Since the dawn of thePokemonfranchise, there has always been two versions of, what is essentially, the same game. Sometimes, there’s even been three, with the third version of aPokemongame releasing a little after the other two and adding some new features, tweaking the map a little, and balancing the game overall. Despite a portion of the fans lamenting this long-running tradition, wishing that all the content was simply combined into one complete package, Game Freak continues to release two versions of itsPokemongames every generation, withPokemon Scarlet and Violetbeing no different.
In the past, the differences between the versions have been relatively minor. It’s often the case that the only real difference between the versions is the type of legendary Pokemon the player can catch at the end of the game. In the recently releasedPokemon Scarlet and Violettrailer, it seems as though these versions are going to differ a little more than past entries, with some Pokemon, Professors, and cosmetics seemingly being exclusive to one version or the other.
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Version Exclusive Pokemon
As has been the case sincePokemon Silver, Crystal, andGold,Pokemon Scarlet and Violetwill feature two different legendary Pokemon. Revealed in the most recent trailer,Pokemon Scarletwill feature Koraidon, whilePokemon Violetwill feature Miraidon. While both of these legendaries have the same serpent-like features overall, they each have some pretty distinguishing characteristics.
While Koraidon is more ofthe typical snake or dragon-like Pokemon, albeit with arms and legs, Miraidon’s design is a little more out there, with giant jet engines protruding from its lower half in place of legs. The two Pokemon also sport their respective games' color, and as some investigative fans have theorized, their visual designs may tie-in with their names.
In Japanese, “Korai” loosely translates to “ancient,” or “time-honored,” while the word “Mirai” means “future.” This links in pretty closely with the Pokemons' visual designs, with Koraidon being a simplistic, stoic figure, whileMiraidon has bright electrical streaks across its bodyand has jet engines for legs.
This may also indicate the general direction ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s story, as pastPokemongames have used their legendaries to express the themes and narrative direction of the game.Pokemon DiamondandPearl, for instance, largely focused on time and space, which itslegendaries Dialga and Palkiawere respectively responsible for.
While this hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, some fans are also speculating that on top of the exclusive legendary Pokemon, some regular monsters will also be locked behind a specific version of the game. Though there’s no evidence of that just yet, this would fit in line withthe last two decade or so ofPokemonentries, with evenPokemon Silver and Goldhaving some exclusive Pokemon.
Other Version Exclusive Content Confirmed So Far
Although the legendary Pokemon are probably the most important exclusive content inPokemon Scarlet and Violet, there are a few more aspects of the game that seem to be locked to either one version or the other. One of the more interesting version-exclusive aspects is the two different Professors. For those that purchasePokemon Scarlet, they’ll be reporting to Professor Sada, and those that purchasePokemon Violetwill be mentored by Professor Turo.
Much likeScarlet and Violet’s legendaries, these professors' visual design and names may also tie-in with this theme of time, with Sada wearing some prehistoric-looking pelts and Turo wearing a futuristic bodysuit underneath a lab coat. Sada’s name may also be a reference to the Spanish word “pasada,” which means the past, while Turo’s name may be a play-on “futuro,” the Spanish word for future. With many fans theorizing thatScarlet and Violet’s region is inspired by Spain, this might all tie together neatly.
It also seems like players will receive different color starting outfits based on the version they pick up. ForPokemon Scarletplayers, they’ll start with some orange shorts, a white shirt, an orange tie, and a blue hat, whilePokemon Violetplayers will be wearing purple shorts, a purple tie, a gray shirt, and a white hat.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetlaunch November 18, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
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