Nintendo’s highly anticipated first instalments of the ninth generation of the Pokémon franchise, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet were released earlier today (November 18).

Scarlet and Violet are set to expand upon the game’s open world features, which include both urban areas and open wilderness without borders between the two, unlike previous instalments.

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are set in the ‘Paldea’ region of the Pokémon universe, which appears to be loosely based on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. The player visits the ‘Naranja Academy’ for a treasure hunt and is then encouraged by the rival character to explore and find their own treasure.

In addition to 400 new Pokémon across the two games, this generation offers players the choice of three routes for progression that each covers its own storyline – Path of Legends, Victory Road and Starfall Street.

Scarlet and Violet introduce the Terastal phenomenon, which gives Pokémon a crystalline appearance, as well as changing their type to match that Pokémon’s ‘Tera Type’, and unlocking special moves.

Scarlet and Violet are already the most pre-ordered titles in the series’ history.

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet can be purchased now for the Nintendo Switch, online on Amazon for US$59.99.