Games / RPG

Pokémon Violet

Switch 2 Upgraded

Jun 5, 2025RPGE

3.6

User rating

112 ratings

$59.99eShop

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Prices checked 14 Oct 2026

Trailers

Screenshots

Our take

Pokémon Violet offers a fresh take on the franchise, but it stumbles in execution. While the open-world aspect is a welcome change, performance issues on Switch 2 detract from the experience. At $59.99, it feels a bit steep given the current bugs and unoptimized frame rates. Still, for die-hard fans, it might be worth the investment.

Moving through the expansive world of Pokémon Violet reveals both potential and pitfalls. The freedom to explore at your own pace is exhilarating, especially with two professors introducing different story arcs. However, performance issues plague the experience; expect sluggish frame rates and long loading times. Comparatively, it lacks the polish found in other open-world RPGs like Breath of the Wild, which could set expectations too high. The graphics are serviceable, but they fall behind current standards, making some environments feel lifeless. For fans eager to explore new Pokémon and regions, it delivers some charm, but the overall execution feels rushed. The balance between exploration and questing needs more finesse to keep players engaged long-term.

Pros

Open-world exploration lets you tackle objectives in any order, vastly increasing freedom.
Two distinct professors offer a choice that adds replay value.
Co-op play allows friends to join in your adventure, enhancing social dynamics.

Cons

Frequent frame drops and loading issues disrupt immersion.
Graphics lack polish, making environments feel less vibrant.
Some quest lines are underdeveloped, leading to potential frustration.

Explore a vast open world filled with Pokémon to catch and train. You'll attend classes, interact with new characters, and engage in battles that utilize traditional turn-based combat. The Union Circle feature allows for cooperative play, letting friends join your journey. Leveling and evolving Pokémon remains rewarding, but some mechanics can feel repetitive.

On Switch 2

On Switch 2, Pokémon Violet runs with noticeable frame drops and inconsistent loading times, especially in crowded areas. Handheld mode offers portability, but performance falters, making docked play preferable if you want a smoother experience.

Who it's for

This is for longtime Pokémon fans who appreciate new features despite technical shortcomings. If you're looking for a polished RPG experience or don't want to deal with bugs, you might want to skip this one for now.

About

This new adventure features two different professors, and which one you meet depends on which version of the game you choose to play. Find out about these new professors along with Nemona, your new friend. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are the first open-world RPGs in the Pokémon series. As you enjoy the hallmarks of the series—meeting, teaming up with, battling, training, and trading Pokémon—you’ll be able to immerse yourself in a newly evolved adventure.