New Pokémon is mythical, called Meltan
A tough nut to crack.
Over the past few days, Pokémon Go players have been intrigued and puzzled by the appearance of a new Pokémon during this month's Community Day event. Nobody really knew anything about the Pokémon - known as "nutboi" in the Eurogamer office, or "nutto" on reddit - other than it would transform into Ditto when caught (and that it may be related to Kecleon). Until now, that is.
In a slightly bizarre new video presented by hunk Professor Willow and the less hunky Professor Oak, we were finally given some details about nutboi. Firstly, it's a mythical Pokémon, which Professor Oak says is written about in an old text - making this an interesting one for Pokémon lore. We also now know the Pokémon's name: Meltan. As a side note, this is also the first time we've heard Professor Willow's voice, and boy is it silky smooth.
According to the Pokémon Go website, Meltan is a Steel-type (who would have thought) and made of liquid metal. Apparently Meltan can "use its liquid arms and legs to corrode metal and absorb it into its own body" and also generate electricity "using the metal it absorbs from outside sources". I'm guessing that's what the power cord tail is all about. Anyway, Meltan can use this electricity "as an energy source and also as an attack that can be fired from its eye". Talk about a death stare.
The description also states Meltan is a "curious Pokémon" who is "very expressive and shows an interest in all kinds of things". I guess it's kind of cute, apart from the whole firing-laser-beams-from-its-eyes thing.
Pokémon Go players who have already caught the Pokémon may want to keep an eye on their Ditto collection over the coming hours. According to a tweet from the official Pokémon account, wild Ditto are currently transforming into "hex nut Pokémon", but previously-caught Meltans may also change back. Keep your eyes peeled.
The press release announcing the new Pokémon also states that "Pokémon Go is somehow key to meeting Meltan in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!". It sounds like Meltan will symbolise the meeting point of Pokémon Go and the mainline games.
As part of the press release, The Pokémon Company also released some new official photos of Meltan - I know they're enough to melt my heart. I guess the photos will have to keep us going while we wait for further updates, which are apparently on their way.