Pokémon Rings in the Year of the Snake with a Charming Animated Short
Pokémon kicked off the 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations with a heartwarming animated short featuring Ekans and Arbok, the serpentine Pokémon. The video, released January 29th, 2025, on the official Pokémon YouTube channel, showcases a delightful encounter between two Ekans, one of which is a Shiny variant.
The short film depicts a humorous yet touching scene where the Shiny Ekans, captivated by its counterpart, accidentally falls onto a passing Arbok. A surprising evolution ensues after a playful threat from fellow Arboks, leading to a heartwarming acceptance of the Shiny Arbok into their group. The video's brevity hasn't stopped it from resonating with viewers; many have commented on the endearing interaction, drawing parallels to the innocent friendships of children.
Nostalgia also played a significant role in the audience's response, with many recalling their first encounters with Shiny Pokémon in games like Pokémon Gold and Silver. The video has sparked a wave of shared memories and appreciation for the franchise's enduring charm.
Beyond the animated short, The Pokémon Company has organized a range of events and merchandise to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Pokémon GO's Lunar New Year Event
Pokémon GO joined the festivities with a Lunar New Year event, starting January 9th, 2025, and running concurrently with the Dual Destiny season (December 3rd, 2024 – March 4th, 2025). This event boosted the encounter and Shiny rates for several snake-themed Pokémon, including Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka (whose Daruma doll inspiration symbolizes good luck).
The event also features special Field Research tasks, 2 km Eggs containing Pokémon like Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi, and a Timed Research event rewarding players with valuable Zygarde Cells.
This multifaceted celebration demonstrates The Pokémon Company's commitment to engaging with its global fanbase and celebrating diverse cultural events.
