The two-part DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, is set to release in Fall and Winter, but specific dates have yet to be announced. Following in the footsteps of Pokemon Sword and Shield's expansions, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, this new package is eagerly anticipated by fans. However, pinpointing a specific release month based on the previous game's DLC schedule may not be entirely helpful, as The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra were released in June and October 2020 respectively, several months apart from each other and from The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. Nonetheless, by examining Scarlet and Violet's performance thus far and taking note of its release schedule, some insights can be gleaned.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Rough Launch Probably Delayed the DLC
Despite improvements to the core experience, Scarlet and Violet suffered from a rocky launch with persistent performance issues that plagued the game. On day one, it was an absolute mess, and the release of Part 1, The Teal Mask, a year later, suggests that technical problems in the base game and possibly ambitious goals for the project led to a delay in the announcement. With the DLC set for a Fall release, its launch window falls between the end of September and the beginning of December, with November standing out as a noteworthy month. As Game Freak and Nintendo continue to release extensive patches to improve the core game, the release of the DLC a year after the initial launch could serve as Scarlet and Violet's chance for redemption.
When predicting the release of future DLCs for Sword and Shield, the timing of previous releases is a key factor to consider. With The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra being launched four months apart in June and October respectively, it is reasonable to expect a similar gap between the two parts of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. Assuming The Teal Mask is released in November, it is likely that The Indigo Disk will be launched around March 2024. However, it is also possible to interpret the seasonal window differently, taking into account the longer wait for the first part and allowing for a two or three-month gap between releases. Additionally, with reports suggesting that Nintendo's next console will be released in March 2024, it may be necessary to launch The Indigo Disk before then to maintain excitement for the game.
It is likely that Nintendo will prioritize the release of brand-new games or ports that were not feasible on the Switch, instead of DLC for an existing game, even if reports of a new system coming in March 2024 are accurate. However, The Indigo Disk is not intended to be a standalone experience, but rather a continuation of a larger narrative that connects the expansions, which could maintain interest in the game. Given the short one-month gap between DLC releases, it is realistic to expect The Teal Mask to be released in November 2023 and The Indigo Disk in February 2024. The upcoming Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC presents an excellent opportunity to expand on successful elements of the base game and address areas for improvement.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available for Nintendo Switch.
