet as an “open-world adventure.” Following the open-world “tease” in the Wild Areas of Sword and Shield, Pokémon Legends: Arceus took things a step further by offering a partial open-world experience with its large, segmented map areas. Now, it looks as if Scarlet and Violet will finally introduce this long-awaited gameplay concept to the mainline game series.
As per the game’s official website:
“The ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Pokémon Violet’ games, the newest chapters in the Pokémon series, are coming to Nintendo Switch later this year. With these new titles, the Pokémon series takes a new evolutionary step, allowing you to explore freely in a richly expressed open world.
Various towns blend seamlessly into the wilderness with no borders. You’ll be able to see the Pokémon of this region in the skies, in the seas, in the forests, on the streets — all over! You’ll be able to experience the true joy of the Pokémon series — battling against wild Pokémon in order to catch them — now in an open-world game that players of any age can enjoy.“
Watch the trailer below, which offers a preview of the lush, sprawling new area where players will embark on their next immersive Pokémon adventure.
Today is Pokémon Day, marking 26 years since the official release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan.
