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Pokémon Scarlet and Violet trailer hides secret ‘mon in plain sight

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet just confirmed three new Pokémon, but there may have been a secret, unannounced fourth new 'mon hidden in the same trailer

Pokemon Scarlet Violet engine pokemon: a trainer with red hair looks with a surprised expression

We’ve just seen three brand new Pokémon revealed from the latest Pokémon Scarlet and Violet trailer – but what if we tell you there may have been a fourth, and that it was hiding in plain sight?

Note that if you only want to find out about the new Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet through official channels, there will be spoilers by way of some leaks ahead. However, if that doesn’t bother you and you want to know how on earth The Pokémon Company smuggled an unannounced Pokémon into a trailer without you noticing, then read on.

So, over the last few weeks, various leaks have reported that a Steel/Poison-type Pokémon that resembles the form of an engine will feature in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. That sounds relatively plausible, considering our box art legendaries are quite literally motorcycles. Those leaks just got a lot more credible as some eagle-eyed trainers spotted what appears to be that engine Pokémon in the trailer and in official artwork for the Starfall Street storyline that sees you take on Team Star.

In the trailer below between 0:46 and 1:05, and you’ll see Mela, the Fire-type leader from Team Star on top of her Starmobile. Look closely, and you’ll notice that the front-mounted engine powering the Starmobile appears to have a single yellow eye and a mouth.

The engine’s sentience is further proved in the artwork below, which shows a tongue coming out of its mouth.

Pokemon Scarlet Violet engine pokemon: Artwork showing a team leader standing on top of a massive disco bus with strobe lights, while two trainers stand at the bottom surrounded by Team Star members

While it may be coincidental, the colour scheme of this potential Pokémon’s body and central, single eye (silver and yellow) does somewhat resemble that of Meltan and Melmetal, the mythical Pokémon introduced in Generation 7.

To further solidify the case of this engine being an actual Pokémon, the official Pokémon website says that when battling Team Star leaders “the Starmobile itself will get in your way. Take down each squad’s boss by defeating their party Pokémon and their Starmobiles!”

It seems fairly certain that this is a proper Pokémon, and similarly to the likes of Rotom, it will have practical uses as well as being something you can catch and train. Whether we’ll find out its identity before the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet release date remains to be seen.

To see a full list of all the confirmed new and returning ‘mons, check out our guide to the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Pokédex.