:Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

{{redirect-distinguish|Team Star|TeamFourStar{{!}}Team FourStar|Team StarKid}}

{{Infobox video game

| title = {{ubl|Pokémon Scarlet|Pokémon Violet}}

| italic title = no

| image = Pokémon Scarlet and Violet banner.png

| alt =

| caption = Cover art for Scarlet and Violet, depicting Koraidon (left) and Miraidon (right)

| developer = Game Freak

| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|The Pokémon Company|WW|Nintendo}}

| director = Shigeru Ohmori

| producer = {{ubl|Akira Kinashi|Toyokazu Nonaka|Takanori Sowa|Kenji Endo}}

| designer = Hiroyuki Tani

| programmer =

| artist = {{ubl|Mana Ibe|Mari Shimazaki|James Turner}}

| writer = Ryota Muranaka

| composer = {{ubl|Minako Adachi|Junichi Masuda|Go Ichinose|Hiromitsu Maeba|Teruo Taniguchi|Hitomi Sato|Toby Fox}}

| series = Pokémon

| engine =

| platforms = Nintendo Switch

| released = 18 November 2022

| genre = Role-playing

| modes = Single-player, multiplayer

}}

{{nihongo foot|Pokémon Scarlet|ポケットモンスタースカーレット|Poketto Monsutā Sukāretto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} and {{nihongo foot|Pokémon Violet|ポケットモンスターバイオレット|Poketto Monsutā Baioretto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} are 2022 role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for the Nintendo Switch. They are the first installments in the ninth generation of the Pokémon video game series. They were announced in February 2022 and released on 18 November 2022. The games later received a downloadable content (DLC) expansion pass storyline, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. The first part, The Teal Mask, was released on 13 September 2023, and the second part, The Indigo Disk, was released on 14 December 2023. A post-game expansion, Mochi Mayhem, considered the epilogue to the DLC and the games themselves, was released on 11 January 2024.

Unlike previous Pokémon installments, Scarlet and Violet take place in the Paldea region, which is based on the Iberian Peninsula and features an open world. There are three separate stories the player can complete. Scarlet and Violet introduce 120 new Pokémon, along with two new regional forms and time-displaced creatures known as Paradox Pokémon. It also introduces the {{nihongo foot|Terastal phenomenon,|テラスタル|Terastal|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} which allows a Pokémon to transform into its exclusive "Tera Type". The games maintain features from previous modern Pokémon games, including large open areas and Pokémon appearing in the overworld.

The games began development immediately following the release of their predecessors, Pokémon Sword and Shield. Developers at Game Freak wished to incorporate a new art style with the games, incorporating a more realistic world design while maintaining more stylized character designs. Models and animations for species of Pokémon were re-done from prior games to fit in with this new artistic style.

Scarlet and Violet were leaked multiple times prior to their release, resulting in information about the games becoming known in the months leading up to their release. The games received mixed reviews from critics, becoming the lowest-rated mainline games in the series. The games were praised for various different aspects, while their graphics and technical problems at launch received criticism. The games sold over 10 million copies in their first three days, making them Nintendo's biggest launch of all time, and 26.38 million copies by December 2024.

Gameplay

{{See also|Gameplay of Pokémon|l1=Gameplay of Pokémon|List of generation IX Pokémon}}

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet largely follow the same basic gameplay structure of previous Pokémon games, where players obtain creatures known as Pokémon, primarily through catching and trading, and use them to explore the world and battle other Pokémon trainers. However, a new feature has been added which allows players to choose to battle trainers on paths.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=7 September 2022 |title=Everything we know about Pokémon Scarlet and Violet |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23149987/pokemon-scarlet-violet-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017213519/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23149987/pokemon-scarlet-violet-nintendo-switch |archive-date=17 October 2022 |access-date=17 October 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} The games introduces 112 new Pokémon, including three new starter Pokémon, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, which act as the first Pokémon players can obtain in-game and two new Legendary Pokémon, Koraidon and Miraidon, who accompany players throughout the games.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=7 September 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's new trailer reveals all-new Pokémon, story details |url=https://www.polygon.com/23340702/pokemon-scarlet-violet-new-trailer-nintendo-switch-klawf-ceruledge-armarouge |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907155521/https://www.polygon.com/23340702/pokemon-scarlet-violet-new-trailer-nintendo-switch-klawf-ceruledge-armarouge |archive-date=7 September 2022 |access-date=7 September 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}

Scarlet and Violet have open worlds, which include both urban areas and open wilderness without borders between the two, unlike previous installments in the Pokémon series.{{cite news |last1=Carpenter |first1=Nicole |date=27 February 2022 |title=Pokémon's next games are Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, new starters revealed |work=Polygon |url=https://www.polygon.com/22950896/pokemon-gen-9-announcement-scarlet-violet-new-starters |access-date=27 February 2022 |archive-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803171129/https://www.polygon.com/22950896/pokemon-gen-9-announcement-scarlet-violet-new-starters |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Bankhurst |first1=Adam |date=27 February 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet Announced for Late 2022 |language=en |work=IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-and-pokemon-violet-announced-for-late-2022 |access-date=27 February 2022 |archive-date=1 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801185142/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-and-pokemon-violet-announced-for-late-2022 |url-status=live }} Players can use either Koraidon or Miraidon, depending on the games' version, as a mount in the overworld, allowing access to several abilities that can be used to traverse Paldea's terrain.{{Cite web |last=Franey |first=Joel |date=29 November 2022 |title=How to unlock Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Koraidon and Miraidon abilities |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-koraidon-miraidon-abilities-surf-fly-glide-climb-jump-dash-path-of-legends/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=23 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823072858/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-koraidon-miraidon-abilities-surf-fly-glide-climb-jump-dash-path-of-legends/ |url-status=live }} Players can also use a new "Auto Battle" feature, allowing them to send out their Pokémon in the overworld and defeat Pokémon without having to enter turn-based battles.{{Cite web |last=Gray |first=Kate |date=19 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: How To Make Your Pokémon Auto-Battle |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-how-to-make-your-pokemon-auto-battle |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919070118/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-how-to-make-your-pokemon-auto-battle |url-status=live }} In addition to this, players are given the option of participating in three different story routes,{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=7 September 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet And Violet's Three Story Paths Have Been Revealed |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-three-story-paths-have-been-revealed |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207065422/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-three-story-paths-have-been-revealed |url-status=live }} and objectives within routes can be done in any order.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Ali |date=5 August 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's open gym challenge won't include level-scaling, and that sucks |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-open-gym-challenge-wont-include-level-scaling-and-that-sucks/ |access-date=26 September 2022 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926163842/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-open-gym-challenge-wont-include-level-scaling-and-that-sucks/ |url-status=live }}

The three routes each have different gameplay styles. The first route, Victory Road, has players attempting to defeat Pokémon Gyms, a recurring goal in the series, to obtain a badge from each "Gym Leader" after defeating them in battle. Gyms can be fought in any order, unlike prior entries in the series. Once eight badges are obtained, players can battle the Elite Four and their Champion, Geeta.{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=13 February 2023 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: How To Beat The Elite Four And Champion |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-how-to-beat-the-elite-four-and-champion |access-date=22 October 2024 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004045845/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-how-to-beat-the-elite-four-and-champion |url-status=live }} The second route, Path of Legends, involves players attempting to hunt down big and powerful "Titan Pokémon" (those Pokémon being Klawf, Bombirdier, Orthworm, Great Tusk/Iron Treads and Dondozo. You will face Great Tusk if you play Pokémon Scarlet, and Iron Treads if you play Pokémon Violet) in order to defeat them and obtain Herba Mystica items, which empower their mount with new traversal abilities such as jumping higher and climbing walls. The third route, Starfall Street, has players attempt to defeat a villainous organization consisting of rebellious students called Team Star. Players must defeat a set number of Team Star members within a time limit before proceeding to battle with their base leader. Players are tasked with defeating five of these Star Bases in order to encounter the route's final boss.{{Cite web |last=Leguiza |first=Santi |date=3 January 2023 |title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Starfall Street Walkthrough |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-starfall-street-guide-walkthrough/ |access-date=22 October 2024 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=3 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103034621/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-starfall-street-guide-walkthrough/ |url-status=live }} Once all three routes are completed, players unlocks a fourth and final story route, which resolves the games' main story.{{Cite news |last=Lynn |first=Lottie |date=22 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet The Way Home quest steps in Area Zero |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-scarlet-violet-the-way-home-quest-steps-9015 |access-date=22 October 2024 |work=Eurogamer |language=en |archive-date=21 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621015636/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-scarlet-violet-the-way-home-quest-steps-9015 |url-status=live }}

File:Tera Raid Battle.jpg that has Terastallized into the Water-type.]]

Scarlet and Violet introduce the Terastal phenomenon, which gives Pokémon a crystalline appearance and changes their type,{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Austin |date=3 August 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Terastallize mechanic makes Pokemon shiny and changes their type |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-terastallize-mechanic-makes-pokemon-shiny-and-changes-their-type/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013234729/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-terastallize-mechanic-makes-pokemon-shiny-and-changes-their-type/ |archive-date=13 October 2022 |access-date=13 October 2022 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}} an elemental attribute of a Pokémon that determines its strengths or weaknesses,{{cite book |title=Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook |date=28 July 2015 |publisher=Scholastic Inc. |isbn=978-0-545-79566-1 |page=5}} to match their unique "Tera Type". It also uses special moves such as Tera Blast, which, when used by a Terastallized Pokémon, becomes a move of the same type as the Pokémon's Tera Type. These Tera Types can be changed by players.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=18 November 2022 |title=How to change a Pokémon's Tera Type in Scarlet and Violet |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-guide/23460323/how-to-change-tera-type |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007093615/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-guide/23460323/how-to-change-tera-type |url-status=live }} Players can encounter wild Terastallized Pokémon, and can fight them in raids. In "Tera Raids", up to four players can battle against a Terastallized Pokémon while under a time limit. Players can only use one Pokémon each, and if the Pokémon is knocked out, the amount of time players will have left will shorten. Players can catch the raid boss once it is defeated.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Eric Van |date=21 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Tera Raids, explained |url=https://www.destructoid.com/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-tera-raids-explained/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209080843/https://www.destructoid.com/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-tera-raids-explained/ |url-status=live }} Players can team up with other players in Tera Raids using online features.{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Alexis Renae |date=18 December 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Multiplayer Guide |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-multiplayer-features-poke-portal-explained-guide/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=5 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805213421/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-multiplayer-features-poke-portal-explained-guide/ |url-status=live }}

The games feature several new game mechanics. Players can use a new "picnic" feature to play with their party of Pokémon and make sandwiches, which give a variety of in-game boons. Players' Pokémon can also breed with each other during picnics, allowing players to obtain Pokémon from eggs.{{Cite web |last=Whaling |first=Jacob |date=18 December 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Complete Picnic Guide |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-complete-picnic-eggs-guide/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603115106/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-complete-picnic-eggs-guide/ |url-status=live }} Players can also participate in picnics and sandwich making with up to four players via online features.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Julia |date=18 November 2022 |title=How Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's multiplayer works (and doesn't) |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-guide/23466451/union-circle-multiplayer-exclusives-spawns-raids-trade-battle |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095625/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-guide/23466451/union-circle-multiplayer-exclusives-spawns-raids-trade-battle |url-status=live }} Players can connect with other players over the internet and participate in "Union Circles", which allow players to explore the games' overworld simultaneously with up to four players. Players can trade and battle with each other over the internet.

Plot

=Setting=

{{Multiple image

| direction = horizontal

| image1 = Paldea region map.jpg

| caption1 = The Paldea region, the games' setting. It greatly resembles the Iberian Peninsula.

| image2 = España y Portugal.jpg

| caption2 = The Iberian Peninsula consists mostly of Spain and Portugal, which heavily inspired the design for the Paldea region.

| align = right

| total_width = 350

}}

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are set in the Paldea region of the Pokémon universe, which appears to be loosely based on the Iberian Peninsula.{{cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |title=Everything we know about Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Paldea region |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23291874/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-paldea-region-trailer |date=4 August 2022 |access-date=18 August 2022 |website=Polygon |archive-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818064730/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23291874/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-paldea-region-trailer |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Notis |first=Ari |date=3 August 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet, Violet's Legendaries Are Goddamn Motorcycles, Here's The Open World You'll Explore |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-legendaries-motorcycle-switch-1849362675 |access-date=25 September 2022 |website=Kotaku |language=en-us |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925223400/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-legendaries-motorcycle-switch-1849362675 |url-status=live }} The region features diverse landscapes including lakes, wastelands, and mountain ranges. A large crater, called the Great Crater of Paldea, lies in the center of the region. Inside the Crater is an area named Area Zero.{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=21 December 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: The Great Crater Of Paldea - What Is Area Zero? |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-the-great-crater-of-paldea-what-is-area-zero |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=12 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212100133/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-the-great-crater-of-paldea-what-is-area-zero |url-status=live }}

=Story=

In Scarlet and Violet, the player attends either the Naranja (Scarlet) or Uva (Violet) Academy, which has an annual "Treasure Hunt" that encourages students to seek something they treasure by exploring the region. After encountering either the legendary Pokémon Koraidon or Miraidon, who joins and assists the player despite having lost its ability to battle, they are encouraged to participate in three stories: Victory Road, Starfall Street, and Path of Legends.{{Cite web |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |date=7 September 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Show Off Their 3 Major Stories |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-violet-show-off-their-3-major-stories |access-date=7 September 2022 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=7 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907155541/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-violet-show-off-their-3-major-stories |url-status=live }}

In Victory Road, Nemona—a Champion-ranked trainer that rivals the player and frequently battles them throughout their journey—asks that they complete the Paldea region's eight Gyms. After defeating the leaders of each Gym, they can reach Champion rank by defeating the region's Elite Four and Top Champion Geeta. After becoming Champion rank, Nemona challenges the player to a final battle.

In Path of Legends, Arven asks for the player's help in locating the five legendary Herba Mystica. To obtain each Herba Mystica, the player and Arven team up to defeat "Titan Pokémon"—abnormally large Pokémon powered up by the Herba Mystica. Throughout the story, Arven reveals that he wishes to use the Herba Mystica to heal his pet Mabosstiff, who was injured by a Pokémon in Area Zero—the workplace of his parent, either Professor Sada (Scarlet{{--)}} or Turo (Violet{{--)}}. After defeating all five Titans, he and the player use the Herba Mystica to heal Mabosstiff and regain Koraidon/Miraidon's lost powers. He then challenges the player to a final battle, before being called by the professor to go to Area Zero with either the Scarlet or Violet Book. Arven decides that they must recruit further allies before journeying into Area Zero.

In Starfall Street, the player helps shy schoolgirl Penny stand up against Team Star, a group responsible for academy bullying. Cassiopeia—Team Star's founder and Penny's secret identity—enlists them for "Operation Starfall", which aims to force Team Star to disband by defeating its five squad bosses. They are assisted by academy director Clavell, who aims to discover Team Star's origins while disguised as a student named Clive, and Penny, who wants to monitor the player in-person and guide them as Cassiopeia. They learn that Team Star was founded to counter bullying rather than cause it, and their confrontation with their bullies eighteen months ago caused the bullies to drop out and several academy staff members to resign. After defeating all squad bosses, Penny meets the player in the schoolyard to reveal her identity and challenge them to a battle. After her defeat, Clavell reveals his disguise and offers peace with Team Star, though he subjects its members to community service as punishment for several violations.

After choosing Nemona and Penny for assistance, Arven and the player set out towards the Zero Lab, the professor's laboratory in Area Zero. This unlocks the final story, The Way Home. Inside, they encounter Paradox Pokémon—biological relatives of extant Pokémon from either the ancient past (Scarlet{{--)}} or far future (Violet{{--)}}. After reaching the laboratory, the professor reveals themselves to be an AI substitute of the true professor, who was killed in a laboratory incident sometime prior to the events of the games. The AI reveals that the original professor created a time machine to retrieve Paradox Pokémon and that they are to maintain it at all costs. The AI urges the player to shut down the time machine to preserve Paldea's ecology, though its programming forces it to battle them. After initially being defeated, the time machine's security protocols disable Poké Balls in the area, leaving the player with no option except for their Koraidon or Miraidon to defeat the AI's own. This causes the time machine to fail, and the AI travels to an alternate time to allow for the machine's destruction, apologizing to Arven for the original professor neglecting him as a child before departing. Upon returning to the academy, Nemona, Clavell, and Geeta organize a Pokémon battling tournament between faculty and students. After evaluating all previous Gyms, the player emerges victorious in the tournament.

Development

File:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Concept Artwork.webpwork depicting an early version of Scarlet and Violet, illustrating the new artstyle Game Freak wished to incorporate into the games]]

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet started development in late 2019, around the time that Pokémon Sword and Shield released.{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=26 August 2022 |title=Game Freak Confirms Pokémon Legends: Arceus Started Development Before Sword & Shield's Launch |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/game-freak-confirms-pokemon-legends-arceus-started-development-before-sword-and-shields-launch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920175017/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/game-freak-confirms-pokemon-legends-arceus-started-development-before-sword-and-shields-launch |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}} During development, developers Game Freak wished to incorporate a "real and deformed" look into the games, including more realistic textures and more stylized character designs.{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=23 August 2023 |title=Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Concept Art Reveals Game Freak's Visual Approach |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/08/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-concept-art-reveals-game-freaks-visual-approach |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}} According to Keiichi Maezawa, a member of Game Freak, at a conference discussing this approach, this was intended to ground the games in a more realistic environment and make the games closer to the real world.{{Cite web |author=Igarashi Editorial Department |title=[CEDEC 2023]「ポケモンSV」はリアルな世界を目指していた.「パルデア地方を描き出す――見た目の仕組みを徹底解説!」レポート |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/619/G061991/20230823075/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja |archive-date=1 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201031331/https://www.4gamer.net/games/619/G061991/20230823075/ |url-status=live }} To further express realism with the games, natural sound was incorporated into the games' overworld. Though this had been a feature in prior games, the developers wished to increase the expressiveness of these sounds and create a large sample of sounds that could be used for later games in the series. They created a program called "PokeSynth" to accomplish this goal, which could be used to make a wide variety of sounds using a Pokémon species' in-game cry. Members of the development team also went into the forest and used speakers to evaluate the realism of how the sounds of Pokémon would appear in-game. They also went to zoos to study how different species of animal changed their vocalizations under a variety of conditions, and defined Pokémon into different groups to determine what sounds each species would make.{{Cite web |last=Yanamoto |first=Shinichi |title=[CEDEC 2023]ポケモン世界をリアルにするため, 音響の力も追及する.「ポケモンのせかいをかけめぐるおと! おんきょうデザインでひろがるぼうけんのすがた!」レポート |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/256/G025650/20230825014/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja |archive-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907041757/https://www.4gamer.net/games/256/G025650/20230825014/ |url-status=live }}

Pokémon models received a significant overhaul in these games,{{Cite web |title=「ポケットモンスタースカーレット・バイオレット」メイキング[PART1]扱う動きの幅が広い上に、いろいろなアイデアが求められる |trans-title=Making of "Pokémon Scarlet Violet" [Part 1] The range of movements handled is wide, and various ideas are required |url=https://cgworld.jp/article/202304-pokemon1.html |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=CG・映像の専門情報サイト {{!}} CGWORLD.jp |language=ja |archive-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624104455/https://cgworld.jp/article/202304-pokemon1.html |url-status=live }} with new models being constructed for the games. Game Freak initially created blueprints, and sent setting material and motion instructions to the model team, who then create a model from the materials sent to them. Following a model's creation, meetings would be held to determine other aspects of the model. Individual actions such as facial expressions and emotions in the animations are then handled by other members of the staff. Models for Pokémon species had alterations to shading and appearance done in order to convey different personalities, with many unique textures applied to the models. These textures were substituted for a unique crystalline effect to convey a Pokémon's Terastallized state. The team additionally used specific lighting and angles to convey this desired approach with the playable character. Once actions and traits of a Pokémon are finalized, test models are made. Once approved, movements for a given species are finalized. Joint movements of the species were often altered throughout development, with many being altered at the request of animation artists. Animations are completed using an in-house program.

Species re-used animations from prior games where possible despite having new models and rigs. This caused complications during development, as the team had to find the most cost-effective way of being able to re-use animations. Every species used rigged and modeled facial features unlike prior games, which had used textures to convey facial features. The team paid careful attention to making each model in order to ensure they conveyed each species' core personalities while fitting in with the games' artistic style. Pokémon incorporating motifs from real-world objects and animals often incorporated elements from these motifs in their animations, with the animations team doing research to figure out what source would work best for a species. Species resembling inanimate objects were designed with the thought process of attempting to make them resemble living creatures. New lighting schemes were introduced to help embellish the species, and many Pokémon were altered during development to have their idle animations be clearly visible and interesting while using the series's traditional battling view, which has the camera behind the player's Pokémon. The developers wished to ensure the Pokémon appeared visually interesting and consistent across multiple in-game camera angles as well.{{Cite web |title=「ポケットモンスタースカーレット・バイオレット」メイキング[PART2]360度、どの角度から見ても画になるモーションを心がける|trans-title=Making of "Pokémon Scarlet Violet" [Part 2] Aiming for a motion that looks good from any angle, 360 degrees |url=https://cgworld.jp/article/202304-pokemon2.html |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=CG・映像の専門情報サイト {{!}} CGWORLD.jp |language=ja}}

= Music =

{{Multiple image

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| image1 = JunichiMasudaJI2 (cropped).jpg

| image2 = Toby Fox foam shower (cropped).png

| image3 = Ed Sheeran-6896 (cropped).jpg

| footer = Composers for the game include Junichi Masuda, Toby Fox, and guest composer Ed Sheeran.

}}

The games' soundtrack was handled by a variety of composers. Teruo Taniguchi, who had previously worked on Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, composed the music associated with Team Star in the games. Longtime series composer Go Ichinose handled music related to the Path of Legends story path, as well as a track used for battling the group of Pokémon known as the Ruinous Quartet. The Victory Road path's music was composed by Junichi Masuda, with other tracks for the route being composed by Minako Adachi and Hitomi Sato.{{Cite web |last=Gann |first=Patrick |date=20 July 2024 |title=Nintendo Switch Pokémon Scarlet・Violet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Super Music Collection Music Review {{!}} RPGFan |url=https://www.rpgfan.com/music-review/nintendo-switch-pokemon-scarlet%E3%83%BBviolet-the-hidden-treasure-of-area-zero-super-music-collection/ |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=RPGFan |language=en-US}} Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's soundtrack was officially released in February 2024. The game's soundtrack was also made available on Nintendo Music,{{Cite web |last1=Doolan |first1=Liam |last2=Reynolds |first2=Ollie |date=26 November 2024 |title=Nintendo Music App: Every Game Soundtrack Included - How To Download, All Systems |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/nintendo-music-app-every-game-soundtrack-included-how-to-download-all-systems |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=27 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127052509/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/nintendo-music-app-every-game-soundtrack-included-how-to-download-all-systems |url-status=live }} and made available as part of the software's launch lineup in October 2024.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=31 October 2024 |title=Nintendo launches new music app for Nintendo Switch Online members |url=https://www.polygon.com/news/472881/nintendo-music-app-android-ios |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202170619/https://www.polygon.com/news/472881/nintendo-music-app-android-ios |url-status=live }} Additional music was produced by Toby Fox, known from Undertale.{{cite news |last1=Carpenter |first1=Nicole |date=1 June 2022 |title=Undertale's Toby Fox composed music for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23150300/undertale-toby-fox-pokemon-scarlet-violet-music-composer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706000736/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23150300/undertale-toby-fox-pokemon-scarlet-violet-music-composer |archive-date=6 July 2022 |access-date=1 June 2022 |work=Polygon}}

English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran collaborated with the games for the song "Celestial". Sheeran has been a fan of the series since childhood, and he had previously collaborated with spin-off game Pokémon Go for an event in 2021.{{Cite news |date=23 September 2022 |title=Ed Sheeran x Pokémon: The collaboration we never knew we needed! |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/63008265 |access-date=24 October 2024 |work=BBC Newsround |language=en-GB |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222042958/https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/63008265 |url-status=live }} "Celestial" is the first music track in the series to feature lyrics.{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Joshua |date=29 September 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Will Feature Ed Sheeran's New Song "Celestial" |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-ed-sheerans-song-celestial/ |access-date=8 December 2024 |website=TheGamer |language=en}} "Celestial's" music video was released on 29 September 2022, and was directed by Yuichi Kodama.{{cite web |last=Benitez-Eves |first=Tina |date=29 September 2022 |title=Ed Sheeran Collaborates with His Childhood Favorite Pokémon for New Song 'Celestial' |url=https://americansongwriter.com/ed-sheeran-collaborates-with-his-childhood-favorite-pokemon-for-new-song-celestial/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002220314/https://americansongwriter.com/ed-sheeran-collaborates-with-his-childhood-favorite-pokemon-for-new-song-celestial/ |archive-date=2 October 2022 |access-date=1 October 2022 |work=American Songwriter}} It depicts Sheeran interacting with a variety of sketch-style Pokémon, including a Snorlax that saves Sheeran from a car accident and a Lapras that takes him across a river. The appearances of the Pokémon were drawn by art director Yu Nagaba. According to an NME article, Nagaba emulated the way Sheeran drew Pokémon when he was younger for the video.{{cite web |last=Skinner |first=Tom |date=30 September 2022 |title=Ed Sheeran's new Pokémon-inspired song to feature in 'Pokémon Scarlet' and 'Violet' |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/ed-sheeran-to-release-new-single-celestial-in-collaboration-with-pokemon-3316421 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019054523/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/ed-sheeran-to-release-new-single-celestial-in-collaboration-with-pokemon-3316421 |archive-date=19 October 2022 |access-date=1 October 2022 |work=NME}} "Celestial" appears in the games as well, playing in the end credits for Scarlet and Violet. "Celestial" was later remixed by Fox for the end credits of the Scarlet and Violet's DLC expansions.{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=15 December 2023 |title=Undertale Creator Toby Fox Remixed Ed Sheeran's Pokémon Song In The New Scarlet & Violet DLC |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/12/undertale-creator-toby-fox-remixed-ed-sheerans-pokemon-song-in-the-new-scarlet-and-violet-dlc |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126233749/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/12/undertale-creator-toby-fox-remixed-ed-sheerans-pokemon-song-in-the-new-scarlet-and-violet-dlc |url-status=live }} Unlike other songs in the games, "Celestial" is not included in the official soundtrack release for Scarlet and Violet.

Marketing and release

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were announced as part of a Pokémon Presents presentation on 27 February 2022, through a partially live-action trailer, which revealed the 3 starters; Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. On 1 June 2022, a second trailer was released, officially revealing Koraidon and Miraidon, more gameplay footage, the Pokémon Smoliv, Lechonk, and Pawmi,{{Cite web |last=Gray |first=Kate |date=17 October 2022 |title=Everything You Missed In The New Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Trailer (June) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/everything-you-missed-in-the-new-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-trailer-june |access-date=22 October 2024 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=1 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201025943/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/everything-you-missed-in-the-new-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-trailer-june |url-status=live }} and the characters of Nemona, Sada, and Turo.{{Cite web |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |date=1 June 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Get November Release Date |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-scarlet-violet-november-release-date |access-date=22 October 2024 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=7 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907152622/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-scarlet-violet-november-release-date |url-status=live }} On 3 August 2022, a third trailer was released alongside an overview trailer during a Pokémon Presents. These trailers revealed two new Pokémon, the name of the region, Terastallization, and other details.{{Cite web |last=Pickering |first=Jasper |date=3 August 2022 |title=Pokémon Presents made some big announcements – everything we saw |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/games/pokemon-presents-scarlet-violet-b2137177.html |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=The Independent |language=en}} A fourth trailer, released on 7 September 2022, detailed the three routes the player can play through in the games as well as three new Pokémon. Characters such as Mela, Brassius, and Geeta were also officially revealed.

During the closing ceremony of the 2022 Pokémon World Championships on 21 August 2022,{{Cite web |last=Ishihara |first=Tsunekazu |date=21 August 2022 |title=2022 Pokémon World Championships Closing Ceremony Recap |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/2022-pokemon-world-championships-closing-ceremony-recap/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821232716/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/2022-pokemon-world-championships-closing-ceremony-recap/ |archive-date=21 August 2022 |access-date=21 August 2022 |website=The Pokémon Company |language=en}} a new trailer was released that showcased a new Pokémon, Cyclizar, as well as new items and abilities to be used in competitive play.{{Cite web |last=Knezevic |first=Kevin |date=22 August 2022 |title=New Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Trailer Revealed During Pokemon World Championships |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-trailer-shows-off-new-moves-battle-items-and-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822194045/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-trailer-shows-off-new-moves-battle-items-and-more/ |archive-date=22 August 2022 |access-date=22 August 2022 |website=CNET |language=en}} On 29 September 2022, singer Ed Sheeran released a song titled "Celestial" in collaboration with The Pokémon Company that appeared in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Ed Sheeran's song would later be used in the game credits.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=29 September 2022 |title=Ed Sheeran has intense Pokémon hallucinations in his new video, 'Celestial' |url=https://www.polygon.com/23378648/ed-sheeran-pokemon-scarlet-violet-music-video-celestial |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011113125/https://www.polygon.com/23378648/ed-sheeran-pokemon-scarlet-violet-music-video-celestial |archive-date=11 October 2022 |access-date=1 October 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} On 6 October 2022, a 14-minute trailer was released, highlighting the unique gameplay between four different players, each going on a different "path" in the story, as well as Farigiraf, Girafarig's evolution.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=6 October 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's new trailer shows new Girafarig evolution, Pokémon picnics |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23389200/pokemon-scarlet-violet-trailer-new-october-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006133910/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23389200/pokemon-scarlet-violet-trailer-new-october-2022 |archive-date=6 October 2022 |access-date=6 October 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} Throughout the games' pre-release marketing, several in-universe videos were published by The Pokémon Company, such as a camera trap to reveal Grafaiai,{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=1 September 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has a creepy-cute new lemur Pokémon, Grafaiai |url=https://www.polygon.com/23332535/pokemon-scarlet-violet-grafaiai-video |access-date=28 September 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=28 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928224648/https://www.polygon.com/23332535/pokemon-scarlet-violet-grafaiai-video |url-status=live }} a web seminar to reveal Wiglett,{{Cite news |last=Ngan |first=Liv |date=28 September 2022 |title=A Diglett-like Pokémon called Wiglett has been revealed for Scarlet and Violet |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/a-diglett-like-pokemon-called-wiglett-has-been-revealed-for-scarlet-and-violet |access-date=28 September 2022 |archive-date=28 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928224636/https://www.eurogamer.net/a-diglett-like-pokemon-called-wiglett-has-been-revealed-for-scarlet-and-violet |url-status=live }} a livestream to reveal Bellibolt,{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=14 October 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's newest Pokémon is an electric frog named Bellibolt |url=https://www.polygon.com/23404203/pokemon-scarlet-violet-electric-frog-bellibolt |access-date=22 October 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=22 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022002056/https://www.polygon.com/23404203/pokemon-scarlet-violet-electric-frog-bellibolt |url-status=live }} and a short found footage trailer to reveal Greavard.{{Cite news |last=Ngan |first=Liv |date=25 October 2022 |title=Greavard, a Ghost-type dog, has been unveiled for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/greavard-a-ghost-type-dog-has-been-unveiled-for-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet |access-date=27 October 2022 |archive-date=26 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026145345/https://www.eurogamer.net/greavard-a-ghost-type-dog-has-been-unveiled-for-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet |url-status=live }} On 4 November 2022, a special edition Nintendo Switch OLED model with themed artwork was released.{{Cite web |last=Leston |first=Ryan |date=7 September 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are Getting a Special Edition Switch OLED |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-violet-special-edition-switch-oled |access-date=9 September 2022 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909194507/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-violet-special-edition-switch-oled |url-status=live }} On 11 November 2022, a week before the games were released, a Splatfest themed around the three starter types was held in Splatoon 3.{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=7 October 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Announces A Pokémon-Themed Splatfest, Coming In November |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/10/splatoon-3-announces-a-pokemon-themed-splatfest-coming-in-november |access-date=7 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007150921/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/10/splatoon-3-announces-a-pokemon-themed-splatfest-coming-in-november |url-status=live }}

Prior to the release of the games, several leaks related to in-game content occurred. Leaks began as early as July, where low quality images of several unrevealed characters and Pokémon were leaked prior to their official reveals.{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=15 July 2022 |title=Pokémon Community Is In A Frenzy Over Blurry Pictures That Look Like Bigfoot JPEGs |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-leaks-starter-evolutions-1849182856 |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Kotaku |language=en}} The Pokémon Gimmighoul was leaked prior to its official reveal in early November via a datamine of the spin-off game Pokémon Go, following the Pokémon having accidentally been shown in a pre-release trailer.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=4 November 2022 |title=A new Pokémon just leaked through Pokémon Go |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23440939/pokemon-scarlet-violet-new-coin-leaked-go |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=27 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127235933/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23440939/pokemon-scarlet-violet-new-coin-leaked-go |url-status=live }} 72 Pokémon that appear in the game were leaked a few days prior to the games' release,{{Cite web |date=6 November 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: All 72 Pokemon Leaked for Gen 9 So Far |url=https://gamingintel.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-all-72-pokemon-leaked-gen-9/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Gaming Intel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106065111/https://gamingintel.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-all-72-pokemon-leaked-gen-9/ |archive-date=6 November 2022 }} which spread rapidly over social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=10 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's leaked designs may be the most divisive yet |url=https://www.polygon.com/23449870/pokemon-scarlet-violet-leaks-starter-evolutions-fan-reaction |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=19 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219225247/https://www.polygon.com/23449870/pokemon-scarlet-violet-leaks-starter-evolutions-fan-reaction |url-status=live }} ROMs of the games were leaked on the forum 4chan,{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Ali |date=11 November 2022 |title=Based on the recent leaks, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's graphics don't look good enough |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/based-on-the-recent-leaks-pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-graphics-dont-look-good-enough/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=23 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823023854/https://www.gamesradar.com/based-on-the-recent-leaks-pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-graphics-dont-look-good-enough/ |url-status=live }} and players livestreamed the games in the days leading up to the games' release.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Ali |date=10 November 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet livestream leaks dozens of new Pokemon |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-livestream-leaks-dozens-of-new-pokemon/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=23 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823035131/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-livestream-leaks-dozens-of-new-pokemon/ |url-status=live }} Parent company Nintendo attempted to takedown many of these leaks, but other accounts reposted the information after it was taken down.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=8 November 2022 |title=Pokémon leakers say Nintendo is aggressively taking down Scarlet and Violet leaks |url=https://www.polygon.com/23447295/pokemon-scarlet-violet-leaks-dmca-copyright-takedown-nintendo |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928145946/https://www.polygon.com/23447295/pokemon-scarlet-violet-leaks-dmca-copyright-takedown-nintendo |url-status=live }}

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were released worldwide on 18 November 2022.{{Cite web |last=Ramirez |first=Adrien |date=17 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet comes out tomorrow for the Nintendo Switch—here's how to order |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewed/2022/11/17/how-order-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-nintendo-switch/10720507002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121194535/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewed/2022/11/17/how-order-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-nintendo-switch/10720507002/ |archive-date=21 November 2022 |access-date=21 November 2022 |work=USA TODAY}} The games were released with numerous graphical and technical errors, including several bugs and glitches which impacted player performance.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=John |date=17 November 2022 |title=The Nintendo Switch Can't Seem To Handle Pokémon Scarlet And Violet |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-performance-game-freak-nintendo-1849794943 |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Kotaku |language=en}} On 1 December 2022, Nintendo apologized for the issues players encountered and announced the 1.1.0 update, which fixed some bugs.{{Cite news |last=Nightingale |first=Ed |date=1 December 2022 |title=Nintendo apologises for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet performance issues |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-apologises-for-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-performance-issues |access-date=1 December 2022 |archive-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201151925/https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-apologises-for-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-performance-issues |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=1 December 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Version 1.1.0 Announced, Nintendo Apologises For Performance Issues & Bugs |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/12/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-version-1-1-0-announced-nintendo-apologises-for-performance-issues-and-bugs |access-date=1 December 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201151924/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/12/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-version-1-1-0-announced-nintendo-apologises-for-performance-issues-and-bugs |url-status=live }} Update 1.2.0, released in February 2023, fixed a number of further bugs, but also introduced a rare bug which corrupted save files.{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=17 February 2023 |title=Nintendo Reveals Changes Coming in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's February Update |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-reveals-changes-coming-in-pokmon-scarlet-and-violets-february-update |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726112029/https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-reveals-changes-coming-in-pokmon-scarlet-and-violets-february-update |archive-date=26 July 2023 |access-date=26 July 2023 |website=IGN |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=31 March 2023 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Version 1.2.0 Bug Supposedly Corrupting Save Files |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/03/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-version-1-2-0-bug-supposedly-corrupting-save-files |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726112030/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/03/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-version-1-2-0-bug-supposedly-corrupting-save-files |archive-date=26 July 2023 |access-date=26 July 2023 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}} Update 1.3.0, released on 19 April 2023, fixed further bugs.{{Cite web |last=Bonthuys |first=Darryn |date=20 April 2023 |title=New Pokemon Scarlet And Violet Patch Doesn't Fix Performance, But It Does Go After Bugs |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-patch-doesnt-fix-performance-but-it-does-go-after-bugs/1100-6513420/ |access-date=26 July 2023 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=26 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726112030/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-patch-doesnt-fix-performance-but-it-does-go-after-bugs/1100-6513420/ |url-status=live }}

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be one of the games for Nintendo Switch that will have an upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2. This upgrade will be free, and will fix the notorious technical performance problems.

= Downloadable content =

{{main|The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero|l1=The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero}}

File:Momotarō ehon.jpg

On 27 February 2023, the Pokémon Day presentation featured an announcement trailer for the downloadable expansion pack, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, which contained two DLC expansions: The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk.{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=27 February 2023 |title=Pokémon Scarlet And Violet's First DLC Leaves Paldea, Includes New Monsters |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-dlc-release-date-bonus-area-zero-1850162621 |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Kotaku |language=en}} The first part, The Teal Mask, focusing on the Legendary Pokémon Ogerpon, was released on 13 September 2023, and the second, The Indigo Disk, focusing on the Legendary Pokémon Terapagos, was released on 14 December 2023. The downloadable content introduced over 230 returning Pokémon that did not appear in the base game,{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=27 February 2023 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Expansions Announced |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-scarlet-and-violet-expansions-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504154021/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-scarlet-and-violet-expansions-announced |archive-date=4 May 2023 |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=IGN |language=en}} including new Pokémon like Poltchageist{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Joshua |date=26 August 2023 |title=Poltchageist Has One Of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's Creepiest Backstories |url=https://www.thegamer.com/poltchageist-pokemon-scarlet-violets-creepy-backstory-lore/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=15 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815203401/https://www.thegamer.com/poltchageist-pokemon-scarlet-violets-creepy-backstory-lore/ |url-status=live }} and new evolutions for Applin and Duraludon.{{Cite magazine |last=Richman |first=Olivia |date=9 August 2023 |title=All New Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet DLC So Far |url=https://www.si.com/esports/pokemon/all-new-pokemon-in-scarlet-violet-dlc-munkidori |access-date=23 October 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-US |archive-date=1 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201031535/https://www.si.com/esports/pokemon/all-new-pokemon-in-scarlet-violet-dlc-munkidori |url-status=live }}

In The Teal Mask, based on the legend of Momotarō, the player embarks on a school trip organized by the academy to the land of Kitakami, which would also coincide with a festival in the village, while uncovering the truth behind a local legend. In The Indigo Disk, the player studies at their Academy's sister school, Blueberry Academy, as an exchange student, eventually traveling back to Area Zero to conclude the plot.{{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Gavin |date=17 April 2023 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: The Hidden Treasure Of Area Zero DLC - Everything We Know So Far |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-the-hidden-treasure-of-area-zero-dlc-everything-we-know-so-far |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504154832/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-the-hidden-treasure-of-area-zero-dlc-everything-we-know-so-far |archive-date=4 May 2023 |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=Nintendo Life}}{{Cite web |last=Notis |first=Ari |date=27 February 2023 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet getting two-part expansion |url=https://www.polygon.com/23613571/pokemon-scarlet-violet-dlc-expansion-release-date-teal-mask-indigo-disk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504154758/https://www.polygon.com/23613571/pokemon-scarlet-violet-dlc-expansion-release-date-teal-mask-indigo-disk |archive-date=4 May 2023 |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=Polygon |language=en}} On 11 January 2024, the DLC's epilogue Mochi Mayhem released where the player goes back to the land of Kitakami to catch a new Mythical Pokémon, Pecharunt.{{Cite web |last=Poskitt |first=M. |date=11 January 2024 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC epilogue: Release date & UK launch time |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/technology/gaming/pokemon-scarlet-violet-dlc-epilogue/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116103026/https://www.radiotimes.com/technology/gaming/pokemon-scarlet-violet-dlc-epilogue/ |archive-date=16 January 2024 |access-date=21 January 2024 |work=Radio Times}}

= Tie-ins =

Following their release, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were made compatible with Pokémon Home, a cloud-based storage system that allows players to store Pokémon from the games in Home and additionally send Pokémon from past games in the series into Scarlet and Violet.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Julia |date=8 August 2023 |title=How to transfer Pokémon between Scarlet and Violet and Home |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-guide/23824383/how-to-transfer-pokemon-home-go |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007094036/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-guide/23824383/how-to-transfer-pokemon-home-go |url-status=live }} Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were also made compatible with Pokémon Go in 2023, allowing players to send postcards from Go to Scarlet and Violet. This allows players in Go to encounter a special form of Gimmighoul, while players in Scarlet and Violet can encounter special forms of the Pokémon Vivillon.{{Cite news |last=Lynn |first=Lottie |date=28 February 2023 |title=Pokémon Go Gimmighoul and Gholdengo, including how to connect Pokémon Go to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-gimmighoul-coins-gholdengo-how-connect-to-scarlet-violet-9304 |access-date=23 October 2024 |work=Eurogamer |language=en |archive-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608035304/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-gimmighoul-coins-gholdengo-how-connect-to-scarlet-violet-9304 |url-status=live }} Special tie-in promotional videos, depicting characters from both games discussing Gimmighoul and its lore were released prior to the official reveal of the compatibility announcement.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=7 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Go and Scarlet/Violet link-up due 2023 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-and-scarletviolet-link-up-due-2023 |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Eurogamer |language=en}}

File:Yoasobi at Gucci Cosmos Exhibition, September 30, 2024.jpg created the song "Biri-Biri" to celebrate the first anniversary of the games' release.]]

The anime series Pokémon Horizons: The Series featured several tie-ins to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Several locations, characters, and species from the games make appearances in the series.{{Cite web |last=Plagge |first=Kallie |date=12 March 2024 |title=In Pokémon Horizons, Scarlet is canon |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/24098753/pokemon-horizons-scarlet-violet-canon |access-date=25 October 2024 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=27 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327190915/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/24098753/pokemon-horizons-scarlet-violet-canon |url-status=live }} In August 2023, during a Pokémon Presents presentation, a limited 4-episode web series based on the games, subtitled Pokémon: Paldean Winds, was announced; it premiered on YouTube on 6 September 2023, and ended on 13 December 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-08-08/pokemon-scarlet-violet-games-unveil-new-paldean-winds-web-anime-dlc-new-pokemon-release-date/.201103|title=Pokémon Scarlet/Violet Games Unveil New Paldean Winds Web Anime, DLC's New Pokémon/Release Date|last=Mateo|first=Alex|work=Anime News Network|date=8 August 2023|access-date=8 August 2023|archive-date=8 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230808151032/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-08-08/pokemon-scarlet-violet-games-unveil-new-paldean-winds-web-anime-dlc-new-pokemon-release-date/.201103|url-status=live}} Produced by Wit Studio, it is based on the Paldea region as a tie-in to Scarlet and Violet, although it's not part of the main anime series.{{cite web|last=King|first=Aidan|date=8 August 2023|url=https://collider.com/pokemon-web-series-paldean-winds/|title=Gotta Catch 'Em All! 'Pokemon' Gets a New Web Series|website=Collider|access-date=9 August 2023|archive-date=9 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809201432/https://collider.com/pokemon-web-series-paldean-winds/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Updates from the August 2023 Pokémon Presents|url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/updates-from-the-august-2023-pokemon-presents|publisher=The Pokémon Company|date=8 August 2023|access-date=10 August 2023|archive-date=10 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810033513/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/updates-from-the-august-2023-pokemon-presents|url-status=live}} Each episode focuses on a different student at the Academy, with each overcoming a problem over the course of the episode.{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=Oliver |date=22 November 2023 |title=How To Watch Pokémon: Paldean Winds |url=https://www.mensjournal.com/streaming/pokemon-paldean-winds-how-to-watch |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=Men's Journal |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901202612/https://www.mensjournal.com/streaming/pokemon-paldean-winds-how-to-watch |url-status=live }}

On 16 November 2023, pop duo Yoasobi and The Pokémon Company announced a collaboration to celebrate the games' first anniversary with a song, titled "Biri-Biri".{{cite news |date=16 November 2023 |title=YOASOBIが作曲した「ポケモンスカーレット・バイオレット」のインスパイアソング「Biri-Biri」, 11月18日に配信開始 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/619/G061991/20231116059/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116105101/https://www.4gamer.net/games/619/G061991/20231116059/ |archive-date=16 November 2023 |access-date=16 November 2023 |work=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} Biri-Biri was released in both Japanese- and English-language versions simultaneously on 18 November 2023.{{cite news |last1=Kong |first1=Clark Jason |date=16 November 2023 |title=Pokemon and YOASOBI "Biri Biri" Collab Song and Music Video Announced |url=https://game8.co/articles/latest/pokemon-and-yoasobi-biri-biri-collab-song-and-music-video-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116163827/https://game8.co/articles/latest/pokemon-and-yoasobi-biri-biri-collab-song-and-music-video-announced |archive-date=16 November 2023 |access-date=16 November 2023 |work=Game8}} A music video was released on the same day.{{cite news |date=18 November 2023 |title=YOASOBI新曲MVでホゲータとニャオハが激突 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/549693 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118064645/https://natalie.mu/music/news/549693 |archive-date=18 November 2023 |access-date=18 November 2023 |work=Natalie |language=ja}} The story of the video primarily focuses on Nemona and a transfer student named Anna, who go on a quest involving finding their "treasure". "Biri-Biri" was inspired by the game-based short story {{nihongo|Kimi to Ameagari o|きみと雨上がりを||{{lit}} 'After the Rain with You'}}, which was written by novelist Ayano Takeda.{{cite magazine |date=16 November 2023 |title=【ポケモンSV】YOASOBIが発売1周年楽曲「Biri-Biri」を制作.配信ジャケットを飾るのはパーモット、11月18日より日本&英語版を同時配信 |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202311/16324423.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116163827/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202311/16324423.html |archive-date=16 November 2023 |access-date=16 November 2023 |magazine=Famitsu |language=ja}} The song was later performed live by Yoasobi at various locations.{{cite news |last1=Durand |first1=Lorelei |date=8 December 2023 |title=Clockenflap Pushes Hong Kong to the Forefront of the Global Music Scene: Review |url=https://consequence.net/2023/12/clockenflap-2023-review-hong-kong/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209030343/https://consequence.net/2023/12/clockenflap-2023-review-hong-kong/ |archive-date=9 December 2023 |access-date=9 December 2023 |work=Consequence}}{{cite news |date=2 December 2023 |title=抵港後大擦叉燒! YOASOBI為《Clockenflap》壓軸演出 |url=https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/entertainment/20231202/bkn-20231202115320328-1202_00862_001.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202053958/https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/entertainment/20231202/bkn-20231202115320328-1202_00862_001.html |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=2 December 2023 |work=On.cc |language=zh-hk}}{{cite news |date=25 January 2024 |title=YOASOBI、自身初となる単独ドーム公演開催決定 |url=https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/266997/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125115856/https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/266997/ |archive-date=25 January 2024 |access-date=25 January 2024 |work=MusicVoice |language=ja}}{{cite news |last1=Hamada |first1=Rio |date=13 April 2024 |title=YOASOBIのコーチェラ初出演を見逃した人へ.「アイドル」など計45分の熱唱、全て英語のMCにも注目 |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.jp/entry/story_jp_661a2b44e4b0652fa84d42b0 |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=HuffPost Japan |language=ja |archive-date=15 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415164745/https://www.huffingtonpost.jp/entry/story_jp_661a2b44e4b0652fa84d42b0 |url-status=live }}

Reception

=Critical response=

{{Video game reviews

| MC = 72/100 (Scarlet{{--)}}{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Scarlet |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-scarlet/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |access-date=12 December 2022 |website=Metacritic |language=en |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117124855/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-scarlet |url-status=live}}
71/100 (Violet{{--)}}{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Violet |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-violet/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |access-date=24 December 2022 |website=Metacritic |language=en |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117124857/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-violet |url-status=live}}

| 4P = 6.0/10{{cite web |url= https://www.4p.de/test/pokemon_karmesin__purpur/85202 |title= Pokémon Karmesin & Purpur (Rollenspiel) – Dreister Durchschnitt zum Vollpreis |last= Irion |first= Lea |date= 21 November 2022 |website= 4p.de |publisher= 4Players |access-date= 30 September 2024 |archive-date= 1 December 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20241201031544/https://www.4p.de/test/pokemon_karmesin__purpur/85202 |url-status= live }}

| DT = 3.5/5{{cite web |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-nintendo-switch/ |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet review: radical reinvention sparkles in spite of tech woes |last=Colantonio |first=Giovanni |date=17 November 2022 |website=Digital Trends |access-date=17 November 2022 |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117161713/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-nintendo-switch/ |url-status=live}}

| Fam = 38/40{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/12/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1775 |title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1775 |date=7 December 2022 |access-date=7 December 2022 |website=Gematsu |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207141529/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/12/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1775 |url-status=live}}

| GRadar = 3/5{{Cite web |last=Franey |first=Joel |date=17 November 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet and Violet review: "The most interesting Pokemon game in a long time, for better and worse" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review/ |access-date=17 November 2022 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117124855/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review/ |url-status=live}}

| GSpot = 8/10{{Cite web |last=Dekker |first=Jacob |date=17 November 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Review - A Braviary New World |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-a-braviary-new-world/1900-6417994/ |access-date=17 November 2022 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117121022/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-a-braviary-new-world/1900-6417994/ |url-status=live}}

| SN = 7/10{{Cite web |last=Erskine |first=Donovan |date=17 November 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet and Violet review: The World is your Cloyster |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/133137/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-score |access-date=17 November 2022 |website=Shacknews |language=en |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117124855/https://www.shacknews.com/article/133137/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-score |url-status=live}}

| VG247 = 4/5{{Cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Alex |date=17 November 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet review: a super-effective new vision – with painful performance woes |url=https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-a-super-effective-new-vision-with-painful-performance-woes |access-date=17 November 2022 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117124857/https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-a-super-effective-new-vision-with-painful-performance-woes |url-status=live}}

| TELE = 3/5{{Cite news |last=Rear |first=Jack |date=17 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet review: colourful but confusing creature catching |language=en-GB |work=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/features/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-colourful-confusing-creature-catching/ |access-date=17 November 2022 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111163519/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/features/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-colourful-confusing-creature-catching/ |url-status=live}}

| TG = 3/5{{Cite web |last=Regan |first=Tom |date=17 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet/Violet review – poor performance holds an exciting game back |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/nov/17/pokemon-scarletviolet-review-poor-performance-holds-an-exciting-game-back |access-date=17 November 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117124848/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/nov/17/pokemon-scarletviolet-review-poor-performance-holds-an-exciting-game-back |url-status=live}}

| NLife = 7/10{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=17 November 2022 |title=Review: Pokémon Scarlet And Violet - An Open-World Poké Playground Full Of Promise (And Tech Issues) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet |access-date=17 November 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117124855/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet |url-status=live}}

| VGC = 4/5{{Cite web |last=Middler |first=Jordan |date=17 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the most feature-rich entries in years |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-are-the-most-feature-rich-entries-in-years/ |access-date=17 November 2022 |website=Video Games Chronicle |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117124848/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-are-the-most-feature-rich-entries-in-years/ |url-status=live}}

| IGN = 6/10{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=24 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-review |access-date=24 November 2022 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=24 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124113218/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-review |url-status=live}}

| HCG = 4/5{{Cite web |last=Swalley |first=Kirstin |date=23 November 2022 |title=Review: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet - Hardcore Gamer |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet/430527/ |access-date=24 November 2022 |website=Hardcore Gamer |language=en-US |archive-date=24 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124113220/https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet/430527/ |url-status=live}}

| GI = 8.25/10{{Cite magazine |last=Shea |first=Brian |date=21 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet Review - The Struggles of Evolution |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/pokemon-scarlet-pokemon-violet/the-struggles-of-evolution |access-date=24 November 2022 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=24 November 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124113221/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/pokemon-scarlet-pokemon-violet/the-struggles-of-evolution }}

| rev1 = GamePro (DE)

| rev1Score = 75/100{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/pokemon-karmesin-purpur-test,3386826.html |title=Pokémon Karmesin/Purpur im Test - Sammelfieber in einer lieblosen Open World |last=Sprenger |first=Linda |date=17 November 2022 |magazine=GamePro |access-date=17 November 2022 |language=de |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117161713/https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/pokemon-karmesin-purpur-test,3386826.html |url-status=live}}

| Destruct = 6/10{{Cite web |last=Van Allen |first=Eric |date=29 November 2022 |title=Review: Pokémon Scarlet |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-pokemon-scarlet-nintendo-switch-game-freak/ |access-date=30 November 2022 |website=Destructoid |language=en-CA |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130011009/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-pokemon-scarlet-nintendo-switch-game-freak/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Andriessen |first=CJ |date=29 November 2022 |title=Review: Pokémon Violet |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/pokemon-violet-review-destructoid/ |access-date=30 November 2022 |website=Destructoid |language=en-CA |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130011009/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/pokemon-violet-review-destructoid/ |url-status=live}}

| GameRev = 6/10{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Jason |date=22 November 2022 |title=Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Review |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/929336-pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-worth-playing-switch |access-date=30 November 2022 |website=GameRevolution |language=en-US |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130011009/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/929336-pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-worth-playing-switch |url-status=live}}

| NME = 3/5{{Cite web |last=Tucker |first=Jake |date=25 November 2022 |title='Pokémon Scarlet & Violet' review: rivals schooled |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-3355692 |access-date=30 November 2022 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130011011/https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/pokemon-scarlet-violet-review-3355692 |url-status=live}}

| NWR = 6.5/10{{cite web |url= https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/62271/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-switch-review |title= Pokemon Scarlet And Violet (Switch) Review |last= Theriault |first= Donald |date= 28 November 2022 |website= nintendoworldreport.com |publisher= Nintendo World Report |access-date= 30 September 2024 |archive-date= 3 August 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240803220544/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/62271/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-switch-review |url-status= live }}

}}

Scarlet and Violet received "mixed or average reviews" according to review aggregator website Metacritic, making them the lowest-rated mainline series Pokémon games.{{cite web |last1=Cryer |first1=Hirun |date=6 December 2022 |title=Pokemon Violet is now the lowest-rated mainline Pokemon game |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-violet-is-now-the-lowest-rated-mainline-pokemon-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207005534/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-violet-is-now-the-lowest-rated-mainline-pokemon-game/ |archive-date=7 December 2022 |access-date=7 December 2022 |website=GamesRadar+}}

GameSpot writer Jake Dekker regarded the non-linearity of the games as their "strength", while Nintendo Life described the experience as capturing the "real magic" of the first Pokémon games, Red and Blue. The latter also praised the story as "wholesome" and offering "genuinely tender moments". Writing for IGN, Rebekah Valentine found the new open world gameplay style enjoyable, highlighting other new gameplay mechanics such as Tera Raids and new online mechanics. She criticized various elements of the games, in particular finding the games' lack of polish and depth in various aspects such as its online features and exploration in its open world to be lackluster and low quality.{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=24 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126120610/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-review |archive-date=26 November 2022 |access-date=14 January 2023 |website=IGN |language=en}} Regarding the open-world design Joel Franey writing for GamesRadar+ criticized the games' "aimlessness" and "notable lack of stakes" without any end goal. He praised other elements of the games, such as their music and general user-interface improvements. Kenneth Shepard, writing for Polygon, praised several aspects of the games, including the Terastallization feature's ability to improve upon strategy in battles, as well as the game's writing. He criticized the games for what he perceived as being a step back from their predecessor Pokémon Legends: Arceus, citing the removal of many quality of life features introduced in that game. He additionally believed the games did not adequately tell the player in what order they were meant to approach its major story beats from, which he felt would leave them confused.{{Cite web |last=Shepard |first=Kenneth |date=17 November 2022 |title=Scarlet and Violet are a step back for Pokémon's open-world era |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23462736/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-review-release-date-nintendo-switch |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095618/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23462736/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-review-release-date-nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}

The Guardian's Tom Regan found the games to be a fun take on the usual series formula, but criticized the games' technical and graphical problems, believing that they held back the games' potential.{{Cite web |last=Regan |first=Tom |date=17 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet/Violet review – poor performance holds an exciting game back |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/nov/17/pokemon-scarletviolet-review-poor-performance-holds-an-exciting-game-back |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117124848/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/nov/17/pokemon-scarletviolet-review-poor-performance-holds-an-exciting-game-back |archive-date=17 November 2022 |access-date=24 November 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en}} Jason Faulkner, writing for GameRevolution, criticized the games' textures, model collision, performance, and furthermore criticized the games' progression as being "awkward and semi-linear despite the open-world design". Lea Irion, writing about the games on 4Players, felt that the games showed that the Pokémon franchise was becoming less ambitious year after year, while also being unfinished and carelessly thrown together. She called the games disappointingly average as a result. Willem Hilhorst, writing in a retrospective for Nintendo World Report, criticized the games. While he felt as though the various glitches in the games could be excused due to the franchise's reputation with glitches such as MissingNo., he felt the removal of many long-standing series features alongside a lack of polish made the games "jam the gears" of those trying to enjoy them. He praised elements of the games and its story, but overall found the games to be off-putting to both casual and returning players alike.{{Cite web |last=Hilhorst |first=Willem |title=Almost A Year Later and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Still Suck - Editorial |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/64835/almost-a-year-later-and-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-still-suck |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907113052/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/64835/almost-a-year-later-and-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-still-suck |url-status=live }}

Publications criticized the games for suffering from graphical glitches and poor performance.{{cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=17 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have some performance issues |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23462310/pokemon-scarlet-violet-performance-issues-technical-frame-rate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119150656/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/23462310/pokemon-scarlet-violet-performance-issues-technical-frame-rate |archive-date=19 November 2022 |access-date=19 November 2022 |website=Polygon}}{{cite web |last1=Valentine |first1=Rebekah |date=17 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Are Full of Glaring Technical Problems |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-are-full-of-glaring-technical-problems |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119233756/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-are-full-of-glaring-technical-problems |archive-date=19 November 2022 |access-date=19 November 2022 |website=IGN}}{{cite web |last=Jiang |first=Sisi |date=18 November 2022 |title=Forget The Trees, Everything In Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Looks Jank [Update: More Glitches] |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-bugs-performance-paldea-nintendo-1849798801 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119062644/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-bugs-performance-paldea-nintendo-1849798801 |archive-date=19 November 2022 |access-date=19 November 2022 |website=Kotaku}} The graphics were also considered to be lacklustre, with unfavorable comparisons to other Nintendo Switch titles such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3.{{cite news |last=Elker |first=Jhaan |date=18 November 2022 |title=After 'Pokémon Scarlet' and 'Violet,' we can't give Game Freak a pass |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/11/18/pokemon-scarlet-violet-graphics-glitches-problems |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119022230/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/11/18/pokemon-scarlet-violet-graphics-glitches-problems/ |archive-date=19 November 2022 |access-date=19 November 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{cite web |last=Anderton |first=Joe |date=19 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet reactions call out performance issues |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/a42012222/pokemon-scarlet-violet-reviews-performance-issues |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119161402/https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/a42012222/pokemon-scarlet-violet-reviews-performance-issues/ |archive-date=19 November 2022 |access-date=19 November 2022 |website=Digital Spy}} The Washington Post{{'s}} Jhaan Ekler described how fans and critics alike were unhappy with the graphics, stating that it still hadn't improved upon the franchise's notoriety for lackluster graphical design. Eurogamer's Oliver Mackenzie found the games to be of low quality graphically, citing them as downgrades from their predecessor, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and as being "comprehensive technical failures" in comparison to other games available on the Nintendo Switch.{{cite news |last=Mackenzie |first=Oliver |date=23 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are comprehensive technical failures |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2022-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-are-comprehensive-technical-failures |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126224419/https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2022-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-are-comprehensive-technical-failures |archive-date=26 November 2022 |access-date=26 November 2022 |website=Eurogamer}} IGN writer Rebekah Valentine added that the games' innovative design was undermined by the numerous graphical and technical issues within the games. Due to the performance issues, some players began requesting refunds of the games soon after launch, which Nintendo granted in most cases.{{cite news |last1=Winslow |first1=Levi |date=22 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Players Are Trying To Get Refunds |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-broken-bugs-refund-patch-1849814765 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124112557/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-broken-bugs-refund-patch-1849814765 |archive-date=24 November 2022 |access-date=24 November 2022 |work=Kotaku |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Hayley |date=23 November 2022 |title=Some Pokemon Scarlet And Violet Players Are Asking For Refunds |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/some-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-players-are-asking-for-refunds/1100-6509485 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125052423/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/some-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-players-are-asking-for-refunds/1100-6509485/ |archive-date=25 November 2022 |access-date=24 November 2022 |website=GameSpot}} As a result of criticism toward the games' quality on release, The Pokémon Company COO, Takato Utsunomiya, stated that the company would be having internal discussions about the series's release schedule going forward.{{Cite web |last=Bellingham |first=Hope |date=14 August 2023 |title=After Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's performance issues, the developer is having "conversations" about how often new games release |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/after-pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-performance-issues-the-developer-is-having-conversations-about-how-often-new-games-release/ |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007093502/https://www.gamesradar.com/after-pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-performance-issues-the-developer-is-having-conversations-about-how-often-new-games-release/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=14 August 2023 |title=Pokémon Company Hints That Its Game Output May Be Unsustainable |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-busted-sequels-nintendo-switch-1850734514 |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=17 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917104404/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-busted-sequels-nintendo-switch-1850734514 |url-status=live }}

=Sales=

According to The Pokémon Company, Scarlet and Violet are the most pre-ordered titles in the series' history.{{cite news |date=17 November 2022 |title=「ポケモン」新作予約数はシリーズ過去最高完成度に自信、反響大きく代表「うれしい!」 |trans-title=The number of reservations for a new Pokémon game is the highest ever in the series! |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2257288/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117094402/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2257288/full/ |archive-date=17 November 2022 |access-date=17 November 2022 |work=Oricon News |language=ja}} Within three days of its release, the games had sold over 10 million copies worldwide, including 4.05 million in Japan alone. The sales figure was the highest of any software on any Nintendo platform within three days,{{cite news |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=23 November 2022 |title=Bugs aside, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet sell 10M copies |work=Polygon |url=https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/pokemon/23475973/pokemon-scarlet-violet-sells-10-million-copies-nintedo-switch |access-date=24 November 2022 |archive-date=24 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124003121/https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/pokemon/23475973/pokemon-scarlet-violet-sells-10-million-copies-nintedo-switch |url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=24 November 2022 |title=Nintendo Switch向けソフト「ポケットモンスタースカーレット・バイオレット」の世界販売本数が発売後3日間で1,000万本を突破 |trans-title=Nintendo Switch software "Pocket Monsters Scarlet & Violet" has sold over 10 million units worldwide within three days of its release. |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/2022/221124.html |access-date=24 November 2022 |publisher=Nintendo |language=ja |archive-date=24 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124003919/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/2022/221124.html |url-status=live}} and the best launch of any console-exclusive game in history.{{cite news |last=Gerblick |first=Jordan |title=Pokemon Scarlet and Violet had the biggest launch of any console exclusive game ever |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-had-the-biggest-launch-of-any-console-exclusive-game-ever/ |access-date=24 November 2022 |work=GamesRadar+ |date=24 November 2022 |language=en |archive-date=24 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124043437/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-had-the-biggest-launch-of-any-console-exclusive-game-ever/ |url-status=live}} The games were the best-selling video game titles of 2022 in Japan.{{cite news |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=11 January 2023 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Is The Best-Selling Game In Japan In 2022 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/01/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-is-the-best-selling-game-in-japan-in-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124054444/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/01/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-is-the-best-selling-game-in-japan-in-2022 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |access-date=24 January 2023 |work=Nintendo Life}} By December 2024, the game had sold 26.38 million copies.{{cite web |title=Top Selling Title Sales Units |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=8 February 2025 |archive-date=30 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130072006/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html |url-status=live}}