Do Pokémon poop? Perhaps that’s not a question you’ve ever considered after decades of this franchise’s existence, but it’s a question that’s now been answered in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
There’s certainly some colourful dialogue in this latest Pokémon spin-off (even if it’s not voiced, but let’s not go there now), but some conversations are proving more revelatory than others.
Japanese fans, as Automaton has reported, have become particularly concerned with an NPC whose Pikachu is “pooping more than usual”, leading to “Pikachu’s poop” becoming a trending topic on social media.
Eurogamer has spotted the NPC in the English-language version too. “My Pikachu’s been having tummy troubles recently,” the kid says. “I’m worried…”
The offending Pikachu doesn’t look any different standing in front of the child, who sits on a bench showing little actual worry or, you know, helping the poor thing. But maybe this Pikachu is simply putting on a brave face in public, holding it in before scampering to defecate in a nearby bush – hey, we’ve all been there (the brave face bit at least).
This pair aren’t alone either, as Eurogamer also spotted another Pokémon trainer who’s been busy “cleaning up the, um, droppings of wild Pokémon”. Why are they doing that? The mysteries continue.
Thankfully none of this poop is seen in-game, so the pristine streets of Lumiose City remain smear free.
If you’ve been wondering how long it takes to run around the city, picking up poop or not, then Eurogamer has investigated for you – it’s shorter than you might think.