Yesterday's Pokemon Direct revealed plenty of new details about the franchise's upcoming launches. We got a new trailer for Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well as an announcement that two more 'mons are coming to Pokemon Unite.
But by far, the news that generated the most buzz was the latest look at Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the upcoming open-world spin-off. In the latest trailer, we got a look at the region of Hisui – the ancient name for the Sinnoh region – as well as the Pokemon that will inhabit it. Now, with two new Pokemon revealed, the total count across all games has been brought up to a staggering 900.
Related: Pokemon Brilliant Diamond And Shining Pearl Pre-Order Bonuses Include Manaphy Egg
This was first spotted by Joe Merrick, webmaster of serebii.net, a fansite that has documented Pokemon news for 22 years.
Two Pokemon revealed in the latest trailer brought the series up to this (incredibly satisfying) number. The first is Wyrdeer, a Normal and Psychic evolution of Stantler. The second is Basculegion, a Water and Ghost-type evolution of Basculin, who joined the series in generation five.
On top of the new Pokemon, pre-existing monsters are also getting new forms. From what we've seen so far, there's a bearded Growlithe – now a Fire and Rock-type – and a recoloured Braviary, now moved to a Psychick and Flying-type.
In terms of generation split, the newest additions were brought in with Black and White in 2010, with 156 new Pokemon. That number has decreased significantly in recent years, with the last three main entries not reaching 100. Generation six had the least amount of new Pokemon, introducing 72.
On its current trajectory, it's very possible that the series could surpass 1000 whenever generation nine materialises. While the number of new additions has taken a dip recently, it has been slowly rising. The current generation has introduced 91 new Pokemon, so if Legends: Arceus has any more evolutions up its sleeve, the series could soon reach the 1000 milestone quite comfortably.
Next: Blissey's Moveset Could Make It The Healer Pokemon Unite Desperately Needs
