Several new Pokémon, including “Galarian forms” of past Pokémon, were revealed during a two-minute trailer for upcoming Nintendo Switch titles Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield this morning.
Galarian forms
The first reveal of the trailer was the existence of “Galarian forms” — not unlike Alolan-form Pokémon from Nintendo 3DS games Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon.
Galarian-form Pokémon are those that have “adapted to the unique environment of [Galar] and look different than the same species might look when found in another region.
Weezing, Zigzagoon, and Linoone have all been confirmed to receive Galarian forms.
Galarian Weezing
Galarian Weezing, the Poison Gas Pokémon, is a Poison/Fairy-type that weighs 35.3 pounds and is 9’10” tall.
It also has the Ability Levitate.
Galarian Weezing “consumes polluted air and poisonous gases for sustenance,” which will then be spewed from the tops of its heads with their toxins removed.
Apparently, even a whiff of the concentrated poison clouds are so potent that they can immobilize an opponent.
Galarian Zigzagoon
Galarian Zigzagoon, the Tiny Raccoon Pokémon, is a Dark/Normal-type — as opposed to the singular “Normal” typing of the regular Zigzagoon introduced in Pokémon’s Generation III games.
It weighs 38.6 pounds, is 1’4″ tall, and has Pickup and Gluttony as Abilities.
Galarian Zigzagoon are known to “move about however they like and never settle down.”
According to the official Pokémon site, there’s speculation that the “zigzag movements of the Zigzagoon in other regions stem from the restless nature of Galarian Zigzagoon, which is considering to be the oldest branch of the species.”
These Pokémon enjoy battles and will “charge at people and other Pokémon in an attempt to provoke a fight.”
Galarian Zigzagoon also shows Game Freak is willing to provide regional variants of non-Generation I Pokémon; Alolan forms in Gen VII were all originally Gen I Pokémon.
Galarian Linoone
Galarian Linoone, the Rushing Pokémon, is a Dark/Normal-type that weighs 71.7 pounds and is 1’8″ tall.
It can have both Pickup and Gluttony as Abilities.
Galarian Linoone can reach speeds of over 60 miles per hour while also delivering “devastating” Tackles and Headbutts.
These moves are apparently so dangerous, they can even knock a car away.
They are “rash and fearless” and will “recklessly pick fights even with opponents stronger than themselves.”
These Pokémon are very popular among the Galar region’s “disaffected,” “unhappy,” and “angry” youths due to their recklessness.
New Pokémon
A couple new Pokémon were also shown during the trailer, including an evolution for Galarian Linoone — the first non-Eevee-related evolution for a past Pokémon since the Generation IV games Pokémon Diamond, Pokémon Pearl, and Pokémon Platinum.
Obstagoon
According to Obstagoon’s page on the official Pokémon website, “some regional forms have developed unique Evolutions unseen in any other region” — one such being Obstagoon, which evolves from Galarian Linoone.
Obstagoon, the Blocking Pokémon, is a Dark/Normal-type that weighs 101.4 pounds and is 5’3″ tall.
It can know the Abilities Reckless and Guts.
This evolution is spurred by a “harsh environment,” and Obstagoon are faced with “fierce competition against others of their species.”
Obstagoon are “extremely combative,” but often don’t launch the first attack; instead, they will taunt an opponent and goad it into attacking first.
“When it does, Obstagoon will cross its arms and meeting the oncoming attack with its Obstruct move,” the official website says.
Morpeko
The final new Pokémon revealed this morning is Morpeko, the Two-Sided Pokémon, which is unique due to its two forms: “Fully Belly Mode” and “Hangry Mode.”
This Electric/Dark-type has the Ability Hunger Switch, weighs 6.6 pounds, and is 1-foot tall.
Morpeko is always hungry, no matter how much it eats, and is “constantly” generating electricity with the sacs in its cheeks.
It is always carrying Berry seeds, which serve as snacks.
When it gets hungry, it activates its Ability: Hunger Switch.
This causes it to change its appearance each turn — and to become more aggressive and volatile.
While in “Hangry Mode,” Morpeko’s signature move “Aura Wheel” becomes a Dark-type move, while in “Full Belly Mode,” it’s Electric type.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield launch worldwide for Nintendo Switch on November 15th, 2019.
What’re your thoughts on the new reveals? Let us know in the comments and be sure to stay plugged in to Nintendo Wire for more Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield news as it becomes available!
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Written by Daniel Dell-Cornejo
Daniel is an editor at Nintendo Wire. Always with his head in the clouds, he is never apart from his creative thoughts – a blessing for an aspiring fiction writer. As a journalist and lifelong gamer, he aims to provide readers with the very best in Nintendo coverage.
