The beloved mobile game may soon welcome Paradox Pokémon and more new features
Pokémon GO’s 9th Anniversary celebrations may have included more than just festive party hats and special encounters. Fans have spotted what appear to be significant teasers for upcoming additions, including the debut of Paradox Pokémon, hidden in the official anniversary artwork by character designer Yusuke Kozaki.
The illustration, released to mark the game’s milestone, features not only a wide array of familiar Pokémon but also the Gen 9 Paradox Pokémon Great Tusk and Iron Treads. These two were first introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as ancient and futuristic counterparts to Donphan, existing in an alternate timeline. Their appearance in the anniversary art strongly suggests that Niantic is preparing to bring Paradox Pokémon into Pokémon GO, possibly as part of a future event.
Anniversary Season Celebrates the Past, Teases the Future
The arrival of Pokémon GO’s current season, Delightful Days, on June 3 kicked off a string of weekly events spotlighting different generations of Pokémon. The season also aligned with the 9th Anniversary, which brought back Kanto starters, Pikachu, Eevee, and others in party hats. The anniversary’s signature artwork, however, points beyond nostalgia, hinting at exciting updates yet to come.
Paradox Pokémon stand apart from their modern-day counterparts, each with its own Pokédex entry and unique design. How Niantic plans to implement them remains unclear — they could appear as rare wild spawns, event-specific raid bosses, or perhaps through research quests, much like Legendary Pokémon have debuted over the years.
More Hidden Details: Gigantamax, Mega Metagross, and Remote Features
Kozaki’s artwork also hides a few more intriguing elements. Fans have noticed a Gigantamax Butterfree depicted alongside a trainer, suggesting the Bug-type Pokémon’s Dynamax evolution could finally make its Pokémon GO debut. Another notable inclusion is Mega Metagross, one of the final Mega Evolutions still missing from the game. Given Niantic’s ongoing rollout of Mega Pokémon through raid battles, Mega Metagross could soon join the roster.
A subtler detail — a trainer sporting a glowing thumbs-up notification on their wrist — has fueled speculation about a long-requested feature: remote communication or trading. Remote trading would make it easier for players worldwide to exchange region-exclusive Pokémon, strengthening the social aspect of the game without requiring expensive travel.
Paradox Pokémon Could Be the Start of a New Era
With so many Pokémon still left to add from recent generations, the inclusion of Paradox Pokémon seems like a natural evolution for the game. Their unique lore and striking designs would bring fresh variety to the player experience, while rumored remote trading would help foster a more connected global community.
Niantic has yet to officially confirm the addition of Paradox Pokémon or the other teased features, but the anniversary artwork has clearly set the stage for an exciting future in Pokémon GO.
