Pokémon Scarlet & Violet review

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are the open-world main entries, and they rank third. Nintendo's store page describes the Paldea region as a vast land of lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns and sprawling cities that you can explore at your own pace, riding Koraidon in Scarlet or Miraidon in Violet across land, water and air. There is no set path: you weave between Victory Road and its Gyms, the Path of Legends with giant Titan Pokémon, and Starfall Street against Team Star. Terastallizing adds a battle twist, and the Poké Portal lets you explore with other players. Each version costs $59.99, the Double Pack is $119.99 and a bundle with The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC is $94.99. The two versions have exclusive Pokémon and different professors, so pick the one whose legendary you prefer. For co-op exploration, this is the best choice.

Who it is for

Players who want the largest open world in the series and co-op exploration with friends.

Price

$59.99 one-time digital purchase on the US Nintendo eShop.

Pokémon™ Scarlet 11/18/22 Regular Price: $59.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Open world across lakes, peaks, wastelands, towns and cities in Paldea
• Three stories: Victory Road, Path of Legends and Starfall Street
• Ride Koraidon in Scarlet or Miraidon in Violet over land, water and air
• Terastal Phenomenon that changes battles
• Explore Paldea with other players and move Pokémon with Pokémon HOME

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No set path, so you choose which story to follow next
• Strength: Multiplayer lets friends explore the region together
• Strength: Game plus DLC bundle sold for $94.99
• Weakness: Each version has exclusive Pokémon, so trading or the $119.99 Double Pack is needed for all of them
• Weakness: Online play needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership
• Weakness: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC is a separate $34.99 purchase

Key facts

• Developer: GAME FREAK inc.
• Release date: November 18, 2022
• ESRB: Mild Fantasy Violence
• File size: 9.9 GB on Switch
• Double Pack: $119.99

Where it ranks

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is No. 3 in our Best Pokémon Games verdict.