Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Rival: Who is it?

Photo courtesy of The Pokemon Company.

A new trailer was released for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet on June 1. Showing off a world of Pokémon that looks different from any we've seen before-- an open world, roaming Pokémon, multiplayer and more-- Generation IX is sure to be an experience like no other. Excitingly, the new rival was also introduced in the recent trailer.

Who is the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Rival?

In the latest trailer for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the players' rival was revealed to be Nemona. Described on the official website for the game as a "powerful Pokémon trainer" with "a sunny and energetic disposition," she is depicted as being more experienced in the world of Pokémon than the player character.

Interestingly, it does not seem like Nemona will receive one of the three starter Pokémon at the beginning of the journey. The battle shown in the trailer has Nemona sending out a Pawmi, the new electric-type rodent Pokémon. The website also says she will use Lechonk and Smoliv, two other new Pokémon revealed n the trailer. This may change as more footage of the game is revealed in the coming months, but for now, it is worth wondering why the tradition of the rival having one of the starter Pokémon has possibly been changed.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be released Nov. 18.