As the holiday season approaches, Pokémon Go is getting into the festive spirit with an update that includes a new loading screen. This fresh artwork, which went live on Wednesday, Nov. 29, brings together a delightful ensemble of Pokémon from both Hisui and beyond, and I for one am as happy as Psyduck in this loading screen.
The loading screen prominently features the three Hisuian starter evolutions - Typhlosion (The best, fight me), Samurott, and Decidueye - capturing the essence of the Hisui region. Alongside them are fan-favourites such as Pikachu and Psyduck, adding a familiar touch to the mix. Additionally, Drampa makes an appearance, appearing in the artwork with the baby Pokémon and Hisuian Voltorb, creating a vibrant and engaging visual for players as they launch the game. This update adds a touch of holiday cheer and excitement, showcasing the diverse world of Pokémon in Pokémon Go.
The Hisuan variants of Pokémon were first introduced to us in Pokemon: Legends Arceus on the Nintendo Switch, continuing the trend set in Pokémon Sun & Moon, and while we have had some of the variants added to Pokémon Go, the long awaited arrival of the Hisuan Starters has been much anticipated, and I will say it again for everyone at the back of the room Hisuan Typhlosion is the personal favourite. Hisuan Pokémon were introduced into the TCG when Astral Radiance was released in 2022, with the Secret Rare Hisuan Samurott gold card being my favourite from that set. Since Astral Radiance we have also seen Hisuan Pokémon feature in other sets:
Who knows if we will see any more future Hisuan cards, with the introduction of Terastal Pokémon in Paradox Rift, Obsidian Flames, and Paldea Evolved as well as the Ancient and Future cards most recently introduced in Paradox Rift. I'm sure we will see more from Paldean Fates, and Temporal Forces as more leaks come out
Seriously Drampa?
With Drampa expected to be launching during the Lunar New Year Festival (Year of Dragon VMax), it's got me questioning, where's my boy Dragapult at Niantic? Drampa has always been underwhelming for me, I am not particularly fond of the design or his typing. Even within the Pokémon TCG I’m always left disappointed when I pull a Drampa, most recently seen in Evolving Skies(Blue Sky Stream - Korean), Brilliant Stars(Star Birth - Korean & Japanese), and Obsidian Flame (Ruler of the Black Flame - Japanese). What else the Lunar New Year Festival brings is not yet known.