Sun & Moon Pokémon Speculation Thread

[DatsRight]

Even if Rowlet and Torracat stayed as in their current forms but got stronger, I'd be fine. Ash has Lycanroc as his fully evolved powerhouse anyway. If we genuinely do get Naganadel and Alolan Sandslash added as well, that's a pretty rounded team.

BW and XY to me shown the extremes of character vs strength upholding respectively, while SM looks like it's trying to keep a balance.

 

[Zoruagible]

Ash:
Pikachu
Rowlet- Yeah, it ain't evolving. I had hopes it'd go Decidueye after seeing the Pokken one. But at this rate, I'm fairly certain it won't evolve. It's clearly the Oshawott of this gen. Wish they gave it to Mallow so Ash could have had Pikipek.....
Lycanroc - Derp. Lycanium incoming at some point
Incineroar - Pretty obvious, there's no room for him to grow if he's kept this way. And he'd have absolute zero z-crystals to his name, meanwhile everybody else would have at least two a piece. Pikachu(Electric/Pikashnium and Steel), Lycanroc(Rock and Lycanium), Rowlet(Grass and Ghost, even if it's still Rowlet). The time for the Fire trial has passed, it ain't happening anymore, Nanu is already being teased and do you really expect Ash to have Evil Z? Especially when the TRio have yet to even use theirs? Nanu giving Ash Incineroarnium seems like the likely outcome, it's a Dark move... he's the Dark Kahuna.
Poipole/Naganadel - Time will tell if the Recon Squad get cheated out of the main plot like my boys Hau and Guzma... and Plumeria. Naganadel will have to debut, could happen during the Dragon trial or during the Necrozma climax. I could see Poipole going either way, but unless we see the Squad soon I'm leaning towards Naganadel.
Sandslash - Caught during the Ula'Ula arc as a Sandshrew and later evolves with an Ice Stone since that stone hasn't appeared in the anime yet. Main weilder of Corkscrew Clash since Pikachu will only use it once or twice.
Jigglypuff - If for some reason they pull the whole "Ash wastes time bonding with Pokemon for an entire arc, only to not end up catching it" crap again then Jigglypuff replaces Poipole's slot. Only logical reason I find behind them bringing her back is that they intend on Ash catching it.

Lillie:
Vulpix- Vulpix is too popular much like Rowlet. I love Vulpix, I love Ninetails... I wouldn't care either way, but it's pretty obvious it'll stay a Vulpix. Can still learn Fairy moves either way.
Cutfiefly, Clefairy, or some other Fairy not named Jigglypuff - Lillie's a Fairy specialist in the games now, anime's gonna reference that soon, she'll get the Fairy trial. Lillie getting Jigglypuff is a terrible idea and wrong in so many ways but I'm not going to get into that rant again.

Mallow:
Tsareena - (Hopefully not anytime soon, it needs to earn it)
Fomantis or Cutiefly line or maybe Ivysaur?
Maybe a gen 8 mon? Mallow seems like the one they'd give one to since they clearly don't know what to do with her! -.-

Kiawe:
Turtonator
Marowak
Growlithe -> Arcanine - He pretty much needs a new capture since his team is set as is atm. And Growlithe's line is cute but also suiting of him, plus we haven't seen much of this line. Not to mention it'd net Kiawe his first evolution.

Sophocles:
Togedemaru
Vikavolt - Derp, obviously happening. It ain't staying a Charjabug lol
Graveler -> Golem - Still haven't seen those Alola Pokemon, and it'd be hilarious to see Sophocles owning two Pokemon Ash himself has failed to capture this series. Sophocles could completely troll him. He desperately needs more focus much like Mallow, Vikavolt shouldn't be where it ends! Soph is so underrated.

James:
Mareanie/Toxapek - Please Toxapek..... tired of James' Pokemon never getting to evolve.
Minior/Cutiefly - Fills the 'cute' role James sometimes has.
Bewear!

Jessie:
Wobbuffett
Mimikyu
Salazzle - Unless Plumeria appears, Salazzle got like barely any screentime. I heavily doubt we'll see Lusamine's again. Salazzle has always suited Jessie, as soon as I saw it I thought "That's totally Jessie" much like female Pyroar... I hope they don't miss this opportunity.

Acerola:
Shiny Mimikyu - confirmed
Decidueye - Acerola will need a whole team if she's gonna be an E4 member. And if Ash ain't showing it off, somebody's gonna have to.

Gladion:
Umbreon
Lycanroc
Silvally
Lucario - Don't go a saga without seeing one.
Blastoise - Counter to Incineroar and references his trip to Kanto in-game
Kommo-o - pulls a Brock/Jessie moment and reveals he caught one back during the Nebby arc, shows off Clanging Scales if we don't get Ryuki

Lana:
Brionne - We see it every. freaking. episode! I heavily doubt it'll evolve past the state it can remain a walk along Pokemon.
Aquaranid - Never debuted, gives Lana a fully evolved Pokemon and is her game "ace". Everybody else has theirs.

UBs are not legendary Pokémon. Just end this lmao.

Hopefully we’ll see the next UB soon. Perhaps Pheromosa if we’re going in the Dex order (excluding Poipole) or another one like Celesteela or Stakataka.

I hope they go in dex order...
Well, apart from Blacephalon and Stakataka... I forget if they're before or after Guzzlord in the National Dex. If they want to do an UB arc right, they'd close off with Guzzlord and show it as the big menacing threat it is.

But yes I agree on the UB /=/ legends thing, if an entire planet is full of them, then they are NOT legendary!

 

[nickdt]

But yes I agree on the UB /=/ legends thing, if an entire planet is full of them, then they are NOT legendary!

But the thing is: There are more Mewtwo's than starters at this point, so in that logic, Mewtwo isn't a legendary either.

Kanto starters: Kanto, Kalos, Alola
Johto starters: Johto, Hoenn, Alola
Hoenn starters: Hoenn, Alola
Sinnoh starters: Hoenn, Sinnoh, Alola
Unova starters: Unova, Hoenn, Alola
Kalos starters: Kalos, Alola
Alola starters: Alola

Mewtwo: Kanto (2x), Kalos, Alola and the one that Giovanni has, which makes four Mewtwo's (Giovanni has one of the Kanto Mewtwo's). So... as you see... if amount of Pokemon determines what a legendary is or not, then that means starters are legendaries, since there are less than Mewtwo, and don't forget the same goes for Type: Null as well, since there are three (See the starter count).

Games coding says UB's are legendaries, thus they are legendaries, and people who say coding doesn't matter, are dumb, since coding does matter, else every Pokemon is a stand-alone mon without evolution, since Bulbasaur is coded to evolve into Ivysaur and Ivysaur is coded to evolve into Venusaur.

And another thing: The planet isn't full of UB's, since they come from Ultra Space (Space isn't a planet), thus they are rare on the planet and thus considered legendaries on the planet.

 

[DatsRight]

Rowlet- Yeah, it ain't evolving. I had hopes it'd go Decidueye after seeing the Pokken one. But at this rate, I'm fairly certain it won't evolve. It's clearly the Oshawott of this gen. Wish they gave it to Mallow so Ash could have had Pikipek.....

I'd rather not. Rowlet's appeal is that it's a competent battler in spite of being comic relief, rather than being another bland regional bird with no personality, or a background Pokemon like Mallow's Steenee that barely does anything. I wouldn't have minded a Pikipek becoming a Toucannon if it had a personality though, but if Pikachu can stay an ace without evolving, so can Rowlet. It needs a boost in move set though.

Growlithe -> Arcanine - He pretty much needs a new capture since his team is set as is atm. And Growlithe's line is cute but also suiting of him, plus we haven't seen much of this line. Not to mention it'd net Kiawe his first evolution.!

Actually that would interest me. It might even have more appeal staying a Growlithe. Lycanroc is already the puppy grown up, but also it intrigued me that Kiawe had a cuteness affinity for Nebby (though sadly failed to impress it). An affectionate cute Pokemon would stick out among Kiawe's team that are all fully grown and manly.

Sophocles:
Togedemaru
Vikavolt - Derp, obviously happening. It ain't staying a Charjabug lol
Graveler -> Golem - Still haven't seen those Alola Pokemon, and it'd be hilarious to see Sophocles owning two Pokemon Ash himself has failed to capture this series. Sophocles could completely troll him. He desperately needs more focus much like Mallow, Vikavolt shouldn't be where it ends! Soph is so underrated.

Having Sophocles one-up Ash in something would make for good balance I suppose, none of his team are likely ever going surpass Pikachu.

James:
Mareanie/Toxapek - Please Toxapek..... tired of James' Pokemon never getting to evolve.
Minior/Cutiefly - Fills the 'cute' role James sometimes has.
Bewear!

James getting Cutiefly and then that evolving into Ribombee would make a good balance, since Ribombee still fits the mould of a cute compact Pokemon. Not to mention utilities like Pollen Puff for healing the team and adding flavour to their failing fast food stall (they keep using that stall for gags despite all their other part time jobs being much more successful, I feel like it's going to get some sort of vindication).

I don't see James catching Bewear though. If any of the TRio succeed, I see Jessie with a more developed bond with it.

 

[Leonhart]

Even if Rowlet and Torracat stayed as in their current forms but got stronger, I'd be fine. Ash has Lycanroc as his fully evolved powerhouse anyway. If we genuinely do get Naganadel and Alolan Sandslash added as well, that's a pretty rounded team.

Aagoyon I can live with, just so long as we don't get a repeat of Onbat, as in I hope that Bebenomu won't end up being practically useless in its base form prior to evolving.

 

[DatsRight]

Aagoyon I can live with, just so long as we don't get a repeat of Onbat, as in I hope that Bebenomu won't end up being practically useless in its base form prior to evolving.

Noivern was down to uneven spotlight and jipping Noibat of training and development time for Frogadier/Greninja and other spotlight stealers. Right now, Ash's Alola team have been fairly evenly limelighted and training has got decent focus.

Not to mention Popoile doesn't look like it's going to be under focused like Noibat was given it's build up and prominence in the new titles and promotional material.

 

[DanielS]

But the thing is: There are more Mewtwo's than starters at this point, so in that logic, Mewtwo isn't a legendary either.

Kanto starters: Kanto, Kalos, Alola
Johto starters: Johto, Hoenn, Alola
Hoenn starters: Hoenn, Alola
Sinnoh starters: Hoenn, Sinnoh, Alola
Unova starters: Unova, Hoenn, Alola
Kalos starters: Kalos, Alola
Alola starters: Alola

Mewtwo: Kanto (2x), Kalos, Alola and the one that Giovanni has, which makes four Mewtwo's (Giovanni has one of the Kanto Mewtwo's). So... as you see... if amount of Pokemon determines what a legendary is or not, then that means starters are legendaries, since there are less than Mewtwo, and don't forget the same goes for Type: Null as well, since there are three (See the starter count).

Games coding says UB's are legendaries, thus they are legendaries, and people who say coding doesn't matter, are dumb, since coding does matter, else every Pokemon is a stand-alone mon without evolution, since Bulbasaur is coded to evolve into Ivysaur and Ivysaur is coded to evolve into Venusaur.

And another thing: The planet isn't full of UB's, since they come from Ultra Space (Space isn't a planet), thus they are rare on the planet and thus considered legendaries on the planet.

Giovanni was from a different universe/dimension in USUM so only 2 mewtwos exist Kanto and Kalos in the original timeline... Also didn't gamefreak confirm that UBs are not legends? Gamefreak/Nintendo main legendary is Mewtwo so it will never lose it's status

 

[DatsRight]

I'm kinda hoping that the Ula Ula trials will offer a rotation in development for Mallow and Sophocles (much like Akala offered some significant boosts for Lana and Kiawe). While we've got to a point their personalities are pretty decent now, they still need some proper limelight as trainers. Sophocles needs to boost either of his team or even just give them some limelight together, while Mallow needs to do ANYTHING, either with Steenee or a new capture.

I suppose Lillie has technically gotten a boost in Ula Ula already though (though I can see Lillie getting major development whenever the games story comes into play).

 

[nickdt]

Giovanni was from a different universe/dimension in USUM so only 2 mewtwos exist Kanto and Kalos in the original timeline... Also didn't gamefreak confirm that UBs are not legends? Gamefreak/Nintendo main legendary is Mewtwo so it will never lose it's status

There are still 4 Mewtwo's (Gen 1, Kanto, Gen 2, Kanto, gen 6 Kalos and gen 7, Ultra Space). Giovanni has one, but that still makes it four, since he is from an Alternate Universe.

GF has messed up with that, since the UB's are coded as legendaries, and thus as such, they are legendaries, else typing doesn't exist, just like evolution chains (Like i explained before, if coding doesn't matter, every Pokemon is a standalone). GF has not only messed up with that though, since, since gen 6 mythicals aren't legendaries anymore (Which is a problem, since does that mean Mewtwo is a mythical or a legendary, or is Mew still a legendary, since it and Mewtwo are related).

 

[Master Pikachu 11]

One thing I noticed is that while Popoile is on the end credits, it's not in any scenes with just Ash's team.

That’s because the beginning of the ending song is about the events before Poipole comes into play. Poipole was not involved in the Nebby arc that’s why it wasn’t there with Ash’s Pokémon but the shows up with everybody in the final picture. Plus Mareanie is not in the ending with team rocket so you can’t use this argument.

 

[AssualtVestPyukumuku]

Well to anyone who bases their predictions off that popularity poll, Nyaheat (Torracat) was # 74. Take that as you will. Personally, I think it will evolve again

 

[nickdt]

Well to anyone who bases their predictions off that popularity poll, Nyaheat (Torracat) was # 74. Take that as you will. Personally, I think it will evolve again

Litten has proven that poll means nothing (Since people say Rowlet being on number 1 prevents it from evolving, while they are overlooking that Litten is more popular than its evolved forms)... and if it is... then that means Pyukumuku will join the main cast one day, but i can't see anyone getting it, except for James.

 

[RashSkies]

Litten has proven that poll means nothing (Since people say Rowlet being on number 1 prevents it from evolving, while they are overlooking that Litten is more popular than its evolved forms)... and if it is... then that means Pyukumuku will join the main cast one day, but i can't see anyone getting it, except for James.

The episode about Litten's evolution and the evolution itself were planned before the results were out, so Litten's evolution didn't really prove anything about the poll. Besides, Litten and Incineroar are only a few positions away from each other.
I personally think Rowlet's popularity could be a factor as to why it might not evolve, because it's not just A popular Pokémon, it's THE most popular Pokémon. It would be like getting rid of Lillie, the most popular character, for another secondary character like Acerola - it just doesn't make sense to replace something which has been doing so well for something which, theoretically speaking, might not: it's a risk. Of course there's more to it than just popularity, but the results of this poll are definitely worth taking in consideration.

 

[Golden_Latias]

I mean, Rowlet could still evolve because we all know Decidueye's Z-Move is going to get shown off eventually, and at the moment, Ash is the only important character who owns a member of the Rowlet line. We most likely won't ever see that kid with the Decidueye again, so until a major character appears with a Dartrix or Decidueye, Ash is really the only candidate to show it off.

And no, I don't think Acerola is going to show off Decidueye, because I feel it's highly likely she's going to show off Mimikyu's Z-Move. Like with Hau, I don't see the writers having her show off two exclusive Z-Moves, because what makes her so special that she should have two Pokemon exclusive Z-Crystals?

 

[DatsRight]

In fairness there's no saying the anime will showcase every single Z Move. Attributes like the Z-boosted status moves haven't even been delved upon remotely yet (which is a shame because they have even more potential for creative battles than the 'finisher' status the main Z Moves have).

 

[lemoncatpower]

In fairness there's no saying the anime will showcase every single Z Move. Attributes like the Z-boosted status moves haven't even been delved upon remotely yet (which is a shame because they have even more potential for creative battles than the 'finisher' status the main Z Moves have).

Well with Eevee's z-move coming up we know that status moves will get touched upon a little bit, in the form of this one. Hopefully they mention how all status moves can be turned into z-moves for more effects too though.

I also would say it's quite likely they'll show off the three starters' special z-moves, maybe not ALL the other special z-moves, but the starters' will be up there in priority.

 

[Andre2725]

Here is a thought what if Ash doesn't get a water typer this region like how he had no grass type in Kalos?

I think it'd be odd, but not out of the question.
There is a shortage of water types and all potential water pokemon have been showcased in single episodes or planted at support characters/opponents.
Would have thought that the water psychic pokemon Bruxish had potential, but it was portrayed as an aggressive/evil nature pokemon so little chance of that one appearing in the team.

For a water type i would like wimpod, but since it was featured in an episode i doubt it will be added to the team.

Another pokemon i would like is Jangmo-o, but this one has had its airtime with the totem pokemon episode so doubtful it will be added.

The difficulty is that there is such a limited amount of new pokemon, aside from the obvious deities or ultra beasts, to choose from this generation.
How to fill out team Ash Ketchum Aloan style.

 

[Master Pikachu 11]

I think it'd be odd, but not out of the question.
There is a shortage of water types and all potential water pokemon have been showcased in single episodes or planted at support characters/opponents.
Would have thought that the water psychic pokemon Bruxish had potential, but it was portrayed as an aggressive/evil nature pokemon so little chance of that one appearing in the team.

For a water type i would like wimpod, but since it was featured in an episode i doubt it will be added to the team.

Another pokemon i would like is Jangmo-o, but this one has had its airtime with the totem pokemon episode so doubtful it will be added.

The difficulty is that there is such a limited amount of new pokemon, aside from the obvious deities or ultra beasts, to choose from this generation.
How to fill out team Ash Ketchum Aloan style.

No it’s not doubtful because wasn’t the focus of the episode and Ash never interacted with them at all. If there was no intention of one getting captured then they would have had Ash at least interact with them in their debut episode but he didn’t so it can’t be ruled out.

 

[DatsRight]

Well with Eevee's z-move coming up we know that status moves will get touched upon a little bit, in the form of this one. Hopefully they mention how all status moves can be turned into z-moves for more effects too though.

I also would say it's quite likely they'll show off the three starters' special z-moves, maybe not ALL the other special z-moves, but the starters' will be up there in priority.

It would be something to diverge the cast if they ever got the same Z Crystals, especially since most of the students seem to be weaker than Ash but with more methodical abilities.

I doubt Sophocles' team will ever get stronger than Pikachu with Gigavolt Havoc for example, but teaching them status moves like Electric Terrain (stuff Pikachu lacks entirely) and then powering it with Electrium Z could make them equally dangerous (Charjabug with both an Electric boosting field plus a speed boost balances both of it's disadvantages).

 

[Leonhart]

Well to anyone who bases their predictions off that popularity poll, Nyaheat (Torracat) was # 74. Take that as you will. Personally, I think it will evolve again

Obviously, popularity isn't the only determining factor in which Pokemon Satoshi captures. Frankly, I wouldn't mind if Nyaheat remains that way however, because Kukui-hakase owning a Gaogaen already might make having two in the cast seem unnecessary.