Pokémon is ringing in the Lunar New Year of 2025 with a delightful animated short that celebrates the Year of the Snake, spotlighting the beloved snake Pokémon, Ekans and Arbok. Dive in to discover more about this charming video and the exciting ways The Pokémon Company is marking this special occasion.

Pokémon Celebrates the Year of the Snake

Releases an Animated Short, Featuring a Shiny Ekans and Arbok

On January 29, 2025, Pokémon's official YouTube channel unveiled a heartwarming animated short to commemorate the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake. The video captures a playful exchange between two Ekans perched in a tree, with one being a dazzling Shiny variant. As the Shiny Ekans becomes mesmerized and tumbles onto a passing Arbok, a surprising evolution occurs amidst a playful threat from its peers. Embraced by the group, the newly evolved Shiny golden Arbok leads the others away from the forest, leaving a touching impression on viewers.

The short, though brief, resonated deeply with fans. One viewer poignantly remarked, "Even though we were able to meet, it’s sad to say goodbye," capturing the essence of the fleeting yet meaningful interaction between the Ekans. Another drew parallels to childhood friendships, emphasizing that differences in appearance did not hinder the immediate bond formed between the two Ekans, one of which was a Shiny.

The nostalgia was palpable among others, with many recalling their initial encounters with Shiny Pokémon. A fan shared, "When I was playing Gold and Silver, the first Pokémon of a different color I encountered was Arbo. For some reason, it ran away from me at the time, and I was unable to catch it, something I still regret. However, I am very happy that we were able to meet again like this!"

Beyond the animated short, The Pokémon Company has curated a range of events and merchandise for fans to revel in this Lunar New Year.

Pokémon GO’s Lunar New Year Event

On January 9, 2025, Pokémon GO launched its Lunar New Year event, part of the Dual Destiny season spanning from December 3, 2024, to March 4, 2025. This event boosts the encounter and Shiny rates for various snake-like Pokémon, including Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka—the latter inspired by the Daruma doll, symbolizing good luck and perseverance.

The event also features themed Field Research tasks and special 2 km Eggs, containing Pokémon like Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi. Additionally, a themed Timed Research offers players the chance to earn rare Zygarde Cells, crucial for altering Zygarde’s forms, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.