Pokemon Scarlet and Violetbring many changes to the series, including the addition of picnics and TM crafting. Many things appear to be remaining the same, including the franchise’s complicated means of redeeming gifts. This is disappointing, asfranchises likeSplatoonhave illustrated that there are better ways to do things.
Splatoon 3features the SplatNet QR system which allows gamers to simply scan a QR code to obtain whatever reward is being distributed. This is both easy and efficient, which is something thatPokemoncould use, as it often has players visiting stores and or participating in events to obtain codes for gifts. HopefullyPokemon Scarlet and Violetwill decide to leave behind their codes and other elaborate distribution systems in favor of something a little more hi-tech and convenient for everybody involved.

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Splatoon 3 and the SplatNet QR System
Splatoon 3is the latest installment in the popularSplatoonseries. It brings players together for some more ink-blasting fun. Along the way, developers occasionally drop gifts and surprises for gamers, and the game has an easy way for these to be redeemed. All players have to do is download theNintendo Switch Onlineapplication, which then gives players access to SplatNet 3. Using SplatNet 3, gamers scan QR codes that are occasionally distributed and reap the rewards on offer. The rewards can be claimed from the Lobby Terminal withinSplatoon 3.
Gamers recently got to experience how the system works. A Nintendo Live concert starringSplatoon’s Deep Cut aired in October. Following the concert, a QR code was distributed online. Scanning the code gives gamers a free Nintendo Live banner for theirSplatoon 3splashtag. It’s not much, but it does keep interest in the game alive. Best of all, it’s not hard for gamers to grab their gift.

What Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Can Learn From Splatoon 3
In the past,Pokemonhas also been fond of distributing gifts and bonuses for fans. However, redeeming them is usually a very convoluted process, and this ends up making some of these gifts quite exclusive. In some instances, codes for Mystery Gifts are only distributed to select stores in certain regions, or fans have to attend a specific event, either in person or online. This has left many fans unable to claim thePokemonMystery Giftsthat they greatly desire.
The problem could be partially solved if Game Freak and The Pokemon Company borrowed a few elements fromSplatoon 3. Allowing gamers to simply scan QR codes to claim gifts instead of entering codes that are obtained through lengthy processes would make things easier for fans. Additionally, it would ensure that more gamers than ever get to enjoy these gifts when they are distributed. Having a dedicated app that handles this would be a great help, though due to theNintendo Switch’s lack of a conventional camera, it would have to function off the user’s smartphone.
Already, there have been gifts announced for the upcomingPokemongame. Gamers who pre-order will obtain aFlying Tera Type Pikachuthat knows that move Fly, and it can be claimed until the end of February 2023. This Pikachu will likely be coveted due to its competitive potential, though The Pokemon Company is still relying on old methods to distribute it. Hopefully, the franchise eventually adopts more efficient methods along the way that make redeeming gifts less of a chore.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare scheduled to release on July 25, 2025, on Nintendo Switch.
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