Pokemon Scarlet & Violet revealed: Gen 9 is releasing in 2022

Brent Koepp
pokemon scarlet and violet announced

Game Freak officially announced Pokemon Gen 9 during the Pokemon Day Presents conference on February 27. Called Pokemon Scarlet & Pokemon Violet, the new titles will be open-world like Legends Arceus and feature three new starters.

Despite Pokemon Legends Arceus only having been released in January, Game Freak has revealed that the ninth generation will release at the end of 2022.

Titled Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, the new RPG’s region looks to take place in Spain or Mexico – and the starters were shown off too.

Pokemon Scarlet & Pokemon Violet region screenshot.
Pokemon Gen 9 will have a sprawling open-world.

Pokemon Scarlet & Pokemon Violet announced

Game Freak surprised fans when they announced Gen 9 during the February 27 Presents. While the Nintendo developer only gave a teaser trailer, the clip revealed the game’s name and starters.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet looks to follow in the footsteps of Pokemon Legends Arceus as the new region has sweeping terrain and a largely open-world map.

The official website confirmed the game’s design further, stating, “Pokemon Scarlet & Violet take a new evolutionary step. Trainers can explore an open world where various towns with no borders blend seamlessly into the wilderness. Pokemon can be seen everywhere in this wide-open world—in the skies, in the sea, and on the streets.”

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet starters revealed

The Pokemon Scarlet & Violet trailer also gave fans their first look at the new adorable Gen 9 starters which include a Grass-type cat, a Fire-type crocodile, and a Water-type duck.

Sprigatito (Grass-type)

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Grass Type Starter Sprigatito

 

Fuecoco (Fire-type)

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Fire Type Starter Fuecoco

Quaxly (Water-type)

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Water Type Starter Quaxly

At the time of writing, there is no concrete release date. However, the trailer confirmed that the ninth generation RPG will be released in “Late 2022.”

Based on usual release cycles, we should expect the new game to drop on a Thursday in November. If we had to guess, November 11th or the 18th 2022 looks like a good candidate.