Possible new Pokémon in Gen 10 linked by fans to Barack Obama
Pokemon fans are discussing a possible new form for Shellos after an in-game reference in Pokopia suggested the existence of an undiscovered yellow variant.
The theory has gained attention online, with some players linking the idea to a real-world species named after former United States president Barack Obama.
Shellos is known within the Pokemon series for its regional variations, appearing in pink and blue forms depending on its habitat.
The newly identified Pokopia entry states, “Shellos changes its color and appearance based on its diet and the environment it lives in.” It continues, “We are researching day and night in an attempt to create a heretofore unknown yellow Shellos.”
The reference to a yellow form has led fans to speculate that a new variant could be introduced in the upcoming Pokemon Winds and Waves title.
While no official confirmation has been provided, the wording of the entry has prompted widespread discussion about a potential expansion of Shellos’ established form system.
Further attention was drawn to the theory after fans highlighted the existence of Placida barackobamai, a yellow sea slug species named in 2017.
We're predicting a Barack Obama-inspired Pokémon in Winds and Waves.
...no, that's not a joke - Pokopia teased the existence of a yellow Shellos, a species based on IRL sea slugs. Placida barackobamai is a yellow sea slug with black spines, discovered in 2017. pic.twitter.com/9fL5VfTldkThe organism was named in recognition of Barack Obama’s environmental and conservation efforts, including the expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in Hawaii.
The species’ appearance, which includes orange-yellow colouring, has led some fans to suggest it could serve as inspiration for a new Shellos or Gastrodon design.
Others have also noted connections between Obama’s childhood time in Indonesia and perceived regional influences in Winds and Waves.