Slip and slide with this Water- and Ice-type Defender that can really slow opponents. Transport your teammates to victory with Lapras in Pokémon UNITE! This Water- and Ice-type Pokémon from the Kanto region loves being at the center of attention, giving its teammates a ride or two and disrupting the opposition with a chilling Ice Beam. You can obtain Lapras for 12,000 Aeos coins or 575 Aeos gems at the Unite Battle Committee shop. Lapras will only be obtainable with Aeos gems for the first seven days of its release.
Read on to learn more about everything this Pokémon has to offer and to pick up a few tips before coasting through battle with Lapras on Aeos Island.
Lapras Basics
Lapras’s basic attack becomes a boosted attack with every third attack, launching a blast of water in front of Lapras. If this blast hits opposing Pokémon, it deals damage to them and restores Lapras’s HP. Lapras’s Shell Armor Ability reduces damage Lapras takes from a single attack that exceeds a set percentage of its max HP.
Lv. 1 & 3 Moves
Whirlpool - Lapras creates a whirlpool centered on itself that lasts for a short time, dealing damage over time to opposing Pokémon in the area of effect. The time between hits is shorter the farther opposing Pokémon are from the whirlpool’s center.
Ice Shard - Lapras hurls chunks of ice in a forward direction, dealing damage to opposing Pokémon they hit and leaving them frozen for a short time. If Ice Shard hits an opposing Pokémon that is already frozen, it deals damage to it and shoves it.
Lv. 5 Moves
Water Pulse - Lapras releases a pulse of water centered on itself that spreads out, dealing damage to opposing Pokémon it hits and decreasing their movement speed. For each opposing Pokémon hit by a pulse from Water Pulse, an additional pulse will be released the next time Water Pulse is used, up to a total of 2 extra pulses. After the first pulse after activating Water Pulse hits an opposing Pokémon, Lapras’s next basic attack becomes a boosted attack. Water Pulse can be upgraded so that up to a total of 3 additional pulses can be released.
Perish Song - Lapras sings an eerie melody that echoes around it, dealing damage to opposing Pokémon it hits. Perish Song can be used up to three times consecutively within a set time, and opposing Pokémon hit all three times take additional damage. Opposing Pokémon that take this additional damage will be knocked out if their HP falls below a set percentage of their max HP. Perish Song can be upgraded so that Lapras’s next basic attack after using Perish Song becomes a boosted attack.
Lv. 7 Moves
Bubble Beam - Grants Lapras a shield and has Lapras spray bubbles in the designated direction, dealing damage to opposing Pokémon it hits. After the bubbles fly a set distance, they slowly float for a short time. Opposing Pokémon hit by a floating bubble are enveloped by it and then left unable to act for a short time. Bubble Beam can be upgraded to strengthen the effect of the shield it grants.
Ice Beam - Lapras unleashes an ice-cold beam of energy in the designated direction, dealing damage to opposing Pokémon it hits and freezing the ground. Opposing Pokémon on the frozen ground take damage over time and have their movement speed decreased, and they become frozen if they remain on the frozen ground for a set amount of time. When Lapras is on the frozen ground, its movement speed is increased. Ice Beam can be upgraded to increase the length of time opposing Pokémon are frozen.
Lapras’s Unite Move, Lapras Express
Lapras rides a wave quickly and continuously forward. Lapras’s movement speed increases while riding but decreases if Lapras hits an obstacle. If Lapras hits an opposing Pokémon, Lapras stops in place, dealing damage to and throwing the opposing Pokémon. While Lapras is riding the wave, one nearby ally Pokémon of Lapras’s choice can ride on its back. If Lapras Express is used again, Lapras stops and launches a wave that continues moving forward, dealing damage to opposing Pokémon it hits and throwing them. Ally Pokémon riding on Lapras’s back can dismount whenever they choose.
Metagame Watch
As the latest Defender in Pokémon UNITE, Lapras can disrupt opponents, make space for its teammates, and do plenty of damage. Water Pulse and Perish Song are both strong area-of-effect moves that can dish out solid damage and set up key knockouts—Lapras’s opponents will have no choice but to try and escape. Meanwhile, Bubble Beam and Ice Beam offer ranged disruption that can keep strong Melee Attackers away from less durable Ranged Attackers. Lapras can also use these moves to start a fight on its own terms and put pressure on both Melee and Ranged Attackers on the opposing team.
Strong Against: Urshifu - Melee Attackers often struggle with Ranged Defenders, and Urshifu is no different in the face of a Pokémon like Lapras. Lapras’s Ice Beam effectively disrupts both Single Strike Urshifu and Rapid Strike Urshifu since they need to stick on a Pokémon to continually deal damage. If Lapras uses Ice Beam defensively to protect an ally, Urshifu will have difficulty continuing the chase without getting frozen. Bubble Beam can be used similarly by placing the floating bubbles near Lapras’s allies, effectively keeping all Melee threats away.
Weak Against: Mew - As a Ranged Defender, Lapras can deal with most Ranged Attackers without getting zoned by strong ranged moves, but Mew’s high mobility makes it an exception. Normally, Lapras might be able to put the pressure on a Ranged Attacker with its Unite Move, Lapras Express, or even a combination of Water Pulse and Ice Beam, but Mew’s Agility and Surf help Mew create distance without much issue. It can be difficult to approach Mew as it dashes away—especially with the threat of a powerful Solar Beam or Electro Ball—but coordinating Lapras Express with another powerful Unite Move can make the difference.
Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/lapras-is-now-available-in-pokemon-unite
Nintendo has announced that Pokémon Stadium is coming to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service on April 12th, 2023.
Pokémon Stadium - Nintendo 64 - Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
Witness thrilling 3D battles between Pokémon!
This battle arena game, released for the Nintendo 64™ console in 2000, features all 151 Pokémon from the Pokémon Red Version, Pokémon Blue Version, and Pokémon Yellow Version games. In Kids Club, you and three other players can enjoy nine different minigames, like Clefairy Says and Sushi-Go-Round! (Please note you cannot transfer Pokémon from Game Boy™ titles in this version.)
There are over 1,000 Pokémon out there, and with so many wonderful potential partners, it’s fun to take time to focus on one Pokémon to celebrate it and appreciate the joy it brings to the Pokémon world. Today, that honor falls on Lechonk, the lovable Hog Pokémon originally discovered in the Paldea region from the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games. See Lechonk in action in the video above, then make sure to check out these other fun appearances the little Pokémon is making as we Discover Pokémon Together.
POKÉMON SPOTLIGHTS LECHONK WITH NEW MERCHANDISE AND EXPERIENCES AS PART OF “POKÉMON TOGETHER” CELEBRATION
As part of its yearlong brand campaign, The Pokémon Company International is giving Trainers around the world another way to “Pokémon Together” by spotlighting various Pokémon throughout 2023, inviting the community to discover and learn more about unique Pokémon across the franchise. The first “Discover Pokémon Together” program kicks off today and features the Normal-type Pokémon Lechonk, which was introduced in the hit Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games.
In celebration of “Discover Pokémon Together: Lechonk,” The Pokémon Company International released a new video highlighting the endearing Pokémon’s gourmand sensibilities as it searches for Berries in its natural environment. Fans can learn more about Lechonk here.
In addition, Trainers can discover Lechonk through a variety of product offerings and in-game events beginning today and continuing through April 2023.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Expansion Released with Celebratory Promotions
Trainers will have the opportunity to discover Lechonk by playing the newest expansion for the best-selling Pokémon TCG, Scarlet & Violet, available beginning today in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and special collections at participating retailers worldwide, including Pokémon Center in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Inspired by the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, the new expansion adopts an updated take on Pokémon ex, a gameplay mechanic featuring Pokémon with high HP as well as powerful attacks and Abilities, and introduces Tera Pokémon ex to the Pokémon TCG.
To celebrate the launch of the Scarlet & Violet expansion, from 31 March 2023 to 8 June 2023, subject to availability and while stocks last, Trainers in the UK will have the opportunity to obtain a promo card featuring Lechonk at participating retailers.
Furthermore, Trainers can add a Flying–Tera Type Lechonk to their Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game by picking up a download code from GAME in the UK. Download codes will be available in-store and online while supplies last.
Pokémon Center Launches Lechonk-inspired Merchandise Collection
Fans can display their love for Lechonk with a new collection of Lechonk-inspired apparel and accessories, available now only at Pokémon Center, the premier online destination for official Pokémon merchandise in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. The collection includes shirts, hats, pins, plush and a Pokémon TCG playmat featuring Lechonk in its natural habitat while eating the most fragrant wild grasses and the richest Berries. In addition, all qualifying Pokémon Center purchases of £50.00 or more will receive a special Lechonk promo card while supplies last.
Lechonk-themed Activities in Pokémon UNITE
To discover Lechonk in Pokémon UNITE, players can throw a Berry among Lechonk to receive a Lechonk-themed frame, stickers, and other items at no cost from March 31, 2023, at 1:00 a.m. BST to April 18, 2023, at 1:00 a.m. BST.
Celebratory Animation Channel Available Now on Pokémon TV
In honor of Lechonk’s love of the richest berries, Trainers can find a special channel on Pokémon TV featuring episodes of the Pokémon animated series that spotlight Pokémon berries. Episodes are streaming from now until April 14 on the Pokémon TV app, available for mobile devices and the Nintendo Switch™ system, and at watch.pokemon.com.
New information on the new series of the popular anime Pocket Monsters (airs on the TV Tokyo Network every Friday at 6:55pm, officially abbreviated "Anipoke"), which will be broadcast starting with a 1 hour special on April 14th, 2023, has been revealed.
In a newly released trailer, we can see Liko and Nyahoja's meeting and battle scenes, as well as our first look at how the mysterious pendant related to Liko shines. In addition, we learned the objective of Pokémon Professor Friede and Captain Pikachu's Rising Volt Tacklers, as well as the dream of Roy, the other protagonist holding a strange monster ball, and got to see Hogator in action for the first time.
We could also see the Duckling Pokémon Kuwassu standing next to the popular online streamer Gurumin, as well as a tense scene showing Amethyo's Explorers closing in on Liko's pendant.
The opening theme was also revealed for the first time: "Dokimeki Diary (asmi feat. Chinozo)" will be sung by asmi and produced by the unparalleled creator Chinozo, who's active in the online scene. This is a song that depicts Liko's adventurous spirit through pop music, made by a special unit created specifically for this show.
A comment from asmi:
When I think back to when I was in elementary school, when I had the anime, the video games and the plushies, yearning after a world filled with Pokémon, I can't think of a more gratifying future than the one I now have. Day by day, the slight anxiety I got when it was decided I would sing the theme song is gradually turning into confidence. And now, I'm convinced the only person that can sing this song is the person I am now, the one that can continue on, anxiety and all! It's a great pleasure to accompany you as we begin this new Pokémon anime story.
I sang this song with all my might so that it could give you a supportive push with a "Daijobu! Itterasshai!" whenever you get cold feet from here on. I want you all to believe in yourselves and enthusiastically set off on a journey, having a good sense of "Dokidoki" and "Tokimeki", words describing hearts pounding with excitement. May Dokimeki Diary forever resound in your ears!
A comment from Chinozo:
Hello. My name is Chinozo, and I'm the one who made the opening for the new Pokémon anime. Dokimeki Diary is a song that I filled, in my own way, with the utmost love for this series. I've loved Pokémon since I was little, and it still feels like a dream that they approached me about a theme song for it.
I really love each and every one of the Pokémon theme songs and can't put a number to how many lives they have saved. It's a true honor to get to work on a franchise I'm this emotionally attached to. Please enjoy the new Pokémon anime series!
Today, The Pokémon Company International unveiled the official title and logo of the upcoming Pokémon animated series, “Pokémon Horizons: The Series,” premiering around the world in 2023 and beyond. Set sail for a new journey in Pokémon Horizons: The Series! Follow Liko and Roy as they unravel the mysteries that surround them and encounter Friede, Captain Pikachu, Amethio, and others during their exciting adventures! High resolution artwork from the press release has been added to an Imageboard thread.
YouTube Clip - Pokémon Horizons: The Series | Official Trailer
Pokémon Reveals ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ as Official Title of Next Animated Series
New Full-Length Trailer for ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ Offers Closer Look at New Characters, Storyline
The Pokémon Company group also released a new full-length trailer featuring never-before-seen footage from select episodes of the series. The trailer provides an early look at the storyline for “Pokémon Horizons: The Series,” which focuses on uncovering the mysteries of the Pokémon world.
In “Pokémon Horizons: The Series,” dual protagonists Liko, whose partner Pokémon is Sprigatito, and Roy will encounter many characters during their journey, including a group led by Friede and Captain Pikachu called the Rising Volt Tacklers. Traveling across the Pokémon world on an airship, the Rising Volt Tacklers include Orla, who enjoys mechanical and electrical work and is accompanied by her partner Pokémon, Metagross; Murdock, who is skilled at cooking, and his partner Pokémon, Rockruff; Mollie, who specializes in healing treatments, and her partner Pokémon, Chansey; and Ludlow. Liko and Roy will also come across Amethio, who is joined by his partner Pokémon, Ceruledge, and belongs to an organization called the Explorers, as well as a popular video streamer known as Nidothing.
“‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ is set to be a thrilling journey that explores new wonders and makes fascinating discoveries about the Pokémon world,” said Taito Okiura, vice president of marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “The latest ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ trailer sheds further light on the mysterious adventures that await Liko and Roy, and we invite Trainers to join in unraveling these secrets when the series begins premiering outside of Japan later this year.”
More details regarding “Pokémon Horizons: The Series” will be announced in the future, including premiere timing and availability outside of Japan.
The official Japanese Pokémon Twitter account announced that episode 6 of the YouTube series After School Pokémon Research Club (放課後ポケモン研究部) is available to watch. The sixth episode broadcast on the official Japanese Pokémon YouTube channel on March 23rd, 2023 and was region locked to Japan.
At the end of the episode, a serial code for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was announced to give viewers TM082 Thunder Wave and TM087 Taunt. Players could obtain this item from March 23rd, 2023 until April 30th, 2023 at 23:59 JST. The code is: ENJ0YBATTLE
A new art exhibit called the POKÉMON X KOGEI Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft (ポケモン×工芸展―美とわざの大発見―) is being held at the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa, Japan from March 21st, 2023 until June 11th, 2023.
About the Exhibition
Put Pokémon and Kogei face to face, and what sorts of chemical reactions will occur? Twenty craft artists, from a Living National Treasure to youngsters, have seriously tackled that question. Works that evoke Pokémon shapes, gestures, touch. Works that reach back into memories of video games—evolution, trade, locations for journey, super-effective moves. Plus invitations to Pokémon to become part of the vessels that adorn our daily lives and even ultra cool attire—kimono and obi clasps. The result is about 70 works—all new creations! What will your encounter with the works lying in wait for you in the exhibition gallery bring? Thrills, rapture, grins, tremors? The power of multiplication rides again! Please enjoy the quantum leaps in beauty and technique it has generated.
Hours & Admissions
Location: National Crafts Museum Date: March 21-June 11,2023 Time: 9:30 - 17:30 ※Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Closed: Mondays except May 1; and May 14 Ticket: Advance ticket is recommended to avoid lines forming at the entrance.
Online purchase: 【e-tix】
Tickets can be purchased on site at the ticket counters, subject to their availability.
Admission: Adults ¥900 (¥600; ¥800)
College and University students ¥500 (¥350; ¥450)
High school students ¥300 (¥200; ¥250)
* The price in brackets is for the group of 20 persons or more; and for discount coupon holders.
* Admission is free for junior high school students, and those with Disability Certificates and one caregiver accompanying each of them.
* All prices include tax.
Organizer: National Crafts Museum, NHK ENTERPRISES INC. Nagoya Branch Office, The Yomiuri Shimbun Hokuriku Branch Office Special cooperation: The Pokémon Company Produced: NHK Promotions Inc. Supported: Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa City, THE HOKKOKU SHIMBUN, Television Kanazawa Corporation
Available at: National Museum of Arts and Crafts Museum Shop and the Pokémon Center Kanazawa
Notebook Yoshida Taiichiro / Kasumi Ueba - 1,430 yen (tax included)
T-shirt Yuki Tsuboshima - 3,960 yen (tax included)
Masking Tape Keiko Masumoto / Yoshida Taiichiro / Kasumi Ueba - 495 yen (tax included)
Logo Tote Red/Black - 3,740 yen (tax included)
Logo Sacoche - 1,650 yen (tax included)
Free Cup Navy/Red/Green - ¥1,320 (tax included)
Pikachu Plushie Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft - 2,640 yen (tax included)
This plushie commemorates the exhibition Pokémon x Crafts Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft where Pokémon and craftspeople put their skills to the test. Pikachu is dressed in a kimono with the traditional Japanese Kouji-tsunagi pattern.
Official Catalog POKÉMON X KOGEI Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft - 3,300 yen (tax included)
20 craft artists, from a Living National Treasure to youngsters have created artpieces featuring Pokémon using Kogei materials and techniques. The exhibition features approximately 70 works born from their inspiration, hard work and enjoyment. Visitors will be able to enjoy the unexpected expressions of Pokémon, achieved through the rich materials of crafts and the mastery of exceptional craftsmanship. This is the official catalog of the POKÉMON X KOGEI Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft exhibit.
The characters announced today are Amethyo (voiced by Shun Horie) and his partner, the Paldean Pokémon Soublades, as well as Amethyo's fellow members of the organization "Explorers", Zir (voiced by Kohsuke Tanabe) and his partner Pokémon Sidon, and Conia (voiced by Arisa Shida) and her Partner Pokémon Golduck.
In the trailer, Amethyo is seen blocking Liko and Nyahoja's way... What could the Explorers' goal be? The costumed celebrity and online streamer "Gurumin" (voiced by Yoshino Aoyama) was shown as well.
Press Release - March 17th, 2023
A comment from Shun Horie, the voice of Amethyo:
I thought I might just be hallucinating... I was so nervous that when I arrived at the studio they might just ask me what I was doing there... but now that we've actually started recording, it seems that I'm actually seriously going to be in the Pokémon anime! I'm so happy.
I hope I'll be able to give people courage through my acting the same way the Pokémon used to give me courage. The first video game I ever bought with my own money was Pocket Monsters Sapphire; Back then I just bulldozed through using nothing but attack moves, but now I'm able to battle using Growl and Screech most effectively.
That adult me is now playing Amethyo, a character that seems to be charged with a weighty mission despite just being a teenager. Make sure to watch the show to see how he gets involved with Liko and the others.
Information on new characters and cast members of the new series of the popular anime Pocket Monsters (airs on the TV Tokyo Network every Friday at 6:55pm, officially abbreviated "Anipoke"), which will be broadcast starting with a 1 hour special on April 14th, 2023 has been revealed.
The new characters are all members of the "Rising Volt Tacklers" led by Professor Friede: The machinery enthusiast Orio (voiced by Ayane Sakura) with her partner Metagross, the great cook Murdock (voiced by Kenta Miyake) with his partner Iwanko, the medical specialist Molly (voiced by Kei Shindo) with her partner Lucky, as well as Landau (voiced by Ikkyu Juku), who looks like a fisherman. The Rising Volt Tacklers use a blimp as their base when they go out on adventures.
Information on the cast of the new series of the popular anime Pocket Monsters (airs on the TV Tokyo Network every Friday at 6:55pm, officially abbreviated "Anipoke"), which will be broadcast starting with a 1 hour special on April 14th, has been revealed. The old protagonists Satoshi and Pikachu will be replaced with a new set of dual protagonists, where Minori Suzuki will be playing the role of Liko and Yuka Terasaki will be playing the role of Roy, while Taku Yashiro will play the Pokémon Professor Friede. Ikue Ohtani handles the voice of the current protagonist Satoshi's partner Pikachu, but will also be in charge of the new series' new character and Pokémon Professor Friede's partner Captain Pikachu. You can listen to their voices in the new trailer that just got released.
A new promo image shows Liko, the Paldean girl with a mysterious pendant and Roy, the Kantonean boy with a mysterious monster ball, as well as Friede and Captain Pikachu, against a majestic sky, alongside all kinds of Pokémon from various regions, including Nyahoja from the video games "Pocket Monsters Scarlet/Violet".
The image also shows a boy standing next to the "Fire Swordsman Pokémon" Soublades, staring at Liko and Roy, as well as the alternately colored legendary Pokémon "Black Rayquaza", creating excitement for how these elements will play a part in Liko and Roy's adventure.
Suzuki is known as the voice of Hajime Fujiwara in the video game The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls and Freyja Wion in the anime series Macross Δ, Terasaki as the voice of Tenma Matsukaze in Inazuma Eleven GO and Kudelia Aina Bernstein in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, and Yashiro as the voice of Tsubasa Kashiwagi in The Idolmaster SideM and Tatsuhisa "Luke" Kamijo in Yu-Gi-Oh Sevens.
I first encountered Liko when I was given reference material for the audition, and I remember being filled with strong emotions the likes of which I had never felt before at that moment. I really wanted to go on an adventure with Liko, to take a step forward! I wanted to play this character so badly that it felt like our meeting here was meant to be. This is why I'm so very happy these people that created Pokémon with love and care entrusted this character to me.
Just like the Pokémon anime, I was born in 1997, so Pokémon has always been there as a natural part of my life. I hope this is how it will be for everyone around the world in the future as well. I will pour all my heart and soul into playing Liko. The Pokémon anime will continue to be the greatest thing ever, so please look forward to the new series!
I really treasure the three years I got to go on adventures with Satoshi and Pikachu when I played Corni in the "Pocket Monsters XY" TV series. It's precisely because of the passion for the show that I picked up from my seniors during those three years that I feel so much pressure and responsibility now that I've been given the role of one of the protagonists of this new series, so I'm going to approach the new series while embracing the love for the show that I saw and felt in my seniors back then.
I hope the children that will start watching the Pokémon anime from here on will think of Liko and Roy as their friends, and I promise to approach both the show and the role with everything I've got, doing my best to make it enjoyable for all so that existing fans will come to love Liko and Roy as well! Please join us as we start a new chapter of history.
I still remember dreaming about going on an adventure with Pokémon back when I was watching the Pocket Monsters anime in grade school, so I was trembling with joy and surprise when I first learned I was getting the chance to be in my beloved show, one that's got so much history and is so loved all around the world now.
I want to play the Friede character with whole-hearted devotion, not just so that children can experience such dreams, but so that adults that grew up together with the franchise can do so as well.