10 Most Shameful Video Game Releases Of All Time

9. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

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Nintendo

For many years, Nintendo has garnered a reputation for delaying its properties. However, the Japanese company justifies this practice by emphasising how important it is not to rush development.

And few games in recent memory emphasise this philosophy better than Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Scrambling to reach the Christmas deadline, the dual RPGs were far from ready when they hit shelves. Almost immediately after release, there were reports of bugs, performance issues, and unfinished textures.

Pokemon Sword and Shield may have fallen short of expectations but that was nothing compared to this travesty. Sword and Shield were disappointing. Violet and Scarlet, on the other hand, were unfinished.

Knowing they screwed up, Nintendo didn't bother to defend themselves. Instead, the tech giant held their hands up, refunding disgruntled customers immediately.

Now, no matter how terrible a game is, it can be redeemed with one (or a dozen) updates. When Nintendo promised a patch would remedy Scarlet and Violet's glitches, things seemed promising. But even after this tweak, the technical performances persisted, cementing this entry's reputation in infamy.

It may have made a killing in sales, but it doesn't change the fact Scarlet and Violet are the worst mainline entry in the Pokemon franchise.

Contributor
Contributor

James Egan has written 80 books including 1000 Facts about Superheroes Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about TV Shows Vol. 1-3 Twitter - @jameswzegan85