Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are launching this November

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had one hell of a day. Luckily, there’s a bright spot: a new trailer for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, along with a release date, and also information on some new characters and Pokémon. The new Pokémon is where it’s at, though – one of them is a chonky little dude! These games are the first in the series to be open-world RPGs. The base story is basically always the same: a young wannabe Pokémon Trainer begins their journey to hone their skills.

The games will allow for multiplayer gameplay for up to four players. Of course, Trainers can trade Pokémon or battle with each other. But now, players are able to explore locations together.

We are introduced to three new characters: Professor Sada, Professor Turo, and Nemona. For the first time, the professor at the beginning of the game will be dependent on which version is being played. Pokémon Scarlet players will meet Professor Sada, while Pokémon Violet players will meet Professor Turo. The professors both carry out research into regional lore. As for Nemona, she’s an experienced Trainer with a sunny, energetic disposition. She’s passionate about Pokémon, and is reliable both as a friend and as a guide.

There are new Pokémon in the game, including three that Nemona has on her team. Pawmi has electric sacs in its cheek that discharge through its paws. It generates electricity by rubbing its cheeks, then touches its opponents to shock them. Pawmi is a Mouse Pokémon with Static / Natural Cure abilities. We’ve now gotten to the Pokémon I would give my life for: Lechonk (you can see him in the screenshot above)! It’s basically a chunky little piggy. It uses its sense of smell to find and eat the most fragrant grasses, then radiates an aroma that Bug Pokémon aren’t fond of. If it’s attacked and startled, it will charge forward in a blind panic. Lechonk is a Hog Pokémon with Aroma Veil / Gluttony abilities. Finally, we have Smolive. A bitter oil comes out of its head when it is startled or attacked, which slows down their opponent. Smolive is an Olive (?!) Pokémon with the Early Bird ability.

But wait, we’re not done! We also have new insights into the three starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. Sprigatito is a Grass Cat Pokémon with the Overgrow ability. It loves attention, and tends to sulk if its Trainer isn’t giving it their full attention. When Sprigatito kneads and rubs with its paws, a sweet, mesmerising aroma is released. The aroma causes opponents to lose their will to battle. Fuecoco is a Fire Croc Pokémon with the Blaze ability. It’s laid-back and loves food. Fuecoco absorbs heat through the scales on its stomach, then converts it to fire energy. It’s so hot that he’s got a fire on top of its head! Quaxly is a Duckling Pokémon with the Torrent ability. It’s very serious and tidy, especially disliking getting its head dirty. It’s strong legs mean it can swim without difficult and has the ability to kick its opponents swiftly and repeatedly.

Finally, it’s time for what I promised in the title! Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo / The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet will be released for Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022.