This morning, developer and publisher Nintendo revealed more details about the upcoming mainline Pokemon games Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet.
The trailer shows the multiple story paths, new features, new characters, and more newly announced Pokémon from the Paldea region. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will launch on November 18 exclusively on Nintendo Switch.
▍Pokemon Scarlet/Violet Story Trailer
▍Take Out Your Pokémon With You!
Similar to the features seen in the Let’s Go games, players can have their Pokémon out and walk with them in the Paldea region’s great outdoors.
When they have a Pokémon exploring with them in the field, players can use the “Let’s Go!” feature to send that Pokémon off in the direction they indicate. The Pokémon the player sends out then independently picks up items in the area and even has Auto Battles with nearby Pokémon.
▍Pokémon Scarlet/Violet Story
In Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, players are enrolled in a school that will host an independent study project themed, “A Treasure Hunt.” Three stories will be woven into the player’s adventures while traversing the sprawling Paldea region.
The first is Victory Road, where players will go to Gyms in different locations to achieve Champion Rank. The second is Path of Legends, where the upperclassmen Arven will join the player in search of rare ingredients called Herba Mystica. And finally, the third storyline is called Starfall Street, which has players challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.
▍Pokemon Scarlet/Violet New Pokémon
In addition to new regional Pokemon found across both Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet, different species of Pokemon will appear depending on which game the player purchases. The following new Pokemon were showcased:
■ Armarouge, the Fire Warrior Pokemon
Type: Fire/Psychic
Armarouge’s set of armor belonged to a distinguished warrior and is the source of the energy used for its Psychic-type moves. It also uses the psychic capabilities of this armor to control the fire energy within its body and unleash attacks.
■ Ceruledge, the Fire Blades Pokémon
Type: Fire/Ghost
Ceruledge dons an old set of armor steeped in grudges and wields blades made of fire and ghost energy. In battle, these blades transform into great swords to increase Ceruledge’s power. Cuts from these great swords leave wounds from which life energy will flow.
■ Klawf, the Ambush Pokémon
Type: Rock
Ceruledge dons an old set of armor steeped in grudges and wields blades made of fire and ghost energy. In battle, these blades transform into great swords to increase Ceruledge’s power. Cuts from these great swords leave wounds from which life energy will flow.
▍Pokémon Scarlet/Violet New Characters
New characters were shown in the trailer as well.
■ Brassius
Brassius is the Gym Leader of Artazon, a town that’s alive with flowers and art. He specializes in using Grass-type Pokémon and is known as the Verdant Virtuoso.
■ Mela
Mela is the boss of Team Star’s Fire crew, the Schedar Squad. As the team’s best all-rounder, Mela fixes any and every problem thrown her way, though her methods are heavy-handed.
■ Geeta
Geeta is the chairwoman of the Pokémon League, which operates Paldea’s Pokémon Gyms. Among the region’s Champions, she reigns supreme as the most skilled Trainer of all.
▍Pokémon Scarlet/Violet Nintendo Switch OLED
On 4 November, a new Nintendo Switch OLED Model will be available in stores, featuring art inspired by the upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
The console’s glossy white dock features the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon on the front and a design inspired by the series’ iconic Poké Ball on the back. Please note, however, that this model will not come with the Pokémon Scarlet/Violet games pre-installed, and must be acquired separately.