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At a glance: which Pokémon game fits you?
| Factor | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Pokémon Winds and Waves |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Released November 18, 2022; available now. Nintendo lists Scarlet for Nintendo Switch and links the paired Violet version. | Planned simultaneous worldwide release in 2027; no specific date announced. The Pokémon Company’s game page identifies the games as in development. |
| Hardware | Nintendo Switch family systems. | Nintendo Switch 2 only. |
| Confirmed adventure | Open-world adventures with three named story paths, mount traversal, and the Terastal Phenomenon. | Open world featuring windswept islands, a vast ocean, and ecosystems shaped by the region’s environment. Full mechanics are not yet established. |
| Version differences confirmed | Scarlet and Violet are separate versions; the corresponding DLC is also version-specific. | The main characters’ outfits differ by version. A full comparison of version-exclusive content has not been announced. |
Why play Scarlet or Violet now?
You can start immediately on Switch
Scarlet and Violet are released Nintendo Switch games, unlike the upcoming Winds and Waves. Nintendo lists physical Game Card and download editions for Scarlet. Its Scarlet product page links the paired Violet version.
Their open-world structure is established
In Scarlet and Violet, you can move among three story paths: Gym challenges (Victory Road), Titan Pokémon (Path of Legends), and Team Star (Starfall Street). You traverse the region using Koraidon in Scarlet or Miraidon in Violet, and the games feature the Terastal Phenomenon. Play Nintendo’s overview describes these features.
That gives you a concrete picture of the adventure you would be choosing. By contrast, Winds and Waves have a confirmed island-and-ocean setting, but their full mechanics have not yet been detailed.
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- New Pokémon to Discover - Learn new details about Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly—the three Pokémon from which you’ll choose your first partner—along with other wonderful new Pokémon, including the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon!
- The World of Pokémon Has Evolved - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet offer an open-world experience that only the Pokémon series can deliver—one welcoming even to newcomers to the series.
- You can experience a new style of adventure, with a world that you’re free to explore at your leisure and not in an order dictated by the story. You will, of course, journey to hone your skills as a Pokémon Trainer, but many more discoveries and stories await you. Meet a variety of people and Pokémon, and adventure in the world of Pokémon the way you want to.
- A Deeper Experience with Multiplayer* Gameplay - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet allow multiplayer gameplay with up to four players. Along with series staples, such as trading and battling Pokémon, you will be able to explore the various locations of the region in these games with other players. You can discover new Pokémon and explore unfamiliar areas with your friends and family, opening the door to an adventure more precious and fun than ever!
- Meet the characters - As one of the main characters, you’ll set off on your adventure. Your outfit will vary depending on whether you play Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. Who knows what kind of story awaits you? For the first time in the series, one of two different professors will appear in your game depending on the version you choose to play.
Choose the matching version if you want the DLC
Nintendo states that The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Scarlet is compatible only with Scarlet; Violet requires its separate Violet DLC. To access the DLC in both games, you need both versions. Check that the game and DLC version match before purchasing. Nintendo’s DLC support page explains compatibility.
When it makes sense to wait for Winds or Waves
You have or want a Switch 2
Winds and Waves are planned exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, with a simultaneous worldwide launch scheduled for 2027. The official announcement gives no exact release date. If you do not have Switch 2 and do not plan to get one, these games are not an option on your current hardware.
Rank #2
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles***!
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them***
The setting appeals to you, and you can wait for details
The announced open world includes windswept islands and a vast ocean, with Pokémon ecosystems shaped by the environment. Players will team up with Pokémon to overcome obstacles and forces of nature. The three confirmed first partner Pokémon are Browt (Grass, Bean Chick Pokémon), Pombon (Fire, Puppy Pokémon), and Gecqua (Water, Water Gecko Pokémon). The announcement also shows special Pikachu called Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu, but does not specify their role in the adventure. The official game page provides the revealed details.
These details establish the premise, not how the games will play across a full adventure. The Pokémon Company’s page cautions: “Screenshots and footage are from a product in development and not final. Actual gameplay experience may vary.”
Rank #3
- The Nintendo Switch – OLED Model Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Edition console features art inspired by the upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games (sold separately). The Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon are featured on the glossy front side of the white system’s dock, and a design inspired by the series’ iconic Poké Ball is featured on the back.
- The Nintendo Switch OLED Model features a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand, a dock with a wired LAN port, 64 GB of internal storage, and enhanced audio. Play anytime, anywhere, with anyone. Nintendo Switch can transform to suit your situation, so you can play the games you want, no matter how busy life may be.
- Pick it up and play with the Joy-Con controllers attached. Nintendo Switch OLED model includes a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen with a slimmer bezel. The large screen's vivid colours and high contrast deliver a rich handheld and tabletop gaming experience, bringing games to life whether you're racing at top speed or squaring off against enemies.
- Flip out the stand and hand a controller to another player to share the screen and enjoy competitive or co-operative multiplayer, anytime and anywhere. Nintendo Switch (OLED model)'s wide adjustable stand can be set to your preferred viewing angle for comfortable gameplay in tabletop mode.
- Gather around a big screen and enjoy gaming with a crowd. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. The dock included with Nintendo Switch (OLED model) features two USB ports, an HDMI port for connecting to a TV, and a new wired LAN port, allowing for more stable online play when playing in TV mode. Save games to your system with 64 GB of internal storage & Enjoy enhanced audio from the system’s onboard speakers.
How to choose between Scarlet and Violet
Scarlet and Violet are distinct versions. If choosing between them, consider which version you want to play and, if you plan to buy The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, make sure you get the DLC that matches it. For Winds and Waves, the announced protagonist outfits differ between versions, but a full list of version-exclusive content has not been supplied.
What is not yet known about Winds and Waves
The official announcement does not establish the new games’ final combat details, story length or quality, postgame depth, performance, price, exact 2027 release date, or complete version-exclusive content. It also does not explain how Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu fit into the story. Those are open questions, not evidence that the games will be better or worse than Scarlet and Violet.
Rank #4
![Pokémon Scarlet/Pokémon Violet Expansion Pass: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (Retail Version) Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51n-a8y2QXL._SL160_.jpg)
- Only one code for a Hisuian Zoroark can be used in either the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. Upon purchase of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, an email with your code will be sent to the email address registered to your Nintendo Account. From the in-game menu, go to the Poké Portal, then select Mystery Gift, select Get with Code/Password, and then enter your code.
- The Mystery Gift option can be found within the Poké Portal menu option in the X menu after you unlock the feature in the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. (This occurs after about 1 to 1.5 hours of gameplay, though individual gameplay time may vary.) An internet connection and a Nintendo Account is required to redeem the item in game. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required. Each item can only be redeemed once.
Verdict
Choose Scarlet or Violet for a Pokémon open-world adventure you can play now on Nintendo Switch-family hardware, with its three confirmed story paths and established features. Choose to wait for Winds or Waves if you are prepared for a 2027 release on Switch 2 and prefer to see how the new island-and-ocean adventure develops. The announcement alone is not enough to judge which pair will be the better game for you.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- If you purchase either the physical or digital double pack, you will receive a 200 Poké Ball bonus via download codes* that can be entered in the Mystery Gift** feature in your game!
- The packaged version of the double pack includes 1 physical Pokémon Scarlet game and 1 physical Pokémon Violet game
- Catch, battle, and train Pokémon in the Paldea Region, a vast land filled with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns, and sprawling cities
- Choose either Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly, to be your first partner Pokémon before setting off on your journey through Paldea
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
