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 an unexpected evolution.
The short film depicts a playful interaction between the Ekans, culminating in the Shiny Ekans's evolution into Arbok after a comical mishap. The evolved Arbok, now gleaming gold, is then joined by other Arbok, creating a memorable scene. The video's emotional impact resonated with viewers, with many commenting on the touching bond between the Pokémon, regardless of their differences.
Nostalgia also played a significant role in viewers' responses, with many recalling their first encounters with Shiny Ekans and Arbok in Pokémon Gold and Silver.
Beyond the animated short, The Pokémon Company launched other Lunar New Year celebrations.
Pokémon GO's Lunar New Year Event
Pokémon GO joined the festivities with a Lunar New Year event, starting January 9th, 2025, and running as part of the Dual Destiny season (December 3rd, 2024 – March 4th, 2025). This event boosted the appearance and Shiny rates of various snake-themed Pokémon, including Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka. The event also featured themed Field Research tasks, special 2km Eggs containing Pokémon like Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi, and a Timed Research offering rare Zygarde Cells.
