Unveiling the Game-Changing Roto-Stick in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: A Nightmare for Rotom

Highlights

Rotom's status as a special and unique Pokemon is diminishing as it is being used more like a regular gadget in the games.

The introduction of Scarlet and Violet's DLC redefines Rotom as a utility rather than a unique Pokemon, undermining its independent functionality and photo-taking capabilities. Instead, the DLC simplifies Rotom into a generic tool for different game mechanics.

In the world of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC, players may find joy in snapping selfies with the new and exciting Roto-Stick. However, for Rotom, this marks another blow to its mysterious status as a Pokemon, transforming it into nothing more than a novelty. Back in the days of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Rotom possessed all the qualities typically reserved for Legendary or Mythical Pokemon. From its enigmatic encounter in a haunted television to its unique Electric/Ghost typing, it stood out. Even in the recent remakes of the fourth generation of Pokemon games, Rotom maintained its charm as it could be captured and transformed using various household appliances.

Unfortunately, Game Freak, the creators of Pokemon, decided to shift Rotom's focus. They delved into its lore and turned it into a Pokemon capable of possessing electronic devices and functioning as a pseudo-artificial intelligence. Starting from Pokemon Sun and Moon and continuing with the latest installment of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Rotom has become deeply ingrained in various in-game mechanics, such as the Pokedex, phone, and map systems. Now, with the addition of the Roto-Stick in Scarlet and Violet's DLC, Rotom has taken on yet another role as the player's camera. This risks relegating Rotom to a mere utility instead of the beloved and special Pokemon it used to be for trainers.

Rotom is Losing its Place as a Pokemon

Despite its potential as a Mythical Pokemon with its unique and exclusive type combination, multiple forms, and limited availability, Rotom has become just another ordinary Pokemon found in the wild. In games like Pokemon Legends: Arceus, players can obtain Rotom and its various forms by purchasing mechanical appliances for their in-game home, a feature also available in Pokemon Sword and Shield's Isle of Armor DLC. As a result, Rotom has lost its special status and is now seen as Game Freak's representation of futuristic technology.

Initially introduced in Generation 7 as a novelty, Rotom was able to possess a Pokedex. However, it has since been used in various other ways, serving as the player's bike, a drone, and a computer terminal in games like Sword and Shield and in the Pokemon anime. Despite these additional functionalities, they are not considered new forms of Rotom, even though it already has five official forms and fan-created forms that better align with its lore. As Pokemon's tenth generation approaches, the Scarlet and Violet DLC has further highlighted the differences between Rotom as a Pokemon and its role as a gadget.

The Roto-Stick Undermines Rotom More

Following its confirmation to make a return in Scarlet and Violet, the Rotom Phone remained largely unchanged in functionality from its previous appearance in Sword and Shield and the Arc Phone in Legends: Arceus. However, Scarlet and Violet did enhance its capabilities by allowing players to take in-game snapshots and selfies with their Pokémon. Nevertheless, the recent Pokemon Presents presentation introducing the Roto-Stick as a counterpart to real-world selfie sticks not only highlighted Rotom's reduced role as a mere gadget and brand, but also emphasized Game Freak's current disregard for Rotom as a genuine Pokémon.

In the real world, selfies require individuals to physically hold their phones, while selfie sticks enhance the camera's range. It appears that Scarlet and Violet, along with their downloadable content (DLC), drew direct inspiration from this concept. However, the Rotom Phone has demonstrated its ability to fly independently of its trainer on numerous occasions, and Raihan's Rotom Phone autonomously captured selfies during his gym battle in its Dynamax form. Despite the Rotom Phone already proving its capability to take photos without the need for the Roto-Stick, Scarlet and Violet's DLC seems to overlook this fact, treating Rotom as a versatile entity for implementing whatever mechanics Game Freak desires.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for Nintendo Switch.