Ever since the inception of the Pokemon gaming series with Pokemon Red and Blue in the '90s, there have been minor differences here and there between versions. For example, in Pokemon Gold, players can catch the legendary Pokemon, Ho-Oh, but in Pokemon Silver, players can catch Lugia. And in the most recent mainline titles, Pokemon Sword and Shield, there are even Gym Leaders that are exclusive to one version.
For Pokemon fans that are excited to jump into Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and wonder what the version exclusives and differences are, then look no further. This guide will keep trainers up to date with all the information we know so far, like the exclusive Pokemon, professors, legendaries, and more.
Keep in mind that this guide will continue to be updated as more information gets revealed from The Pokemon Company and Game Freak.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Differences and Exclusives
Version Exclusive Pokemon so far
- Pokemon Scarlet
- Larvitar
- Pupitar
- Tyranitar
- Stonjourner
- Koraidon
- Armarouge
- Pokemon Violet
- Bagon
- Shelgon
- Salamence
- Eiscue
- Miraidon
- Ceruledge
Scarlet and Violet Book
In Pokemon Scarlet, players will be able to get their hands on the Scarlet Book, which holds records of an expedition taking place far in the past. And, of course, Pokemon Violet players will get the Violet Book.
Not too much is known about these books just yet, but it seems that they will allow trainers the chance to encounter two unique Paradox Pokemon that are based on the Johto region Pokemon, Donphan. The Scarlet Book has information on a monster known as the Great Tusk, and the Violet Book has a story all about Iron Treads. Trainers can see images of both Pokemon down below (Tusk is on the left):
Pokemon Professors
A first for the mainline Pokemon series, trainers will have a different Pokemon Professor based on the version they choose. Pokemon Scarlet fans will get to meet Professor Sada (left), and Violet players will get to hang with Professor Turo.
We don't know if the professors will have a huge impact on the story in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, but it is worth pointing out that Professor Sada is dressed up in a more prehistoric outfit, and Turo seems to represent the future.
Academy and Uniform
There are two different academies that players can enroll in based on whether they're playing Pokemon Scarlet or Pokemon Violet.
Scarlet players will enroll at Naranja Academy, which has an emblem shaped like a shield with an orange decal on the front. Violet players will go to Uva Academy, and their emblem is also a shield but with a vine of grapes on the front. The school that players go to will affect the uniform for their character, but there's not too much of a difference.
For those unaware, Naranja translates to Orange, and Uva means Grape.
The Naranja outfit is on the right, and the Uva outfit is on the left.
Which Version Should You Choose?
There's no wrong pick for those wondering whether they should go with Pokemon Scarlet or Pokemon Violet. The major thing that people should think about is the list of version-exclusive Pokemon. However, it seems that players can catch Pokemon from another version by playing with a friend online. This way, all players can catch all Pokemon regardless of their chosen version.
However, the legendary Pokemon players get will not be able to be changed unless they trade with a buddy. The boxart legendaries are likely not able to be caught in the wild.
Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet launch on the Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022.