The new Pokémon Scarlet and Violet trailer shows Eelektross standing upright in a return to the Pokémon’s roots

Written by. Nick Mosier based on the original Japanese article (original article’s publication date: 2022-08-04 10:07 JST)

The Pokémon Company released a new trailer for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Pokémon SV) on August 3, showing off the game’s Paldea region, new Pokémon, the battle system, and more. But the appearance of the electric eel Pokémon Eelektross in the trailer has also grabbed the attention of fans despite only showing up for a brief moment.

Eelektross is an electric-type Pokémon that first appeared in Pokémon Black and White and is the final evolution of the Tynamo line. While being an eel-like Pokémon, it has a certain intimidating factor to it, and when it first appeared in 2D, it stood upright.

However, when Eelektross made the jump to 3D in Pokémon X and Y, it was made to float in the air, likely taking its ability Levitate into consideration. The change also made the Pokémon’s “S” shape body straighter and fish-like. To be frank, it kind of made the Pokémon look like a wimp. Some players even joked that it looked like a carp streamer, which are windsocks used across Japan as decorations for the national holiday Children’s Day.

In the latest Pokémon SV trailer, we can see that the 3D Eelektross model has been reworked, and to the joy of players who noticed, is back to standing upright.

Based on the reactions, it looks like fans are pleased with Eelektross’s model in Pokémon SV. It retains that Pokémon charm but looks less weak and gives off more of an imposing sense from the side profile. Players with an attachment to the original sprite are likely also happy with the change, and we’re excited to see this gallant eel Pokémon in action when Pokémon SV arrives.

In other news, Sprigatito, a new Pokémon set to debut in Pokémon SV, also became a hot topic in Japan after appearing before the new trailer in the August 3 Pokémon Presents as fans discussed whether the Pokémon should stand upright or remain on all fours as it evolves. Up to this point, there’s been a tendency for starter Pokémon to stand upright by the time they reach their final evolution, taking cute 4-legged Pokémon and making them look rugged and tough. Fans on both sides have been voicing their opinions with players focusing in on any new information about Sprigatito they can get their hands on.

In the Pokémon Presents broadcast, a character costume of Sprigatito could be seen standing upright during a little performance before the new trailer. Considering this as standing is questionable, though. The trailer didn’t reveal anything that looked like an evolution of the Sprigatito line, so as of now, it’s still unknown if the Pokémon will stand upright or not. Eelektross is back to standing upright again, though, so let’s call that a win.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are scheduled to launch on November 18 and pre-orders are now open on the Nintendo eShop. If you’re an Eelektross fan, you may not want to miss this one.