Ekans Slithers into Year of the Snake Celebration

Pokémon Rings in the Year of the Snake with a Charming Animated Short

Pokémon commemorated the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, with a delightful animated short featuring Ekans and Arbok. The video, released January 29th, 2025, on Pokémon's YouTube channel, showcases a heartwarming encounter.

The short depicts a playful interaction between two Ekans hanging from a tree – one a Shiny variant. The Shiny Ekans's accidental fall onto a passing Arbok leads to an unexpected evolution, triggered by a playful threat from its fellow Ekans. The newly evolved Shiny Arbok, now accepted by its peers, leads a procession of golden Arboks out of the forest.

The video's brevity didn't diminish its impact; viewers expressed emotional connections, comparing the Ekans's interaction to a childlike friendship, emphasizing that differences in appearance don't hinder connection. Nostalgia also played a significant role, with many recalling their first encounters with Shiny Pokémon in games like Pokémon Gold and Silver.

Beyond the animated short, The Pokémon Company expanded the celebration with in-game events and merchandise.

Pokémon GO's Lunar New Year Celebration

Pokémon GO joined the festivities with a Lunar New Year event, beginning January 9th, 2025, and running as part of the Dual Destiny season (December 3rd, 2024 – March 4th, 2025). The event boosted encounter and Shiny rates for snake-themed Pokémon, including Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka (whose Daruma doll inspiration symbolizes good luck).

Further enhancements included themed Field Research, special 2km Eggs featuring Pokémon like Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi, and a Timed Research event rewarding players with valuable Zygarde Cells.