After 30 years of Pokémon, we’re not done yet. Pokémon Winds & Waves was announced as part of the series’ 30th anniversary, confirming a new tropical open-world region and new monsters to meet on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027.

Much of Pokémon Winds & Waves remains largely shrouded in mystery, but we do know all about the new starters: Water-type Gecqua, Fire-type Pombon, and Grass-type Browt, all of which look like wonderful potential partners. Personally, I think I have no choice but to go for Ponbon, being a lover of both Fire-type Pokémon and dogs. My only concern? What will its final form be?

Game Freak has yet to confirm the full evolutionary line for the starter ‘mon, but there are definitely fears the ball will be dropped. Too many starter Pokémon from the last few gens have started as adorable little critters, only to evolve into bidpedal, oddly humanoid creatures. I’m not a fan, and I know I’m not alone. Imagine if you woke up one morning and your cat was on its hind legs pumping iron? Nobody wants that.

This is why I’m particularly into Reddit user Iker_320’s concept for Ponbon’s final form, which depicts them as a fearsome mythical beast inspired by Barong of Indonesian mythology. Many fans believe that the new region in Winds & Waves is inspired by Indonesia and the broader Southeast Asia region, so it’s definitely not an out-there prediction. Certainly, most fans seem to be on board with it.

“Love it. Please stay on four legs,” wrote one fan.

“I fully expect it to stand up and become a cheerleader with pom poms,” remarked another, which unfortunately is a very real possibility.

Another agreed: “This will be better than the official evolution.”

“You guys are setting yourself up for disappointment every time we see these Pokémon predictions,” one fan argued. “And again, not saying the art is bad, it’s very cool and good. But because it’s cool, we won’t see the starter looking anything like this.

99% of the time, major cultural or societal stories or mythical creatures are strictly reserved for Legendaries. You really don’t see any of the Starters representing a strong cultural story or aspect.”

That’s definitely an interesting point, and one that has more than a little merit. Personally, I don’t need my Ponbon to turn into a mythical creature when Pokémon Winds & Waves launches next year, I just need it to stay on all fours and continue to resemble a dog.