If we speak of this strictly in terms of customization, realism had kinda sorta existed ever since customization had become a thing. For example, available hair colors have mostly been what we might see irl, such as blonde, brown, and black.
I remember seeing wine red as a hair colour in the Pokémon games before but that’s the only unnatural hair colour I’ve seen. I think they’ll eventually go out of realism and use unnatural colours for hair.
I think it’s more influenced by regional culture more than practicality. However practicality does play a role on the influence on culture. I just feel that they’re more or so representative of that culture rather than if it’s a wise decision to wear it or not.
They did expand customization in SM compared to XY. They increased the amount of hair colors from 5 to 9. They also increased the amount of hair styles from a paltry 4 for boys and 6 for girls to 6 for boys and 8 for girls. SM also added the ability for girls to customize how they style their bangs, as they can be either sideswept, straight, or completely absent. SM also added the ability to take off the player's hat, as well as the ability to wear glasses and other eyewear. Girls can now also wear lipstick as well. The player can also dye white clothes through the Festival Plaza. The Lens Case (which allows players to change their eye color) has more options available and is now given in a plot relevant cutscene as opposed to the player having to go to an optional area in order to receive it. USUM further increased the amount of hair styles, adding 2 new styles for boys and 1 new style for girls.
The fact that there are more options to choose from is what matters.
Lol way too soon to say. When SM got it's big reveal in May, we had no sign that customization was returning.
we don't even know .-.
