Summary

  • Nintendo shares screenshots of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet on Switch 2, hinting at free visual upgrade.
  • Fans express mixed reactions; some criticize visuals while others hope for improved gameplay.
  • The free upgrade is intended to enhance visuals and performance.

Nintendo has shared two screenshots of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet running on the Switch 2, highlighting the game's visuals in 4K resolution. Earlier, the Japanese gaming giant confirmed that several Nintendo Switch titles, including Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, will receive a free upgrade to enhance visuals, frame rates, and overall performance. Now, fans can get a glimpse of how this free content upgrade will impact the latest mainline game's graphics on Nintendo's next-gen console.

At launch, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet faced harsh criticism for their visuals. Many considered the games unpolished, while others felt the underwhelming graphics were secondary to the more pressing performance issues. Both games were also faulted for delivering a lackluster open-world experience, sparking fan theories that the developer had rushed their release. Now, almost three years later, Nintendo appears ready to redeem both titles with a free update aimed at improving their visuals and performance.

Mario looking out of TV in front of three Nintendo Switch 2 consoles on red background 2x1 composite
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The Pokemon Company has released two new screenshots from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet' s Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade. These images arrived shortly after the company shared the list of games eligible for the free upgrade. They show two locations filled with various Pokemon, prompting some fans to speculate that the update may increase the spawn rate of pocket monsters. Others have pointed out that, despite the screenshots being in 4K resolution, the Switch 2 upgrade might not actually support native 4K output.

Players Aren't Happy About Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Switch 2 Upgrade

Many fans have taken to Pokemon' s subreddit to discuss Nintendo's promised free content upgrade. Based on the most upvoted comments, it seems a significant part of the community is unimpressed with how the games look in the new screenshots. One fan jokingly remarked that the game didn't need an upgrade; it needed a new art director, reviving criticism of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet' s unpolished visuals. Another simply wrote, "It's still an ugly game," questioning how the developer was comfortable releasing a title that looks like this.

Not all reactions have been negative. Many Pokemon fans are glad the upgrade is free and hopeful it will improve the gameplay experience. Some also believe the update could increase the number of Pokemon spawning in Scarlet and Violet, making the game's world feel more immersive. Whether Nintendo's upgrade will win back lapsed players remains to be seen. Still, considering the company's history of paywalling content, the fact that this upgrade is free is a definite positive.

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6 /10

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
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RPG
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Systems
super greyscale 8-bit logo
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Top Critic Avg: 71 /100 Critics Rec: 48%
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Released
November 18, 2022
ESRB
E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Game Freak
Publisher(s)
Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
Engine
Proprietary Engine
Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
no
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Genre(s)
RPG