The newest video from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet officially introduces a brand-new Pokemon in the Paldea region, Wiglett. The Pokemon Company had previously revealed the eel Pokemon inspired by Diglett earlier this week through a fake webinar to mixed reactions. While many liked the cutesy design of the Diglett variant, others were critical of Wiglett for being an entirely new Pokemon, rather than a new regional variant of the classic creature. Now, the official Pokemon YouTube has given a formal introduction to the newest member of the franchise's roster.
The official video titled "Wiglett Knows How to Make a Splash!" shows off the newest Pokemon coming to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in a beach-side setting. The reveal confirmed Wiglett to be a Water-type Pokemon showing a Wiglett interacting with a Diglett along the beach, as well as some animations Wiglett has including shrinking back into its hole. The video also shows off some of Wiglett's battle animations, swinging its elongated body around as an idle animation and thrusting its head forward to attack.
Wiglett has seen largely mixed reception since its reveal with many fans criticizing The Pokemon Company for Wiglett's design. Wiglett has sparked significant discussion from fans about regional forms versus "regional fakes," with many feeling that Wiglett's design sets a bad precedent for the future of Pokemon's unique designs. Little information has been given about Wiglett as of yet.
Wiglett becomes the newest member of a handful of new Pokemon already shown from the introduction of Pokemon's Paldea region in Gen 9. Previous reveals from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have shown off the game's two cover Legendaries, Koraidon and Miraidon, as well as their pre-evolution, Cyclizar. Other new creatures in Paldea include a regional variant of Wooper, the Puppy Pokemon Fidough, and the Hog Pokemon Lechonk among others. The developer notably has yet to feature the game's Starter Pokemon evolutions with two months until the game's release.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are set to bring a plethora of changes to the Pokemon franchise alongside its roster of new creatures. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were confirmed to be the first fully open-ended open-world Pokemon games, with previous games like Legends: Arceus and Sword and Shield experimenting with open world areas. The new Terastal gimmick will also feature the unique ability for Pokemon to change types, alongside a mix of real-time and turn-based combat in Raid Dens. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will look to bring the franchise into a new era when the games launch in November.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will release on November 18, 2022 for the Nintendo Switch.