Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Release Date, Pre-Order Guide & More

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet is just around the corner so here is everything we know about its release date, how to pre-order and so much more.

We’ve been given a lot of details about Pokemon Scarlet & Violet across its 12 trailers and fans are understandably very excited.

However, before you jump in there is so much to prepare for such as which version you’ll pre-order and when the pre-load period begins. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Release Date

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet releases worldwide on Friday November 18, 2022. This was officially confirmed by Pokemon at the end of their trailer shown in June.

Of course, the release date is the same for both Scarlet & Violet versions of the game as they are releasing simultaneously.

It comes just 294 days after the Pokemon Legends: Arceus release (28th January, 2022).

The games will only be releasing on Nintendo Switch.

What Time Does Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Come Out?

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet will have a midnight local launch across the globe, meaning each country will gain access to the game when their respective time zone hits midnight.

However, certain players in the US will be able to get their hands on the game before midnight…

Here’s a full guide to release times in each timezone and a countdown to Scarlet & Violet’s launch!

Where to Pre-Order Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet can be pre-ordered from all major retailers and storefronts, both digitally and physically.

Here are all the places you can pre-order Pokemon Scarlet & Violet:

Digitally

• Pokemon Scarlet – Nintendo Store $59.99/£49.99
• Pokemon Violet – Nintendo Store $59.99/£49.99

Physically – US

• Walmart
  • Pokemon Scarlet $59.88
  • Pokemon Violet $59.88
• Target
  • Pokemon Scarlet $59.99
  • Pokemon Violet $59.99
  • Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Double Pack $119.99
• Best Buy
  • Pokemon Scarlet $59.99
  • Pokemon Violet $59.99
  • Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Double Pack $119.99
• Game Stop
  • Pokemon Scarlet $59.99
  • Pokemon Violet $59.99
  • Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Double Pack $119.98
• Amazon.com
  • Pokemon Scarlet (BACK IN STOCK) $59.88
  • Pokemon Violet (BACK IN STOCK) $59.88
  • Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Double Pack (CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE) $119.99

Physically – UK

• GAME
  • Pokemon Scarlet (With Starter Figurines) £49.99
  • Pokemon Violet (With Starter Figurines) £49.99
• Smyths Toys
  • Pokemon Scarlet
  • Pokemon Violet
  • Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Double Pack
• Base.com
  • Pokemon Scarlet £42.99
  • Pokemon Violet £42.99
  • Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Double Pack £89.99
• Amazon.co.uk
  • Pokemon Scarlet £42.95
  • Pokemon Violet £42.95
  • Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Double Pack (TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK) £99.99

If you are thinking of pre-ordering a physical copy of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, then you should definitely check out our breakdown of the best pre-order bonuses.

There is also an exclusive Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Switch OLED available for eager fans, but you’d best be quick.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Starter Evolutions

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet’s Starter Pokemon have so far not had their evolutions confirmed.

That said, we’ve got a brand-new leak that reveals all 3 Starter Pokemon’s evolutions, helping you pick your favorite before launch day!

Will Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Have Mega Evolutions?

While Nintendo is yet to confirm or deny the existence of Mega Evolutions in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, leaks have indicated that the mechanic will not return for those games.

Mega Evolutions were introduced back in Pokemon X and Y, and they essentially transform Pokemon into a much stronger version of themselves.

However, they’ve been absent since Pokemon Sword and Shield, and it would seem that they will be skipping Pokemon Scarlet and Violet as well.

Every Version-Exclusive Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

There are multiple version-exclusive Pokemon in both Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, including Tyranitar, Salamence, and more.

Both Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will have Pokemon that will not appear in the other game. This extends to the legendaries, of course, as Scarlet will have Koraidon, and Violet will have Miraidon.

However, there is a whole list of version-exclusive Pokemon players can expect to see if they pick either Scarlet or Violet.

Will There Be a New Eeveelution in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet?

It seems incredibly unlikely that there will be a new Eeveelution in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet as leaks have failed to show any new Eeveelutions.

Eeveelutions are unique forms that the Pokemon Eevee can evolve into. They include the likes of Flareon, Vaporeon, Umbreon, and Leafeon, to name a few.

However, according to leaked merchandise, it would seem like there will be no new Eeveelutions appearing in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

When Can You Pre-Load Pokemon Scarlet & Violet?

You can pre-load Pokemon Scarlet & Violet right now! Here’s a guide to pre-loading your Gen 9 Pokemon adventure on Nintendo Switch!

Every New Gen 9 Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

There is a lot of brand-new Pokemon coming to Pokemon Scarlet & Violet including regional variants of beloved Pokemon and whatever that nightmarish Wiglett Pokemon is.

If you want to know about all of the new Pokemon coming to Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, then you can check out our detailed breakdown of every single confirmed Gen 9 Pokemon.

There have of course been leaks about 72 new Pokemon coming to the game, as well as confirmed Pokemon that Nintendo has singled out, such as new evolutions like the giraffe-esque, Farigiraf.

Every New Gameplay Mechanic in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Terastal 

There is a new mechanic in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet called Terastal that lets you alter your Pokemon in a really significant way.

If changing your Pokemon’s type mid-battle seems like your kind of thing, then you should definitely read all about this new game-changing Terastal mechanic.

Open World & Multiplayer

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet will be completely open-world and will feature dynamic regions, towns, and cities as well as exciting new modes of transport.

This is a first for the Pokemon franchise that outside of Legends Arceus and Sword & Shield often tended to offer more linear experiences.

There will also be online multiplayer, which will allow you to team up with three of your friends. Of course, there’s so much more to the open-world and multiplayer for you to enjoy.

Multiple Story Paths

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet will allow players to experience three completely different and unique story paths across their journey.

These three story paths will see you tackle challenging Gyms, uncover the mysteries of Paldea, and fight against a brand-new team of villains.

How you approach these story paths is completely up to you. There is so much more to experience with each story path, a lot of which you’ll have to experience for yourself when the game launches.

Auto Battle

Players in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet will also be able to send out their own Pokemon to fight wild Pokemon without having to command them.

This new auto-battling mechanic will be a life and timesaver for many who want to skip over the turn-based combat but still get the experience.

While it may seem like a small feature, there’s actually quite a lot of depth to it, and it will feature heavily in certain story paths.

New Villains

Like every good Pokemon game, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet will feature its own team of villains for the player to defeat.

This time it’s Team Star, and they are certainly an eccentric bunch. Their leader is also quite a character and has one of the coolest designs in Pokemon history.

You’ll take them on in the Starfall Street story path and will have to raid their bases to stop their rebellious acts.

New Legendaries

There are two new legendary Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet called Koraidon and Miraidon and players will be able to ride around on them to traverse the world.

There’s a lot to love about these new legendary Pokemon including their unique forms that allow for all kinds of exploration.

Picnics & Customization

Trainer customization is bigger and better than ever in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet as it comes with a huge array of options for the player.

You can also now create your own sandwiches, play with your Pokemon and so much more with the Pokemon Picnic mechanic.

It’s always great to see new ways of interacting with your Pokemon and expressing yourself through your character.

Every Difference Between Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

There are a number of differences between Pokemon Scarlet & Violet including the legendary Pokemon, version-exclusive Pokemon, professors and so much more.

In fact, if you want to know more about it, then you can check out our detailed breakdown that covers absolutely every difference between Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Trailers

Overview Trailer

Open World Trailer

Every Character in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Arven – Upperclassman 

Arven is a senior at the academy and is excited about all things Pokemon. His true passion, however, lies in cooking food.

While he isn’t particularly adept at Pokemon battles, he hopes to one day create healthy recipes that can make Pokemon feel better.

Brassius – Gym Leader

Brassius is one of the eight Gym Leaders that players will challenge during the Victory Road story path.

He is the Grass-type Gym Leader in the city of Artazon and is fond of art and finding the artistry in Pokemon battles.

Clavell – Director of the Academy

Clavell is the director at your academy and is pretty much in charge of everything you’ll be doing in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

He’ll teach you a number of things about your school to help you get started on your journey across Paldea.

Geeta – Chairwoman of the Pokemon League

Geeta is the Chairwoman of Paldea’s Pokemon League and as a result, is in charge of all the Pokemon Gyms in that region.

She is the most skilled trainer in all of Paldea, so definitely one to keep an eye on as you’ll likely have to take her on at the end of the Victory Road story path.

Grusha – Gym Leader

Grusha is the Ice-type Gym Leader that players can challenge as a part of the Victory Road story path in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

He used to be a professional snowboarder but moved on from it to become the Gym Leader of Glaseado full-time.

Iono – Gym Leader

Iono is the Electric-type Gym Leader that players will encounter while completing the Victory Road story path in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

When she’s not defending her Gym, Iono is a streamer and influencer with quite a following. She even hosts her own show, Iono Zone.

Jacq – Teacher

Jacq is your Homeroom teacher as well as a teacher of biology. Despite his absent-mindedness, Jacq is exceptionally smart and even developed the Pokedex app for the Rotom Phone you’ll be using.

He also knows practically everything there is to know about Pokemon biology, so he’ll definitely be a helping hand in your research.

Mela – Leader of Team Star

Mela is the leader of the rebellious student faction Team Star and is the antagonist for the Starfall Street story path.

She’s an expert at fixing any problem sent her way, although she can be a little brash and rough when it comes to the methods she uses to fix them.

Nemona – Your Friend

Nemona is your friend at the academy and an exceptionally skilled trainer. She’ll absolutely be your entry point into the world of Pokemon and will help show you the ropes.

Her skill as a trainer and her abilities in Pokemon battles perfectly match her bubbly, energetic and sunny disposition.

Penny – Fellow Student

Penny is another fellow student and is in the same grade as you, although you may not spot her there very often as she doesn’t tend to show up for some reason.

However, when you do see her out and about you’ll find her quite a shy person and to be very attached to her Eevee backpack.

Sada and Turo – Professors

Sada and Turo are the Professors for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet and you will get either one of them depending on which version you pick.

You will have Professor Sada if you pick Pokemon Scarlet and Professor Turo if you pick Pokemon Violet.