Some Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Players Are Demanding Refunds

SomePokemon Scarlet and Violetfans are asking for refunds after playing the latest games in the series. Nintendo, Game Freak, and The Pokemon Company first announcedPokemon Scarlet and Violetlast February, with many surprised that newPokemongames were coming so soon after the release ofPokemon Legends: Arceus. Hype has been high forPokemon Scarlet and Violetever since, with fans poring over every trailer, image, and piece of information that’s come out for the games.

Unfortunately, thePokemon Scarlet and Violetrelease has failed to live up to many’s expectations.Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare the worst-reviewedmain seriesPokemongames in series history (discounting “third” games likePokemon Emeraldand remakes likeBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl), with many critics lambasting the games' performance. Some have blamed the aging Nintendo Switch hardware forPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s underwhelming visuals and multitude of technical problems, but others have placed the blame on developer Game Freak.

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Regardless of whyPokemon Scarlet and Violethave turned out the way they have, the games are in such a state that somePokemonfans have decided to ask for refunds. Numerous posts on social media are ofPokemonfans saying that they have either asked for aPokemon Scarlet and Violetrefund or have successfully refunded their purchase of the games. Others still have been sharing clips ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s performance problems, asking people not to buy the games at all to send a message to Game Freak and Nintendo about fan expectations for the franchise.

While there are manyPokemonfans who arenot happy aboutPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s graphicsand general performance issues, it’s worth pointing out that there are also those who are happy with the games. Some fans have praisedPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s open world design, whereas others enjoy seeing all the new Pokemon.

Those on the other side of the fence have taken issue with thenew Pokemon inPokemon Scarlet and Violetas well. There’s been plenty of criticism aimed at the new Pokemon inPokemon Scarlet and Violet, with Pokemon like Flamigo described as “lazy” and the 1,000th Pokemon, Gholdengo, coming under fire as well. Conversely, some of the new Pokemon designs inPokemon Scarlet and Violethave been very well-received, like Lechonk and the Paldea region starters.

It’s possible futureupdates forPokemon Scarlet and Violetwill fix its technical issues, and if they do, it’s possible public perception of the games will turn around. For now, though, it seems as thoughPokemon Scarlet and Violetare two of the most controversial games in the history of the long-running franchise.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare out now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

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