Pokemon Scarlet And Violet: Meet The New Starters

"Pokémon Legends: Arceus" was released to rave reviews in January and already, fans of the "Pokémon" franchise have learned that they will being treated to two new mainline games: "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokémon Violet". The two titles will release simultaneously later in 2022 and will be available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. The pair of games will also be the first of the series ninth generation of games.

Developed by Game Freak, the two new "Pokémon" video games are described as being a "new evolutionary step in the Pokémon main series" and will offer the ability for aspiring "Pokémon" trainers the ability to capture their favorite creatures in land, sea, and air, all in "an open world where various towns with no borders blend seamlessly into the wilderness."

A project as ambitious as this is sure to have fans excited. But what about the Pokémon themselves? Though many favorite companions from previous games are sure to make an appearance in both "Scarlet" and "Violet", Game Freak's latest project will also feature three brand new starter Pokémon. So who are these new creatures and how do they differ from one another? Here's everything you need to know about the starter Pokemon in "Scarlet" and "Violet."

First up is Sprigatito, a Grass-type Pokémon that resembles a cat. At just 1'4" off the ground and a tiny weight of 9 lbs., Sprigatito is the smallest of your trainer's first available choices. A press release from The Pokemon Company describes Sprigatito as a "capricious, attention-seeking Grass Cat Pokémon," meaning that it will likely be very temperamental from time to time, but will also be very loving and endearing when paired with the proper trainer.

Visually speaking, Sprigatito resembles a small kitten with light green fur accented by green spots on its face, ears, and neck. The petite Grass-type also has a fluffy tail and furled fur on its cheeks. Sprigatito's main ability is Overgrow, which boosts its Attack power.

As for its memorable name, "Sprigatito" has been hypothesized as being a combination of the words "spring" and "gatito," the latter being the Spanish word for a little cat or kitten.

Continuing the trend of starter Pokémon cuteness is Fuecoco, a short and stocky Fire-type that stands at 1'4" on its hind legs and weighs in at 21.6 lbs. Defined as being a "laid-back Fire Croc Pokémon that does things at its own pace," it can be expected that Fuecoco will be both quite chill and slow. 

Fuecoco seems to be based on an amalgam of a baby crocodile and theropod dinosaur given its stature and design, which depicts the Fire-type as small and bulbous, with primarily red fur, a white face and belly, two orange tufts on its head, and stubby arms. 

When it comes to its moveset in battle, Fuecoco possesses abilities similar to that of other Fire-type Pokémon such as Charmander. Its only known ability right now is listed as being Blaze, which boosts the strength of its attacks. By all indications, Fuecoco looks like a lot of fun and will surely be a favorite based on its design alone, which resembles a little crocodile fire apple.

Have you ever envisioned one of your Pokemon resembling a small, grumpy duckling wearing a shower cap? If you have, then there's some great news for you: The third of the starter Pokémon in "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokémon Violet" is Quaxly, which checks all of those boxes! 

The Water-type Quaxly is the last of the starter Pokémon and resembles a small duckling or swan, sporting white feathers across its entire body, a yellow beak, blue webbed feet, and something that resembles either a blue shower cap or beret on its head. Its name is thought to be a combination of the words "quack" and "aqua."

Attack wise, Quaxly's main ability is Torrent, which behaves like Blaze and Overgrow and ratchets up Quaxly's attack power.  Quaxly is described as being both "earnest" and "tidy," meaning that it is quite possibly a neat freak — and could provide an explanation for the shower cap.