Possible Big Changes Coming to Pokemon GO Next Week

Anticipation is high for what's coming next to Pokémon Go.

The game's creator, Niantic Labs, has hinted that new Pokémon are coming next week. Players think this could mean they'll finally be able to catch "Legendary" creatures like Mewtwo or even the next generation of creatures.

Thanks to new code found in the game's most recent update that's been uncovered by The Silph Road, we have a good idea about which features to expect:

Pokémon genders hint that they may be able to breed.

Both male and female genders are now referenced in the game's code, according to The Silph Road. It's unclear exactly how genders will be implemented, but they could be used in the future to allow for Pokémon breeding through eggs.

A separate "baby" reference for the game's buddy system further supports the theory that breeding is coming in a future update.

Ultra-rare "shiny" Pokémon will be catchable.

More references to "shiny" Pokémon have been uncovered, which are especially rare versions of existing Pokémon in different colors from the original games.

Shiny Pokémon will likely be hard to find and seen as collector items, as they were in the traditional card-collecting game.

You'll be able to customize your trainer avatar and make Pokémon wear special costumes.

The Silph Road has found more code references to trainer customization, which should let you change aspects of its physical appearance for free and possibly through in-app purchases.

Travelers to customize their avatars in the following categories:

HAIR
SHIRT
PANTS
HAT
SHOES
EYES
BACKPACK

Code for both in-app purchases and unlockable avatar items is referenced. Avatar customization items have the following attributes:

NEW
SALE
PURCHASABLE
UNLOCKABLE

Pokemon Costumes

A "holiday" costume reference for Pokémon has also been found, which coincides with the recent announcement from Niantic that said more was coming to the game around the December holidays.

The team added that costumes appear to have their own collision physics as well! This will be an exciting feature for a potential holiday promotion.

There are still questions around when we'll see Legendary Pokémon and the second generation of creatures.

There's no direct evidence to support that new Pokémon are being unleashed in the game soon, although references to the few Legendaries and second generation of creatures are still in the code base.

"It may be that Niantic is sorting out shiny Pokemon and genders before introducing Gen 2," according to The Silph Road.

Niantic has a big announcement planned for Pokémon Go on December 12, so we'll know more then.

Source: The Silph Road