How to change nicknames in Pokémon Scarlet/Violet

Welcome to the dynamic universe of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, where trainers forge lasting connections with their Pokemon. In this vibrant landscape, personalizing your Pokemon’s journey is not just a feature but a crucial element of the gameplay. One way to infuse a sense of companionship and individuality into your Pokemon experience is by changing their nicknames. Luckily, this is an easy and enjoyable task that can be undertaken at any point in your adventure. In this article you will learn how you change nicknames of your Pokémon in Pokemon Scarlet/Violet.

Introduction to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet:

In the sprawling realms of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, players find themselves immersed in a captivating new region teeming with diverse environments, untold mysteries, and, of course, a plethora of Pokemon waiting to be discovered. As trainers embark on their quests to become Pokemon Champions, Scarlet and Violet introduce innovative features and engaging gameplay mechanics, making every moment a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Importance of Nicknaming:

Amidst the thrill of exploration and battles, the personal connection between a trainer and their Pokemon is a cornerstone of the Pokemon journey. Changing your Pokemon’s nickname is a simple yet powerful way to establish a stronger bond. It’s not just a name; it’s an identity that reflects the relationship and experiences shared between the trainer and their Pokemon.

How to change nicknames in Pokémon Scarlet/Violet:

Changing a Pokemon’s nickname in Scarlet and Violet is a straightforward process that enhances the personal touch of your Pokemon journey. With only a few clicks, you can rename your Pokemon to suit your preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Access Your Party: Press the X button to open your Party, where your active Pokemon are listed.
  2. Select the Pokemon: Choose the Pokemon you wish to rename and hit “Check Summary.”
  3. Navigate to Nickname: In the Summary section, press X to access the option to change the Pokemon’s nickname.
  4. Enter the New Nickname: Type in the new nickname of your choosing and confirm by choosing “Enter.”

Feel free to repeat this process as many times as you wish for a single Pokemon. Whether you’re going for a thematic approach or just enjoy mixing things up, this flexibility allows you to give your Pokemon an identity crisis, if that’s your preference.


Please ensure that the Pokemon whose nickname you want to change is in your party. You cannot alter the nickname from your PC box; it must be done while the Pokemon is in your active party.

Navigating Nicknaming Constraints:

When renaming Pokemon, there are a few constraints to keep in mind. Nicknames are limited to 12 characters, ensuring brevity and clarity. Additionally, Nintendo restricts the use of profanities or any content deemed inappropriate. However, this doesn’t hinder your creative freedom; it merely encourages trainers to explore imaginative and meaningful names.

Many trainers opt for efficiency when renaming, either by removing the rename notification to save time or by rapidly pressing the B button when the notification pops up. This not only expedites the process but also allows even the most impatient trainers to come up with amusing nicknames for their cherished PokeFriends.

Evolution of Pokemon Renaming:

In the earlier days of Pokemon games, players had to seek out a specific NPC known as the Name Rater to change their Pokemon’s names. This process proved tedious and somewhat time-consuming. However, the current rename feature, introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield, has revolutionized the experience, offering seamless and immediate customization.

Renaming Traded Pokemon:

While the freedom to rename your Pokemon enhances the personal connection, certain restrictions apply. Pokemon received through trades or that were not caught personally cannot be renamed. This restriction is likely a nod to respecting the original trainer’s identity and maintaining a sense of unique identity for each Pokemon.

While this limitation can lead to some humorous or awkward situations, such as receiving a poorly named Pokemon or one with an unreadable foreign alphabet, it adds an extra layer of authenticity to the Pokemon you acquire through trades.

Looking to the Future:

As the Pokemon franchise evolves, so do its features. While the current restrictions on renaming traded Pokemon remain in Scarlet and Violet, there’s always the possibility of future updates or changes. For now, trainers are encouraged to embrace the uniqueness of each Pokemon they acquire and explore alternative options if a name doesn’t quite fit.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Creativity!

Now that you’ve mastered the art of renaming Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet, the Pokemon world is your canvas. Whether you choose to go for humor, thematic names, or simply experiment with different monikers, the personalization adds depth and joy to your journey. So, equip yourself with this newfound knowledge, venture forth, and let the creativity flow as you build stronger bonds with your PokeFriends!