Earlier this week, Pokemon GO developer Niantic confirmed that more Gen 3 Pokemon will soon be added to the game. However, new evidence uncovered by fans of the hit mobile game suggests that the Gen 3 characters are not the only major arrival headed for the game.

Pokemon GO's latest update on Android (Android 0.85.1) has now been datamined to uncover files and items that are not yet available in the game but are apparently ready to go. Included in these files is a new, Christmas-themed loading screen and this screen provides the biggest hint yet that Ice and Flying-type Pokemon Delibird is about to be released.

The loading screen mostly features Gen 3 Pokemon but in the background, just left of the Christmas tree, a gift can be seen suspended in midair. Look a little closer and notice that there's also a red foot at the base of the tree. Delibird's signature move is 'Present' as it can carry special items in its tail and these items can either heal or damage its opponent. Delibird is also large and red.

pokemon-go-holiday-tease

The present and the red foot are dead giveaways that Delibird is about to join Pokemon GO, but it's not the only hint of the character's arrival. The move 'Present' is also mentioned in the datamined files as "V0291_MOVE_PRESENT_FAST = 291" and although other Pokemon have been known to learn and use the move, Delibird is the most well-known.

There's other, less conclusive evidence that Pokemon GO will add Delibird too. It's impossible to ignore the fact that Delibird looks like the Pokemon version of Santa Claus as it even sports a white 'beard.' That would make it a perfect arrival for the holidays.

Moreover, there's the fact that Niantic has confirmed that a Pokemon GO holiday event will take place later this month. Although the developer has yet to formally announce the event and what it might include (e.g holiday sales and any XP bonuses), the release of Delibird would be a great headline feature for it.

It's also worth noting that the new Pokemon GO weather system can lead to increased spawns of certain Pokemon types. For example, snow will lead to increased spawns of Ice-type Pokemon, like Delibird. So although the Pokemon's release is currently unconfirmed, it's probably a good idea for Pokemon GO players to start coming up with Delibird nicknames now.

Pokemon GO is available now on iOS and Android devices.

Source: Chrales - Reddit