Pokemon Pokopia Might Be Hinting at a New Type

One of the games featured in the Pokemon Day presentation was the upcoming cozy life sim spin-off Pokemon Pokopia. While the game is breaking new ground for the series as Pokemon‘s take on a Minecraft-meets-Stardew–Valley game, Pokemon Pokopia may have bigger implications for the franchise’s future beyond its simple spin-off premise. Pokopia may have already given players a glimpse at a new Pokemon type in its latest trailer, setting the stage for a potentially huge Gen 10 connection.

The star of the Pokemon Pokopia section of the Pokemon Day presentation was DJ Rotom, a new character that allows players to listen to different tracks from iconic Pokemon games while playing Pokopia. This Rotom possesses a stereo to become Stereo Rotom, a new form of the critter’s ability to possess different appliances in the mainline games. However, Stereo Rotom may not be a form limited to Pokemon Pokopia, and would be the perfect chance to finally bring the long-rumored Sound type into the franchise.

Every Pokemon Confirmed for Pokopia So Far

With March 5 around the corner, fans are wondering what Pokemon they may bump into in Pokemon Pokopia. Here are all the confirmed Pokemon so far.

Pokemon Pokopia’s Stereo Rotom is Begging for the Sound Type

Although Rotom has largely come to be associated with possessing the player’s Pokedex in recent generations, the Electric/Ghost-type Pokemon has historically been able to possess all kinds of appliances, including fans, ovens, refrigerators, lawn mowers, and even washing machines. When taking the form of a different appliance, Rotom’s Ghost-type swaps with whatever type is most commonly associated with that appliance:

Fan Rotom — Electric/Flying
Heat Rotom — Electric/Fire
Frost Rotom — Electric/Ice
Mow Rotom — Electric/Grass
Wash Rotom — Electric/Water

Going by this logic, the new Stereo Rotom form that DJ Rotom takes on in Pokopia would likely have a different type take the place of Ghost when it possesses the appliance. Although it technically doesn’t exist yet, Sound type would be the most logical choice for a stereo, potentially teeing up the franchise to introduce the new type in Gen 10.

The different forms of Rotom have a distinct color outline that corresponds to their new type, with Stereo Rotom’s coloring not matching any current type in particular.

Pokemon Has a History with “Sound Type” Rumors

Arguably, the most popular fan-made Pokemon type is the Sound type, with it popping up in dozens of Pokemon fan games and ROM hacks. Fan concepts for the Sound type have existed for generations, but the Pokemon franchise hasn’t introduced a brand-new permanent type since Fairy was added in Gen 6, bringing the total number of types in the series to the nice even number of 18, excluding the Gen 9 Stellar type that’s exclusive to Terastallized Pokemon. Still, it’s possible that a new permanent type could be added in the future, especially with how the series has emphasized sound and sound-based moves with abilities like Soundproof and sound-themed Pokemon like Whismur and Chatot already existing.

DJ Rotom in Pokemon Pokopia May Be Foreshadowing the Sound Type Coming in Winds and Waves

Pokemon Winds and Waves Outfit Version Screenshot 4

Now would be the perfect time to get Pokemon fans used to the idea of a brand-new type with DJ Rotom in Pokemon Pokopia. With the recent announcement of Pokemon Winds and Waves signaling that Gen 10 is on the horizon, the door is open for the franchise to rewrite some of its biggest gameplay traditions. Although introducing a new type would throw off the balance of the current 18 types, it could also be a fantastic way to give some older Pokemon a new coat of paint in the upcoming games and help shine a spotlight on them, like how regional variants and Mega Evolutions have done in the past.

Other Pokemon That Could Become Sound Type

Whismur
Loudred
Exploud
Chatot
Audino
Tympole
Palpitoad
Seismitoad
Obstagoon

Just like when the Fairy type was introduced, and a lot of existing Pokemon got a type change to include this new typing, the addition of the Sound type would likely be added to or replace an existing type on some current critters. The Whismur line is the obvious candidate since their whole theme is around increasingly louder sounds as they evolve. Chatot and Audino getting the Sound type also make a lot of sense, given that Chatot is known for repeating sounds it hears, and Audino is able to sense sound vibrations using the stethoscope-like tendrils on its ears. The Tympole line is an underrated choice to gain the Sound type, since they are able to vibrate their cheek pouches to create intense sound waves. Obstagoon would be a perfect choice as well, given that it is based on British Invasion Rock and Roll music culture.