Why you should play Pokemon Scarlet and Violet again in 2026

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet It officially entered its fourth year in November 2025. Pokemon Legends: ZA Even though it's been a few months since it was released along with its DLC, Gen 9 is still a staple of the series. That's because this is the last new generation of Critters, giving fans plenty of content to experience in both the base game and two full-fledged expansion packs. but, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet There were so many issues and controversies attached to it that it was review-bombed by fans who were dissatisfied with the game's performance on the Switch. Still, there are plenty of reasons to play or replay Gen 9 games in 2026.

Summary of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet features

vast An open world to explore
400 Pokémon in the Paldean Pokedex
- above 100 new species in the base game
The Kitakami and Blueberry Academy DLC Pokedex contains over 330 Pokémon. 730 unique available animals
- 15 new Pokémon species across both DLCs
Extensive VGC community with ongoing events including Worlds 2026
Lots of missions to complete and items to find
Endgame Content Stay engaged in the base game and DLC
majority online event How to get unique Pokemon Scarlett and Violet‘Walking Wake’ and ‘Iron Leaf’
Terra Raid Battle Play both solo and online
one of the best stories pokemon stratagem

relevant

The Pokedex of the 10th generation of Pokemon must break the traditions kept by Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon are known to stay pretty much the same from game to game, but the next Pokémon generation will still be improved with one change.

Why you should start playing Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in 2026

Get ready for Pokemon Generation 10 in 2026

watertight Pokemon Scarlet and VioletPokemon Dex
Complete the Kitakami Pokémon Pokédex.
Complete the Blueberry Academy Pokedex
transfer pokemon pokemon home
Catch Pokémon you may have missed, like the DLC's Pecharunt epilogue event or the event-exclusive Walking Wake and Iron Leaves.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the franchise, and a new generation pokemon Games are typically released every three years, with 2026 being the fourth year since release. Scarlett and Violet Now that it has come out, it is basically confirmed that the 10th generation will come out. pokemon wind and wavesThe 10th generation leaked titles are likely to come out between October and November this year, so try playing them again. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet It's a sure-fire way to prepare for new titles when they come out.

Experience Pokemon Scarlet and Violet on Nintendo Switch 2

Play with improved graphics
Enjoy a richer open world with more Pokémon Scarlett and Violet Compared to Switch 1
Play at over 60FPS and say goodbye to performance issues.

When the new Nintendo console was released, the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack was also released. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. If you have a Nintendo Switch 2, this is an amazing upgrade as the game will run much more smoothly on the new console, allowing you to explore Paldea in the best shape it's ever been.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Shining Hunt

Complete Terra Raid battles to obtain Herba Mystica
Make a sparkling sandwich
Receive your favorite Pokemon in Shiny
Try the Masuda method of making egg glitter

Get a shining charm Pokemon Scarlet and Violet You have to catch every Pokemon in the game. This is easier if you have two consoles and two copies of the game, but it can also be done through trading. However, once you have it, you can combine it with a shiny sandwich for an incredible odds of 1 in about 500. This makes it very easy to find your favorites and is a great way to work your way through completing the shiny Pokedex.

The Shiny Amulet increases your chances of finding a Shiny Pokémon in an egg, and combining it with the Masuda Method gives you an even higher chance.

Is Pokemon Scarlet and Violet worth playing in 2026?

If none of these reasons convince you that now is the best time to go back in time. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Or there may be one more when you start a new playthrough. With this year being the 30th anniversary of the franchise and the Gen 10 release being 9-10 months away, there is a concrete possibility that Gen 9 games could feature new and unique online events.

These could be: Pokemon Scarlet and VioletHow to hunt Shiny Rayquaza, Tera Raids for exclusive rewards, or Shiny-locked Legendary and Mythical Pokemon that are currently shiny-locked. Although it's not confirmed at the moment, 2026 will be a big year for Gen 9 games and will serve as a usher in the new generation.