When Niantic releases new Pokémon, it’s either one at a time, or in large batches. While the single releases are usually reserved for legendary Pokémon, this time we get something more docile: Spinda.
Without notice, the topsy-turvy panda Pokémon started to appear in Pokémon Go. Not in the wild, but as a reward for completing three curveballs in a row as a research task.
This Pokémon is known for their wobbly nature, which is likely why they were chosen as the reward for throwing curveballs. The Pokémon had been skipped when Niantic added in the 3rd generation of Pokémon, likely due to their complicated spawning algorithm.
In the original Pokémon games, Spinda has nearly four billion of different patterns on their fur. This was thanks to their sprite colors being connected to the in-game randomizer. No two Spindas looked alike.
This idea remains in Pokémon Go, though to a much smaller degree. Players will be able to find eight different Spinda patterns, though only one of them are available currently. Fans are calling it the “goatee” pattern, due to the red spot on the chin. The Pokédex lists this pattern as form number eight.
So far, the other gen 3 Pokémon have similar special aspects to their design remain missing from Pokémon Go. Smeargle’s moveset is based on the enemy they’re fighting. Clamperl requires a special item to evolve. Nincada sheds off its skin when evolving, which becomes a new Pokémon. And Kecleon’s type changes to whatever move it’s struck with. With any luck, these Pokémon won’t be too far behind.