This has led to a lot of prevalent leaks, some of which are more reliable than others. In fact, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet leaks point toward a ton of forms, including ancient forms, future forms, convergent species, and regional fakes. Without any confirmation from Game Freak, it’s hard to say what is for sure or not, but regional fakes is a term coined by Khu—one of the most reliable leakers in the Pokemon community.

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While this term could mean many things, what it seemingly boils down to is pretty simple: it would seem that some Pokemon are getting new regional forms, like Hisuian forms in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, but they’re not. They’re new Pokemon with new names, new types, and new Pokedex entries that look a lot like other Pokemon. And while how they are received remains to be seen, it seems their official reveal could come alongside some controversy.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Regional Fakes Are New Pokemon Based on Old Designs

For example, a few regional fakes have already appeared online. It would seem there is a regional fake of Diglett, which is blue, is water-type, and presumably exists in the water instead of on ground. There’s also a Jigglypuff regional fake, which looks exactly like Jigglypuff but seemingly with golden-yellow eyes and fangs. While it is easy to describe them as Diglett or Jigglypuff, they are not these Pokemon.

Regional forms are usually welcome, as they are interesting new takes on beloved Pokemon, but these are new takes on other Pokemon not involved with these. Because Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is estimated, by leaks, to have 120-140 Pokemon, knowing a section of these are redesigns of older Pokemon may not be welcome. In fact, the word “lazy” has already been tossed around with some of these leaks, but to be clear, that’s an oxymoron. Lazy does not exist in game development. Still, what it is and how something is seen are two different things.

What Pokemon Scarlet and Violet fans are going to see are new Pokemon using older Pokemon designs. Some Pokemon are returning with their original design, some are getting new evolutions (such as Dunsparce per recent Pokemon Scarlet and Violet leaks), and some new Pokemon are going to be new designs of older Pokemon.

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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Regional Fakes Are Likely Convergent Species

Another term that has been tossed around is Convergent Species in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. It is unknown if this is the official term, but it would make sense. From a strictly evolutionary standpoint, it stands to reason that some Pokemon would be so distinct from their base forms, as known to fans, that they warrant entirely new categorization. They would be distant cousins of the original species, or Pokemon that evolved down a different path. That would technically be divergent species, unless these Pokemon are also “ancient forms,” which would be better. However, these have been talked about as different things. Overall, all of this sounds like a cool concept for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, but again, what fans are going to see are new designs of old Pokemon that are paraded as new Pokemon.

Part of this could come down to how many regional fakes are in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. If it’s just a handful, fans may not mind; if it’s a significant portion of the Pokedex, then it could be another Dexit controversy like Pokemon Sword and Shield all over again. Rumors are putting the total dex number in the 400-500 range, with somewhere between 120-140 new Pokemon. That’s good, especially if there are a bunch of forms, but regional fakes are another question.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: One Bad Apple Does Not Spoil the Bunch

It’s no secret that there’s a lot of toxicity in the gaming community as of late; many were understandable upset over Dexit. Many can be understandably upset over this. Yet, toxic interactions with Game Freak is not going to go over well for anyone. If regional fakes are confirmed by Game Freak, fans should reasonably voice concerns, but not result in threats and other harassment.

It should be reiterated that these are only rumors and leaks right now, regardless of how many of them come from a reliable source. Nothing is for certain until Pokemon Scarlet and Violet confirm them to be so, and fans should also remember that there are a ton of new game-changing features coming, like the nonlinear design and four-player co-op design, so one unpopular element should not throw off all the advancements coming with this gen.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet release November 18 for Nintendo Switch.

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