Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Legendaries: Which Version You Should Choose

Like past games in the series, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will require players to select between game versions when they release this fall, and picking between the two will be a tough choice. While it will be possible to purchase both versions when they release, players will still need to pick which game to pick up first. However, differences in Scarlet and Violet's Legendary mascots and Pokémon Professors will likely play a large part in which game to start with.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet received a surprising reveal early in 2022, just a month after the release of the new open-world-inspired Pokémon Legends: Arceus. While hope for a Generation 9 announcement has been mounting with the slow decline of Sword and Shield, the news and release window for 2022 were both surprising and exciting for fans of the series. Currently, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have a release date confirmed for November 18, 2022, with trailers already detailing what the new region will look like, and what Pokémon species could be seen roaming the different areas of the map.

In the most recent Pokémon Scarlet and Violet trailer, it was revealed that the Gen 9 region will contain revamped Pokémon Centers, as well as changing game progression to embrace the open-world setting. Players will be able to explore the region in any order they like, instead of being guided through linear map progression. A sneak peek at a handful of new Scarlet and Violet Pokémon species also revealed adorable Pokédex additions like Electric-type Pawmi, Grass/Normal-type Smoliv, and Normal-type Lechonk. The new mascot Legendary Pokémon were also revealed, with Koraidon exclusive to Scarlet and Miraidon exclusive to Violet. The new mascots are often what players base their version choices on, and the newly revealed Legendaries may make the choice more complicated than in past Pokémon games.

Pokémon Scarlet's Koraidon Focuses On Gen 9's Distant Past

Official art of Koraidon for Pokémon Scarlet.

Unlike past Legendary Pokémon, Pokémon Scarlet's Koraidon comes alongside a version exclusive Pokémon Professor. Players who pick Scarlet will meet Professor Sada, who appears to focus on Gen 9's distant past. Koraidon has a design that is more reptilian, similar to a feathered dinosaur or prehistoric lizard, and Professor Sada has a dated clothing style to match. While Koraidon's type hasn't been revealed yet, it is possible it could be a type combination of Dragon and Poison, or Poison and Fire. It is also possible it could possess powers or abilities that haven't been seen with past Pokémon Legendaries.

Those looking for a narrative that focuses on past events may want to consider picking Scarlet over Violet when preordering games for the Fall. It is possible that each version's narrative will differ greatly, especially with the lore and secrets potentially affected by each version's respective Pokémon Professor. It is possible those who pick Scarlet will have the chance to learn about the history of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's region, or even travel back in time. Fans of Pokémon Legends: Arceus may be particularly interested in the direction of Pokémon Scarlet, potentially making it a great choice for those who enjoyed the historical region of Hisui.

Pokémon Violet's Miraidon Could Take Players To A Distant Future

The Miraidon Pokemon from Scarlet and Violet

While Pokémon Scarlet appears to focus on the history of the new region, Pokémon Violet will potentially take an opposite approach. The futuristic designs of both Legendary Pokémon Miraidon and Pokémon Professor Turo are reminiscent of the Ultra Beasts in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Miraidon has a sleek, robotic body with digital eyes and a clear chest that appears to be filled with concentrated electrical energy. This could point to it being a Dragon and Electric-type, or an Electric and Psychic-type combination. Additionally, Professor Turo's outfit matches the Legendary Pokémon, as he appears to be wearing a futuristic spacesuit under his standard lab coat.

Because Professor Turo seems to have research focused on the future, it is possible players who choose Pokémon Violet over Pokémon Scarlet will have a chance to learn about distant decades set after the main events of Generation 9's narrative. Violet could allow players to see the impact of certain choices, or even take them a different outcome depending on decisions made during gameplay. While nothing has been revealed currently regarding the effect of player choices on the main narrative, this could create high stakes for those unraveling Gen 9's secrets.

While major plot points may differ between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, there are numerous confirmed features that should be the same in both versions. Players will be able to travel Gen 9's region catching Pokémon, battling trainers, and engaging in a 4-player co-op, and both versions offer the ability to meet the new NPC Nemona. It has also been confirmed players will be able to trade Pokémon, but it isn't yet clear if this will include the GTS seen in previous main Pokémon titles, or if the open-world and co-op options will introduce a new method of trading for players to explore.

There are also factors outside of the version exclusive Legendary mascots and Pokémon Professors that could affect which game to pick when selecting between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. While much of this information is currently unavailable, it is possible to pick games based on the version exclusive standard Pokémon species that appear in the wild, or even the antagonist teams. In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, the overall narrative revolving around the antagonist teams of the region changed depending on the version. Those who wanted to be friends with Team Magma needed to select Sapphire, while those wanting to buddy up with Team Aqua's Archie had to select Ruby. It is possible similar themes could be used in Scarlet and Violet.

While it is likely that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will each provide a different experience, the ultimate decision for which game and subsequent Legendary Pokémon to pick will come down to player preference. Thankfully, those worried about filling out the region Gen 9 Pokédex can always trade with friends, and those wanting to enjoy each story variation can play both games for the full experience. While there is still much to learn about Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, it is likely each game will offer a unique adventure and pioneer new steps for the series as a whole.

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