There was a lot going on in the latest Pokémon Presents stream — think Nintendo Direct, but for cute and weird-looking creatures that you capture and force into gladiatorial combat — but there’s no question about the highlight: A more thorough look at the upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet releases.
Following an extended look at 2022’s Pokémon World Championships, which is returning on Aug. 18 for the first time since 2019 with newcomers Pokémon Go and Pokémon Unite newly added to the competition, the stream switched over to look at November’s pair of Pokémon games for Switch. We knew the biggest twist already in the latest Pokémon: It’s set in a fully open world that you can explore with friends online. And now we have a better sense of what that could look like.
The debut of two vaguely dragon-themed Legendary Pokémon and their shared unique ability is the stream’s highlight. There’s the sleek-looking, purple Miraidon, which is accented by lightning bolt-shaped patterns that seem to glow with energy, and then there’s Koraidon, whose feathery red and white body is adorned with blue accents. Both Pokémon feature throat and tail features that look suspiciously similar to tires.
And hey, guess what? They’re tires. These are rideable Pokémon that you’ll be able to pilot on land, sea, and air as you progress through the game. Being able to get around quickly is a pretty important feature in any game featuring a large, exploration-friendly world. And having the ability in Scarlet and Violet both to explore that world with up to three other friends means only one thing: Pokémon biker gangs. Count us in.
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet come to Nintendo Switch on Nov. 18.
