Pokémon Rings in the Year of the Snake with a Charming Animated Short
Pokémon celebrated the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, with a heartwarming animated short featuring Ekans and Arbok. The video, released on January 29th, 2025, on Pokémon's YouTube channel, showcases a delightful encounter between two Ekans, one a Shiny variant, leading to a surprising evolution.
The short film depicts a playful interaction between the Ekans, culminating in the Shiny Ekans's unexpected evolution into Arbok after a comical mishap. The newly evolved Arbok, now golden, is then joined by other Arbok, creating a captivating scene.
The video's heartwarming simplicity resonated with viewers. Many commented on the endearing bond between the Ekans, highlighting the message of friendship transcending differences. Nostalgia also played a significant role, with several fans recalling their first encounters with Shiny Pokémon in games like Pokémon Gold and Silver.
Beyond the animated short, The Pokémon Company organized various Lunar New Year events and merchandise.
Pokémon GO's Lunar New Year Celebration
Pokémon GO joined the festivities with a Lunar New Year event, starting January 9th, 2025, as part of its Dual Destiny season (December 3rd, 2024 – March 4th, 2025). This event boosted the appearance rates of snake-themed Pokémon, including Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka. The event also featured themed Field Research tasks, special 2km Eggs, and a Timed Research offering rare Zygarde Cells.
This multifaceted celebration provided fans with a memorable way to enjoy the Year of the Snake, combining nostalgic charm with exciting in-game events.
