Pokémon Rings in the Year of the Snake with a Charming Animated Short
Pokémon kicked off the 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations with a delightful animated short featuring Ekans and Arbok, the serpentine Pokémon. This heartwarming video, released on January 29th, 2025, quickly captured the hearts of fans.
The short depicts a playful encounter between two Ekans hanging from a tree – one a standard Ekans, and the other a dazzling Shiny variant. The Shiny Ekans's accidental fall onto a passing Arbok leads to an unexpected evolution, transforming it into a golden Arbok. The newly evolved Arbok, now accepted by its peers, leads a shimmering procession of Arbok through the forest.
The video's brevity didn't diminish its emotional impact. Viewers expressed sentiments ranging from bittersweet goodbyes to heartwarming observations about the immediate friendship between the two Ekans, regardless of their differing appearances. Many also shared nostalgic memories of their first Shiny Ekans encounters in Pokémon Gold and Silver.
Beyond the animated short, The Pokémon Company orchestrated a range of Lunar New Year events and merchandise.
Pokémon GO's Lunar New Year Festivities
Pokémon GO joined the celebrations with a Lunar New Year event, commencing on January 9th, 2025. This event, part of the Dual Destiny season (December 3rd, 2024 – March 4th, 2025), boosted the encounter and Shiny rates for several snake-themed Pokémon.
Featured Pokémon included Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka (whose Daruma doll inspiration symbolizes good luck and perseverance). The event also featured themed Field Research, special 2km Eggs containing Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi, and a Timed Research rewarding players with valuable Zygarde Cells.
