The popular Pokémon GO mobile game is today adding new Pokémon characters and an upcoming limited edition, holiday-themed Pikachu that players can find in the game.
Among the new Pokémon available to discover starting today as of 10AM PST are Togepi, Pichu and select Pokémon originally discovered in the Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver video games. The company’s press release notes that the new characters can only be acquired by hatching Eggs found at PokéStops.
“As we race toward 2017, we can’t help but feel grateful for the support and reaction the Pokémon GO community has given us, and we’re delighted to start rolling out select Pokémon for them to hatch,” said Kei Kawai, director of product at Niantic, Inc. The company adds that the “opportunity to hatch select Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region is just the beginning of how more Pokémon will be added to the game for Trainers to continue their Pokémon GO adventures.”
A first look at the new characters can be found in the images and promo video below, but the company doesn’t specify what “select Pokémon” will be available beyond Togepi and Pichu :
In addition to the new Pokémon, developer Niantic will be adding “large quantities” of a special-edition Pikachu themed for the holidays with a Santa hat. They are scheduled to start appearing between December 12 at 10AM PST and December 29.
Earlier this month we noted that Pokémon Go is teaming up with Sprint and Starbucks on new promotions for the game. Those partnerships will create tens of thousands of more PokéStops and Gyms for players by using Sprint, Boost Mobile, RadioShack, and Starbucks stores as in-game locations.
“We’re also looking forward to celebrating the season with our community by introducing a Pikachu wearing a festive hat, providing Trainers the opportunity to get out and explore their neighborhoods with friends and family as they gather for the holidays.”
