Why does Pokemon release two games? (Why Pokémon Games Always Come In Pairs?)
I recently got into a talk with some of my friends who we play Pokémon with. As part of our brain-teasing routine, we decided to mention why Pokémon releases two game versions.
However, none of them could crack a single reason, and that is when I decided to do extensive research and provide the answers to my friends.
Join me as I explain in this article, why Pokémon releases two games 😉.
Why do Pokémon games release two games simultaneously?
Pokémon releases two games simultaneously so that players can be encouraged to trade with friends and players with the other version that they do not have 🔥.
Further, in Pokémon Red and Blue, some Pokémon could only evolve through trading, thus encouraging players to trade with a friend who has the version or to encourage the player to purchase both versions.
Besides encouraging players to trade and interact, there are reasons why Pokémon releases two games simultaneously. These are:
- To increase sales. By releasing two versions simultaneously, more copies get sold as some fans and players buy both versions of the game.
- To better the experience in terms of aesthetics and replayability both versions offer as they come with unique story elements.
- Releasing two games simultaneously was part of Satoshi Tajiri’s plan to make players enjoy the fun of sharing and trading, just like he used to enjoy when he collected insects when he was young.
What’s the difference between the two Pokémon games?
The differences between the two Pokémon games are version-exclusive Pokémon, aesthetics, Professors, and story differences 👌. These are explained below 👇:
- Exclusive Pokémon. In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, each version has exclusive Pokémon. Scarlet has Amarouge, Koraidon, Deino, and Stonjourner. Violet ,on the other hand, has Miraidon, Ceruledge, Bagon, and Eiscue.
Pokémon Sword has Zacian, Sirfetch’d, Stonjourner, Corsola, and Skwovet, while Shield has Zamazenta, Cursola, Eiscue, Oranguru, and Drampa.
Pokémon Red has Ekans & Arbok, Scyther, and Electabuzz, while Blue has Sandshrew & Sandslash, Bellsprout, Pinsir, Magmar, and Nidoran.
- In story differences, Pokémon Scarlet focuses on ancient civilization while Violet focuses on the future.
- In professors, Scarlet has Sada, while Violet has Turo.
Sword and Shield |
Scarlet and Violet |
Red and Blue | |
Exclusives |
Sword: Zacian, Sirfetch’d, Stonjourner, Corsola, and Skwovet. Shield: Zamazenta, Cursola, Eiscue, Oranguru, and Drampa. |
Scarlet:Amarouge, Koraidon, Deino, and Stonjourner. Violet: Miraidon, Ceruledge, Bagon, and Eiscue. |
Red: Ekans & Arbok, Scyther, and Electabuzz. Blue: Sandshrew & Sandslash, Bellsprout, Pinsir, Magmar, and Nidoran. |
Professors |
Scarlet: Sada Violet: Turo |
Red: Oak asks Red to deliver Pokémon to Pallet town. Blue: Oak entrusts Blue with a starter Pokémon. | |
Story difference |
Sword: Zacian has the desire to reclaim its lost power and bring balance to Galar. Shield: Zamazenta protects Galar. |
Scarlet: There are ancient ruins Violet: There are technology-related Pokémon. |
Red: Jessie and James are interested in stealing Pikachu. Blue: Jessie and James show interest in rare Pokémon. |