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, released on January 29th, 2025. The video centers on a playful encounter between two Ekans, one a striking Shiny variant, leading to a surprising evolution and a heartwarming display of acceptance.

The short film depicts the Shiny Ekans' accidental fall onto an Arbok, triggering its evolution. The newly evolved Arbok, embraced by its peers, then departs the forest, showcasing a touching moment of camaraderie. This brief but impactful scene resonated deeply with viewers, with many commenting on the endearing interaction between the Pokémon, drawing parallels to the innocent friendships of children.

The video also sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans, rekindling memories of their first encounters with Shiny Pokémon in games like Pokémon Gold and Silver. Many shared stories of their own experiences, highlighting the enduring appeal of these rare creatures.

Beyond the animated short, The Pokémon Company expanded its Lunar New Year festivities with in-game events and merchandise.

Pokémon GO's Lunar New Year Celebration

Pokémon GO joined the celebrations with a Lunar New Year event, commencing on January 9th, 2025, and running concurrently with the Dual Destiny season (December 3rd, 2024 – March 4th, 2025). This event boosted the appearance rates of various snake-themed Pokémon, including Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka (whose Daruma doll inspiration symbolizes good fortune).

The event also featured special Field Research tasks, unique 2 km Eggs containing Pokémon like Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi, and a Timed Research offering valuable Zygarde Cells. This comprehensive event provided players with numerous opportunities to celebrate the Year of the Snake within the Pokémon GO universe.