Meet the New Starters for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet!

Nintendo, Game Freak, and the Pokémon Company announced the next mainline series games coming to Nintendo Switch at Pokémon Day 2022 Pokémon Presents today. The livestream event ended with a trailer for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which saw a live-action security guard making his way through a mysterious mansion, where he encounters a painting of the game’s new starters.

The Scarlet and Violet website describes the game as “Various towns blend seamlessly into the wilderness with no borders. You’ll be able to see the Pokémon of this region in the skies, in the seas, in the forests, on the streets—all over! You’ll be able to experience the true joy of the Pokémon series—battling against wild Pokémon in order to catch them—now in an open-world game that players of any age can enjoy.​”

This first look at the open world resembles a Mediterranean landscape, and the starters have vaguely Spanish-sounding names. Players will choose between Sprigatito, a “capricious” and “attention-seeking” grass cat with the Overgrow ability, Fuecoco, a “laid-back” fire croc who has the Blaze ability and “does things at its own pace”, and Quaxley, an “earnest and tidy” water duckling with the Torrent ability.

Fans quickly celebrated the new game announcement, and the adorable new starters. But while they are each adorable, there’s something about Sprigatito that speaks to marijuana enthusiasts across the world. A grass cat?!? Shut up and take ALL my money. Sprigatito quickly launched a wave of fan art and jokes on social media. Not since Stoner Pokémon icons Slowbro and Snorlax have we gotten such a cannabis-friendly critter. Sprigatito quickly began trending by their true name, “Weed Cat”.

Congratulations to Nintendo and Pokémon for delivering on the perfect character for Pokémon/cat/weed fans, a cross-section of humanity I am proud to call my people. It took 9 gens but I finally feel seen, and I will be needing all the Sprigatito merchandise the world has to offer. I guess dreams really do come true.

 Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be available on Nintendo Switch in late 2022.

What do you think of the new starters? Do you have a favorite? Let us know in the comments!

(image: screencap)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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