It's going to be a big few months for Nintendo and its wildly popular RPG series, Pokemon. This week sees the launch of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl for the Nintendo Switch, remakes of the highly popular DS games which originally released in 2006. These games take players to the fictional Sinnoh region, an area that was based on the Japanese Island Hokkaido, and introducing features like Pokemon Contests, the Poketch, and expanded day/night cycle, and more.
Pokemon GO, the massively popular AR mobile game, is also getting in on the launch excitement, bringing a new event to the experience to coincide with the Switch releases. The crossover event shouldn't be too surprising as Niantic has done similar things for other Pokemon releases like New Pokemon Snap, Sword and Shield, as well as some of the various movioe releases as well. Thankfully, this latest one celebrates all things Sinnoh and kicks off next week.
In a new blog post, Niantic reveals another Sinnoh focused event coming to Pokemon GO starting on November 16 with an homage to Pokemon Brilliant Diamond, before switching to Shining Pearl on November 18 until the event closes on the 22nd. All Pokemon originally discovered in the Sinnoh region will be appearing in the wild more often, and the three starters, Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup, will be wearing special hats originally worn by Dawn and Lucas. Incubators will be cutting egg totals in half while Super Incubators will drop egg distances by a third for the duration of the event. Cresselia and Mega Lopunny will be available in five-star and mega raids respectively.
In addition, Pokemon GO will feature a new collection challenge, requiring players to collect a selection of Pokemon which then rewards 1,000XP, 3,000 Stardust, and a special encounter with Froslass. The in-game Shop is also getting updated with new costumes, stickers, and special bundles for sale. In addition to Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup onesies, players can also customize their avatar with Lucas and Dawn inspired looks.
Along with the Sinnoh event, Pokemon GO is finally bringing back Team Rocket leader Giovanni. While the mysterious leader has gone missing since his last appearance in September, his return brings with it the legendary Pokemon, Shadow Lugia. Players who are able to best Giovanni will get an opportunity to capture the dual Psychic anmd Flying type, so they'll want to make sure to bring a team composed of Pokemon who know Dark, Electric, Ghost, Ice and Rock type moves.
Pokemon GO is out now on iOS and Android.