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Is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet safe for photosensitive kids?

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If your child is photosensitive, be cautious with this one. Our rating scores flashing as frequent (2 out of 3), and we haven’t found a setting that turns flashing off. Talk to your child’s doctor and preview the game yourself first. The same rating covers both Scarlet and Violet, which are the same game with different Pokémon. Full scores are on our Pokémon Scarlet game page.

The flashing details

• The Family Gaming Database says backgrounds can be distracting because of moving elements and flashing lights.
• Common Sense Media says defeated Pokémon disappear in a flash of light.
• Access-Ability saw lighting effects flickering on and off in the launch version, before the day-one update. Make sure the game is updated before your child plays.
• We don’t know how often flashing happens. No source documents that yet.

Other sensory notes

• Screen motion: 2 out of 3. The Family Gaming Database says depth of field, low and uneven frame rates, and slowdowns “can become quite nauseating.” Access-Ability noticed occasional disorienting camera glitches.
• Timers: 1 out of 3 in the story. Battles are turn-based, and quick reactions aren’t needed. Some sections have a time limit, and the sandwich mini-game has a countdown. Online Tera Raid Battles have a time limit and no turns (2 out of 3).
• Losing: 1 out of 3. Your child can lose battles, but fainting costs only some money, not items.
• Scary: 1 out of 3. Mild fantasy violence, with no jump scares listed. Wild Pokémon can charge at you, which starts a battle.
• Stopping: easy. It saves at any time.
• Reading: 1 out of 3. A moderate amount, in high-contrast but often small text. That’s a lot for a non-reader.
• Strangers: none when playing offline. Raids can team you up with strangers worldwide, with preset phrases only, and need a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Settings to change first

• Turn on Helping Functions so the game offers to put you back after a big fall.
• Set a comfortable text speed.
• Keep sessions short if motion sickness is a problem.
• Stay offline (skip Tera Raid Battles) for a calmer game with no time limits from raids.

Calmer alternatives with no flashes listed

• Bluey: The Videogame: no flashes, no jump scares, no losing progress.
• A Short Hike: no flashes, low pressure, saves at any time.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons: the base game is generally free of flashing (skip the Happy Home Paradise add-on).
• Chicory: A Colorful Tale: has a setting to turn off flashing effects, and it’s a gentle adventure for older kids.

FAQ

Can you turn off flashing in Pokémon Scarlet or Violet?

We haven’t found a setting that does. If you find one, please tell us using the tips form.

Is Pokémon Violet any different from Scarlet for flashing?

Our rating covers both. They’re the same game with different Pokémon, and the same ESRB rating.

Is Pokémon Scarlet good for autistic kids otherwise?

Many kids like that battles are turn-based and that it saves at any time and can be played fully offline. The main concerns are flashing, motion that some players find nauseating, and a lot of reading.

Does it have online strangers?

Only if your child joins online play like Tera Raid Battles, which needs a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. There’s no open chat in raids (preset phrases only).

More reading: Games with no flashing lights · how we rate