Pokémon Scarlet and Violet pre-order guide

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the first generation-nine games for the massive Pokémon franchise. The Nintendo Switch games will be open-world, include four-player cooperative play, and feature a new lineup of Pokémon to collect and battle. For those looking to secure their copies quickly, we’ve put together a pre-order guide for you.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet release date

Pokémon Violet and Scarlet will be released for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 18, 2022.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet version differences

Keeping it brief, here’s what we know are exclusives to each game:

• Specific professors: Professor Sada is in Pokémon Scarlet and Professor Turo is in Pokémon Violet.
• Different player outfits: The playable characters in Scarlet are in an orange school uniform and they’re in a purple outfit in Violet.
• Cover Legendaries: The red Koraidon is a Scarlet exclusive and the purple Miraidon is a Violet exclusive.
• Pokémon: Version exclusive Pokémon have been confirmed, but so far we only know that Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar, and Stonjourner will be in Scarlet, and Bagon, Shelgon, Salamence, and Eiscue will be in Violet.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet pre-order and bonuses

You can pre-order the games at any of the stores below. Due to the increasing rarity of hard-copy Pokémon games as time passes, we recommend going physical.

• Amazon: Pokémon Scarlet | Pokémon Violet
• Best Buy: Scarlet | Violet
• Walmart: Scarlet | Violet
• GameStop: Scarlet | Violet
• Nintendo eShop (digital): Pokémon Scarlet | Pokémon Violet

While it’s likely that major retailers like Target, GameStop, and even the Pokémon Center website will have pre-order bonuses, none have been announced yet.

If you buy the digital version of the game through the Nintendo eShop, you’ll get a serial code for the “Adventure Set,” which includes 10 Potions, 5 Full Heals, 3 Revives, 3 Ether, a Rare Candy, and a Nugget.

If you get any version of the game, you can claim a Pikachu that knows Fly and has a Flying Tera Type via Mystery Gift before Feb. 28, 2023.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet double pack pre-order

There is a double pack that has both Pokémon Violet and Scarlet, which you can preorder below if you want both of the games. If you buy the double pack, you’ll get two codes that reward 100 Poké Balls as well.

• Amazon
• Best Buy
• Walmart
• GameStop
• Nintendo eShop (digital)

Image: The Pokémon Company/Nintendo

Update (Aug. 3): We’ve added more information about version specifics, bonuses that come with certain purchases, and more dual pack purchase options.