Our Take
Pokémon Scarlet is a mainline entry in Nintendo's long-running monster-catching RPG series, released in November 2022 for Nintendo Switch. Set in the Spain-inspired Paldea region, it's the first fully open-world Pokémon game, aimed primarily at children aged seven and up but with broad appeal to returning adult fans. It competes directly with its sister title, Pokémon Violet.
Key Features
Open-world Paldea region loosely inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, explorable in any order
Three independent story paths: Victory Road, Starfall Street, and Path of Legends
Roughly 35–40 hours for the main story, considerably more for completionists
Over 400 Pokémon available including around 100 brand-new species introduced in this generation
Terastal battle mechanic changes a Pokémon's type mid-battle, adding strategic depth
Up to four-player online and local co-op exploration via Union Circle
Our Verdict
A worthwhile buy for Pokémon fans eager for a more free-roaming adventure, and a solid first game for younger players. Those who prioritise technical polish or graphical quality will find it disappointing. If you already own Violet, there is limited reason to double up unless you want the version-exclusive content.