A Japanese trademark has set off speculation regarding a popular Pokemon Sword and Shield rumor. The Pokemon fansite PokeJungle spotted a Game Freak, Creatures Inc, and Nintendo trademark for "Armored Mewtwo" reserved across movies, toys, and video games. The discovery of the trademark has led to confusion regarding whether Armored Mewtwo refers to the upcoming Pokemon movie Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution, a Pokemon Trading Card Game product, or a leak claiming that Pokemon Sword and Shield would be adding a new Armored Evolutions feature.

In late February, prior to the announcement of Pokemon Sword and Shield, an anonymous leaker posted on 4chan regarding the upcoming game. They confirmed the names as well as its regional setting of Great Britain, both of which are now confirmed. The leaker also said that Pokemon Sword and Shield will have a new Armored Evolutions feature, which will include new armored forms for Charizard, Flygon, Zeraora, and Mewtwo.

An Armored Mewtwo trademark seemingly supports the already half-true 4chan leak, but there's more to Armored Mewtwo than just the leak. Official merchandise for the upcoming film, Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution, confirms a toy for Armored Mewtwo. It's either a reference to new material in the movie, previously thought to be a straight remake of the original Pokemon film, or to Mewtwo's armored look while it was captured within the laboratory. Either way, this movie reference to Armored Mewtwo is confirmed whereas the Pokemon Sword and Shield connection is not.

The rational conclusion is that the Armored Mewtwo trademark is purely for the film. After all, it's confirmed via the merchandise image. There's also the fact that Pokemon, like other companies, historically hides trademark registrations that could spoil announcements through shell companies or partners. The willingness to openly file the trademark hints to it not really being an announcement or spoiler, but rather just part of regular marketing efforts.

mewtwo strikes back: evolution merchandise

While the trademark's relation to Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution seems accurate, there's another possibility worth considering. This trademark could 100% be referring to the movie or promotion related to the movie, but that doesn't necessarily mean the Pokemon Sword and Shield leak is false. Armored Evolutions could still be coming to the Nintendo Switch game and the 4chan leak could still be accurate. Nintendo may just be having fun with its trademarks, enjoying the confusion among dedicated fans that always leads up to a new Pokemon game's release.

Pokemon Sword and Shield release in late 2019 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

Source: PokeJungle