Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Wiglett Reveal Sets a Bad Precedent for Regional Fakes

gamerant.com:

Following another update to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the new Pokemon «Wiglett» was revealed via running commentary from a research lecture livestream in the wild, but the regional form fake-out that accompanied this sets a bad precedent moving forwards. Regional forms have become a core part of current Pokemon games following their introduction in Pokemon Sun and Moon, thanks to expanded concepts like exclusive regional evolutions in Pokemon Sword and Shield. All eyes have been on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet for similar reveals of new regional forms and evolutions, like its Paldean Wooper.

But as Wooper is currently the only regional form confirmed so far for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, fans have been anticipating other forms thanks to the many leaks and rumors hinting towards others. Specifically, a leak earlier this year suggested that both Spritzee and Diglett would get regional forms, with Diglett's new form being Ground/Water, which appears to parallel the likely types of Wiglett. The reveal is essentially a rug-pull on fans, as it now means possible new Pokemon forms could just be new Pokemon imitating an old design, something which could backfire on Game Freak.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Need to Address Paradox Pokemon Sooner Rather Than Later

It's difficult to say if Wiglett is a one-off instance that Game Freak is trying out or if these «regional fakes» will become a more common occurrence. Presumably there could several other new Pokemon coming to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet that share appearances with other currently existing Pokemon. Consequently, this casts a lot of doubt on plenty of other rumors surrounding regional forms in the upcoming ninth generation, where earlier hints to new forms may actually be