A talented Reddit user has uploaded a Gen 1 style pixel art rendering of three new starter Pokemon, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. These pixel sprites are authentic first generation re-imaginings of the new Pokemon. As the original games were released to the Western audience on Game Boy just months ahead of the release of the Game Boy Color, the pixel art style of the new Pokemon Scarlet and Violet characters is fitting for the franchise.
Released globally on November 18, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has broken sales records by selling over 10 million copies in the first three days. Suffice it to say that the new starter Pokemon are already familiar faces with many, even those who only know Pokemon in passing. The cute trio continue the tradition of representing three base elements: grass (Sprigatito), fire (Fuecoco), and water (Quaxly) and so are instantly recognizable as Pokemon characters.
Reddit user Pikselarto has made them even more identifiable as Pokemon by drawing the new additions in pixel perfect form. Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly match the same high quality designs of all starter Pokémon, and so fit the first generation pixel art style perfectly. Pikselarto has rendered the trio in a simple color palette, with clearly defined outlines. The Reddit user included the text “Choose your starter” in the original Pokemon text box. Looking at these sprites, it's easy to imagine classic GameBoy quality audio cries coming from each. This is further evidence of great artists in the Pokemon community.
More images can be seen on Pikselarto's original post.
The user says that the design of new Pokemon must be good if the Pokemon can be easily recognized despite restrictions such as color and few pixels in the sprite. Another user posted to congratulate Pikselarto on their good work, and also to reply to the text box to say that the correct choice is Sprigatito or Fuecoco, noting that they are not a fan of Quaxly. Despite the comment being downvoted, this matches popular opinion that Sprigatito is the favorite starter Pokemon of the trio for most.
Considering that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is riddled with bugs and performance issues, two main factors for this most recent installment’s immense popularity and financial success may be nostalgia and general appreciation of the new, cute starter Pokemon. Meaning that this artist’s redesign is a perfect fit for the Pokemon franchise. It is also evident that the love for the franchise is still going strong despite the well-known bugs in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.