Pokémon Scarlet and Violet gave many Pokémon new looks and abilities in the form of Paradox Pokémon, but it's questionable if Legendaries need that same makeover. Paradox Pokémon have formed one of the most interesting parts of the new metagame, being some of the most powerful new monsters. The question is whether the features of Paradox Pokémon would mix well with the series' Legendaries.
Paradox Pokémon are one of the signature features of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet alongside the Tera mechanic. Paradox Pokémon are versions of previous Pokémon that either come from prehistoric times or the distant future. Apart from the ridable Koraidon and Miraidon, the Paradox Pokémon are unavailable until the post-game, similar to the Ultra Beasts of Pokémon Sun and Moon. They are generally just below the Legendaries in of power, with some able to eclipse some pseudo-Legendaries when it comes to performance. A few months into Generation 9's life, Paradox Pokémon seem to be a rousing success.
Paradox Pokémon Could Refresh Old Legendaries
One of the most fun aspects of Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet is how it managed to reinvent several different Pokémon. In a way, it's continuing the tradition that started with the first regional Pokémon back in Pokémon Sun and Moon, putting new twists on old species. The main difference where Paradox Pokémon are concerned is that they also provide the Pokémon in question with a significant power boost in most cases. Even when they aren't necessarily stronger statistically, they usually play differently than the Pokémon they are based on.
There is already precedent for Legendary Pokémon receiving alternate forms. Several Legendaries gained Mega Evolutions during Pokémon X and Y, with many of them taking places among that generation's elite. More recently, the Legendary Birds of Kanto received Galarian forms, all coming with new designs and typings. Sword and Shield's Galarian Legendary Birds ended up being one of the highlights of the Crown Tundra DLC with their striking new forms.
There are a lot of exciting ideas that could come from a Paradox Pokémon based on a Legendary. A Scarlet variation could depict them as they were before they had been written into legend, wielding more primordial powers than their current forms. A Paradox version of a Legendary from Violet could instead show how they would change when influenced by the forces of the future. Either direction could lead to an exciting new design that could easily match any existing Paradox Pokémon.
Creatively, a lot could be done with a Paradox Pokémon based on a preexisting Legendary, and if Scarlet and Violet's Paradox Pokémon leaks are true, they may already be planned. Since Pokémon has revisited Legendaries before, granting them new forms and abilities, it wouldn't be anything out of the ordinary for the series. As a bonus, since most of the Legendaries are quite popular, it's likely that Paradox Pokémon based on them would garner plenty of interest.
Legendary Pokémon Are Already Powerful Without Paradox Variants
One of the most interesting aspects about Paradox Pokémon is the contrast between them and the Pokémon they are based on. Not only that, but several Paradox Pokémon have a significant power boost compared to the originals, which can be fun to see, especially for underpowered Pokémon, but this also means Legendaries don't have as much to gain from inspiring Scarlet and Violet's Paradox Pokémon.
In all but a couple of examples, Paradox Pokémon have been an upgrade over their inspirations, or at least a different flavor from the original. The idea of the historically underpowered Delibird becoming the overpowered Iron Bundle is equally surprising and amusing. Legendaries, on the other hand, are already powerful, so there's less to look forward to from a Paradox version. It's also worth mentioning that every Paradox Pokémon thus far has a base stat total lower than that of the Legendaries. This would mean that a Paradox Pokémon based on a legendary would either have to be weaker than the original, or break the established stat pattern.
Even when the Mega Evolved Legendaries made their debut, they were controversial, particularly the overpowered Mega Rayquaza, which took a Pokémon already strong enough to be Pokémon Mystery Dungeon's final boss and gave it a power boost. While Legendary Pokémon are generally among the most well-known in the series, the idea of them getting new, powered-up forms is not guaranteed to be a popular one. Legendary Pokémon are strong enough to not need upgrades, which makes it less necessary for them to be the basis of Paradox Pokémon.
Legendaries Don't Need To Become Paradox Pokémon
Legendary Pokémon are already a significant draw on their own. Most players don't need more incentive to try to catch the rare and powerful Pokémon. They are already the top of the pecking order in the Pokémon universe, both in of power and importance. Because of that, there is far less reason to base Paradox Pokémon on them than other species. As a whole, Legendaries are less appealing candidates to act as inspiration for Paradox Pokémon, even with Scarlet and Violet's resident Legendaries Koraidon and Miraidon already technically being Paradox Pokémon.
Most of the advantages that Paradox Pokémon have are either dulled or nonexistent when applied to Legendaries. They are already strong, so the only appeal to having a Paradox variant would be to give the legendary a new design and typing. Not only that, but there is a good reason for keeping Legendaries from becoming Paradox Pokémon. Almost every Legendary has a prominent place in the lore of their home region, with folktales explaining their power. It doesn't make sense for their forms to change, since they are already the strongest with their stories etched in history.
Even Pokémon's most disappointing Legendaries have little to gain from having Paradox Pokémon counterparts. It's better for underappreciated Pokémon like Donphan and Delibird to get these new incarnations, since it drives interest in the originals while adding exciting new faces to the game. Creating Paradox Pokémon based on Legendaries may sound cool, but it won't add as much to the series as most candidates could.
There's a fair argument to be made for basing Paradox Pokémon on Legendaries. They would drive hype for the DLC if they were announced beforehand, but over time the shine would lessen. The spotlight is more effective on Pokémon who have less time in it, which is one reason why the current Paradox Pokémon are so good. Despite the potential for great designs, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet do not need Paradox Pokémon based on Legendaries.
