Summary
ThePokemoncommunity can’t get enough of the leaked water-type pocket monster that was allegedly meant to join the starter Pokemon in the 2002 Game Boy Advance gamesPokemon Ruby and Sapphire. The leaked concept art surfaced after developer Game Freak’s major data breach in August, andPokemonfans quickly created fan art of the unused starter being referred to as Wallabit, Warabbit, and Wallaby from the Japanese translation.
The substantial data leak dubbed “Teraleak” was orchestrated by a malicious party that gained unauthorized access to one of Game Freak’s servers. The breach aired previously undisclosed information, assets spanning decades, and exposed staff’s personal information. However, the leak primarily targeted details of the developer’s upcomingPokemonprojects.Game Freak recently commented on the major data breachand stated it had already taken steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
After the rabbit-like, water-type starter surfaced in the data leak, fans instantly became fond of the Pokemon that was never meant to be. Talented artists began drawing Warabbit alongside the other Hoenn starters Treecko and Torchic, inevitably replacing Mudkip. The blue and white rabbit is designed with its eyes closed and carries a swim ring around its waist, and it would have made a fine addition toPokemon’s rank of water-type starters. Additionally, fans believed Warabbit’s design later became Buizel, a Pokemon resembling a weasel and a sea otter that sports a water donut around its neck.
Pokemon Fans Celebrate Warabbit With Wholesome Fan Art
Pokemonfans’ interest in Game Freak’s breach not only focused on Warabbit, but the community was also excited to scourleaked information that proved an oldPokemon X and Ytheory correct. However, Warabbit fan art has currently dominated thePokemonsubreddit, flooded with concepts that recreate the water-type starter in artists' original style. One Redditor posted a vibrant submission with the caption, “Never knew you, but miss you already,” alongside other drawings highlighting the Pokemon’s fluffy attributes and unique facial expressions.
The next game in Nintendo’sPokemonpipeline will bePokemon Legends: Z-A, scheduled for release in 2025. More information from the data leak alleged that certainPokemon Legends: Z-A’sLegendary and Mythical Pokemon may receive new Mega Evolutions, a returning feature that was previously teased during the title’s announcement trailer. The game will be the second title in thePokemon Legendsseries after 2022’sPokemon Legends: Arceus, and gameplay will take place in the Kalos region’s Lumiose City, which is based on the Paris-inspired setting fromPokemon X and Y.
Pokemon
Pokemon is a franchise that needs no introduction. One of the most successful media empires in history, Pokemon spans games, television, films, manga, merchandise, music, and more.
