As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Pokémon Scarlet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero – Nintendo Switch
- Best budget: Pokémon Violet – Nintendo Switch
- Best premium: Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack – Nintendo Switch
- Best for a complete Violet adventure: Pokémon Violet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero – Nintendo Switch
- Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet share the same core open-world adventure but feature different version-exclusive Pokémon and characters.
- Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack includes two base games, making it the pick for households that want both versions.
- Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet DLC bundles pair one base game with its matching two-part expansion.
- The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC requires the matching base game: Scarlet DLC for Scarlet, Violet DLC for Violet.
- Choose the version based on its exclusive Pokémon and characters, then compare physical, digital and DLC bundle options.
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are the two Nintendo Switch versions to compare for Black Friday 2026, and each delivers a one-player open-world adventure with multiplayer for up to four. The core journey is shared, but version-exclusive Pokémon, characters and visual details set the games apart. Here's the bottom line: choose the story-world look and exclusives you prefer, then decide whether a base game, two-game pack or DLC bundle suits your plans.
I’m Jake Morrison, and we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the choice simple. The guide covers seven purchase options, including both base games, the Double Pack and matching expansion bundles. Worth it for most players. Pick one base game for a solo adventure, buy the Double Pack to share or trade between versions, or choose a bundle that includes the game and its expansion.
How We Picked
- Compared the version-exclusive Pokémon, characters and presentation that distinguish Pokémon Scarlet from Pokémon Violet.
- Checked what each listing includes: base game, two-game pack, standalone DLC or base game plus DLC.
- Prioritized clear compatibility between each expansion and its matching base game.
- Considered player count, physical or digital format and suitability for solo players, households and returning fans.
- Focused on purchase options that answer common Black Friday 2026 questions without relying on a temporary price.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Base games | Expansion parts included | Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Scarlet – Nintendo Switch | Scarlet version fans | 1 | 0 of 2 | 1; up to 4 multiplayer |
| Pokémon Violet – Nintendo Switch | Violet version fans | 1 | 0 of 2 | 1; up to 4 multiplayer |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack – Nintendo Switch | Two-version households | 2 | 0 of 2 | 1 per game; up to 4 multiplayer |
| The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Scarlet – Nintendo Switch | Scarlet owners seeking DLC | 0 | 2 | 1; up to 4 in base game |
| The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Violet – Nintendo Switch | Violet owners seeking DLC | 0 | 2 | 1; up to 4 in base game |
| Pokémon Scarlet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero – Nintendo Switch | Complete Scarlet entry | 1 | 2 | 1; up to 4 multiplayer |
| Pokémon Violet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero – Nintendo Switch | Complete Violet entry | 1 | 2 | 1; up to 4 multiplayer |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Pokémon Scarlet – Nintendo Switch
The Pokémon Scarlet – Nintendo Switch is the best base game for players drawn to its version-exclusive Pokémon, with multiplayer for up to 4 players.
Best for: Players who prefer Scarlet exclusives and a physical game card
- Players
- 1 player; up to 4 in multiplayer
- Game type
- 1 open-world adventure
- DLC included
- 0 of 2 expansion parts
- Format
- 1 Nintendo Switch game card
- Features Scarlet-exclusive Pokémon, including Koraidon.
- Includes Professor Sada and Scarlet-themed character details.
- Supports cooperative exploration with up to four players.
- The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion is sold separately.
Is Pokémon Scarlet – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Pokémon Scarlet – Nintendo Switch is a strong buy for players who want Koraidon, Scarlet-exclusive Pokémon and Professor Sada. The base game includes the complete main adventure, while The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is a separate purchase.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Pokémon Violet – Nintendo Switch
The Pokémon Violet – Nintendo Switch is the best base game for players who favor futuristic Pokémon and Miraidon, with multiplayer for up to 4 players.
Best for: Players who prefer Violet exclusives and a physical game card
- Players
- 1 player; up to 4 in multiplayer
- Game type
- 1 open-world adventure
- DLC included
- 0 of 2 expansion parts
- Format
- 1 Nintendo Switch game card
- Features Violet-exclusive Pokémon, including Miraidon.
- Includes Professor Turo and Violet-themed character details.
- Offers the same central Paldea adventure as Scarlet.
- The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion is sold separately.
Is Pokémon Violet – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Pokémon Violet – Nintendo Switch is a strong pick for players who want Miraidon, Violet-exclusive Pokémon and Professor Turo. The base game provides the main adventure, and the matching Violet expansion is available separately or in a bundle.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack – Nintendo Switch
The Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack – Nintendo Switch is the best two-version choice for households and collectors, with 2 base games in one package.
Best for: Households, trading partners and collectors
- Base games
- 2 games
- Players
- 1 player per game; up to 4 in multiplayer
- DLC included
- 0 of 2 expansion parts
- Format
- 2 Nintendo Switch game cards
- Includes both Scarlet and Violet base games.
- Makes version-exclusive trading easier between two players.
- Provides two separate game cards for separate profiles or consoles.
- The two expansions are not included.
Is Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack – Nintendo Switch is worth considering when two players want different versions or one player wants both. The package includes two base games, but neither matching expansion is included.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
What is the difference between Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet?
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet share the same Paldea adventure but have different exclusive Pokémon, professors and styling. Scarlet features Koraidon and Professor Sada; Violet features Miraidon and Professor Turo.
Both games offer an open world and the same main journey. Version-exclusive Pokémon differ, so trading helps players collect them all. Character details, including uniform colors, also vary by version.
Choose Scarlet for its past-inspired style or Violet for its futuristic look. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack includes both base games.
Which Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet version should I buy?
Choose Pokémon Scarlet for Koraidon, Professor Sada and Scarlet-exclusive Pokémon. Choose Pokémon Violet for Miraidon, Professor Turo and Violet-exclusive Pokémon. Both versions share the central adventure and support multiplayer for up to 4 players.
If friends own one version, choosing the other gives you more opportunities to trade. The main story does not require either version.
Does the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack include both games?
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack includes both base games, but neither version’s The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion.
The pack suits households with two players, collectors and fans who want both sets of version exclusives. Buy the matching DLC separately for additional story content.
Do Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet DLC bundles include the base game?
Pokémon Scarlet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero and Pokémon Violet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero each include one base game and its matching 2-part expansion.
Standalone listings for The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero do not include a base game. Scarlet DLC requires Pokémon Scarlet; Violet DLC requires Pokémon Violet.
New players can choose a matching game-and-expansion bundle. Existing owners should buy the standalone expansion for their version.
Which Pokémon game is the best Black Friday 2026 pick?
New players can choose Pokémon Scarlet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero or Pokémon Violet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. Each bundle includes one base game and its 2-part expansion.
Choose standalone Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet for the main adventure, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack for both games, or matching standalone DLC if you already own the base game.
Check the full listing name and confirm which content is included before buying.
Buying Guide
Pick Scarlet or Violet first
Choose between Koraidon and Scarlet exclusives or Miraidon and Violet exclusives. Both versions share the main adventure; Pokémon, professor and visual style distinguish them.
Choose a base game, DLC or bundle
A base game includes the main adventure. Standalone The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero requires its matching game. A game-and-DLC bundle includes one base game and its expansion.
Check the exact version match
Match The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Scarlet with Pokémon Scarlet, and the Violet expansion with Pokémon Violet. Read the full listing name before buying.
Decide whether you need both games
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack includes both base games. The expansions are separate purchases.
Confirm the format and player setup
Check whether the listing is for a game card or digital purchase. Each game supports single-player play and multiplayer for up to 4 players. Consider the systems and accounts your household uses.
FAQ
Are Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet the same game?
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet share the same central Paldea adventure, but each version has exclusive Pokémon, a different professor and distinct visual details. The version-exclusive Legendary Pokémon are Koraidon in Scarlet and Miraidon in Violet. Trading helps players collect Pokémon from both versions.
Which is better, Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet?
Pokémon Scarlet suits players who prefer Koraidon, Professor Sada and Scarlet-exclusive Pokémon. Pokémon Violet fits fans of Miraidon, Professor Turo and Violet-exclusive Pokémon. Both share the same core adventure, so choose by version preference rather than expecting a different main game.
Does the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack include DLC?
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack includes 2 base games, not The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. Buyers wanting the expansions need to purchase the matching Scarlet and Violet DLC separately. Check the listing contents to distinguish the Double Pack from a game-and-DLC bundle.
Do I need Pokémon Scarlet to play its DLC?
Yes. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Scarlet requires the Pokémon Scarlet base game. The Violet expansion requires Pokémon Violet instead. Standalone DLC listings do not include a base game, so select the expansion that matches the game already in your library.
How many players can play Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet?
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet support 1 player for the main solo adventure and multiplayer for up to 4 players. Multiplayer lets players explore together. Check the game’s current requirements and your system setup before arranging online or local play.
Which Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet bundle is best for a new player?
Pokémon Scarlet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is the complete Scarlet option, with 1 base game and 2 expansion parts. Pokémon Violet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero provides the corresponding Violet package. Pick the bundle that matches your preferred version.