Looking for when Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is set to release? Ready to dig into one of the biggest Pokémon events of the year? It's almost time for the first open-world games in the long-running series to release, and we're just a few days away. That means you can look forward to plenty of new Pokémon, different ways to interact with the world, fun picnics with your partner monsters and new ways to complete the game.
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 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
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.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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