Finally, the news Pokémon fans have been waiting for has arrived: Arcanine is gaining a brand new evolution after 30 years! According to leaked details about the new game Pokémon Winds & Waves, there will be significant changes to the appearance of this popular Fire-type Pokémon. The new tropical open-world region, which has not yet been named, will introduce many new forms and regional variants.

Regional variants are not a new concept in Pokémon games. Introduced for the first time in 2016 with Pokémon Sun & Moon, this feature has since given classic Pokémon like Raichu, Wooper, Zapdos, Sandslash, and Dugtrio new evolutions and unique forms. Now it seems to be Arcanine's turn. A reliable Pokémon leaker, Kurwa, has shared a lot of information regarding the new games. However, they also emphasized that this information could change for the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set to release in 2027.

Previous leaks indicated that some Pokémon would receive special new "weather forms." This seems to be a concept somewhat different from regional variants. What it will mean in practice is still unclear. There are two possibilities: Pokémon could gain temporary new forms based on the weather during battles, or they might evolve into different forms according to weather conditions like rain or snow.

It's exciting to see Arcanine among the Pokémon that will receive a new weather form. Additionally, Arcanine previously had a regional form. In Pokémon Legends Arceus, players could catch Hisuian Growlithe and Arcanine. Other Pokémon are also said to be getting new weather forms, including names like Lucario, Kecleon, and Pikachu. With the release of Pokémon Winds & Waves, I can't wait to see Arcanine's new form and discover how it will provide an advantage in battles.