Every new Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have now leaked online, and while many fans either love or hate certain designs, it seems the evolution of Dunsparce is getting the worst of it. It'll be some time before the dust settles on the overall quality of the new Pokemon list in Scarlet and Violet, but if these leaks are any indication, it could be a polarizing generation as far as designs go.
As many know, Dunsparce was introduced back in Pokemon Gold and Silver - roughly 23 years ago. Pokemon Gold and Silver released in Japan first, on November 21, 1999, before coming to the United States and other parts of the world in October 2000 (later in some places). Dunsparce is an odd little creature with a serpentine body, redundant wings, and unusual design, serving as troglobites that live their entire life in pitch-black caves. As odd as it is, it has developed a cult following over the years who have begged, generation after generation, for Dunsparce to get an evolution or new form. Priors leaks have indicated Pokemon Scarlet and Violet would include a Dunsparce evolution, but no one was exactly expecting this.
Retaining its Normal type and being named Dudunsparce, this evolution can be seen in-game HERE. It's essentially a slightly bigger, slightly longer Dunsparce. Its tail has some new details, it has an extra set of redundant wings, its eyes get one extra line, and its mouth gets an extra extrusion. Unfortunately, as seen by the reception on social media, it doesn't seem Dunsparce is living up to the hype fans drummed up for its evolution. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's evolution is just Dunsparce, with a few more extra redundant details.
It should be noted that some Pokemon Scarlet and Violet leaks suggest that it has more than one form, but that these forms include the two-segment body seen in the above link and another which just adds another segment. In this way, it's perhaps more of a land snake, but it's not going over well with fans. It's hard to know what would have exactly pleased folks, though one fake Pokemon Scarlet and Violet leak suggested a way bigger, more engorged take on Dunsparce, potentially named "abundunce" that seemed to resonate with fans.
While many are upset, some say that this evolution keeps the dorky, weird, and unusual design of Dunsparce, and that's the point. Of course, the quality of any Pokemon or generation is subjective, but what should be noted is that Dunsparce was not really popular at launch either. Dudunsparce may not be the most popular Pokemon come Scarlet and Violet's release, but perhaps that's also the point. 20 years from now, who knows what fans will think of Dudunsparce.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet release November 18 for Nintendo Switch.