Can you play Pokemon Scarlet and Violet early? It's a question on the minds of players across the world. The games are set to debut on Friday and that means there's only a short amount of time left before most Pokemon fans can dive right in. But is there any way to experience the latest Switch-exclusive journey before the official release date and time?
There's plenty to look forward to in the new Pokemon games, which mark the first time the series has dabbled in open-world gameplay. You can capture a slew of new Pokemon, interact with the world in a variety of different ways, and even have picnics with the Pokemon you capture.
In addition to all of those fun new mechanics, you can turn the tide of battle by using the new Terastallization feature, which means you can change a Pokemon's type as well as add a gorgeous, shimmering crown and jewel-like attributes to your favorite pocket monster. You can play with other trainers with a multiplayer co-op mode, and even craft sandwiches to enjoy with your Pokemon.
There's less than 24 hours left for you to be able to jump into the games. So with that said, can you play Pokemon Scarlet and Violet early? We've got the answers to all of your questions here.
Can You Play Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Early?
No. Currently, there's no way to play the games early unless you are in one of the locations around the world where the games have already released. For instance, in Australia, it's already Friday. The games are already available for purchase at retail there, so if you happen to have an Australian Switch eShop account and credit, you may be able to purchase one or both of the games and go ahead and play.
We at Newsweek do not recommend doing that, and instead waiting the few hours left until the games officially release. There are also leaks floating around, but those are not optimal to download and play and we do not condone playing unauthorized content.
Here are the official dates and times for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's debut:
- North America
- East Coast: 12 a.m. November 18 ET
- West Coast : 9 p.m. November 17 PT
- Europe
- UK: 12 a.m. November 18 GMT
- Europe: 12 a.m. November 18 CEST
While waiting for the games' official debut, it might be a good idea to read up on some of the information we have ahead of the games' release to get acquainted with what's awaiting you.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Brittany Vincent is a Newsweek gaming editor based in Kentucky. Her focus is reporting on video games, the game industry, ... Read more
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