Following another update to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the new Pokemon "Wiglett" was revealed via running commentary from a research lecture livestream in the wild, but the regional form fake-out that accompanied this sets a bad precedent moving forwards. Regional forms have become a core part of current Pokemon games following their introduction in Pokemon Sun and Moon, thanks to expanded concepts like exclusive regional evolutions in Pokemon Sword and Shield. All eyes have been on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet for similar reveals of new regional forms and evolutions, like its Paldean Wooper.
But as Wooper is currently the only regional form confirmed so far for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, fans have been anticipating other forms thanks to the many leaks and rumors hinting towards others. Specifically, a leak earlier this year suggested that both Spritzee and Diglett would get regional forms, with Diglett's new form being Ground/Water, which appears to parallel the likely types of Wiglett. The reveal is essentially a rug-pull on fans, as it now means possible new Pokemon forms could just be new Pokemon imitating an old design, something which could backfire on Game Freak.
Regional Forms Versus Regional Fakes
It's difficult to say if Wiglett is a one-off instance that Game Freak is trying out or if these "regional fakes" will become a more common occurrence. Presumably there could several other new Pokemon coming to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet that share appearances with other currently existing Pokemon. Consequently, this casts a lot of doubt on plenty of other rumors surrounding regional forms in the upcoming ninth generation, where earlier hints to new forms may actually be altogether new Pokemon reusing old ideas.
While evidently Wiglett will have an impact on regional forms moving forwards, it also appears to lack the consideration that regional forms had upon their introduction. Inspired by real-life evolution creating unique variations of animals, regional forms showed Pokemon adapting to new environments. Whether it was Sandshrew migrating to colder climates or Slowpoke's curry diet, there was an in-game reason behind their existence.
Wiglett, however, doesn't appear to have the same consideration, despite its reveal addressing ways a Diglett might vary for beach habitats. For instance, marketing hasn't explained why Wiglett and Diglett share designs, while other "look-alike" Pokemon such as Mimikyu have clear reasons why they would copy other Pokemon. As fans have already expressed online, it comes across as a low effort design to have both a new Pokemon and a "regional" Gen 1 Pokemon.
Pokemon Design Controversy at Work
Arguably, the actual inspiration behind Wiglett is a sound one, as it's seemingly based on garden eels. Fans hope that an evolution won't similarly copy Dugtrio, but fan uncertainty encapsulates the problem with Wiglett; fans want to know how regional fakes are going to work within the game. Putting aside ongoing criticisms of recent Pokemon design, the way regional fakes were presented to players was poorly done, creating more indecision than intrigue. For such a radical change in Pokemon design, Game Freak should have anticipated this.
Of course, this now leaves players with an awkward precedent for both Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and all other future Pokemon games. Fans don't want a future where rumors about regional forms are actually just copycat designs that feel underdeveloped, and where "new" Pokemon aren't actually new at all. If all fans get is more of the same, it could very likely diminish the hype leading up to a new Pokemon generation where fans are eager to see new Pokemon, forms, or evolutions. To that end, Wiglett could have been great, but only if it had actually been a regional form, and not a regional fake.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are set to release on November 18, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.