Game Freak has announced Pokemon Scarlet and Violet- the 9th generation of Pokemon games as part of today’s Pokemon Day celebrations.
As a surprise reveal at the end of the livestream, there’s not much we know about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. It looks like it will be using a similar open world to Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, with various Pokemon populating the overworld.
The games will release late 2022, likely taking up the usual November release slot for Pokemon games this year.
Things like whether or not the game would use the traditional mainline combat or Pokemon Legends Arceus‘ more in-depth combat haven’t been revealed, though it should be noted the game looks much closer to Arceus in terms of visuals.
They’ve also shown off the starters for the new Pokemon games, but no information was given about them outside of the obvious typing.
The game also features a slightly new artstyle, moving a bit further away from the anime aesthetic of previous games.
It’s been a stacked year for Pokemon releases- Between the Sinnoh remakes, Pokemon Legends Arceus and now Scarlet and Violet due in the middle of the year.
Various other titles are also celebrating Pokemon Day, such as the free pulls in Pokemon Masters EX and free trials for Pokemon in Pokemon Unite.