Since their introduction in Alola, regional variants have been an important part of the Pokémon franchise, and it's likely more will be added when Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are released later this year. For now, very little is known about the Gen 9 games, although the new region will reportedly be based on real-world Spain. Because of this, it's likely new regional variants in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will likewise be inspired by the country.
So far, the only new Pokémon revealed for Scarlet and Violet are the starters - the Grass-type Sprigatito, the Fire-type Fuecoco, and the Water-type Quaxly. Typically, around 100 new Pokémon get added into a new generation (sometimes more, sometimes far less), which means fans should expect to see many new species debuting when the Gen 9 games come out. However, as with past games since Gen 7, regional variants are to be expected as well.
Pokémon Sun and Moon began this tradition by introducing new types of older Pokémon - like turning the Fire-type Vulpix into an Ice-type - in what would become known as Alolan forms. The Gen 8 games, Sword and Shield, followed by giving new Galarian forms to a number of Pokémon, including trading Fire-type Ponyta and its evolution Rapidash into Psychic-types. A number of regional variants have been added to Pokémon GO and other media since. It's become a popular part of the series, and it's highly likely Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will include regional variants of its own. While none have been officially confirmed yet, there are a number of older Pokémon that would make great candidates for new regional forms.
Will The Be A New Eevee Evolution In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
Eevee evolutions, or Eeveelutions, have been a popular part of Pokémon since Gen 1, with Gens 2, 4, and 6 all adding in more. A recent fan theory suggests a new Eevee form for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This theory is largely based off Pokémon Journeys, the animated series, in which Chloe's rescued Eevee is said to have "chaotic DNA." Some fans believe this Eevee will evolve into a new form as a way of teasing it for Gen 9.
Whether or not this theory turns out to be true is still up for debate, but a new Eeveelution could be a lot of fun. There are still many types that aren't represented by an Eevee form, and there hasn't been a new one since X and Y came out in 2013 - almost a full decade ago. With Eeveelutions being such a popular part of the series, a new Eevee evolution inspired by the new region in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet makes sense.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Could Give Tauros A New Regional Variant
Assuming Gen 9's region is actually based on Spain, then a new Bull Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet makes sense. Bull-fighting has been widely synonymous with Spain, especially for those outside the country who may not be familiar with other aspects of its culture, so it could fit with the game's inspiration. However, instead of introducing a new bull Pokémon, the games could just offer a regional variant of Tauros.
Outside of being a Ride Pokémon in Alola, the Gen 1 Pokémon hasn't been utilized much in recent years. A regional variant for Tauros in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet could put it back in the spotlight. It would also be a way to appeal to older players who may be nostalgic for the Safari Zone.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Could Offer A New Volcanion Form
Legendary Pokémon aren't commonly given variants, but Pokémon Legends: Arceus offered new forms for Palkia, Dialga, and a number of others. Again, assuming Gen 9's region is based on Spain, then Volcanion could be a prime candidate for a new form inspired by the region. Spain's Canary Islands is known for its beaches but also its volcanic terrain. If a new Volcanion regional variant is introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, then perhaps trainers will have to travel to a series of isles to discover and catch it.
Arbok Could Get A Regional Variant In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Like Tauros, Arbok is another Gen 1 Pokémon that hasn't been utilized much in recent entries. Pokémon Sword and Shield gave a regional variant to Arbok's Team Rocket counterpart, Weezing, and it's time this snake Pokémon got similar attention. The Pokémon Scarlet and Violet trailer already showed off Seviper, and there are many species of vipers in Spain, so giving Arbok a more viper-ish appearance could be the way to go.
Many Alolan regional variants also had new forms for their base Pokémon, which means Ekans might be getting its own new design and typing as well. Because of this, changing the Pokémon's type and color would be the best ways to make them stand out. It's hard to picture Ekans and Arbok without their typical Poison-typing, though, but adding another type like Water or Fire could certainly make things interesting.
A Smeargle Regional Variant In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Would Be Fun
Smeargle is a Gen 2 Pokémon that hasn't really seen much attention, especially in recent entries. Despite appearing in a number of games, Smeargle doesn't evolve and isn't considered a great asset in battle, so it's often overlooked. However, a new Smeargle regional variant in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet could be a great way to pay homage to one of Spain's famous painters - Pablo Picasso. Using its tail like a paintbrush, Smeargle would make a great candidate for a regional variant, or perhaps it could even get its own regional evolution like several of the Hisui Pokémon in Legends: Arceus.
For now, there are just too many unknowns regarding Pokémon Scarlet and Violet to know for sure which species will be getting their own regional variants. However, given the popularity of these forms, it's highly probably fans will see some in the Gen 9 games. While it's cool to dream about what regional variants will be added in the new games, fans hopefully won't have to wait too much longer to see what's in store for them in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which is set to release later in 2022.