Pokémon Gold and Silver fans treated to special new Gen 2 release

A special version of a legendary Pokémon is returning to the popular mobile game Pokémon GO in a limited event later this month.

The free-to-play title Pokémon GO arrived on mobile devices in July 2016 and quickly became one of the most popular games on iOS and Android. Pokémon GO was so popular that it even brought in millions of new fans who were unfamiliar with the main video game series, anime, and trading cards.

Check out the Pokémon Legends: Z-A trailer below!

According to activeplayer.io, Pokémon GO currently has over 110 million active players and as of 2020, has generated over $6 billion in revenue (and counting). Being such a massive success, it’s no surprise that developer Niantic will continue to entice players to return to the game with a consistent flurry of new events.

One such event sees the return of the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh in its Shadow form later this month in a new Raid Day.

Dubbed the “Guardian of the Skies,” Ho-Oh from the Johto region is a Gen 2 Fire/Flying-type that made its debut in 1999’s Pokémon Gold and Silver on the Nintendo Game Boy Color.

The Shadow Ho-oh Raid Day will take place on Sunday 19 January 2025 from 14:00 to 17:00 local time in your region.

What’s more, Pokémon GO players can gain five additional Raid Passes from spinning Gym Photo Discs so that they can take part in more Raids than usual.

Shadow Ho-Oh will have a special featured ‘Sacred Fire’ attack that can also be learned by using a Charged TM item. Of course, you’ll also have a small chance of catching a Shiny Ho-Oh too.

Naturally, this Shadow Ho-Oh Raid battle will be a challenging encounter, so be sure to gather as many friends as possible for the best chance of defeating and capturing this legendary Pokémon.

The next console game in the series to arrive is Pokémon Legends: Z-A expected to be released sometime this year on the Nintendo Switch.