As excitement continues to build for the upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, fans got their first look at a new Pokémon, one that crushes the hopes of anyone wanting a Smeargle regional form. A considerable part of the fun of new Pokémon games is the new Pokémon that come with them. The most recent games have introduced regional forms of older Pokémon and have allowed older fans to have the chance to see some of their favorites get a refresher. Some of the most popular regional Pokémon are Alolan Ninetails, Galarian Ponyta, and Hisuian Goodra. However, some fans still want more undervalued Pokémon to see regional additions to boost their viability.
Earlier this week, Pokémon released a set of four pictures that contained four artistic markings left on trees of the Paldea region. This immediately sent fans into theories on whether this would be a new Pokémon or a regional form of one. One of the most popular theories for the latter was that it could be a form or regional evolution of Smeargle, which some believe is a Pokémon that deserve a regional form. However, that is not the case, as a day later, Pokémon officially confirmed the existence of the new Pokémon Grafaiai with its shadow in the background of the pictures.
Fans have already started to research this new Pokémon, speculating based on its shape and enjoyment of trees that the real-life animal aye-ayes are the inspiration. Currently, nothing else is officially known about Grafaiai outside its shadow and painting ability. More teases may be on the way, though, as Game Freak has already teased other news about the game such as the new areas inspired by real-life locations in Spain.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Still Hasn’t Fixed Smeargle’s Biggest Problem
Even though the news of a new Pokémon is an exciting time, for fans who were hoping for a Smeargle evolution or regional form, this almost certainly puts the chances of it to rest until the next new generation. Smeargle has always been a cool Pokémon with its fair share of fans. However, it suffers from what many other no-evolution Pokémon suffer from – there is no need to use it. Some no-evolution Pokémon can be powerful, such as Mimikyu, Shuckle, and Dracovish, but many tend to be lackluster and can’t compete. When fans first saw these teasers of a Pokémon that likes to paint, many thought it could finally be a new form or evolution for Smeargle that could boost its viability. That is not the case this time, and unless Nintendo has some surprise for fans, the chances any new form of Smeargle appears in Gen 9 is unlikely, even with all the new Pokémon rumored to be in the game.
The unfortunate thing for Smeargle is that its stats can’t compare to evolved Pokémon. Smeargle has access to strong abilities and its signature move, Sketch, allows Smeargle to copy the last move its opponent used permanently. Sketch does have some moves it cannot copy, but it still allows Smeargle to copy 90% of the moves in Pokémon. Overall, like most news in the Pokémon franchise, this one comes with excitement and sadness. Those who got their wish to see more new and unique Pokémon can celebrate, while those who wish for the underutilized Smeargle to get refreshed will have to continue to wait. Perhaps one day, Smeargle will get some buff, a new form, or regional evolution that could help raise its usefulness in-game, but that doesn’t seem to be happening in Gen 9.
