Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have done what every generation of Pokémon does. They’ve taken us on a ride through new regions, introduced quirky little monsters that either make us say “I must protect this cinnamon roll” or “this thing will haunt my dreams,” and of course, shoved way too many Pikachu variants into our faces. But now that we’ve spent time running around Paldea and clipping through mountains at Mach speed, the big question looms, where does Pokémon go from here?
If we’re being real, Scarlet/Violet pushed the franchise into full open-world territory, but it also gave us some of the most cursed frame rates this side of a toaster running Crysis. Players loved the ambition but couldn’t ignore the bugs. So if Pokémon wants to keep that momentum, step one is simple, less “PowerPoint slideshow,” more “smooth gameplay.”
Beyond performance, the next step feels obvious: evolution. Not just the “congrats, your Fido evolved into Doge Supreme” kind, but evolution of the series itself. People want meaningful stories, rivalries that hit harder than “hey, bestie, let’s battle,” and legendary Pokémon that feel like gods again instead of Uber mounts for fast travel. Scarlet/Violet proved players are ready for risks, and now it’s time to go bolder.
And what about multiplayer? Scarlet/Violet opened the door with co-op, but let’s be honest, it felt like letting your friends hang out in your garage while you did chores. Imagine a fully co-op campaign where you and your buddy can tackle gyms together, strategise mid-battle, or throw out double Pokémon commands side by side. That’s the kind of leap that could make the franchise feel new again.
Then there’s world design. Pokémon thrives when its regions feel alive, like Johto’s cultural depth or Alola’s island vibes. Paldea was fun, but the next region needs more personality, more reason to explore every corner beyond “another Lechonk herd lives here.” If Pokémon can nail immersion the way open-world RPG giants do, we’re talking about a true next-gen experience.
So where does Pokémon go after Scarlet/Violet? Hopefully to a future where the tech finally catches up with the ambition. A future where battles are epic, stories matter, co-op is real, and every new creature feels iconic. The franchise doesn’t need reinvention, it needs refinement. And let’s be honest, no matter what, we’ll still line up to catch ’em all, even if one of them is literally just a sentient sandwich with eyes.
Pokémon isn’t just about graphics or mechanics, it’s about that feeling. The thrill of seeing a new region for the first time, the spark when a wild Pokémon jumps out, and the childhood joy that refuses to die, even after 30 years. Scarlet/Violet reminded us the series can still surprise us. The next step? Make it unforgettable.
