There’s sandwich-making, co-op play with other trainers and new regional Paldean Pokémon. And don’t forget about the cool new way your Pokémon can power up in battle by Terastallizing, which can even change its type and add a bejeweled crown and shimmering body. This is the biggest leap forward in the world of Pokémon that we’ve seen in years.
But when can you actually start playing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? The answers vary a bit based on where you live, but we’ll make sure you know exactly when you’ll be able to start your newest Pokémon journey.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Release Date and Time
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be released November 17 and 18. There are no “official” release times available yet, but based on what we know about when similar titles have debuted, we can make an educated guess.
North AmericaEast Coast: 12 a. m. November 18 ETWest Coast : 9 p. m. November 17 PTEuropeUK: 12 a. m. November 18 GMTEurope: 12 a. m. November 18 CEST
You can estimate when you’ll be able to get your copy based on the times and dates above.
Can You Play Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Early?
Unfortunately, like many publishers that offer early access when preordering a game, Nintendo isn’t doing any sort of promotion like that for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. But savvy players may be able to download the game early thanks to its release time in Australia.
If you have a separate Australian account on your Switch, you may be able to access the games ahead of other countries by heading to the eShop and purchasing it there. You’ll need to pay for the game in Australian currency as well, which you can do by way of Australian eShop credits.
It’s all in all a bit of a process, considering the game is out in a few days, but the timing is such in certain areas where you may have success getting the game a few hours earlier because of Australia’s time zones.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will debut exclusively on Nintendo Switch on November 17 and 18, 2022.
