Nintendo presented the new DLC for Pokémon Scarlet/Violet in detail at the Pokémon Presents on August 8, 2023. Why so many Reddit users are discussing it now and why it is under criticism, MeinMMO explains.
Why was the main game criticized? The release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on November 18, 2022 brought not only excitement but also a wave of criticism. In particular, the graphics of the game were rejected by many fans and sparked heated discussions.
Even then, the well-known YouTuber “AlexiBexi” expressed skepticism on X (formerly Twitter): “I’m confused: Is the new Pokémon a good example of ‘bad graphics but great gameplay’? Or more like an example of ‘just a lousy money printer for fans, as long as it’s Pokémon’?”
We’ve embedded the first trailer for the expansion here:
What information is there about the new DLC? Already in the Pokémon Direct in February, the development company announced that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet would receive an expansion in the form of a DLC. In the latest “Pokémon Presents” event, which took place on August 8, 2023, further details were revealed.
The expansion is titled “The Treasure of Area Zero” (in the original: “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero”) and will be released in two parts. The first part, called “The Teal Mask,” is set to release on September 13, 2023.
The second part, titled “The Indigo Disk,” is scheduled for Winter 2023. The upcoming expansions promise not only new stories but also Pokémon that were not present in the main game.
Here are the first reactions from the community
Why is the DLC under criticism? The graphics of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet remain a dominant topic in the community. The latest trailer for the upcoming DLC sparked a fresh discussion about whether the visual quality in the game has improved.
On forums like Reddit, fans exchange their observations. User “3lidja” posted pictures from the trailer and asked: “Is it just me or does the DLC area look a bit better than the base game?” Numerous Reddit users share their opinions on the scenes shown.
However, not everyone is optimistic. One Reddit user expressed skepticism and recalled that the trailers for the main game were also promising, but reality disappointed. Another user, “ahighkid,” wrote: “You just have to see it at 16 fps to realize it’s the same thing.”
“brlotor” commented: “The Sword/Shields DLC was much prettier and ran better than the base game. I can only assume the same here.” Overall, however, many Reddit users share the opinion that the trailer shows improved graphics.
Whether the visual concerns of fans were ultimately addressed in the new DLC will be revealed in September when “The Teal Mask” is released. Until then, the Pokémon community remains excited and hopeful for a visual upgrade to the game.
If you are just about to start the game now, you can find out which starter suits you best here: Which starter will you choose in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
