Pokémon GO’s 9th anniversary artwork teases Paradox Pokémon, Mega Metagross, and perhaps remote trades

Pokémon GO may have a different owner, but nothing has changed in one regard: The mobile game’s annual anniversary artwork is being picked apart by fans looking for hints at upcoming content. That method of predicting the future had mixed results in the past — yes, some things being depicted on the artwork do come true in the following months, but others remain unseen. We’re still waiting, Mega Mewtwo, we’re still waiting.

Regardless of how accurate it’ll end up being, the artwork for the 9th anniversary has plenty to talk about. Let’s begin with the aspects that are already confirmed, and that’s Quaxly getting a Community Day and Aegislash making its debut later this month. Both appear on the artwork, heralding their big appearances in a couple of weeks.

For the rest, things are a bit more uncertain. Mega Metagross and Gigantamax Butterfree are in the mix alongside the two Paradox Pokémon Iron Treads and Great Tusk from Scarlet & Violet. All four would be welcome additions to the game and Mega Metagross has been long overdue, given that so many other Mega Evolutions have become available by now.

There’s also Zygarde, which isn’t particularly connected to the 9th anniversary. Might this hint at the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A and an accompanying Pokémon GO event? Then again, Kalos Tour should be one of the big events next year, so it could simply signify that.

Most intriguing of all, though, is the depiction of a trainer checking their smartwatch. Above it, a speech bubble shows a thumbs-up sign. People have been speculating that this could simply be something like an emote system for raid lobbies, but a much more exciting prospect is the option of this being a hint at remote trades finally coming to the game — after all, the thumbs-up could signal the acceptance of a trade offer.

Once again, take all this with a grain of salt — art’s meaning is up to the beholder.

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