Nicknames have been a part of thePokemonfranchise sincePokemon RedandPokemon Blue. They don’t add anything special to the Pokemon aside from giving them an ‘identity.’ The nicknaming feature returns inPokemon ScarletandPokemon Violet, and it’s available almost immediately.
There’s no limit to what Pokemon can be nicknamed inPokemon Scarlet & Violet, but inappropriate words are still banned as names, whether they be for the Pokemon or the main character. While a Pokemon can be renamed whenever trainers please, Pokemon received in a trade do not qualify for this rule. Traded Pokemon could only have the name from their original trainer until Generation 8 (Sword/Shield). Even then, a traded Pokemon inSword/Shieldcould only be renamedonce. This might be the case withScarlet/Violet.
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How to Nickname and Rename Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet
Each time a Pokemon is caught, players will be asked if they want to give the Pokemon a nickname. This also allows them to see the gender of their Pokemon as well. Nicknames can be up to12 characters or shorter. Pokemon keep their nicknames when they’re evolved.
Now let’s say aScarlet/Violetplayer accidentally selected “No” to nicknaming. Maybe there was a typo in the name that was typed in. If players arehaving second thoughts about their Pokemon’s name, they will need torename their Pokemonwith the “Change Nickname” feature.
Prior to Generation 8, players had to seek out an NPC called the Name Rater to change a Pokemon’s nickname. Showing him a Traded Pokemon would have him remark on what a “wonderful name” it had, thus preventing the player from renaming their Traded Pokemon. InSword/Shield, players could rename their Pokemon by speaking to the Cafe NPC in Pokemon Centers/Marts.
There isn’t a Name Rater inPokemon ScarletandPokemon Violet.Just like inPokemon Legends: Arceus, players can change the name of their Pokemon in themenu. To change a Pokemon’s nickname inScarlet/Violet, do the following:
A Pokemon that evolves and doesn’t have a nickname will have its name changed to whatever species they’ve evolved into. For example: Bykeeping Sprigatito’s name as “Sprigatito,” its name will become “Floragato” after it’s evolved.
