(Pokémon) Home, Sweet (Pokémon) Home

Pokémon Home has finally been updated to include compatibility with Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet

After numerous delays and false announcements, Pokémon Home has finally been updated to include compatibility with Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. This update allows the monsters collected in all of the Pokémon releases on the Nintendo Switch, alongside those in Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Go to make their way onto the newest mainline releases.

For the first time in the series history, the creatures can be transferred backwards through the generations. An example of this is a Pikachu captured within Generation 9 can be sent backwards in time to Generation 8 games. This comes at the cost of the Pokémon’s move-set however, with their moves being reset to a default for that game upon transfer to ensure compatibility.

Pokémon Home allows for communication for recent Pokémon games

With the release of Pokémon Home, and the many powerful new Pokémon that come with it, there have been many immediate shake-ups to the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet metagame.

One of the most prominent threats, and the Pokémon who undoubtedly benefits the most from the new Terastal Phenomenon, is Regieleki. Through a combination of its blisteringly fast speed stat, and the potential of the incredibly potent dual ice/electric STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) from Terastallisation, it is practically guaranteed to move first and launch an absolute assault on the opponent. While in its previous appearance it was hindered by its inability to hit Ground-Types, this limitation is now removed to its boon.

There have been many immediate shake-ups to the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet metagame

The Hisuian forms of older Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus see their competitive debut with the update to Pokémon Home. Ursaluna, the evolution to Ursaring, is firmly securing itself as a staple of the meta. Between its absurdly high stat distribution in HP (Health Points), Attack, Defence, and Special Defence, it is a certifiable tank of a Pokémon that can distribute damage as well as it can take it. While it faces competition from the plethora of other Ground-Types currently running the competitive scene, the niche it carves with its ‘Guts’ ability further boosting its already high attack allows it to have an unmatched damage output.

Players can get Hidden Ability Paldean Starters by connecting to Scarlet or Violet

While the development of a post Pokémon Home metagame is still in its burgeoning stages it is clear that many defining Pokémon have joined the current roster. Threats and matchups will change with time, especially with the release of the DLC later in 2023. It is clear though, even now, that many of the newly available monsters have the potential to succeed above and beyond their peers.