With the Pokémon series surpassing the significant milestone of 1,000 creatures, particularly with the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the franchise must now confront the challenge of managing an expansive Pokédex in its future installments. The large National Dex size has previously stirred controversy—most notably during the “Dexit”uproar in Generation 8. However, by embracing a thriving trend observed in recent generations, next title, Pokémon Generation 10, could minimize the strain of an overwhelming roster. The increasing popularity of regional variants provides an optimal solution, allowing the game to introduce fewer entirely new Pokémon while still engaging players.
First introduced in Generation 7, regional variants have revitalized older Pokémon, presenting them with updated designs and typings that rekindle interest among players. Historically, while every new generation often focuses on unveiling a plethora of new creatures, some regional variants have managed to outshine their newly introduced counterparts, tapping into players’ nostalgia while still delivering a fresh gameplay experience. By prioritizing regional variants and reducing the number of completely new Pokémon, Generation 10 could strike an effective balance that preserves Pokédex space while offering players an exciting, novel experience.
The Case for Prioritizing Regional Variants in Pokémon Generation 10
Understanding the Regional Variants Structure in the Pokédex
| Region | Number of Regional Variants | Number of Brand-New Pokémon Added |
|---|---|---|
| They have allowed it | 18 | 86 |
| Disease | 25 | 89 |
| Hisui | 19 | 7 |
| Paldea | 3 | 120 |
One of the primary advantages of integrating more regional variants is that they are included in the Pokédex entry of their original forms, which effectively keeps the total Pokedex size in check. This approach could help maintain the number of Pokémon around the crucial threshold of 1,000. Except for Generation 9, recent installments have adhered to keeping the count of new Pokémon under 100. By focusing on regional variants, Generation 10 could follow this trend to reduce the number of new entries.
For instance, Generation 8 serves as an excellent model for future titles, having introduced 25 regional variants alongside their evolutions in Pokémon Sword and Shield, followed by another 19 in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Conversely, Generation 9 deviated from this trend, featuring over 100 brand-new Pokémon but only three regional variants: Paldean Wooper, Clodsire, and Paldean Tauros (the latter having three different forms). Although Pokémon Legends: Z-A may introduce more regional variants to Generation 9, it would still be prudent for Generation 10 to adopt an approach similar to Generation 8, incorporating numerous regional variants to limit Pokédex expansion.
Regional Variants: A Harmonious Blend of Innovation and Nostalgia
While some players may express disappointment over a generation lighter on brand-new designs, an emphasis on regional variants could provide an exciting compromise. Regional variants can dramatically shift the perception of certain Pokémon, as evidenced by the increased utility of forms like Alolan Muk and Alolan Ninetales compared to their original iterations. Breath new life into underappreciated Pokémon through new forms can effectively celebrate the franchise’s legacy as we approach Generation 10.
Moreover, recent generations have adeptly spotlighted Pokémon from the earlier series, successfully catering to fans seeking nostalgia. By providing these classic creatures with new regional variants, the game can merge their beloved familiarity with novel adaptations. Given that Pokémon from Generations 3 and 4 have largely missed out on regional variant treatments, targeting these generations for fresh forms in Generation 10 could enable Game Freak to inject a sense of renewal while minimizing an excessive influx of new designs.
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