SORA NEWS


 

Adorable sleuth is joined by special color-versions of his Pokémon movie co-stars.

Here in Japan, we get plenty of chances to see Pikachu, what with the annual Pikachu Outbreak that occurs in Yokohama and the permanent Pokémon Cafe in Tokyo. This month, though, we’re getting even more chances to spend time with the beloved electric-type.

First came the release of the live-action Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, which opened in Japan a week ahead of theaters elsewhere in the world (followed by the shocking posting of POKÉMON Detective Pikachu: Full Picture on YouTube). But as much as we enjoyed seeing the sleuthing Pokémon on the big screen, we’re also excited to see him on the smaller screens of our smartphones.

 

On 5-8, Pokémon GO kicked off its special Detective Pikachu event. Sure, the biggest incentive, from a numerical standpoint, is double experience points, but if you’re more interested in cuteness than strength, the important part is the debut of catchable Detective Pikachus!

 

Technically, these aren’t a separate species, but the new Pikachus have an undeniably appealing fashion sense. Just like with the special Ash/Satoshi cap and party hat Pikachus, Detective Pikachus retain their special headgear permanently, and it’s also represented in the AR photo Snapshot mode.

▼ If only Japan’s new emperor would show up in our Pokémon GO photos…

 

A number of Detective Pikachu’s movie co-stars are also part of the event, with rare alternate-color versions of Bulbasaur, Psyduck, Cubone, Snubbull, Magikarp, Treecko, and Aipom, all of whom make prominent appearances in the movie, currently populating Pokémon GO’s virtual world.

 

In addition, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu hats and shirts have been added to the list of clothing options for your Pokémon Trainer avatar.
Pokémon GO’s Detective Pikachu event runs until May 17.