November is shaping up to be a big month forPokemonfans. Not only doesPokemon SwordandShieldrelease on November 15, but it’ll be followed by a new soft reboot of thePokemonanime in Japan on November 17. However, it’s not following the traditional format of Ash simply traveling to a new region, as it will apparently include Galar as well as every other region in some manner. While many will indubitably be waiting for the new anime to make its way to America, there’s a few things we currently know about the series.
First, it’s the first series to not be wholly based on the corresponding generation of games, which isPokemon SwordandShieldin this case. Because of the multitude of regions found in the new anime, it’s clear that this soft reboot is treading new water. With that in mind, here’s everything confirmed so far.
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Dual Protagonists
This new Pokemon anime will focus on two characters this time around: Ash and Go. Things were touch and go for Ash for a little while, as many worried that his character would not be present due to the prospect of the reboot. After all, he also finally won aPokemon League Championship in theSun & Moonanime. Yet, it’s confirmed that Ash and Pikachu are back, with the goal this time being related to Pokemon battling. This may be a serious transition from his previous stance, given that he was associated with the catch phrase, “Gotta catch ‘em all.”
This time around, it looks like the new character, Go, will be the one focusing on catching Pokemon, which may or may not tie in the idea of multiple regions. His Partner Pokemon is aScorbunny, one of theSwordandShieldstarters, and it remains to be seen if it will ever evolve or stay in its current form like Ash’s Pikachu. Seemingly, Go’s main goal is to catch the legendary Pokemon Mew that he saw as a young boy. He’ll be voiced by Daiki Yamashit, a well-knownMy Hero Academiavoice actor.
New Supporting Characters
Two major supporting characters have also been confirmed to some capacity. They are Professor Sakuragi and his daughter Koharu (english names not yet confirmed). He is currently based at the Sakuragi Institute in Vermillion City, leading many to believe that he is essentiallyProfessor Oak’s replacement. If Oak returns in some form, it is not yet currently known.
Like her father, little is known about the newSwordandShield-era character Koharu. She is Go’s childhood friend and has a Yamper as a Pokemon Partner. She may prove to be a traveling partner for the aforementioned duo, or she could prove to be some type of rival. After all, Oak’s grandson was the original rival in the franchise, so it stands to reason that Sakuragi’s daughter could fulfill the same role. However, that is just speculation at this time.
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The Return of Team Rocket
Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobuffet are confirmed to return in the ever evasive chase for Ash’s Pikachu, and they are confirmed to appear in every region to some capacity. Much like the other characters in the show, this is practically all currently known.
Story Details
Outside specific character aspirations, the overarching story is still mostly remiss. It’s unknown if Ash and Go will be competing in the Galar region’s Major League, but this seems likely. And it’s been confirmed thatTeam Rocketwill be unveiling its new secret weapon in the anime, but once again, what that is remains to be seen. A recent interview, though, did show stills from one episode that show a seemingly wild Pichu befriending a Kangaskhan’s baby, but these screens from the Pokemon anime episode did little to confirm anything beyond this small bit of info for that specific episode.
More will likely become available in the coming weeks, so fans excited for the upcoming reboot should be sure to keep their ears to the ground for any more info, as its release draws ever closer.
The newPokemonanime airs in Japan on November 17.Pokemon SwordandShieldrelease on November 15, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
