Attention Pokémon fans! At the latest Pokemon Presents, held on February 27, The Pokemon Company announced the release of a brand-new opus in the franchise, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. This double opus allows us to explore the Paldea region thanks to the open-world system, to catch all the Pokémon of the 9th generation. The game has been available since November 18, 2022!
The game has been adapted for Nintendo Switch 2: since June 5, 2025, a free update has optimized the game's performance and graphic quality. So you can continue your adventure on the new console, without losing your progress, and benefiting from the Switch 2's improvements.
Both titles are still being developed by Game Freak and will feature a brand new region to explore, as well as a new generation of Pokémon, the ninth. The first images of this opus were unveiled in a trailer, and it seems to blend the gameplay of Pokemon Legends: Arceus with that of Pokemon Sword and Shield.
An"evolutionary" stage in the license, in any case, as ourIGN colleagues explain, also proposing"an open world where diverse cities without borders mix seamlessly with nature" within which"Pokémon can be seen everywhere in the open world - in the sky, in the sea, and in the streets".
The various trailers gradually reveal elements of this new universe. Here we are, teleported to Paldea. In this adventure, we wander and explore the region at our own pace, alternating between three different quests. And here's a new feature: we can also take on the arena champions in the order we prefer. Various missions await us, allowing us to meet the different inhabitants of this seemingly vast world.
Pokémon battles also take on a new dimension, with tetracrystallization. This unique phenomenon allows you to increase your companion's strength, as well as giving them a sparkling look!
The starters (the Pokémon with which the adventure begins) have also been revealed. You'll be able to choose between Poussacha, a plant-type cat Pokémon, Chocodile, a fire-type crocodile Pokémon, and Coiffeton, a water-type duck Pokémon. In short, we can't wait to get our hands on them!
Our review of Pokémon Scarlet:
We were able to play Pokémon Scarlet (or Pokémon Scarlet in VF) on Nintendo Switch. A very fun game, as pleasing as it is frustrating, due to its many bugs.
We take on the role of a young student at the Pokémon Academy. First pleasant surprise: we can customize our avatar to our liking, for a more complete immersion. After a short introduction, we're off on the roads of Paldea for a new adventure.
First observation: this game is not for dreamers or explorers. In fact, the open world is far too seductive, and we quickly abandon the roads to go and get lost in the tall grass, in search of the various Pokémon and gifts hidden everywhere. We then forget about the objectives that allow us to advance the game, to marvel at the Azurills playing in the river. But this mode of play is a real success for the child in us: wandering freely in this world, we have the sensation of being truly immersed in the Pokémon universe. A dream come true!
Battles and captures pose no particular challenge, and we discover with interest the little novelties introduced in these opuses, although no revolutionary changes are noticeable.
The latest titles in the Pokémon license are, however, much criticized, due to major development problems. The main criticism of the game is its graphics. Certain details and landscapes seem to have been very well worked out, but on the whole, the game's performance is not up to the level one would expect from one of the biggest video game licenses. Display bugs, black screens that jump between scenes and the distortion of certain elements immediately bring immersion to a halt.
We also regret the slow adaptation of the camera, which follows us in the third person, although this camera can be adjusted manually with the right joystick.
Despite its shortcomings, Pokémon Scarlet is an extremely enjoyable game for fans of the saga, and as addictive as ever!
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This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts November 18, 2022
Prices
€59.99
Official website
scarletviolet.pokemon.com
