The Pokémon Company has announced the ninth generation is on its way with Pokémon Scarlet & Violet heading to Nintendo Switch later this year.
The reveal came at the end of a stuffed Pokémon Day broadcast yesterday. Game Freak, who previously developed last month’s Pokémon Legends: Arceus, is the team back in the driving seat. We’re promised trainers will “explore an open world where various towns with no borders blend seamlessly into the wilderness.”
A trailer gave us a brief glimpse of what to expect. The game’s world appears to have a Mediterranean flavour to it, including a fancy city plaza. While the announcement is careful not to give away too much, it feels like we’re sticking to a Legends: Arceus flavour. The trailer shows off Pokémon running wild and free, although Pokémon Centres seem to be returning from Sword & Shield.
The trailer also introduced us to the game’s three new starter Pokémon. Sprigatito is your Grass Cat option, described as “capricious and attention seeking.” Next up is Fuecoco is a laid back Fire Croc Pokémon that does things at its own pace. Finally, Quaxly is a water-type duckling whom the official release describes as “earnest and tidy”.
Those three were the only new Pokémon seen in the trailer so far, with more surely to be revealed. For the time being, we’re left to speculate on capture mechanics, battling and gyms. For now, you can check out the trailer for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet below. The game is set to arrive in “late 2022” exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
