Pokemon Pokopia could hint at a new type

One of the games featured in the Pokemon Day presentation was the upcoming spin-off of the cozy life sim Pokemon Pokopia. While the game is breaking new ground for the series as Pokemon's take on Minecraft-is missing-Stardew–Valley game, Pokemon Pokopia may have greater implications for the franchise's future than its simple spin-off premise. Popopia may have already given players a glimpse of a new Pokemon type in its latest trailer, setting the stage for a potentially huge Gen 10 tie-in.

Star of Pokemon Pokopia section of the Pokémon Day presentation was DJ Rotom, a new character that allows players to listen to different tracks from the iconic Pokemon games while playing Popopia. This Rotom has stereo to become a Stereo Rotom, a new form of the creature's ability to possess various devices in the main games. However, Stereo Rotom doesn't have to be a limited form Pokemon Pokopiaand it would be the perfect chance to finally bring the long-vaunted Sound type to the franchise.

Every Pokemon confirmed for Pokopia so far

With March 5 just around the corner, fans are wondering what Pokémon they can encounter in Pokémon Pokopia. Here are all the Pokemon confirmed so far.

Pokemon Pokopia's Stereo Rotom is begging for a sound type

Although Rotom has been largely associated with owning a player's Pokedex in recent generations, Electric/Ghost-type Pokémon have historically been able to own all kinds of appliances, including fans, ovens, refrigerators, lawnmowers, and even washing machines. When Rotom is in the form of another device, the Ghost type is swapped for whatever type is most commonly associated with that device:

Fan Rotom — Electric/Flying
Heat Rotom — electric/fire
Frost Rotom – Electric/Ice
Mow Rotom — Electric/Grass
Wash Rotom — Electric/Water

Following this logic, the new form of Stereo Rotom that DJ Rotom takes over Popopia probably another type should replace Ghost when he has a device. Although it doesn't technically exist yet, the sound type would be the most logical choice for stereo, potentially enhancing the franchise and introducing a new type in Gen 10.

The various Rotom forms have a distinct color outline that corresponds to their new type, while the Stereo Rotom coloring does not correspond to any particular current type.

Pokemon has a history with “sound type” rumors.

Probably the most popular type of fan-made Pokemon is the Sound type, with dozens appearing Pokemon fan games and ROM hacks. Fan concepts for the Sound type have been around for generations, but Pokemon the franchise hasn't introduced a brand new permanent type since Fairy was added in Gen 6, bringing the total number of types in the series to a nice even number of 18, with the exception of the Gen 9 Stellar type, which is exclusive to Terrastalized Pokémon. Still, it's possible that a new permanent type could be added in the future, especially with how the series has emphasized sound and sound-based moves with pre-existing abilities like Soundproof and sound-tuned Pokémon like Whismur and Chatot.

DJ Rotom in Pokémon Pokopia may foreshadow the type of sound coming in the wind and waves

Screenshot of the Pokemon Winds and Waves 4 version of the outfit

Now would be the perfect time to get out Pokemon fans used to the idea of a completely new type with DJ Rotom Pokemon Pokopia. With a recent announcement Pokemon winds and waves signals that Gen 10 is on the horizon, the door is open for the franchise to rewrite some of its greatest gaming traditions. While introducing a new type would upset the balance of the current 18 types, it could also be a fantastic way to give some older Pokemon a fresh coat of paint in the upcoming games and help them shine in the spotlight like regional variants and Mega Evolutions have done in the past.

Another Pokemon that could become a sound type

Whismur
aloud
Explode
Chatting
Audi
Tympole
Palpitate
Seismitoad
Obstagoon

Just like when the Fairy type was introduced and many existing Pokémon were retyped to include this new typing, the addition of the Sound type would likely add or replace the existing type in some current creatures. The Whismur line is an obvious candidate as their whole theme is around getting louder and louder as they evolve. Chatot and Audino gaining the Sound type also make a lot of sense, given that Chatot is known to repeat the sounds he hears, and Audino is able to sense sound vibrations with the stethoscope-like tendrils on his ears. The Tympole line is an underrated choice for getting a Sound type, as they are able to vibrate their cheek pouches to create intense sound waves. Obstagoon would also be a perfect choice, given that they are based on the British Invasion rock and roll music culture.