Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are heading to the Switch later in 2022, meaning there will be lots of brand-new Pokemon for players to encounter. With a new region inspired by Spain, this will probably lead to many interesting new Pokemon designs. Fans can also expect new versions of creatures introduced in previous Pokemon generations.
There are likely to be new regional forms that re-imagine how older Pokemon have adapted to the new region's climate. This tradition began in Pokemon Sun & Moon, and has produced some new fan-favorites: Alolan Ninetales, Hisuian Zoroark, and Galarian Rapidash to name a few. These ten could certainly join those ranks!
10 Ekans & Arbok
First generation Pokemon are usually the most popular choices for new regional forms. Recent games have introduced updated versions of many underrated Gen 1 creatures, such as Sandslash and Farfetch'd. Hopefully, Scarlet & Violet will see the Poison-type Ekans and Arbok get a fresh redesign.
Since the new region may be inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, a new Ekans and Arbok could resemble an asp snake. These venomous creatures are common all throughout the Mediterranean area. This would be a great choice to turn the new Ekans and Arbok into a rarely-seen Poison/Ground-type.
9 Lapras
Lapras is notable in the Pokemon franchise for helping players traverse large bodies of water. Based on the trailer for Scarlet & Violet, this new region will probably feature many sunny locations. Given Lapras's secondary Ice-typing, a new redesign of Lapras could be adapted to a more tropical environment.
A new Lapras redesign could be Water/Rock, with a different coloring, though this typing would make it 4x weak against Grass-types. Maybe the new Lapras could have an island growing on its shell, providing a comfy, vacation-like ride for its passengers, complete with palm trees. This design would obviously be Water/Grass.
8 Aipom & Ambipom
Aipom was introduced in the franchise's second generation, but didn't receive an evolution until two generations later. Notably, Aipom became a member of Ash Ketchum's team in Pokemon the Series: Ruby & Sapphire. In the games, however, Ambipom hasn't ever really been much of a threat.
Perhaps that could change with Scarlet & Violet, potentially introducing a form of Aipom and Ambipom that's Fighting-type. This design could see a more karate-inspired monkey Pokemon, replacing their tail hands with fists. This could add a boost to Ambipom's high Attack and Speed stats, making it a very powerful opponent.
7 Roselia & Roserade
It's likely that many aspects of Latin-American culture, and even some mild stereotypes, may inspire new Pokemon designs. In the England-inspired Galar region, there was Galarian Weezing, complete with a top hat and nauseous mustache. In this new Spain-inspired region, that type of design could come in Roselia and Roserade.
A common Spanish trope is masculine men holding a blood-red rose, often between their teeth. This new Roselia and Roserade design could possibly be more masculine than feminine, featuring only red roses and a suave demeanor. This design might be perfect for the anime, which could heighten the new Roselia's romantic behavior.
6 Tropius
Tropius, introduced in the third generation, is one of those Pokemon that fans wish had more potential than it does. Its design is rather unique, as well as its Grass/Flying-typing. However, there may be a perfect avenue for Tropius to receive a regional form in Scarlet & Violet, and it relates to the fruit on Tropius's neck.
Scarlet and Violet's trailer has prompted speculation about the new Fire-type starter, Fuecoco. Many believe its design is inspired by chili peppers, but knowing Game Freak, this may be abandoned by the second or third evolution. In that case, a new Grass/Fire-type Tropius that grows peppers would be the perfect replacement.
5 Sandile, Krokorok, & Krookodile
The Ground/Dark-type line introduced in the fifth generation are quite terrifying. According to Krookodile's Pokedex entries, the crocodile Pokemon is described as "very violent" and "the Bully of the Sands." However, regional forms can sometimes re-imagine a Pokemon's entire demeanor, which could be the case with this line.
New regional forms for the Sandile evolution line could find them appearing more colorful and whimsical. Perhaps rather than be aggressive, physical attackers, these forms could have more emphasis on defense and support moves. It could also be Ground/Fairy, an unused type combination that would perform well competitively.
4 Trubbish & Garbodor
Many regional variants don't necessarily pertain to the region they're found in. Some of them update older Pokemon based on more modern ideas. For instance, Galarian Corsola's Pokedex entry states that it has been damaged by climate change, resulting in a Ghost-type Pokemon. Trubbish & Garbodor could see a similar change.
Rather than be Poison-type literal bags of garbage, a new environmentally-conscious Trubbish & Garbodor could be based on recyclables. These Steel-types could even appear more beautiful and majestic than the frankly ugly appearance of Garbodor. This would be a neat, socially conscious design that many fans could get behind.
3 Honedge & Doublade
These Pokemon were introduced in Pokemon X & Y, and as Steel/Ghost-types, they have made quite an impression on fans. However, their evolution, Aegislash, is the real shining star, being one of the most viable Pokemon competitively. However, a re-design of Honedge and Doublade may leave Aegislash on the cutting room floor.
To fit in with the themes of Spain, a new Honedge and Doublade could be inspired by rapiers rather than medieval swords. Likewise, they could have a brand-new third evolution that's more inspired by the fencing style, rather than a simple sword and shield. This would be quite a drastic change, losing Aegislash's Ability, Stance Change.
2 Palossand
This sand castle Pokemon first appeared in the seventh generation as a Ground/Ghost-type. It fit very well in the Alola region, with its plentiful beaches and tropical design. Of course, it's very possible that Palossand could return as is in Scarlet & Violet, though another idea may make this Pokemon more ominous.
Compared to Hawaii, Europe is known for having many castles from an era of ongoing war and invasion. Perhaps the new Palossand could be a sand fortress, changing to Rock/Ghost. Not only would this be an interesting redesign for Palossand, but it would also make it a very powerful Rock-type, gaining an immunity to Fighting-type moves.
1 Clobbopus & Grapploct
Of course, one of the biggest reasons to give a Pokemon a regional form is to perhaps fix something that seems off about its original design. An example of this from recent games is Clobbopus and Grapploct, two octopus Pokemon from Gen 8. Strangely, these are pure Fighting-type, despite being based on sea creatures.
According to the Pokedex entries, it's stated they come onto land to search for food and to search for worthy opponents. Perhaps these Pokemon have an alternate form that's more adapted to fighting underwater enemies. Making their new forms Fighting/Water-type would make a lot more sense for these Pokemon.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are scheduled to release for Nintendo Switch in late 2022.